Lake Como feels like stepping into a postcard, a place where dramatic mountain scenery meets water so blue it almost sparkles. It’s Italy’s third-largest lake, shaped like an upside-down Y, and conveniently located not too far from Milan, making it an accessible escape. The climate here is wonderfully mild, almost subtropical, thanks to the vast body of water, and it’s no wonder people have been drawn here for relaxation since Roman times.
Exploring Lake Como’s Shores
The region has a long-standing appeal, particularly for British visitors who discovered its charm from the mid-19th century. Today, the shores are lined with grand villas, many belonging to the wealthy and famous – think film stars, business moguls, and even royalty. While many come here seeking quiet contemplation and a low-key experience, there’s a surprising amount to see and do in the main resort towns.
Bellagio A Lakeside Gem
Often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is arguably the most famous of the lakeside villages. It’s strategically positioned right where the lake’s three branches meet, making it a central hub for ferry services. If you’re planning to explore widely, Bellagio makes an excellent base, with the tourist office conveniently located just a short walk from the main jetty. The village itself is a delight, with steep, cobbled lanes winding their way past artisan shops selling quality silk and leading to charming piazzas.
You’ll find plenty of upscale cafes and restaurants here, catering to the many visitors. While finding a very traditional, unpretentious trattoria can be a bit more of a challenge due to the popularity, places like Café Rossi, tucked away off Piazza Mazzini, offer a lovely old-world atmosphere. The main square, Piazza San Giacomo, is anchored by a beautiful Romanesque basilica.
What is there to see in Bellagio
For a more tranquil experience, the gardens of Villa Melzi are a must-visit. These beautifully maintained neoclassical gardens offer a romantic stroll along the lakeshore. For those interested in history and art, the 17th-century Villa Serbelloni, now a retreat for scholars and artists affiliated with the Rockefeller Foundation, opens its formal gardens for guided tours. Photography isn’t permitted, which encourages you to really soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
Just a short distance from Bellagio is Villa del Balbianello. This stunning property, a flagship of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (Italian National Trust), was once home to the explorer Guido Monzino. Inside, you can see his collections of maps and books, along with memorabilia from his expeditions. The villa’s picturesque setting and historical significance have also made it a popular filming location, featuring in movies like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. Visiting it offers a glimpse into a fascinating past and provides breathtaking views.
Where to stay in Bellagio
For a truly luxurious experience, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni stands out. This historic, family-owned five-star hotel boasts elegant accommodations and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Its guest book reads like a who’s who of influential figures from history and the present day. With its prime lakeside location and impeccable service, it offers a classic Como experience.
Varenna Tranquility and Charm
Across the lake from Bellagio, on the eastern shore, lies Varenna. This village is often described as being quieter and more authentic than some of its neighbors, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. The pastel-colored buildings lining the waterfront create a less grand, but perhaps more inviting, facade. It feels like a place where you can truly unwind.
Behind the small, stony beach, you’ll find a network of narrow, cobbled lanes. These streets are lined with smaller bars, cafes, and restaurants, leading upwards towards the central Piazza San Giorgio. Here, you can explore 14th-century churches with impressive frescoes. For nature lovers and garden enthusiasts, the gardens of Villa Monastero are a real highlight. They stretch for over a mile along the lake, leading towards Fiumelatte, which is famously Italy’s shortest river.
Nearby, the terraced botanical gardens of Hotel Villa Cipressi also offer a delightful space to explore for a small fee. For those seeking panoramic views, a steep track leads up to the fortress of Castello di Vezio. The climb is certainly rewarding, offering spectacular vistas across the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s a good spot for some memorable photos, though remember to secure your belongings as it can be quite breezy!
What to do near Varenna
For more active visitors, Varenna is a starting point for the Sentiero del Viandante, a long-distance hiking trail that follows the eastern shore of the lake. While the full 30-mile route is a significant undertaking, the southern section offers a satisfying day’s hike with beautiful scenery. The village is also well-connected by train to Milan, making it easy to reach and depart from without the stress of city center parking.
Where to stay in Varenna
Villa Cipressi offers a charming stay in a historic building dating from the 14th to 18th centuries. This three-star hotel overlooks the lake and provides a more intimate and gracious experience than some of the larger, more opulent hotels. While it lacks air conditioning, the beauty of its gardens is a major draw, and the atmosphere is one of relaxed elegance. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy the tranquility of Varenna.
