The 8 top things to do around Lake Como, Italy

There are places in Italy that look like postcards. And then there's Lake Como  a place that makes postcards look like they're not trying hard enough.

Tucked into the foothills of the Alps in northern Lombardy, Lake Como has been pulling in Roman emperors, European aristocrats, and Hollywood stars for centuries. And honestly? The draw hasn't faded one bit. The deep blue water, the terracotta-roofed villages clinging to cliffsides, the grand lakeside villas with their manicured gardens  it's one of those destinations that genuinely exceeds expectations.

If you're planning a Lake Como tour and want to make the most of every single hour there, this guide is for you.

Why Lake Como Deserves a Spot on Your Italy Itinerary

Most first-time visitors to Italy rush through Rome, Venice, and Florence. That's completely understandable those cities are iconic for good reason. But the travellers who return to Italy again and again? They nearly always carve out time for Lake Como.

Here's why.

The lake itself is Y-shaped and stretches about 46 kilometres from north to south. That shape creates three distinct arms, each with its own personality. The western branch runs toward Como city. The eastern branch leads to Lecco. And the central branch  where the two meet at a point called Bellagio  is arguably the most beautiful meeting of water and land in all of Europe.

A Lake Como tour isn't just sightseeing. It's about slowing down. Taking a ferry between villages. Sipping a Campari spritz on a terrace overlooking the water. Wandering through the gardens of Villa del Balbianello and understanding immediately why it's been used as a film set more than once.

The Best Villages to Visit on a Lake Como Tour

Bellagio is the first name most people mention, and for good reason. Often called the "Pearl of the Lake," it sits right at the tip where the two southern arms diverge. The narrow cobblestoned streets, the flower-draped staircases, the views in every direction Bellagio earns every bit of its reputation.

Varenna tends to attract those who want something a little quieter. It's connected to Bellagio by a short ferry ride and is home to Villa Monastero, one of the most beautiful lakeside properties in Italy. The village's waterfront promenade, called the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (the Lovers' Walk), is genuinely one of the most romantic stretches of lakeside path you'll find anywhere.

Menaggio sits on the western shore and is a natural hub if you're staying in the area. It has a wide selection of accommodation, a lovely main square, and easy access to hiking trails for those who want to explore the surrounding hills.

Tremezzo is where you'll find Villa Carlotta, famous for its extraordinary botanical garden that bursts into colour during spring  particularly spectacular during azalea and rhododendron season.

Como city itself is worth at least a half day. The Duomo di Como is stunning, the silk industry heritage is fascinating, and the funicular ride up to Brunate offers panoramic views of the lake that genuinely stop you in your tracks.

Getting Around: Ferries, Hydrofoils, and Private Boats

One of the joys of a Lake Como tour is the transport itself. The public ferry network run by Navigazione Lago di Como connects most of the main villages and is remarkably affordable. For longer stretches, hydrofoils cut travel time significantly. But if you really want to experience the lake the way it was meant to be experienced, a private boat excursion is hard to beat.

There are also car ferries for those driving between villages  particularly useful for the crossing between Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

Lake Como Villas and Gardens: Don't Skip These

Two villas consistently stand out among visitors:

• Villa del Balbianello (Lenno) — Famous for its dramatic headland setting and its role in Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II. Bookable tours fill up fast, especially in summer.

• Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) — A must-visit in spring, with over 150 rhododendron and azalea varieties in full bloom.

Both villas require advance booking during peak months (April through October).

Practical Tips for Your Lake Como Tour

• Best time to visit: Late April through June, and September through mid-October. July and August are busy and can be uncomfortably hot.

• How long to spend: A minimum of two full days, ideally three to four if you want to explore multiple villages without rushing.

• Where to stay: Bellagio and Varenna are the most atmospheric options. Como city suits travellers arriving by train from Milan.

• Day trip from Milan: Lake Como is about an hour from Milan by train to Como city. It's doable as a day trip, though staying overnight gives you the lake at its most magical early morning and golden hour.

• Dress modestly when visiting churches and villas shoulders and knees covered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Como Tours

Is a Lake Como tour worth it for just one day? 

It's worth it, but you'll leave wishing you had more time. If you only have one day, focus on Bellagio, take the ferry to Varenna, and allow time to simply sit and take it all in.

What's the best way to see Lake Como?

 By ferry and on foot. The combination of water travel and village walking gives you the full experience in a way that driving simply can't.

Do I need to book activities in advance? 

For Villa del Balbianello and any guided boat tours during summer, yes  advance booking is strongly recommended.

Is Lake Como expensive? 

It's one of Italy's pricier destinations, but smart planning helps. The public ferry system is affordable, and you can find good local restaurants away from the main tourist promenades.

Plan Your Lake Como Tour with Bella Rome Italian Vacations

A Lake Como tour is one of those travel experiences that people come back from and immediately want to plan again. The light on the water at dusk. The rhythm of village life. The feeling that time moves at a completely different pace here.

If you want to experience Lake Como properly  with insider knowledge, hand-picked accommodations, and a truly Italian itinerary  the team at Bellarome Italian Vacations specialises in exactly this kind of travel. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a luxury self-drive through northern Italy, they'll help you design an experience that goes beyond the tourist trail.

Ready to make Lake Como a reality? Visit bellaromeitalianvacations.com to start planning your Italian escape today.