Northern Italy’s Lake Como is a dream, especially for a spring trip. It’s a place where stunning natural beauty meets elegant historic villas and charming lakeside towns. I love coming here before the summer crowds arrive. The air feels fresh, and the light on the water is magical. It’s a perfect spot for a family adventure or a quiet getaway. The lake itself is shaped like a wishbone, with two southern arms starting at Como and Lecco. It sits right at the foot of the Alps, quite close to the Swiss border. The shores are lined with pretty villages, their promenades full of flowers, and the hillsides dotted with cypress and oleander trees. For many years, Lake Como has been famous for its beautiful villas, amazing gardens by the water, and a relaxed way of life. It used to be a favorite place for noble families and a rest stop for artists and writers. Today, it still attracts famous people who buy homes here. But all the glamour doesn’t hide the simple charm of the little squares where locals share hearty food like polenta and different kinds of risotto.
Three Lakeside Towns Not to Miss
If you’re thinking about visiting northern Italy in the spring, before the main tourist season kicks off, these three towns on Lake Como are a must-see. They offer a wonderful mix of history, natural beauty, and local culture.
Varenna’s Charm and History
Varenna is a very colorful town that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook. It sits on the eastern side of the lake and has roots going back to Roman times. You can get here easily by ferry or train, and both stations are close to the town’s attractions. Whether you have just a few hours or plan to stay longer, you should definitely walk along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, also known as the Lovers’ Stroll, and Riva Grande, the beautiful lakefront path.
A visit to Varenna wouldn’t be complete without seeing Villa Monastero. This place used to be a monastery and is now a home with a stunning botanical garden. It has over 900 kinds of flowers and trees from all over the world. The plants look amazing against the old buildings. The villa is usually open from late March to late October. You can buy a ticket just for the garden or a combined ticket for the garden and the museum inside the villa.
Not far away is Villa Cipressi, which has a terraced garden beautifully set among old cypress trees. You can visit its garden or get a combined ticket with Villa Monastero for a lovely day exploring. To really see Varenna, you need to wander through its narrow, uphill streets. This will lead you to the main square with the 14th-century Chiesa di San Giorgio. This church is known for its old paintings and its floor made of black marble.
As I explored these lanes with Lily and Ethan, I made sure to let them stop for gelato at La Passerella. We also enjoyed coffee and pastries at Al Barilott. It’s these little moments that make travel so special. My husband Michael always says that the simple pleasures are the best.
If you like a bit of a climb, Castello di Vezio offers a fantastic view of the lake. You can reach it from Villa Monastero by taking the Sentiero del Viandante, or the Path of the Wanderer. This trail was built by the Romans to connect the towns on the eastern shore and is about a 40-minute walk. There’s a quicker, but steeper, path back down to town. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes for exploring these paths.
For a relaxing afternoon, you can swim at one of Varenna’s small pebble beaches, like Lido di Varenna-Perledo which is north of the harbor, or the one near San Giovanni Battista to the south. If you want more comfort, Olivedo Lido offers a full-service beach with a bar and a private dock. For a quiet dinner, I recommend Osteria Quatro Pass. It’s in a cozy stone cellar and is perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and good wine pairings.
Bellagio the Pearl of the Lake
Bellagio is often called the “Pearl of the Lake” because of its perfect spot right where the lake splits into three branches. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors. You can easily reach Bellagio by ferry from Varenna, which takes about 15 minutes, or from Como in about 45 minutes. The town’s old church steeple, dating back to the 11th century, can be seen from the water, standing out against the mountains and elegant buildings.
The streets in Bellagio are aptly named “salite,” meaning slopes, and many are filled with small shops selling boutiques and local food items. Climbing up Salita Serbelloni is a must. Taking a break at the top to admire the view is rewarding, and it’s a good reminder to wear sensible shoes! My son Ethan, who is only four, found the climb quite challenging, but the views at the top made him smile.
You should also visit the botanical gardens of Villa Melzi, which are usually open from late March to late October. You can get a day ticket for the gardens, museum, and chapel. For a garden tour with a special view from the point where the lake branches meet, book a visit to Parco di Villa Serbolloni. Or, for a spot with an incredible panoramic view, head to Punta Spartivento, which literally means “windbreaking point.”
If you want to avoid the main crowds, take a walk to San Giovanni, a small area with a rocky beach. If you have a car and don’t mind driving on winding mountain roads, consider booking lunch at Polentoteca Chalet Gabriele. This place serves simple local food and has a magnificent view. Their specialty is “sciatt,” which are buckwheat fritters filled with cheese from the Valtellina valley, and “pizzoccheri,” a hearty pasta made from buckwheat and cabbage. This restaurant is very popular and books up weeks in advance, so plan ahead.
Como’s Historic Heart
Como is a bit bigger and more urban than Varenna and Bellagio, but its walled medieval center has a very relaxed and elegant feel. It invites you to spend time in its beautiful squares and cobblestone streets. Como has been the world’s silk capital since medieval times, thanks to its prosperous silk industry. You can learn more about textiles at the Silk Museum or the Fondazione Antonio Ratti.
The Duomo, Italy’s last Gothic cathedral, is very impressive. Standing next to it, you can feel the power of its large bells. Step back in time in Piazza San Fedele, the city’s medieval heart, and enjoy the Saturday morning market. Just a short walk away, Piazza Volta has a different atmosphere with its Art Nouveau buildings. My daughter Lily loved looking at the fancy decorations on the buildings.
For a sweet treat, grab a gelato at Gelateria Lariana. I always make sure to allow plenty of time to walk along the lakefront in both directions. To the west, the promenade leads to the neoclassical Villa Olmo and its gardens, which are free to visit, and the Tempio Voltano, a museum dedicated to the inventor Alessandro Volta, who was born in Como. Don’t miss the dam bridge; it offers an interesting perspective of the town and the marina.
Heading east along the promenade, you’ll find the funicular that goes up to Brunate. It runs every 15 minutes. Even though the wait can be long, the amazing views at the top are definitely worth it. Once you get off the funicular, you can walk away from the main crowds towards the lighthouse or admire the villas perched high above the lake. This walk can lead you to Trattoria del Cacciatore for a traditional lunch. They serve dishes like tagliolini with mushrooms or stracotto, a beef stew with mushroom sauce, served with polenta. If you prefer to eat in downtown Como, you can find good, reasonably priced local food at places like Voglia di Pasta, MASS Wine Bar, and Osteria del Gallo. Or, for a quick bite, grab a piadina (a type of flatbread sandwich) from Bar San Fedele.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Lake Como is quite straightforward. A scenic one-hour train ride from Milan will bring you to Varenna or Como San Giovanni station. If you are arriving at Malpensa airport, you can easily change trains in Saronno without needing to go into central Milan first. Ferries and hydrofoils are the best way to travel between the towns on the lake, offering beautiful views as you move from one place to another. You can find schedules and ticket information online.
When planning our trip for 2026, we’re looking forward to enjoying the fresh spring air and the beautiful scenery. It’s a perfect place for a family to relax and explore. Even simple outings, like a boat ride on the lake with Michael and the kids, feel special here. Lake Como truly offers a unique blend of elegance and natural beauty that I think you’ll fall in love with.