A Quick Guide to Lake Como, Italy: Bellagio, Como & Varenna
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After visiting Lake Como last summer, I've come to one realization: No trip to Italy is complete without spending a few days on beautiful Lake Como.
Between its calm blue waters and tree-covered mountains, adorable towns with buildings painted every color of the rainbow, fantastic restaurants, and endless things to do, Lake Como is definitely bucket list material.
In this Lake Como Travel Guide, we'll cover our three favorite towns on the lake — Como, Bellagio, and Varenna — including where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in each town.
If you're traveling from Milan, make sure you check out my specific post: The Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan!
Are you ready to explore Lake Como? Let's do it!
How to Get to Lake Como
Before relaxing on Lake Como, you first have to get there!
But luckily, this beautiful lake is just a train ride away from nearby hubs in Italy, including Venice, Verona, or even Bologna in Emilia Romagna.
If possible, spend one day in Milan before setting off to Lake Como, that way you can simply hop on the train at the Milano Centrale station, and arrive at the Como San Giovanni station in less than one hour.
To get train tickets to Lake Como, head over to TrenItalia.
Exploring Como
Out of the three towns listed in our Lake Como Travel Guide — Como, Bellagio, and Varenna — Como is the largest and busiest.
Since you will take the train to Como, I recommend spending one night here before moving on to the two other towns.
With its busy cobblestone streets, tall, colorful buildings, cute shops and cafรฉs, and hundreds of boats chained to its docks, Como is a great introduction to life on the lake.
Where to Stay in Como
Since accommodations on the lake are limited, it's important to have a few options. While in Como, we have three recommendations:
- B&B Vista Lago: My Favorite! This luxe bed and breakfast is located a bit outside of the city center, set high on a hilltop with the most beautiful views of Lake Como from each of its rooms. Stay here, and you'll never want to leave! (If you can, make sure you book more than one night at this stunner.)
- Relais Di Giada: This hotel is located in the heart of Como, just steps away from all of the shops, restaurants, and the train station. It has incredible reviews and some of the most adorable guest suites!
- Apartment 23: This apartment-style hotel will be like your home away from home in Como! The apartments are centrally located, have fantastic reviews, and will provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.
What to Do in Como
While in Como, you should spend a few hours roaming the quaint streets, browsing the many shops, and possibly taking a dip in the lake.
And while you're at it, grab a gelato at Gelateria Guidi!
You should also consider riding the 7-minute funicular up to the peaceful town of Brunate for some incredible sweeping views of Lake Como. (Plus, this is also a chance to see another cute town on the lake.)
And lastly, make sure to stop by the Duomo for some beautiful architecture and a taste of Como's history.
Where to Eat in Como
There are so many great places to eat in Como, so try to pace yourself!
We stumbled upon La Cucina di Elsa and loved it — despite hit-or-miss reviews.
There, we sat outside and enjoyed incredible seafood dishes — such as paccheri with octopus, pistachio, and pesto — along with refreshing white wine!
Some other restaurants in Como worth visiting are La Vita e Bella and Tira, Mola e Meseda.
Other Italy Travel Inspiration:
- How to Spend 24 Hours in Milan
- Where to Eat in Rome, Italy
- Two Days in Venice: The Perfect Itinerary
- Hiking in Cinque Terre: A Day Trip from Florence
- 17 Incredible Things to Do in Siena, Italy + Helpful Tips
Exploring Bellagio
Many people believe that Bellagio is the most beautiful town on Lake Como, so you know it can't be missed!
Tall mountains, cypress trees, grand villas, and adorable cafรฉs make up the stunning lakeside town of Bellagio.
The only downside to Bellagio is that everything is quite expensive. However, if you have a bit of wiggle room in your budget, you will be rewarded with a luxurious stay, fantastic meals, and one of the most charming atmospheres you might ever encounter.
Where to Stay in Bellagio
Bellagio is smaller than Como, which means that accommodation is even more scarce during the high season! As soon as possible, make sure to book your Bellagio hotel.
While in Bellagio, we recommend these accommodations:
- Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni: The most sought-after hotel in Bellagio. Just far enough away from Bellagio's center, and situated on the lakefront, this hotel features the perfect location and the most luxurious guest rooms and grounds. Swoon.
