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Lake Como Guide / Plan Your Trip

Lake Como 2025 – Essential Guide

This guide is designed to help you make the most of your time at Lake Como, whether you are visiting for 3 days or a full week. Inside, you’ll find practical tips and curated recommendations on:

 When to Visit

The best season to visit Lake Como is from mid-May to September.

In April and early May, the water is still too cold for swimming, but the botanical gardens are in full bloom. If you love flowers and gardens, this is an ideal time to come.

September is one of the best months: the water and air are still pleasantly warm for swimming, yet the area is less crowded than in high summer.

The most crowded period is July and August. In August, many Italian companies have mandatory holidays, which makes the lake especially busy. During this time:

  • It can be difficult to find accommodation

  • Transportation (buses, ferries) may experience delays of up to 1–2 hours

Our favourite month to visit is September.

Must-See Sights

Allow at least the following time for each attraction or town:

Villas & Sights

  • Villa del Balbianello – approx. 2 hours

  • Villa Carlotta – approx. 2 hours

  • Villa Monastero – approx. 2 hours

  • Villa Cipressi – approx. 1 hour

  • Villa Melzi (gardens only) – approx. 1 hour

  • Orrido di Bellano (gorge) – approx. 45 minutes

  • Castello di Vezio – approx. 1.5 hours

Towns (plan at least 2 hours in each)

  • Varenna

  • Bellagio

  • Menaggio

  • Bellano

  • Tremezzo

Each place offers a different side of Lake Como: lush gardens, historic villas, dramatic gorges, panoramic castles, and colourful lakeside villages.

Suggested Itineraries (3–4 Days)

Day 1 – Discover the Lake from the Water
Start your trip on the lake itself to get a feel for the area. Choose between:

  • Kayaking

  • Stand-up paddle (SUP)

  • ​Swim in beach clubs/parks

  • Own the best price/quality boat tour at Lake Como Shared or private boat tours (click here)

Seeing the villages and villas from the water is an unforgettable experience.

Day 2 – Varenna & Castello di Vezio

  • Visit Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero and enjoy their lakeside gardens

  • Have lunch in Varenna

  • Hike up to Castello di Vezio for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake

Day 3 – Tremezzo & Lenno

  • Start in Tremezzo with a visit to Villa Carlotta and its gardens

  • Walk in park Parco Civico Teresio Oliveli or have s swim. Park has a comfortable access to the water.

  • Continue by bus or ferry to Lenno and visit Villa del Balbianello

  • Enjoy lunch in either town, in Tremezzo La Locanda Tremezzo, Hotel Ristorante La Darsena.

  • Check restaurants recommendation below

Day 4 – Town Exploration by Ferry

Purchase a daily ferry pass and spend the day visiting:

  • Bellagio & Villa Melzi

  • Menaggio

  • Bellano & Orrido di Bellano

If you have extra days, you can easily spread these visits out for a more relaxed pace.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting to Lake Como

From Malpensa Airport (Milan)

  • Take a shuttle or train to Milano Centrale or Monza

  • From there, you can take a direct train to Como, Varenna or Colico. It depends where do you prefer to stay : North, Central or South part of the lake. 

From Bergamo Airport

  • Take a train to Milano Centrale

  • From Milan, you can take a direct train to:

    • Como or Lecco (southern part of the lake)

    • Varenna (central-eastern part of the lake)

There are also private car and taxi services at Lake Como that can pick you up directly from the airport. Search, for example, “Taxi Bellano” or the town where you’ll stay.

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Seasonal & Practical Tips

During the high season (July–August):

  • Ferries and buses may be delayed by up to 1–2 hours

  • Some areas may have only 3 ferries per day if you are not in the central part of the lake

  • Watch for the word “SCIOPERO” (strike). Check strike dates online and always have a back-up plan

If you plan to move around by car, remember that:

  • Roads are often narrow

  • Traffic can be heavy and slow during high season

Siesta & Reservations

Italy observes midday closing hours (“siesta”):

  • Many restaurants, banks, shops, and even supermarkets close for a few hours during the day

  • Always check opening hours in advance; calling ahead is often the safest option

In peak season, especially in Varenna, Bellagio, and for fine dining around the lake:

  • Dinner reservations are essential

  • You may need to book 3–4 days in advance

Where to Stay

Best Areas to Stay

The most convenient area is the central part of the lake, very well-connected by ferry (including car ferries). Ideal towns for first-time visitors:

  • Varenna

  • Menaggio

  • Bellagio

  • Lenno

  • Tremezzo

  • Bellano

Bellagio is one of the most popular choices. However:

  • It is located on a peninsula

  • Ferries are the main means of transport

  • In case of delays, buses must drive all around the lake, so journeys take longer

If you arrive by car or train, the eastern shore (Varenna side) is especially comfortable:

  • There is a lakeside road and also a highway

  • Trains from Milan reach Varenna in about 1 hour

Every part of Lake Como is beautiful. If you choose to stay in the north or south, simply be aware of transport schedules and travel times.

