Places to Visit Near Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is surrounded by elegant villas, historic villages, mountains, gardens, and waterfront communities, but the area becomes even more interesting when you explore beyond the lake itself. From romantic Varenna and Bellagio to the historic city of Como, mountain scenery around Lecco, and larger northern Italian destinations, there are plenty of places to visit near Lake Como, Italy.

The lake has a distinctive three-branch shape, with Como and Lecco at the southern ends and the northern section extending toward Colico. Because of this geography, choosing destinations based on location can make day trips much easier. Official Italian tourism information highlights Bellagio, Varenna, Lecco, Colico, and the lake’s historic villas and villages as major attractions. Italy’s official tourism portal also notes that boat connections link many of the principal resorts around the lake.

Whether you are planning a romantic European getaway, a northern Italy road trip, or a longer itinerary through Lombardy, these destinations can help you see more of the region.

1. Bellagio

Bellagio is one of the most famous towns on Lake Como and sits on the central promontory where the lake’s branches meet. Its waterfront views, narrow streets, stairways, gardens, and historic villas make it an obvious addition to a Lake Como itinerary.

Villa Melzi d’Eril and its gardens are among the area’s notable attractions, while Villa Serbelloni provides another historic setting. The town’s central position also makes it useful for boat trips toward Varenna, Menaggio, and other lakeside communities.

Official Lake Como tourism describes Bellagio as a destination known for villas, gardens, picturesque lanes, and its position at the tip of the Larian Triangle. Lake Como’s official destination information provides additional details about the town.

2. Varenna

Varenna is one of the most atmospheric villages near the center of Lake Como. Its colorful houses, steep lanes, waterfront setting, gardens, and historic villas create a quieter experience than some of the area’s busiest destinations.

One of the most recognizable experiences is the Lovers’ Walkway, a scenic pedestrian route along the water. Visitors can also explore Villa Monastero, Villa Cipressi, and Castello di Vezio above the village.

Varenna is particularly convenient for travelers arriving by train because it has rail connections and ferry services to other central-lake destinations. Official tourism information describes it as a romantic lakeside village with historic villas, botanical gardens, and scenic walks. Visit Varenna provides current destination information.

For travelers interested in romantic destinations beyond Italy, our guide to honeymoon destinations in Turkey provides another international comparison.

3. Menaggio

Menaggio sits on the western shore and is one of the most practical bases for exploring the central part of Lake Como. Its lakeside promenade offers views across the water toward Bellagio and Varenna.

The town also provides access to hiking routes, surrounding villages, restaurants, cafés, and transportation connections. The nearby Val Sanagra area offers opportunities for travelers who want to combine a lake trip with mountain scenery.

Menaggio’s central location makes it particularly useful for travelers who want to explore several towns without constantly changing accommodations. Official local tourism information describes it as a central starting point for discovering Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Discover Menaggio offers further information.

4. Como

Como is the largest city on the lake and a natural starting point for exploring the southern end. Unlike the smaller villages, Como has a more urban atmosphere with historic architecture, restaurants, shopping streets, cultural attractions, and transportation connections.

The city’s cathedral, waterfront, historic center, and funicular toward Brunate can all be incorporated into a day of sightseeing.

Como is especially convenient for travelers arriving from Milan and can work either as a day trip or as the starting point for a longer Lake Como itinerary.

If you are extending your trip into other parts of Italy, consider our guide to places to visit in Sicily.

5. Lecco

Lecco lies at the southeastern end of Lake Como and offers a different atmosphere from the more heavily visited central-lake villages. Mountains surround the city, creating dramatic scenery along the waterfront.

Visitors can explore the Basilica of San Nicolò, Torre Viscontea, Villa Manzoni, and areas associated with Alessandro Manzoni and his novel The Betrothed.

Italy’s official tourism portal specifically highlights Lecco’s mountain setting, Basilica of San Nicolò, Torre Viscontea, and Villa Manzoni. Italy’s Lake Como destination guide provides an overview of the area.

6. Bellano

Bellano is a small lakeside town on Lake Como’s eastern shore, north of Varenna. Its best-known natural attraction is the Orrido di Bellano, a dramatic gorge shaped by water and rock.

The gorge provides a different experience from the elegant villas and waterfront promenades found elsewhere around the lake. It can therefore be a useful addition for travelers who want to include a nature-focused stop.

