Lake Como Itinerary: The Perfect Day Trip or Extended Stay Guide
- Hannah Nietfeld
- May 31
- 13 min read
There is a reason the world's wealthiest families have been building villas on Lake Como for 2,000 years. It is one of those places that exceed every expectation as the water shifts between turquoise and deep green depending on the light, the mountains rise straight out of the lake on all sides, and the villages clinging to the cliff edges look like something a painter invented. You could come here for a single day from Milan and leave completely changed. Or you could stay for a week and still not want to leave. This guide covers both: a perfect one-day itinerary that works as a standalone day trip, plus extended days for those with more time who want to slow down, hike, explore the villas, and truly settle into the pace of this lake.
Day 1 is designed as a self-contained day trip. If you only have one day, do Day 1 and it will be enough for a first visit. Days 2 and 3 are for those staying longer, and they are absolutely worth it if you can swing it.
My Time at Lake Como
The same weekend that I visited Milan and Venice, click on each city for a detailed itinerary of both destinations, I also visited Lake Como. I had the most spectular itinerary planned... train to Como, look around the town a bit, then ferry hop to Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. And of course, the travel gods thought that plan was too unrealistic and threw a wrench in it. For starters, my friends missed the train we had booked from Milan to Como because they slept in, so I was wandering Como alone and for much longer than anticipated. Then, when tryinig to buy ferry tickets, they were all sold out until 11am, and its a long journey from Como to one of the other cities, so we picked one and that happened to be Bellagio. It was absolutely beautiful and I am so glad that's where we spent the day. We went in February and over half of the shops and restaurants were closed for the season. Even the gardens were closed! But, again, we made the most of it, and the real showstopper was seeing the most incredible sunset of my life, and that was truly priceless. The moment I left, I was ready to go back. Further explore the beautiful towns, homes, and scenes of Lake Como. I hope you get to explore the beauty and bliss that truly is Lake Como.
Lake Como at a Glance
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October. Spring is the most beautiful time of the year with the gardens at Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello are in full bloom, the weather is mild, and the crowds are lighter than peak summer. July and August bring heat, maximum crowds, and ferry lines that can stretch over an hour in the afternoon. Autumn is quieter with warm colours in the hills and significantly cheaper accommodation.
Recommended trip length: 1 day as a day trip from Milan, or 3 to 5 days for a proper extended stay.
Getting there from Milan: The fastest and easiest option is the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (about 1 hour, direct). Varenna is one of the most beautiful towns on the lake and the perfect base for the central lake area. The other option is the train to Como San Giovanni (about 30 minutes from Milan), which puts you in the city of Como at the southern end of the lake. From Como you then take the ferry or bus north. Note: in Summer 2025 the Varenna-Esino station was closed for track works, always check Trenitalia for current schedules before you travel.
Getting around: the public ferry system (Navigazione Laghi) is the backbone of Lake Como transport and is genuinely one of the pleasures of the lake. Ferries connect all the main towns: Como, Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Lenno. Services run all day from early morning to late evening, with more frequent departures in summer. There is a big risk that ferry tickets will sell out, so be prepared with a back-up plan.
Currency: Euro. Lake Como is not budget-friendly and Bellagio in particular is notoriously expensive. Eating one or two streets back from the waterfront cuts costs significantly, and staying in Varenna or Menaggio rather than Bellagio saves money without sacrificing beauty.
The Ferry System: Everything You Need to Know
Understanding the ferry system before you arrive will save you hours of frustration and missed connections. Here is exactly how it works.
Types of ferries:
Regular service (slow boats): stop at every town along the route. Scenic, relaxed, and great for photography. Best for leisurely exploration.
Fast service (express/aliscafo hydrofoil): skips most stops and connects major towns quickly. Ideal for day trips when time matters.
Car ferries: the main triangle route connecting Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia. Even as a foot passenger, these short crossings (10 to 20 minutes) are the most efficient way to hop between the central lake towns.
How to buy tickets:
Online: Regular service tickets (not express, not car ferries) can be purchased in advance through the Navigazione Laghi website. This is only a booking confirmation, it does not guarantee priority boarding. I would recommend this option to guarantee that you have a ferry ticket for the day, and it's best to book as soon as you've solidified dates of travel. At the ticket office: Arrive at the ticket booth at least 20 minutes before departure. In peak season, arrive 30 to 45 minutes early, lines for both tickets and boarding can stretch very long by mid-morning. The ticket offices open early (typically 7 to 7:30 AM in summer). This is still a gamble if you will get tickets and the desired departure time. Even in the off season, we had to wait 1-2 hours for the next available ferry.
