The Ultimate Guide to Plan a Trip to Lake Como, Italy

With its world-famous cuisine, incredible art, fascinating culture, and plenty of beautiful natural landscapes, Italy is a destination that is on almost every person’s travel bucket list. Be it the picture-perfect views of Venice or Instagram-worthy and elegant Roman boutiques, the heavenly taste of velvety tiramisu, or awe-inspiring art museums, this beautiful country has something for everyone. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your everyday mundane life, there can be no better place than this to plan a rejuvenating trip.

Despite its tiny size, Italy showcases some of the world's most breathtaking and varied natural scenery. With its towering mountain peaks, deep valleys, and rugged coastline, there is no shortage of beautiful landscapes to explore. On top of that, this country is also home to over 1,500 beautiful lakes, with Lake Como being the most popular one among all the Italian lakes. This is a freshwater lake in the Lombardy region of Italy, set against the foothills of the Alps. Dotted with picturesque villages, elegant villas, luscious green mountains, and sparkling blue shores, this area is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Italy.

Let’s dive deeper and discuss a few things everyone needs to know before planning a trip to Lake Como, Italy.

Best Time to Visit

Since Lake Como is a part of northern Italy, it has a continental climate. Different seasons add a different charm to the overall beauty of this place, making it a year-round vacation spot. The average temperature ranges from -5 to +5°C in the winter and from 25 to 30°C in the summer. However, the best time of the year to visit Lake Como is from April to October. During these months, the weather is perfect for sightseeing, and you can indulge in a number of outdoor activities as well.

How to Reach

Lake Como is just an hour away from Milan, the capital city of the Lombardy region. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, this place offers seamless connectivity from other parts of the country.

By Air: The nearest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa, and you can easily get direct flights to this airport from other major cities in Italy. Once there, you can take the Malpensa Express train to Saronno and then take a train from Saronno to Como Nord Lago.

By Train: The easternmost shore of Lake Como, from Lecco to Colico, is well connected to Milan. You can take a direct train from there and reach Lake Como.

By Road: Thanks to well-built roads, you can also choose to reach Lake Como by car. Hiring a private taxi is the best option to get there.

Things to Do in Lake Como

There is a lot more to see and do in Lake Como than it looks at first glance. Here are a few must-do things when you plan a trip to this idyllic place:

Visit the Bellagio Village

Bellagio, commonly known as the ‘Pearl of Lake Como’, is a famous village in the Lake Como area. It is home to a number of local restaurants serving delicious Italian food and small shops selling cute souvenirs. Other than this, pretty cobbled streets, bustling piazzas, and charming churches are also the reasons behind its huge popularity among tourists.

Explore Villa del Balbianello

The Villa del Balbianello is a beautiful villa overlooking Lake Como. Situated in the comune of Lenno, this villa is perched on the tip of the small wooded peninsula of Dosso d'Avedo. Known for its elegance and rustic charm, this 18th-century mansion had a number of owners, Guido Monzino being the last one. Currently, Villa del Balbianello is owned by FAI and serves as a popular tourist attraction.

Go for a Boat Ride

Going for a boat ride is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding foothills of the Alps. Speeding past luxury villas and colourful villages, this experience is one of a kind. There are a number of lake-side restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or find a less crowded beach to spend some time sunbathing.

Visit the Lakeside Village of Varenna

Varenna is another popular village in close proximity to Lake Como. This stunning lakeside village has a slightly more peaceful vibe than Bellagio. Here, you can spend a few hours taking a stroll around the peaceful streets and piazzas while admiring the colourful buildings. You can also enjoy beautiful sunset views at the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, also known as the Walk of Lovers.

Wander the Streets of Nesso

Nesso is a small historical village perched on a steep hillside. This traditional town is known for its cobbled staircases and twisting alleyways. If relaxing in the sunshine by the waterside is your idea of fun, there can be no better place than this. Another major attraction is the Ponte Della Civera, a Romanesque bridge that acts as an entranceway to the village by boat.

Spend a Lazy Afternoon in Menaggio

Being famous for its distinctive dusty-coloured houses, Menaggio is one of the only flat towns on the lake. So, if you are tired of trekking up and down steep hills, this is the place for you. This is an idyllic lakeside town, perfect for taking a break from adventure. 

Swim at Acquafraggia Waterfall

The Acquafraggia Waterfall in the Bregaglia Valley is another famous spot that you should not miss. Known for its impressive height of over 1800 metres, this waterfall is located in a stunningly beautiful nature reserve in the Alps. There are a number of hiking trails that you can choose from to make your day a little bit more adventurous. And after a long, tiring day, take a dip in one of the clear pools.

Explore Como City

Como is a small city that lies at the southern end of Lake Como. Full of charm and character, this is a place worth exploring. Here, you can either go to one of the stunning churches it is home to or devour a meal at some authentic Italian restaurants. The incredible lake views you get are a complete bonus. The best way to explore Como City is by bike. There are a number of places where you can easily rent a bike at reasonable prices.

Discover the Wonderful Vistas of Brunate

Brunate is a small, scenic village in the province of Como. Situated on a hilltop, this village is fondly called the ‘balcony of the Alps’ due to the mesmerising views it offers. To explore this place in the best way possible, you can hop on the funicular at Piazza de Gasperi. This cable-operated train has been in use since 1894 by both tourists and locals and is a unique way to see the surrounding area. Other than this, you can also take a walk to the Voltiano lighthouse, a beautiful monument dedicated to the scientist Allesandro Volta. This lighthouse also offers absolutely stunning panoramic views of the surroundings.

With all this information, you can easily plan a trip to Lake Como, Italy, without having to worry about missing something. At Veena World, you can choose from a wide range of all-inclusive Italy packages and make your trip memorable.