Travel Guide
Lake Como
Italy
Best time to go: April–June, September–October
Sights
- Bellagio – The «pearl of the lake» at the tip of the peninsula.
- Varenna – Colourful houses and the lakeside «lovers' walk».
- Villa del Balbianello – A villa with terraced gardens on a headland.
- Villa Carlotta – Gardens with azaleas and an art collection in Tremezzo.
- Como and Brunate – Como cathedral and a funicular up to the viewpoint.
- Castello di Vezio – A castle above Varenna with views of the lake's three arms.
Food & nightlife
- Risotto with perch – The lake's classic dish.
- Polenta – With cheese or a stew in the mountain villages.
- Aperitivo by the water – Evenings on a terrace in Bellagio.
- Gelato – After the boat trip in one of the villages.
Day trips
- Sentiero del Viandante – An old mule track high above the eastern shore.
- Lugano – The Ticino city on the neighbouring lake, a short trip away.
- Bergamo – The upper town with walls and a funicular.
Good to know
- When to go
- April–June, September–October
- Getting around
- Boats link the villages; by train to Como or Varenna from Lugano or Zurich.
- Tipping
- Service is usually included – rounding up is a nice gesture.
- Power
- Plug type C/F/L, 230 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
Plan your trip to Lake Como together
Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.
More in Italy
General tips without guarantee – please check opening times and prices locally.