The prettiest towns to visit around Italy's 'greatest lake'
There are many reasons Lake Como towns have drawn travellers for centuries. Perhaps the most compelling is the majestic lake itself; the third largest in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, but deemed 'the greatest lake' by Virgil, it is an unforgettable sight to behold. So too are its surroundings, a cinematic scene of undulating hills, the mighty Alps, a profusion of flora and the ornate architecture of historic structures, sprawling villas and lavish hotels.
But as well as the city of Como itself, which is the gateway to the area and known for its Gothic cathedral and waterfront promenade, there are many beautiful towns to visit in this unique part of the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It can be an overwhelming task to plan a trip through this beautiful spot, so we've searched far and wide for the best towns to visit on Lake Como.
Another great way of discovering this part of the world is to book a coveted spot on Good Housekeeping's escorted tour. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity includes a seven-night stay in Colico, a fantastic city on the shore of Lake Como, from which you'll take a boat ride through pretty villages and lakeside ports, as well as having plenty of time to unwind and explore the best towns on Lake Como.
Another highlight of the trip will be a voyage into neighbouring Switzerland; you'll get the chance to visit the timelessly luxurious town of St Moritz on the Bernina Express, known for its spacious, panoramic carriages.
In the meantime, we've rounded up some of our favourite destinations to help you feel inspired to visit the nicest towns in Lake Como, whether on a long weekend, a week or an extended tour. There are well-known spots you might have heard of, like Bellagio, Cernobbio and Varenna, as well as more undiscovered Lake Como towns like Lecco, Nesso and Colico.
Varenna
Consistently considered one of the most beautiful Lake Como towns since it was established in the eighth century (reportedly by a fisherman who loved the location), Varenna is a must for any Como itinerary.
You can get the train directly to Varenna from Milan in just an hour, and it's around a 15-minute ferry to other towns including Bellagio, so it makes a great stop on a Como tour. Variously called a town and a village, this charming spot is all about fishing and keeping the traditions of the past alive, so expect authentic restaurants service deliciously fresh seafood. It's also home to grand villas and botanical gardens – don't miss Villa Monastero and the Castle of Vezio.
Good Housekeeping's Lake Como, St Moritz and Bernina Railway tour features a coach excursion to Varenna, offering the chance to make the most of this wonderful town on Lake Como. This will occur during your seven-night stay in Colico, alongside a picturesque cruise along the lake in a private boat.
Bellagio
It sounds hyperbolic, but the beauty of Bellagio is truly breathtaking. This so-called 'Pearl of Lake Como' is located on the promontory that separates the two southern branches of the lake, and is widely considered one of the most romantic places in the entire Lombardy region.
Why, you might well ask? It's partly thanks to its colourful and historic centre, but also the gardens that explode into life here each year, including the parks of Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. Locals recommend exploring Bellagio's charming neighbourhoods outside peak season (from mid-June to August) wherever possible as it gets busy, but it's stunning at any time of year.
Its central location also makes it a must-visit, easily combined with trips to towns like Menaggio and Varenna – the latter of which you can visit as part of Good Housekeeping's Lake Como and Switzerland tour.
Colico
The town of Colico continues to be an undiscovered gem despite the fact that it is one of the best towns on Lake Como – especially if you love the idea of visiting somewhere authentic and charmingly off the beaten track.
It's located on the northern tip of Lake Como and is the site in which the Adda river flows into the majestic lake. For history buffs, it's a dream destination; thanks to its strategic location it has an intriguing legacy of conquests and dominations, all of which can be seen through structures like the Montecchio Nord and Fuentes forts. There are also strings of pretty mountain trails to be taken here, promising striking viewpoints and photo opportunities.
Colico happens to be the place you'll stay for seven nights during Good Houskeeping's Lake Como and Switzerland tour. The charming Hotel Risi will be your lakeside home for the duration, and nothing could beat drinking in the heavenly scenery from your room or the hotel's sun terrace.