Day pass: The best value if you plan to hop between multiple towns. The Central Lake Day Pass covers the triangle of Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, and surrounding towns for approximately €15-30 per person. Buy it first thing in the morning and use it all day.
The golden rule: buy your day pass when the ticket office opens in the morning (7 to 7:30 AM in peak season) and get on the water before 9 AM. By mid-afternoon, ferry queues in Bellagio can exceed one hour. Plan your return journey for mid-afternoon or take the late evening service when lines have cleared.
Express service tickets (fast boats/hydrofoils) cannot be purchased online and they must be bought at the ticket office in person. Factor this into your morning timing.
Day 1 - The Perfect Lake Como Day Trip Itinerary: Varenna, Bellagio, Villa del Balbianello
This is the one-day itinerary. If you are visiting Lake Como as a day trip from Milan, do exactly this and you will leave with a complete and beautiful experience. Everything below is achievable in one long day.
Arrive in Varenna
Take the earliest possible train from Milan. Varenna is the perfect entry point to the lake smaller and more authentic than Bellagio, directly accessible by train, and just a short ferry hop from everything else in the central lake.
Spend your first hour in Varenna itself, the town deserves it. The Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Walk of Lovers) is a short lakeside path carved into the cliff between the ferry pier and the old village is narrow, romantic, and impossibly scenic, with the water directly below and Bellagio visible across the lake. Walk it before the day warms up. From the path, climb the narrow stairways through the pastel houses into the village center and find a cafe for breakfast.
Castello di Vezio is worth the 20-minute uphill walk from the village center. This medieval castle ruin sits on a cliff above Varenna and offers one of the best panoramic views on the entire lake, the full central basin spread below you, with the mountains behind. Falconry displays run in summer. Entry is small (around €4). The view from the tower alone justifies it.
Villa Monastero, directly on the waterfront in Varenna, is a former monastery converted into a lakeside villa with extraordinary botanical gardens stretching several hundred metres along the shore. Less famous than Villa del Balbianello and less crowded. Entry approximately €5. Beautiful and peaceful.
Ferry to Bellagio:
Take the short car ferry from Varenna to Bellagio (about 15 minutes). Buy your Central Lake day pass at the Varenna ticket office before boarding.
Bellagio:
The Pearl of Lake Como. Walk the famous Salita Serbelloni, a steep, photogenic cobblestone street lined with shops and flower-draped houses. Walk to Punta Spartivento at the northern tip of the Bellagio promontory, a small park directly on the point where Lake Como splits into its two southern branches. The view in both directions is extraordinary. Benches and a café make it perfect for a long pause. Other great places in Bellagio are Spiaggetta and Giardini di Villa Melzi.
Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is the single most spectacular sight on Lake Como, and one of the most beautiful villas in Italy. Built in the 18th century on a wooded promontory above the lake at Lenno, its terraced gardens and arched loggia have appeared in Star Wars Episode II and Casino Royale (the James Bond film). The view from the upper terrace, looking across the lake with the Alps behind, is almost impossibly beautiful.
Book tickets in advance: they sell out, particularly on weekends and in peak season. Villa del Balbianello is open Tuesday to Sunday from late March to early November. Book at here. Interior guided tours must also be pre-booked.
Getting there from Bellagio:
Take the regular service ferry to Lenno (approximately 30 minutes), then walk about 20 minutes along the lake path to the villa entrance. Alternatively, private motorboats operate from the Lenno ferry landing directly to the villa dock, ask at the landing for the small boat shuttle, which runs on demand when the villa is open.
Spend at least 90 minutes here, one hour minimum for the gardens and terraces, more if you include the interior tour.
Return to Menaggio or Varenna for dinner:
From Lenno, take the ferry to Menaggio or back to Varenna. Eat at a restaurant off the waterfront for significantly better prices. Lake fish is the speciality: try the perch risotto (risotto di pesce persico), the lake trout, or the local missoltini (dried shad). For plant-based dining, many restaurants offer pasta and risotto dishes that can be adapted, just ask about ingredients.
Return to Milan:
The last direct train from Varenna to Milan typically runs around 9 to 10pm. Make sure to confirm times on Trenitalia before your trip.