Bellano is also accessible from Varenna, making it practical for travelers already exploring the eastern shore.

7. Tremezzina

Tremezzina is a scenic area on the western shore that includes Tremezzo, Mezzegra, Lenno, and Ossuccio. It is particularly well known for historic villas, gardens, waterfront scenery, and mountain views.

Villa Carlotta is one of the area’s major attractions, combining historic architecture with extensive botanical gardens overlooking the lake.

Official Lombardy tourism information identifies Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo, Tremezzina, and the surrounding gardens among the attractions of the central lake area. In-Lombardia’s Lake Como guide provides regional destination information.

8. Colico

Colico is located toward the northern end of Lake Como at the foot of Monte Legnone. The landscape becomes more open and mountainous as you travel north, making Colico useful for travelers interested in outdoor activities.

The area offers opportunities for water sports, walking, cycling, and exploring historic sites. It provides a different perspective on Lake Como compared with the central villages of Bellagio and Varenna.

Italy’s official tourism portal highlights Colico’s location beneath Monte Legnone and its combination of forts, abbeys, and water sports.

9. Griante

Griante is a small community on the western shore between Menaggio and Tremezzina. It offers scenic lake views and access to walking routes through the surrounding hills.

The area is particularly interesting for travelers who want to combine waterfront sightseeing with hiking and panoramic viewpoints.

From Griante, travelers can also explore nearby communities along the western shore without committing an entire day to a major excursion.

10. Cadenabbia

Cadenabbia sits on the western shore close to Griante and Tremezzina. Its lakeside location makes it useful as part of a western-shore itinerary that includes Villa Carlotta and other nearby attractions.

The area is also well positioned for boat connections across the lake, allowing visitors to combine several central destinations during one day.

11. Milan

Milan is one of the most convenient major-city additions to a Lake Como vacation. Depending on your starting point and transportation arrangements, you can combine several days around Lake Como with time in Italy’s fashion and business capital.

In Milan, visitors can explore the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, museums, shopping districts, historic neighborhoods, and restaurants.

Milan is especially useful at the beginning or end of a northern Italy itinerary because it provides extensive transportation connections.

If you are building a larger European trip, you can also compare the Italian experience with our guides to Madrid and famous places in Spain.

12. Bergamo

Bergamo is another attractive destination in Lombardy and can complement a Lake Como itinerary. Its Città Alta, or Upper Town, provides historic streets, architecture, viewpoints, and cultural attractions.

The city also serves as a gateway to the surrounding Orobian Alps and other Lombardy destinations.

Official Bergamo tourism information highlights Città Alta, mountain landscapes, nearby lakes, local food, wine, and historic attractions. Visit Bergamo provides regional travel information.

13. Lugano, Switzerland

Lugano provides an international day-trip option for travelers staying on the western side of Lake Como. The Swiss city is located near the Italian border and combines a lakefront setting with mountains, parks, shopping, and a distinctly Swiss atmosphere.

Because the trip crosses an international border, travelers should check current entry requirements and transportation arrangements based on their nationality and travel documents.

Menaggio’s official tourism information notes its connection with the valley leading toward Lake Lugano, making the area a practical starting point for exploring this part of the region.

14. Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is another major lake destination in northern Italy and can be considered by travelers planning a longer Lombardy or Piedmont itinerary.

Its landscapes, historic towns, islands, gardens, and mountain surroundings provide a different lake experience from Lake Como.

It is better suited to a dedicated day or overnight excursion than a quick stop, especially if you want to explore beyond one lakeside town.

15. Lake Iseo and Bergamo’s Surrounding Area

Travelers with additional time can explore destinations around Lake Iseo and the surrounding Lombardy countryside. The region offers smaller towns, mountain scenery, local food, vineyards, and waterfront landscapes.

Official Bergamo tourism information includes Lake Iseo, Lake Endine, mountain destinations, historic castles, and countryside attractions among the wider area’s places to explore.

Best Places Near Lake Como for Different Travelers

Choosing where to go depends largely on the type of experience you want.