Lecco
Lecco is a Lake Como town to head for if you're seeking an active retreat in Lombardy. It's known for watersports, esepcially in the summer months when sailors, swimmers, divers and even kite surfers take to its scenic waters. Walking an cycling are also a highlight here, with a great range of mountain climbs and more gentle routes for those looking for a slower lakeside amble.
It's set on the southeastern branch of Lake Como, meaning it also offers views of the striking Orobian Pre-Alps. There's a lovely historic town centre to explore, which features impressively preserved 19th century and Neoclassical architecture, including the pretty Palazzo delle Paure.
Como
Strictly speaking, Como is a city not a town – you can tell thanks to perhaps its most famous feature, the Gothic-style cathedral at its centre. Yet, it maintains the charm and intimacy of a town, very easily walkable and with all the restaurants, shops and attractions you'd expect from the area's main tourist hub.
As well as the cathedral, there are other churches to visit, as well as the Volta museum and historic Teatro Sociale opera house – full of rich red velvet and gold gilding. The train here from Milan can take as little as just over half an hour, so it's well worth considering Como as a day trip even if you're not continuing to explore the region – though, when you've made it to the gateway to the region, it can be hard to resist continuing.
Nesso
The most famous sight in Nesso is a stone bridge, from which locals and tourists alike can be seen jumping into the lake during the sunny summer months. But there's more to this charmingly authentic town than its photogenic bridge; there's also a waterfall, considered the best of its kind in the area, no end of nature walks and even a small historic centre to explore.
This is a Lake Como town to head for if you're seeking plenty of peace and tranquillity. Though it's smaller than some of its more famous neighbours (including Bellagio), it's a beautiful place to spend a day or two.
Tremezzina
You might recognise the name of this town from one of the most famous hotels in Lake Como – the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which lives up to its auspicious name with an air of old-world glamour. In fact, Tremezzo is a village within the town of Tremezzina, which is known for its rich historic and cultural scene.
Located opposite Bellagio on the western banks of the lake, Tremezzina is the home of Villa Balbianello (used as a set for major international films including Star Wars) and the wonderful museum and botanical garden, Villa Carlotta. There are also postcard-perfect hamlets and villages to explore, and churches built in traditional Como style.
Cernobbio
Another Lake Como town made famous by a hotel within it, Cernobbio is home to Villa d'Este, a grande dame hotel with awe-inspiring gardens that non-guests can also visit. But there's more to explore than that in this excellent Como starting point close to the border with Switzerland.
Many come here to taste delicious traditional dishes such as perch fish risotto in authentic local restaurants and soak up the buzz of one of the loveliest towns by the lake. There are also plenty of grand villas to explore here, including Villa Bernasconi, which is open to the public as a museum and provides and wonderful example of Art Nouveau architecture.
Menaggio
Another popular town on Lake Como, Menaggio is a top spot to visit during a holiday here. Simply walking through its narrow streets, exploring its historic centre and ambling along the elegant lakefront (one of the longest on Lake Como) are reason enough to visit. Like Cernobbio, it's considered a great starting point for any Lake Como voyage, perhaps because of its central position on the western shore.
It can be a wonderfully lively place as well as a scenic one. Visitors can expect to find sunset craft markets every Friday evening during the summer season, as well as fun festivals in the piazza, where music and food fill the town with life.
Argegno
In often (mistakenly) overlooked Argegno, there's plenty of fun to be found along the beautiful lakefront. There's a lively main piazza encircled by bars, cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy anything from a morning cappuccino to a glass of wine at sunset – not to mention lunches and dinners that taste like they've been made by a talented Italian friend.
There's also a charming market to be found here on Mondays, set up next to the little harbour that fronts the town. Another highlight is a visit to Santissima Trinità, the local church. You could spend hours exploring the eandering back streets and hills that also keep in-the-know visitors coming back to this gem on the lake.
More Italian holiday ideas:
- The best Italian family holidays
- Lake Orta is the hidden gem of the Italian lakes
- The most stylish Airbnb's in Italy
- The most fabulous weekend breaks in Italy
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