I now understand why Lake Como is THE destination for weddings and anniversaries. Italy’s deepest lake is home to the most spectacular villas, views and luxurious Italian culture. One of my best friends has been recommending Lake Como for years, so when I was booking my Interrail trip around Europe, I made sure Lake Como was on the list. Having previously visited one of the most popular lakes in Italy, Lake Garda, I was excited to see how Lake Como compared. Although both offer beauty and very distinct experiences, Lake Como has both beauty and charm, a dream destination for those who are interested in relaxation, luxurious culture, beautiful scenery and sophistication.
Lake Como offers a quiet kind of luxury, where wine is savoured slowly, style feels effortless, and a quiet ever-present beauty. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how good the simple things can be when done well. Sophistication, beauty and warmth.
In this all-in-one Lake Como guide you will find the top places to visit, how to get there, what to expect and how to experience the perfect mix of lakeside charm, mountain views and Italian culture. Regardless of whether this is your first time or you are an avid visitor of Lake Como this guide is for you. And If by any chance you are on an interrail trip, please relive it for me!
I would suggest 4-5 days is the ideal length of time to get the most out of Lake Como. I visited for 3 days, which in hindsight was not sufficient to explore all of this beautiful lake. Over the 3 days, we managed to explore two main towns, Bellagio and Varenna, and visit a couple of villas, so if you want to explore everything, I recommend you book longer than 3 days.
I would recommend that if you are planning a weekly long trip to Italy for a week, go to Lake Como for five days and take a short train trip to Milan for the last two days, which would be plenty of time to experience its offerings.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Como?
The best time to visit Lake Como is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September), as there are fewer crowds. April is also a highly recommended time to visit, as this is when Villa Cipressi’s purple wisteria is in full bloom. We visited in September, and although the weather was a bit wet, it was still beautiful. If you are planning on going in September, don’t expect no crowds, even in September, it was busy.
How do you get to Lake Como?
Recommended travel route: Milan to Varenna- Esino by Train
Lake Como is easily reached from Milan, and one of the most searched travel routes in Northern Italy. It takes roughly one hour to get from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (one of the most beautiful places on Lake Como). But beware, the trains are packed, so make sure you book your tickets in advance! You can book your train ticket on Trainline for an incredibly affordable £6-7. The route is scenic and simple, so make sure you keep your eyes open and soak in the beautiful scenery, and don’t snooze like me and then get told all about the beauty later.
When you arrive at Varenna-Esino, expect a packed station. (A quick TikTok search will provide you with video upon video showing just how busy the station can become). Again, even in September, the station was still very busy.
Top tip : The trains to Varenna-Esino can get very busy, so book your ticket in advance and be prepared for a busy arrival.
Alternative travel route: Milan to Como by Train
You can also take the train from Milan to Como San Giovanni station. This is an alternative route to get to Lake Como, but not the one I would recommend, as Como town is located at the south of the lake, a fair distance from Lake Como’s most popular towns, Bellagio and Varenna.
However, if you do choose this option, you can get the ferry to the main towns, which will take around 2 hours if you go on the regular ferry, or 45 minutes if you take the express. The ferry is very scenic and a lovely way to relax, snap some pictures and plan your day. Or if you are like me, nap.
How do you get to Lake Como’s towns when you arrive at Varenna-Esino?
When you arrive at Varenna-Esino, everyone pours off the train and heads in the same direction, either to the ferry terminal or the town of Varenna. This makes it extremely easy to find both the town of Varenna and the ferry port, so there is no need to worry about getting lost.
If you are staying in Varenna, expect to walk about 15 minutes downhill, past the ferry terminal and through a beautiful arched path to the town. If you are staying in Bellagio, Menaggio or Cadenabbia, follow the crowd and head to the ferry port to pick up your ticket for your destination.
Everything you need to know about the Varenna Ferry port.
Varenna ferry port provides access to three key places, Menaggio, Cadenabbia and Bellagio. The queues can be pretty long and unfortunately you can’t pre buy your tickets (Varenna please sort this out haha). It took us over an hour before we could get our boat to Bellagio, but it was worth the wait. You can pick up your boat tickets from the ticket offices.
Helpful Advice : There are no seats to sit down on whilst waiting for the boat. If you have issues with standing for a long time, bare this in mind.
There is also limited shelter, and unfortunately for us, we learnt this the hard way and had to wait in the rain, wearing our big Kagool’s. However, the views compensated for this rather dismal experience.
Towns of Lake Como
If you are anything like me, you probably assumed that Lake Como’s main town would be, well… Como? This isn’t the case. Although Como is a nice town, it is not one of the key charms of the lake. Here are the top places to visit in Lake Como. Luckily, they’re all in the same area of the lake, meaning it’s easy to get from one town to the next.