• For first-time visitors: Bellagio, Varenna, Como, and Menaggio are natural starting points.
• For couples: Varenna, Bellagio, Tremezzina, and Menaggio offer scenic waterfront experiences.
• For history lovers: Como, Lecco, Bellagio, and Bergamo offer architecture and historic attractions.
• For nature lovers: Colico, Bellano, Menaggio, and the surrounding mountains provide outdoor options.
• For gardens and villas: Bellagio and Tremezzina are especially relevant.
• For a city break: Milan, Como, and Bergamo provide more urban experiences.
• For an international day trip: Lugano provides a Switzerland option near the Italian border.

How to Get Around Lake Como

Transportation can significantly affect how much you see during a Lake Como vacation. Boats are particularly useful for exploring the central lake because several major destinations are connected by water.

Italy’s official tourism portal notes that boat services connect the principal resorts around the lake. Local tourism information also provides boat connections between Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio, Cadenabbia, and Tremezzina.

For many visitors, combining trains, boats, buses, and walking is more practical than relying entirely on a private car, particularly in the narrow streets and historic centers of the lakeside villages.

Sample 4-Day Lake Como and Northern Italy Itinerary

Day 1: Como

Begin in Como and explore the historic center, cathedral area, waterfront, and nearby viewpoints. Use the city as your introduction to the lake.

Day 2: Bellagio and Varenna

Take a boat toward Bellagio, explore its historic streets and gardens, then continue toward Varenna for the waterfront promenade and historic villas.

Day 3: Menaggio and Tremezzina

Explore Menaggio in the morning before continuing along the western shore toward Tremezzina and Villa Carlotta.

Day 4: Lecco or a Wider Day Trip

Choose Lecco for a quieter city and mountain experience, or extend your journey toward Bergamo or another northern Italian destination.

If you have additional time, consider adding Milan, Lugano, or another Lombardy lake rather than trying to fit too many destinations into one day.

Tips for Visiting Places Near Lake Como

• Check ferry schedules: Boat services are useful, but schedules can vary by season.
• Allow extra travel time: Mountain roads can make short distances take longer than expected.
• Stay near the center if possible: Central locations can reduce transportation time.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Many villages have steep streets, stairs, and cobblestones.
• Plan popular villas ahead: Check opening hours and ticket arrangements before visiting.
• Consider traveling by boat: Lake views from the water are part of the experience rather than simply a transportation option.
• Do not overpack the itinerary: Lake Como’s villages are best experienced at a relaxed pace.
• Check border requirements: If visiting Lugano or another Swiss destination, verify current travel requirements before crossing the border.

For travelers continuing through Europe, our guides to European destinations, Europe in summer, and Italy in winter can help expand the itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit near Lake Como?

Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Como, Lecco, Bellano, Tremezzina, and Colico are among the most useful destinations to consider around the lake. Milan, Bergamo, and Lugano can also work as wider regional excursions.

What is the best town to stay in near Lake Como?

The best base depends on your travel style. Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio are centrally located for exploring the middle of the lake, while Como is useful for travelers prioritizing city facilities and transportation connections.

Can you visit Lake Como without a car?

Yes. Boats, trains, buses, and walking can be combined to visit many of the main towns. The central lake area is particularly suitable for boat-based travel.

Is Varenna or Bellagio better for couples?

Both offer romantic lakeside scenery, gardens, historic architecture, and waterfront walks. Varenna has a smaller village atmosphere, while Bellagio has a larger concentration of shops, restaurants, gardens, and famous villas.

Can you take a day trip from Lake Como to Milan?

Yes, depending on your location around the lake and transportation connections. Como is particularly convenient for combining Lake Como with Milan, while travelers staying farther north should allow more time for transportation.

What other Italian destinations can be combined with Lake Como?

Milan, Bergamo, Lecco, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo, and destinations elsewhere in Lombardy can be combined with Lake Como depending on the length and pace of your trip.

Conclusion

The best places to visit near Lake Como, Italy are not limited to the famous lakeside towns. Bellagio and Varenna provide iconic central-lake scenery, Menaggio offers a practical western-shore base, while Como and Lecco provide larger historic and cultural experiences.

Travelers with more time can extend their itinerary toward Bergamo, Milan, Lugano, Lake Maggiore, or Lake Iseo. The key is to group destinations geographically and allow enough time to enjoy the lake rather than rushing between attractions.

With its combination of mountains, historic villages, gardens, villas, waterfront communities, and nearby northern Italian destinations, Lake Como can serve as both a destination in itself and a starting point for exploring a much wider part of Italy.