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.

Romance
95
Relaxation
85
Safety
85
Food
80
Nature
75

Top 6 highlights in Lake Como

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Bellagio

‘Jewel of Lake Como': cobblestones, blooming gardens, and the view where two arms of the lake meet.

2

Varenna

Colorful houses on steep stairs: Villa Monastero, Lovers' Walk by the water, and fewer tourists than Bellagio.

3

Villa Carlotta

One of the most beautiful garden layouts in Europe: azaleas, camellias, and sculptures in Tremezzo.

4

Como & Brunate Funicular

Gothic cathedral, elegant lakeside promenade, and panoramic views from Brunate at 750 m height.

5

Boat Tours

Ferries and hydrofoils connect all villages: the most beautiful way to see the villas and gardens from the water.

6

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

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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

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5 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!

Risotto con Pesce Persico — Risotto with perch: the signature dish of Lake Como, tender and buttery.
Missoltini — sun-dried Agone fish with polenta: traditional specialty of the lake fishermen for centuries.
Polenta Uncia — creamy polenta with butter and cheese: the simple, perfect comfort food of the pre-Alps.
Pizzoccheri — buckwheat pasta with savoy cabbage, potatoes, and cheese: from Valtellina, ubiquitous in winter by the lake.
Gelato — by the shores of Bellagio or Varenna: Italian ice cream with a view of the lake is the definition of dolce vita.
Suitable for:LakeVillasGardensRomanceItalyBoatMountains

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