Bellagio: The Pearl of Lake Como
Bellagio might be one of the most famous destinations of Lake Como. Adorable Bellagio is full of little cobblestone streets and cute boutiques, like jewellery shops and souvenir shops. With its steep stairs and hidden alleys. If you are looking for an Instagrammable location, Bellagio is your best friend.
Bellagio is also home to the famous Villa Melzi, renowned for its beautiful gardens and its stunning view of the lake. There is a museum and family chapel on site, too, which is fun for a little exploration.
Top tip: If you are staying in Bellagio, check and see if you have a free pass into Villa Melzi.
We stayed at Appartamenti I Giardini Di Villa Melzi, situated right behind Villa Melzi. It’s a great location, and if you decide to stay there, you get a free ticket into the Villa and its gardens.
Appartamenti I Giardini Di Villa Melzi was super clean and had lovely staff, who let us drop our bags off despite being early for check-in. The apartment was self-catered and had really pretty windows (a weird observation, but one that deserves some recognition) and was well priced for its location. The apartment is located right behind Villa Melzi, and the entrance to the Villa’s gardens is right on your doorstep. The apartment also has its garden and is only 20 metres from Lake Como. The only downfall of the apartment’s location is that there are a few hills to get there, and if you are walking or backpacking, it can be difficult!
Pro tip, if you do decide to stay at Appartamenti I Giardini Di Villa Melzi, then use the free pass and walk through the flat grounds of Villa Melzi to avoid the hills when walking to town.
Here are a couple of the best hotels, apartments or hostels I can see in Bellagio in 2025 for a decent price, as an alternative for Appartamenti I Giardini Di Villa Melzi:
Visiting Italy comes with one thing: a pizza! On our first day at Lake Como, we visited a small lakeside pizzeria, which felt like stepping into a warm postcard. I enjoyed pizza and an espresso martini – Italia, right! We ate outside, protected from the rain by a canopy and looked out into the lake and hills. Georgous. As there are numerous different restaurants and lakefront cafes in Bellagio, it should not be hard to stumble upon something that tickles your fancy.
Varenna
Photo by AXP Photography on Unsplashed
All Lake Como towns are gorgeous, but Varenna has a charm like no other. It’s extremely romantic and home to two of the prettiest villas on Lake Como, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Villa Cipressi was one of my bucket list items for Lake Como, and in my opinion is one of the prettiest villas on the lake. Here I got my favourite pictures of my entire 5-week-long Interrail trip, at the cast-iron Villa Cipressi gate.
Villa Cipressi, Cast Iron Gate
Como
Como is at the south of the lake, and if you are visiting the Varenna, Bellagio region, you can get there by taking the ferry. Ferrys take 45 minutes (express) or 2 hours (normal). Como, the largest town on the lake, is another entrance point for many arriving by train, and has more of a city vibe than other areas. Como is great for shopping and markets and has its historical sites like the Duomo di Como. For those of you who love a funicular, you can get a funicular to the top for panoramic views.
Tip: If you’re arriving from Milan by train, you can go directly to Como San Giovanni station, though we found the Varenna–Bellagio route more scenic and easier.
Mennagio is one of Lake Como’s most popular towns.
Top tip: Mennagio and Bellagio can sound very similar over the announcement speakers at Varenna ferry terminal, so make sure the boat you are getting on is actually going to the destination of your choice.
Menaggio rests quietly on the western shore of Lake Como, offering a more laid-back, authentic charm than its glossier neighbours. It’s the kind of place where time feels a little slower, locals chat in the main square, children play by the lake, and cafés serve proper coffee without a fuss (though remember, don’t order a cappuccino after 11 am). The lakeside promenade is ideal for an evening stroll, with stunning views across the water to the Alps. While it’s a convenient base for exploring other parts of the lake, Menaggio is just as rewarding if you do nothing at all but sit by the water, take in the scenery, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being there.
Top tips: Take a book, picnic and bottle of wine with you and relax……
Lecco offers a potentially more realistic lake life experience than other areas and is famous in Italy for its Manzonian locations mentioned in the Italian novel The Betrothed. In Lecco, you can find a beautiful lakeside promenade, an adorable town centre and much more. Despite its beauty, it’s generally not recommended to pick Lecco over other lake gems, but if you have the time, you won’t be disappointed.
Lake Como: Town Overview & Comparison
Town
Vibe
Best For
Must-See
Bellagio
Luxury, Glam
Small streets, jewellery boutiques, cobbled streets, brisk walks
Villa Melzi & Walking around the town
Varenna
Romantic, Beautiful Villas
Villas, couples, relaxing, walking
Villa Cipressi & the town
Menaggio
Relaxed
Families
Promenade
Como
Urban
Shopping
Como Cathedral
Lecco
Authentic
Offbeat, authentic Italian vibes
Manzonian sites
Villas on Lake Como
Villa Cipressi (Varenna)
One of my favourite memories of Lake Como is visiting Villa Cipressi Botanical Garden. Villa Cipressi is, in my opinion, home to one of the prettiest botanical gardens in Lake Como.