On the western side (Menaggio area):

  • There is essentially one main road along the lake

  • In high season, it can be very busy, so expect potential traffic and delays

Hillside vs. Lakeside

Many accommodations are located up the hillside:

  • You may need to walk and climb many stairs

  • If you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, keep this in mind

  • The views are often stunning, but require more physical effort

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Transport Links (Useful Websites)

Food & Restaurants

Varenna

  • ​Il Cavatappi

  • Bar il Molo (perfect for drinks and photos)

  • Bar La Cambusa

  • Ristorante Visteria

  • Osteria Quatro Pass

  • Our recommendation:

  • La Veranda dei Pescatori

  • Al Prato

Bellano

  • Ristorante Pizzeria Cavallo Bianco

  • La Darsena

  • ​Wonder Burgers

  • Our recommendation:

  • Trattoria del Ponte

  • Il Gelataio Matto

  • Shakahari Lab (ice cream)

Bellagio

  • Ristorante La Goletta

  • Ristorante La Grotta

  • La Lanterna Bellagio

  • Ristorante Alle Darsene di Loppia

  • Our recommendation: Dispensa 63

  • Trattoria Baita Belvedere/ La Busciona - Bellagio (co)

Menaggio

  • Ristorante Il Vapore

  • Il Ristorante di Paolo

  • Osteria Il Pozzo

  • Our recommendation:

  • Pizzeria Lugano

  • Pasticceria Cassera Moretti

  • La Fabrica del Gelato (ice cream)

Fine Dining (€80+ per person)

  • Ristorante Lago (Menaggio)

  • Ristorante La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi (Grand Hotel Tremezzo)

  • Ristorante Alle Darsene di Loppia (Bellagio)

  • Feel Como (Como)

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Fine Dining (€80+ per person

  • Ristorante Alkimia (Bellano)

  • Gioya Restaurant Bellagio (Bellagio)

  • Ristorante Hotel La Darsena(Tremezzo)

  • Roteo (Sala Comacina)

  • Kitchen (Como)

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Fine Dining (€80+ per person

  • Ristorante Veranda/Grill di Villa D’Este (Cernobbio)

  • Ristorante Materia Cernobbio

  • ​Ristorante Visteria (Varenna)

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Some Interesting places

  •  Trattoria del Risorgimento (Tremezzina)

  • Stone House Restaurant Food&Wine (Lezzeno)

  • La Tavernetta (Como)

  • Spluga Pizzeria Contemporanea (sourdough in Sorico)

 Festivals, Markets & Events

Festival Schedules

Lake Como hosts many festivals and events during July and August, including concerts, cinema, and themed festivals (jazz, street food, etc.).

For updated 2025 dates, schedules are usually announced in April/May. Check:

  • Bellano Smart (Android app)

  • Bellagio Smart (Android app)

  • Menaggio Smart (Android app)

  • Tremezzo Smart (Android app)

You can also visit local tourist information centres for the latest details.

Typical events include:

  • Bellano Music Festival

  • Jazz Festival

  • Local street food & music nights

  • Grand gala concerts

  • Baby dance and family shows

  • Organ concerts

  • Operetta

  • Puppet shows (Spettacolo Burattini)

  • Traditional Italian village festivals (“Festival of the Country”)

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Local Markets

  • Bellano: Every Thursday and Sunday, approx. 8:00–13:00/14:00. Great to combine with a visit to Orrido di Bellano.

  • Lenno: Every Tuesday, approx. 8:00–13:00/14:00.

  • Bellagio: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 7:00–17:00.

  • Menaggio: Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, from 8:00–13:00.

Extra Experiences & Day Trips

Bernina Train – St. Moritz to Tirano

We highly recommend the famous Bernina Train, one of the most scenic rail routes in Europe, running between St. Moritz and Tirano across the Swiss Alps.

From Lake Como, you can reach Tirano by booking a train on Trenitalia, for example:

  • Varenna → Tirano

  • Tirano → St. Moritz (and back)

The full trip generally takes around 6–7 hours. Occasionally, road works or other factors can extend travel times, so always check the latest information in advance.

Wine, Cheese & Seasonal Specialities

On Airbnb or GetYourGuide, you’ll find:

  • Wine tastings in Valtellina

  • Cheese tastings in Valsassina

From the end of August to October, it is mushroom season, and you may encounter delicious porcini mushrooms, a local favourite in Italian cuisine.

Hikes & Nature

Here are some beautiful hikes ranging from short walks to half-day routes:

  • Chiesa di San Martino – approx. 2 hours (starting from Tremezzo)

  • La Crocetta – approx. 1.5 hours (starting from Menaggio or Ca’ Bianca)

  • Sentiero del Viandante – from 1 hour to several days, depending on your start/finish points

  • Monte Grona – approx. 4 hours (starting from Rifugio Menaggio)

  • Gumello / Alpe Giumello – approx. 2–3 hours (starting from Alpe Giumello)

  • Greenway del Lago di Como – approx. 3–4 hours (from Colonno to Griante)

  • Monte Crocione - 4.5 hours (starting from Rifugio Alpe di Lenno)

All of these hikes reward you with stunning views over Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.

