Holiday in Lake Como
Lake in Italy — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇮🇹
Country
Italy
Type
Lake
Best time to travel
April to October (Spring/Summer, 15-28 °C). Azalea bloom in April/May. September/October quieter and cheaper.
Budget/day
110-200 €
Getting there from Germany
Car from Munich (4 h via Brenner). Train to Milano Centrale + train to Como/Varenna (1 h). Flight to Milan. No visa (Schengen).
About Lake Como
Lake Como (Lago di Como) is the deepest lake in Italy and one of the most beautiful in the world — a dramatic Y-shaped body of water framed by steep mountains, magnificent villas, and charming villages that has attracted European elites, artists, and Hollywood stars for centuries. Bellagio — the "Jewel of Lake Como" — is located at the tip of the peninsula where the two arms of the lake meet. Cobblestone streets, blooming gardens, and views of the lake in both directions make it one of the most romantic places in Italy. Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni offer magnificent gardens with Mediterranean and tropical vegetation. Varenna on the east side is less touristy than Bellagio but equally enchanting: colorful houses on steep stairs, Villa Monastero with its botanical garden, and the romantic Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers' Walk) right by the water. Menaggio and Tremezzo on the west side house Villa Carlotta, which has one of the most beautiful garden layouts in Europe. The town of Como at the southern end offers the Gothic cathedral, the Brunate funicular with panoramic views, and an elegant lakeside promenade. The entire lakeshore is connected by boat (ferries and hydrofoils) — the most beautiful way to experience the lake.
Top 6 highlights in Lake Como
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Bellagio
‘Jewel of Lake Como': cobblestones, blooming gardens, and the view where two arms of the lake meet.
Varenna
Colorful houses on steep stairs: Villa Monastero, Lovers' Walk by the water, and fewer tourists than Bellagio.
Villa Carlotta
One of the most beautiful garden layouts in Europe: azaleas, camellias, and sculptures in Tremezzo.
Como & Brunate Funicular
Gothic cathedral, elegant lakeside promenade, and panoramic views from Brunate at 750 m height.
Boat Tours
Ferries and hydrofoils connect all villages: the most beautiful way to see the villas and gardens from the water.
Villa del Balbianello
Filming location for Star Wars and James Bond: one of the most photogenic villas in Italy on a peninsula.
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
April to October (Spring/Summer, 15-28 °C). Azalea bloom in April/May. September/October quieter and cheaper.
Summer
20-28 °C, warm and sunny, perfect for boat tours and swimming
Winter
2-8 °C, cool and foggy, many hotels closed, but quiet and atmospheric
How much does a holiday in Lake Como cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
60-100 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
110-200 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
220-600+ €
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.
No visa — EU/Schengen, ID card is sufficient. The lake is accessible by car (4 h from Munich) or train (via Milan).
Ferry tickets — single trips or day pass. Hydrofoils (aliscafo) are faster but more expensive than car ferries.
Bellagio in the morning — overcrowded in the afternoon. Or stay overnight in Varenna (quieter) and take a boat to Bellagio in the morning.
Villa del Balbianello — only accessible by boat or on foot. Book in advance, visitor numbers are limited.
Swimming — the lake is pleasant in summer (22-24 °C). Lido di Bellagio and Lido di Lenno are the best public bathing spots.
Food & drink in Lake Como
These specialties you must try!
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