When we visited, we witnessed a wedding taking place, with the bride and groom overlooking the lake and the botanical gardens beneath them.
The villa paths are quite windy and hilly, which adds to the villa’s charm. Villa Cipressi is home to some of the most beautiful views I think I have ever seen. One feature that makes Villa Cipressi stand out is its grand cast-iron gate, which opens to a set of stone steps leading into the water. This gate is just one of the many charms of the villa, but it is certainly the most popular. If you want to take some pictures here, be prepared to wait, as there is often a line. However, if you are lucky, the line won’t take too long.
Top Tip: For any of you who love a good photoshoot spot, visiting the iron gate will be your dream! Get your poses ready in advance and go!
Villa Cipressi: Open Hours 2025
According to Villa Cipressi’s official website, open times are:
7 Mar – 31 Mar: Daily, 10:00 – 17:00
1 Apr – 17 Apr: Daily, 10:00 – 18:00
18 Apr – 19 Oct: Daily, 9:00 – 19:00
Some dates may be closed for privare events.
Booking Your Villa Cipressi Botanical Garden Tickets
There are two tickets available for visiting Villa Cipressi Botanical Gardens: the singular ticket (Villa Cipressi Botanical Gardens only) or the combined ticket, which gives entry for Villa Cipressi Botanical Gardens and Villa Monastero Botanical Garden.
Villa Cipressi Botanical Gardens only:
Full: €10
Reduced (65+, groups 20+, TCI/FAI/ICOM members): €7
Youth (15–25): €5
Free: children under 14
Combined ticket for Villa Cipressi Botanical Gardens & Villa Monastero Botanical Gardens:
Full: €19
Reduced: (65+, groups 20+, TCI/FAI/ICOM members) €13
Youth (15–25): €9
Free: under 14
Note: Combined tickets are typically only available in person at the gardens, not online
Villa Melzi is perhaps one of the most underrated villas in Lake Como, but nevertheless, it is absolutely stunning. Visitors can walk next to the water, perch on the end of a boat jetty, and soak in the view. Here you can find some beautifully tall pillars that create the perfect frame for picturing the lake and its sparkle. As I mentioned earlier, here you will find a family chapel and also a small museum. So if you are ever in Bellagio, definitely take a trip and soak in the beauty of this 19th-century villa.
Insight: Although this is a beautiful Villa to experience, I would not recommend you visit Villa Melzi over other villas on the lake. If you are visiting Bellagio and fancy a trip into the Villa, you wont be dissapointed but if you are on a tight schedule, look into prioritising other villas.
Villa Melzi: Open Hours 2025
22 Mar – late Oct: Daily, 10:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30)
Booking your tickets to Villa Mezi
Adult single ticket: €10
Two‑day ticket: €14
Groups (~15+): €8
Student Group Ticket: €6.50
Children under 12: Free
Season pass available: €50
No reservations are needed to enter. Purchase your tickets at the garden entrance on the day of your visit.
Villa del Balbianello is a historic 18th-century estate perched on a cliff-edge, offering unbeatable panoramic views of Lake Como. Its romantic gardens, classic loggia, and cinematic atmosphere make it one of the most visited and photographed villas in Italy. Villa del Balbianello is one of the most iconic Villas on Lake Como, and you should certainly visit it if you get the chance. I would prioritise this Villa!
Fun Fact: Villa del Balbianello was featured in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones as the setting for Anakin and Padmé’s secret wedding. Also appears in Casino Royale.
Villa del Balbianello: Open Hours 2025
March – January: Open daily except Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:00 – 18:00
Last park entry: 17:00
Last villa tour: 16:00
Booking your tickets to Villa del Balbianello Park
Adults €14
Reduced (6‑18 or students ≤25) €11
Students up to 25 years €11
Family €40
Free for under‑5s & disabled
Booking your tickets to Villa del Balbianello Park & Villa
Villia Carlotta was one villa that I wanted to visit when visiting Lake Como, mainly because it’s called Carlotta, which is Italian for Charlotte. If you love art, Villa Carlotta is a must-visit, as it is celebrated for its neoclassical facade, world-class art collection, and 70 thousand square meters of botanical gardens. Inside Villa Carlotta, you can admire sculptures by Canoa and paintings by Hayez. Villa Carlotta has been praised for its beautiful gardens and its easy access by boat, with its dedicated ferry stop right in front of the villa.
