Lake Como walking tour & city guide
Grand villas, lakeside villages and Alpine scenery.
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Lake Como, at the foot of the Alps north of Milan, has been a retreat for the wealthy since Roman times. Its deep blue waters, framed by mountains, are lined with grand villas, terraced gardens and colorful villages that seem made for slow walks and long lunches by the water.
Bellagio and Varenna
Bellagio, at the point where the lake's three branches meet, is often called the 'pearl of Lake Como'. Its steep stepped lanes are lined with shops and cafés, and the gardens of Villa Melzi stretch along the water. Across the lake, Varenna is a small, colorful village with a lovely lakeside walkway and the gardens of Villa Monastero.
Between them, Menaggio and Tremezzo complete the 'central lake'. In Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta has magnificent gardens that burst with azaleas and rhododendrons in spring.
Como town
The town of Como, at the southern tip, has a walled historic center with a beautiful cathedral and a lakeside promenade. A funicular climbs to the village of Brunate for panoramic views. Como is also famous for its silk industry.
Villa del Balbianello, on a wooded peninsula near Lenno, is one of the most photographed villas in Italy and has appeared in several films.
Getting around
Ferries connect the villages and are the most scenic way to travel. Roads along the shore are narrow and winding, though driving them offers stunning views, as the videos show. Como is about an hour by train from Milan. The best time to visit is from April to October, when the gardens bloom and ferries run frequently.
Top sights in Lake Como
- 1
Bellagio
The 'pearl of the lake', with stepped lanes and gardens.
- 2
Varenna
A colorful village with a lakeside walkway.
- 3
Villa del Balbianello
A stunning villa on a wooded peninsula.
- 4
Villa Carlotta
Famous botanical gardens in Tremezzo.
- 5
Como Cathedral
A beautiful cathedral in the town of Como.
- 6
Brunate funicular
A ride up to panoramic views over the lake.
Food markets & where to eat in Lake Como
Lakeside trattorias in Bellagio
Lake fish and risotto with water views.
Varenna waterfront
Cafés and restaurants along the lake walk.
Como old town
Traditional restaurants and gelaterias.
Mountain crotti
Rustic restaurants in natural caves in the hills.
Food to try in Lake Como
Risotto con pesce persico
Risotto with perch fillets from the lake.
Missoltini
Dried and grilled lake fish, a local tradition.
Polenta
Often served with cheese or stews.
Gelato by the lake
Best enjoyed on a lakeside promenade.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Lake Como
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Lake ComoCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Lake Como.
- eSIM for ItalyStay online from the moment you land.
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