Holiday in Lake Como
Lake in Italy — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇮🇹
Country
Italy
Type
Lake
Best time to travel
May–June, September–October
Budget/day
100–190 €
Getting there from Germany
Milan-Malpensa (1 hour to Como). By train from Zurich directly to Chiasso/Como.
About Lake Como
Lake Como, shaped like an inverted Y, has been a retreat for the wealthy and creative since ancient times. The steep shores, lined with magnificent villas featuring botanical gardens, Mediterranean vegetation, and snow-capped Alps in the background, create one of Europe's most romantic settings. George Clooney made the lake famous with his Villa Oleandra in Laglio, but Lake Como has fascinated travelers for centuries. Bellagio, the "Pearl of the Lake," is beautifully situated at the fork of the two lake arms: cobblestone stairs, blooming terraces, and Villa Melzi with its Japanese gardens make it a postcard motif. Varenna on the eastern shore impresses with Villa Monastero and the hiking trail to Castello di Vezio. Villa Carlotta near Tremezzo houses Canova's sculptures and one of Italy's most beautiful botanical gardens. Como itself, the silk city on the southwestern arm, surprises with a Gothic-Baroque cathedral, the funicular to Brunate (the "Balcony of the Alps"), and a lively lakeside promenade. The cuisine combines Lombard tradition with lake specialties: Missoltini (dried Agone fish), risotto with perch, and Polenta Uncia. Tip: A boat trip with the historic ferry line shows the most beautiful villas from the water — the best viewpoint.
Top 5 highlights in Lake Como
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Bellagio
The "Pearl of Lake Como" is located at the tip of the peninsula between the two lake arms and impresses with villas, gardens, and panoramic views.
Villa del Balbianello
The dream villa on a peninsula (known from Star Wars and James Bond) is Italy's most photogenic villa park.
Varenna
The colorful fishing village on the east coast offers picturesque alleys, Villa Monastero, and the Lovers' Walk (Passeggiata degli Innamorati).
Villa Carlotta
The neoclassical villa in Tremezzo houses Canova sculptures and a lush botanical garden.
Como City
The city on the southern shore offers the Gothic cathedral, the funicular to Brunate, and the birthplace of Alessandro Volta.
Hotels in Lake Como
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Lake Como
Recommended travel time
May–June, September–October
Summer
Warm, 24–30 °C, pleasant by the water
Winter
Cool, 3–8 °C, foggy but calm and romantic
How much does a holiday in Lake Como cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
55–80 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
100–190 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
250–600 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Lake Como
Compare thousands of package holidays to Lake Como and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Lake Como
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Use the ferries between Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio – the best way to experience the lake.
Villa del Balbianello is the most photographed, but only open Tue/Thu–Sun – check in advance.
The center of the lake (Bellagio/Varenna/Menaggio) is more beautiful than the urban southern ends.
Reach Brunate from Como by funicular – fantastic view over the lake and Alps.
In spring, the villa gardens bloom in full splendor – April/May is the best garden time.
Food & drink in Lake Como
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Lake Como?
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