- Borgo Le Terrazze: Even further from the hustle and bustle of Bellagio's center, this hotel will allow you to really relax and soak up all of Lake Como's incredible views. This place is simply amazing.
What to Do in Bellagio
Bellagio is a small town, so there's not a lot to do. But that's exactly what makes the place so special!
Instead of checking things off a to-do list, you can take it slow, roam the streets, and pay attention to the details: the pretty pink flowers, cobblestone alleyways, beautiful lanterns, bright shutters, and quaint little balconies.
Firstly, visit a wine shop to taste and learn about some tasty local wines.
You should also make sure to visit the I Giardini di Villa Melzi, which offers beautiful gardens and views of the lake. It's the perfect sanctuary to have a stroll!
MADDY'S TIP: If you're looking for something active to do on the water, book this Small Group Lake Como Kayaking Tour.
Where to Eat in Bellagio
For thoughtful local cuisine and a great atmosphere, head to Alle Darsene di Loppia. You won't be disappointed!
For an immense selection of wines from all over Italy, paired with all kinds of cheeses, cold cuts, olives, and fresh bread, try Enoteca Cava Turacciolo.
If you want even more wine (yes please!), then make sure to stop by Enoteca Principessa to taste a variety of fine local wines. The man who runs this shop is kind and welcoming, and really knows his wines. You will love it!
Exploring Varenna
The little town of Varenna stole our hearts.
While Bellagio seems to be everyoneโs favorite town on Lake Como, we have to disagree.
For us, Varenna was a bit quieter, slightly less touristy, not so expensive, and more breathtaking. We loved it.
When your ferry approaches Varenna, youโll know why we feel this way; in that moment, youโll feel as though youโve never seen a place so beautiful in your life.
Where to stay in Varenna
In Varenna, accommodation options are slim – no matter the season – because it's a smaller town. Either B&Bs or apartments will be your most likely options.
While in Varenna, I recommend these two places:
- Agriturismo Castello di Vezio: This farm, whose accommodations range from apartments to houses, offers everything you'd want from a place to stay on Lake Como. Beautiful views, an old castle, swimming pools, lush grounds, tennis courts, and cooking classes are a few of the many draws to the Agriturismo Castello di Vezio.
- Apartments Rossini: Nestled high into the hilltops of Varenna, Apartments Rossini boasts some of the best views Lake Como has to offer. Coupled with its great service and homey vibes, you will want to stay here forever.
Click here to find great deals on accommodations in Varenna! (And don't wait, because they will sell out.)
What to Do in Varenna
While in Varenna, you absolutely must visit the Villa Monastero. This villa offers bright, colorful gardens, old fountains, and peaceful lakeside views, perfect for a stroll. The villa is also home to a museum that's worth popping into!
Another must-do is this Varenna cooking class, where you'll learn how to make traditional dishes like tortellini and risotto. Our guess is that you'll make these recipes at home for years to come! Everyone who's done this cooking class says it's awesome, so don't miss it!
Where to Eat in Varenna
For a lakefront cafรฉ with fantastic food, friendly service, and a lovely atmosphere, Varenna Caffรจ Bistrot is the place to go.
And when it comes time for dessert, Gelateria Riva serves up artisanal gelato homemade with love.
Lake Como Travel Guide:
Como, Bellagio, and Varenna
If you're visiting Lake Como, you are in for a treat.
Out of all the lakes in the world, few are as famous as Lake Como. Because of its incredible beauty, endless things to do, delicious food, and incredibly luxe lakefront accommodations, there's simply no place like it.
We hope that our Lake Como Travel Guide inspires you to book your trip to beautiful Lake Como — we know you're going to love it!
Other Italy Inspiration:
- Visiting the Colosseum: Must-Know Tips, Best Tours, Mistakes to Avoid
- Tuscany in One Day: Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa
- The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Itinerary
- Hiking in Cinque Terre: A Day Trip from Florence
- Must-Know Tips for Visiting the Vatican
Have you been to Lake Como before? What do you think of our Lake Como Travel Guide? What are your favorite things to do there? If anything, what would you add to our Lake Como Travel Guide?