Menaggio Lakeside Activity
Located on the western shore of the central lake, Menaggio has historically been an important trading center and today is one of Como’s busier villages. It offers a slightly different feel compared to the more exclusively tourist-focused resorts, with a more mixed economy. This can be a plus, especially in the shoulder seasons, as it ensures a more lively atmosphere even when some smaller villages quieten down.
The Piazza Garibaldi, right by the harbor, is a great spot to relax and watch the world go by. You can enjoy a coffee or aperitivo here and observe the comings and goings of locals and visitors. Cobbled streets and narrow, shaded alleys lead away from the piazza and up into the older part of town. As you explore, you’ll find traces of Menaggio’s strategic past, including the ruins of a 10th-century castle and remnants of its ancient walls at the top of the village.
The Chiesa San Stefano is another point of interest, with its bell tower visible from the streets. Inside, you can admire frescoes by local artist Tagliaferri, as well as significant paintings from the Lombard School. The juxtaposition of historical architecture and visible signs of its past importance makes Menaggio an interesting place to wander.
Day trips from Menaggio
Menaggio’s location makes it a good springboard for excursions into Switzerland. Regular bus services can take you to the Swiss lakeside town of Lugano in under an hour for a very reasonable price. Another popular German-speaking option is combining a trip to the Swiss Alpine resort of St Moritz with a scenic journey on the Bernina Express train. These excursions offer a taste of different cultures and landscapes just a stone’s throw away.
Where to stay in Menaggio
The Grand Hotel Menaggio is ideally situated right on the lakefront, adjacent to the ferry jetty, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the surrounding areas. This four-star hotel embraces a classically Italian style, offering a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. It’s a comfortable and well-located choice for those who want easy access to the lake’s various attractions.
Griante Cadenabbia Tremezzo Lakeside Elegance
Stretching along the western shore road between Griante and Tremezzo, this area is a long-established favorite, particularly with British visitors seeking breathtaking lake views. The vistas across the water towards Bellagio and the imposing Grigna massif are truly spectacular. You can feel the historical British connection here, even evident in places like the 19th-century Anglican Church of the Ascension near Cadenabbia.
A standout attraction in this area is Villa Carlotta, a magnificent 17th-century villa near Tremezzo. It houses masterpieces by the renowned 18th and 19th-century sculptor Antonio Canova, alongside engaging contemporary art exhibitions. The extensive gardens are a joy to explore, offering diverse flora and beautifully landscaped areas. It’s easy to spend hours here, soaking in the art and the natural beauty.
The area is well-served by ferries and buses, facilitating easy access to the rest of the lake. While there are some independent eateries, the main social and nightlife scenes are often concentrated within the hotels. This makes it a great choice if you prefer a more self-contained resort experience.
Exploring nearby attractions
Regular sightseeing boat trips depart from Tremezzo’s jetty, offering a different perspective of the lake and its villas. You can even catch a glimpse of some of the more modern celebrity residences, like George and Amal Clooney’s Villa Oleandra. A stop at Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como, for a cappuccino is a delightful interlude. If you wish to visit Como town itself, a bus journey takes about an hour. From Como, the Brunate funicular provides a quick and scenic ride with spectacular views over the lake and the Alps.
Where to stay in Griante Cadenabbia Tremezzo
The three-star Hotel Britannia Excelsior, located in Cadenabbia, is owned by an Anglo-Italian family and boasts an enviable position. Many of its 284 rooms offer stunning lake views, making it a great value base. The hotel offers various all-inclusive tariffs, and for those opting for the ‘platinum’ package, an elegant à la carte lakeside dining option is included, providing a more refined experience.
Italy’s accessibility from the UK is quite good, with numerous flight options and improving rail connections through Eurostar and the Italian rail network. For those driving from Scotland or northern England, the DFDS overnight ferry from Newcastle to IJmuiden near Amsterdam offers a convenient way to bypass the long drive south to Channel ports, with daily 15-hour sailings.
This region truly offers a blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and refined Italian living. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a base for exploration, the shores of Lake Como provide an unforgettable travel experience. It’s the kind of place where you can simply sit by the water, breathe in the fresh air, and feel completely at ease.