Family Activities & Accessibility

Best Bases for Limited Mobility

For travellers with limited mobility, we especially recommend staying in:

  • Como city

  • Dervio

  • Domaso

  • Menaggio

  • Bellano

Many villages around Lake Como are steep, with lots of steps and inclines. Towns with campgrounds or larger lakeside areas typically have flatter terrain, which can be more comfortable.

Lidos & Pools

For pool lovers, most towns have a Lido:

  • Lido di Bellagio

  • Lido di Menaggio

  • And others

These are pool complexes, often with sunbeds and a bar. They are an excellent option for families, especially with younger children.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Beyond the lake itself, you can visit:

  • Gardaland – a large amusement park about 2 hours from Lake Como

  • Jungle Raider Park Civenna (Bellagio peninsula)

  • Jungle Raider Park Xtreme (Bellagio peninsula)

  • Jungle Raider Park Albavilla (near Como)

  • Jungle Raider Park Margno (above Varenna)

  • Mini-golf in Menaggio

These parks offer zip lines, tree-top courses, and plenty of fun for children and adults.

Extra Towns & Sights

If you have more time, consider visiting:

  • Como (the main city on the lake)

  • Cernobbio

  • Nesso

  • Brunate (known for its funicular and viewpoints)

Other recommended sights:

  • Hamlet of Corenno Plinio – a charming medieval hamlet

  • Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria di Piona – a peaceful monastery where you can purchase:

    • Homemade jams

    • Honey

    • Digestives and liqueurs

    • Various local products

For water sports, you can also try:

  • Wakeboarding

  • Kitesurfing

  • Windsurfing

Safety & Emergency Information

We hope you won’t need this section, but it is important to know the local emergency numbers:

  • 118 – Health emergency

  • 113 – Police

  • 115 – Fire brigade

  • 112 – General emergency number

Hospitals in the area:

  • 3 hospitals in Menaggio

  • 1 hospital in Bellano

  • 4 hospitals in Como

  • 1 hospital in Gravedona

  • 2 hospitals in Lecco

Please travel safely and responsibly.

Final Message

Thank you for choosing Lake Como for your travels.
We wish you a wonderful stay and happy travels! We can't wait to welcome to our beautiful boat tour ! Book it now and own the moment! Lake Como is calling!

Copyright 

Copyright

© 2024 Kateryna Haidaieva & Como Boat Tours. All rights reserved.

This guide is intended as a useful and affordable resource for travellers. You are not allowed to resell or modify this product. Please respect the work of a small business.

How to get yo our pier for an amazing boat tour

Our Pier in Tremezzo 

Your embarkation point is conveniently located right in front of “La Locanda Tremezzo” restaurant, a mere 5 min walk from Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta, making it easy to find us: Via Portici Sampietro, 12/a, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy.

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How to get to Tremezzo ?

 

- From Bellagio or nearby towns ( arrive by ferry to Tremezzo, or Villa Carlotta)

- From Como city ( arrive by fast ferry or by C10 bus. we recommend the fast ferry), plan to arrive 1-2 hours in advance

- From Milano ( train Milano Centrale - Commo, fast ferry Como - Tremezzo, or C10 bus), plan to arrive 1-2 hours in advance

- From Milano ( train Milano Centrale - Varenna, ferry Varenna - Tremezzo). Come with enough time and enjoy :)  

 

Transportation 

Parking / Traffic / Taxi

 

For your convenience, parking is available directly in front of the restaurant and also along the lake, within 5-10 minutes walk. Additionally, should you be traveling by public transport, both the Tremezzo ferry stop and the bus stop are a mere 2-3 minute walk away, offering easy access to our location.

Traffic

Please note, that traffic on the lake can be a bit slow, especially in the high-season, we would recommend you to be near the pier at least 10-15 minutes in advance.

Taxi

There are only a few taxis around the lake. You have to book them in advance. Depending on your location, ask at your accomodation

Public Transport: Ferry and Bus

 

Our pier is located only a 5-10 minutes walk from the ferry and bus stops Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta. 

If you plan to arrive by bus or ferry, please consider that ferries or buses can have up to 1 hour delay. 

Leave enough time windows in your schedule. There are plenty of amazing terraces al over the lake where you can relax and have a snack or drink.

In the central part of the lake, between the main towns ( Bellagio, Tremezzo, Varenna, Menaggio, Caddenabia) there are frequent ferries, every hour, or even 2 per hour. 

 

 

If you arrive well in advance, there are some beautiful terraces nearby and also the amazing Villa Carlotta, where you can spend 1-2 hours in the villa and gardens.There is also a wonderful 19th century old park nearby (Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli) where you can chill on the grass, or have a swim.

 

We're counting down the moments until we can welcome you in person!

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