Villa Carlotta: Open Hours 2025
21st of March – 19th October 2025 – 10.00-19.00 (last ticket h. 18.00 – museum closes h.18.30 – garden closes h.19.00)
20th October – 9th November 2025 -10.00-18.00 (last ticket h. 17.00 – museum closes h.17.30 – garden closes h.18.00)
15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 November, 6, 7, 8 December 2025 – 10.00-16.00 (last ticket h. 15.30 – museum and garden close h.16.00)
In wintertime, you can visit Villa Carlotta only by booking.
Be prepared for a hectic trip – Lake Como is a hotspot for holidays and can be very busy. If you want to visit at a quieter time of year, travel in April – June or September – October.
If you are getting the boat, make sure you get on the right one… Managgio and Bellagio can sound very simila!
Food and activities in Lake Como are decently priced, but hotels are very pricy.
Don’t prioritise visiting Como town over other towns. Bellagio and Varenna should take priority.
Stay in Varenna if you want easy access to the train station.
Before visiting, plan out which Villas you want to visit and when, some are shut on certain days.
Bring cash for small purchases – some smaller cafes, ferries, and gelato stands may not accept cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Lake Como for a relaxed trip?
Based on my experience, 4–5 days is ideal to enjoy the lake’s towns and views without rushing.
What’s the best train route from Milan to Lake Como?
The most scenic and direct route is the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino. It takes about an hour and drops you within walking distance to the ferry port with easy access to key lake towns.
Can you pre-book Lake Como ferry tickets in Lake Como?
No, ferry tickets typically can’t be pre-booked. You’ll need to queue at the port, especially in places like Varenna.
Should I stay in Bellagio or Varenna?
Bellagio is lively with shops and restaurants, while Varenna is romantic and full of history and Villas. If you want charm, calm and easy access to the train station, choose Varenna. If you like boutiques, go with Bellagio. Either way, you really can’t go wrong.
Is Como town worth visiting?
Como is great for a short visit; it’s the largest town on the lake, with good shopping, a cathedral, and a scenic funicular. But for a classic Lake Como feel, prioritise Varenna, Bellagio and other lake towns.
Is Lake Como worth visiting without a car?
Lake Como has great transport links allowing you to get around the top towns like Bellagio, Varenna and others with ease. Towns are easily walkable, and the ferries allow you to get from one town to the other easily. The only issue with transport I came across was the long waits at the ferry ports and how busy they were.
Where is the best Instagram photo spot in Lake Como?
My favourite Instagrammable photo spot on Lake Como is at the iron gate in Villa Cipressi, Varenna. I couldn’t recommend this villa more if you want to walk away with stunning pictures.
I’m Charlie, a 22-year-old travel blogger with a passion for uncovering the magic in every corner of the world. My travel journey began with family adventures, walking thousands of miles through cities and countryside, and grew into something bigger with my five-week Interrail trip across Europe in September 2024. That trip didn’t just give me the travel bug, it taught me how to navigate Europe, discover what I’m capable of, and boosted my confidence both in myself and as a traveller.
Before I go any further, I want to be upfront: all of my experiences come from my perspective as a white woman. I recognise that my background and privilege shape how I travel and interact with the world, and I strive to approach every adventure with respect, curiosity, and humility.
Interrailing was also what inspired Travel Girls Corner. The internet is full of travel information, destination guides, cultural tips, and even the Kardashians’ holiday snaps, but I wanted a place that felt real. A space where travellers could get honest, first-hand advice from someone who’s actually been there. This blog is all about sharing authentic travel stories, practical tips, and detailed guides to help you plan trips you’ll genuinely enjoy. Whether you’re looking for luxury experiences, budget-friendly adventures, or planning your next big European getaway, my aim is to inspire and guide you every step of the way.
Why I Travel
I travel because it’s more than just ticking off destinations. It’s about discovering hidden gems, immersing yourself in new cultures, and connecting with yourself or your travel buddies. In my opinion, travel broadens your perspective, teaches lessons you can’t learn from a screen, and helps you grow into a more well-rounded person, aspects invaluable to you as an individual.
Too often, we get stuck in our little bubbles and forget how much there is to explore in the world. That curiosity, that sense of adventure, is what drives me to keep moving, seeing new places, and sharing those experiences with others. Life’s too short to visit the same spots over and over. The world is our oyster, full of lessons about ourselves and others, and I can’t wait to explore it with you, one street, one city, and one adventure at a time.
Why You Can Trust Me
Everything on Travel Girls Corner comes from my own travel experiences. I write about places I’ve actually visited, from Interrail adventures across Europe to city walks with my family, and I share both the highlights and the challenges. This ensures you get advice that is honest, practical, and actionable.
My goal is simple: to help travellers plan trips that are enjoyable, realistic, and unforgettable, while giving you the confidence to explore Europe and beyond with ease.
When you read this blog, you’re learning from someone who’s been there, done it, and hopefully loved every step of the journey.
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