Private Cruise on Lake Como
For a once in a lifetime experience, consider booking a private boat tour of Lake Como in a classic wooden boat. There are many boat companies to chose from, but this tour had the best ratings.
Fully Guided Tour from Como
If you only have one day for Lake Como and would prefer ease and comfort, I would highly recommend this tour. It is a full-day tour of Bellagio, Varenna, and Villa Monastero with a small group and private boat. The meeting point for this tour is Como, so if you chose to do this, make sure you book a train to Como instead of Varenna.
Day 2 - Extended Stay: Menaggio, the Greenway Trail, and Villa Carlotta
If you are staying overnight, base yourself in Varenna or Menaggio, both are less expensive than Bellagio, quieter, and equally beautiful. Menaggio on the western shore is the best hiking base and has a genuinely local atmosphere with a long lakeside promenade, good restaurants, and excellent ferry connections in all directions.
Morning - Hike the Greenway del Lago di Como:
The Greenway is a 10 km waymarked trail along the western shore of the lake between Colonno and Cadenabbia-Griante, passing through ancient villages, olive groves, and the most scenic stretch of the western shore. The trail connects a string of small hamlets, Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo, with constant lake views throughout. The full trail takes 3 to 4 hours at a comfortable pace. Start from Cadenabbia (ferry from Menaggio, 10 minutes) and walk south toward Lenno, finishing at Villa del Balbianello if you have not visited yet.
The highlight along the Greenway is the section between Ossuccio and Lenno, the lake is below you, the mountains behind, and the path winds through stone walls and overhanging vegetation.
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is the most garden-focused of the lake's great villas and is spectacular in spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. The neoclassical villa was built in the late 17th century and contains sculptures by Canova and Thorvaldsen alongside exceptional botanical collections. The terraced gardens climb the hillside behind the villa. Open mid-March to mid-November. Entry approximately €12. Accessible directly by ferry (Tremezzo stop).
Afternoon and evening in Menaggio:
Explore the town's promenade, swim at Lido di Menaggio (a pool complex and beach, one of the best swim spots on the lake), and eat dinner in the piazza. Menaggio has the most local restaurant scene of the main lake towns, significantly better value than Bellagio with comparable quality.
Day 3 - Extended Stay: Sentiero del Viandante Hike, Como City, Private Boat
Morning - Sentiero del Viandante:
This ancient Roman-era trail runs the full length of the eastern shore of Lake Como, originally used as a trade and pilgrimage route between Como and the Valtellina valley. The full trail is 130 km but individual sections above Varenna are the most accessible and rewarding. The section from Varenna north toward Esino Lario climbs steeply through woodland and terraced hillsides, offering the most dramatic high-altitude views of the central basin. Allow 3 hours for a section hike and descent. Wear proper shoes, the terrain is rocky and steep in places.
For a shorter and easier version: the balcony path above Varenna (part of the Sentiero del Viandante) gives spectacular views within 30 to 45 minutes of walking from the village center. Click here to see the trail map in Alltrials.
Afternoon - Como City:
Take the fast boat or train south to the city of Como for the afternoon. Como is often overlooked as just a transit point, but the city has a beautiful historic center worth two to three hours. The Como Cathedral (Duomo) is a spectacular Gothic and Renaissance building that took over 400 years to complete. The lakeside promenade (lungolago) stretches for several kilometres and is beautiful for a walk. Piazza Cavour is the main square, lined with cafes and facing the lake. The Volta Temple commemorates Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery, who was born here.
Cable car to Brunate:
From the lakeside in Como, a funicular railway climbs to the village of Brunate (700m) in about 7 minutes, giving panoramic views over Como, the southern end of the lake, and on clear days the Po Valley. A must-do if you are in Como. If you would like a guided tour of the city of Brunate, book this tour.
Where to Stay
Varenna is the best overall base for a first extended visit. It is quieter than Bellagio, directly accessible by train from Milan, and the most authentically Italian of the main towns. The ferry connections from Varenna are excellent in all directions.
Menaggio is the best base if hiking is a priority. Good local restaurants, a strong local atmosphere, and ferry connections to both Bellagio and Varenna make it highly practical. Plus it's much more affordable than Bellagio while offering incredible views.
Bellagio is the most famous and most beautiful town, but it comes at a price, accommodation is the most expensive on the lake, and it gets crowded. It's worth staying in for a night if the budget allows, but not essential.
Budget:
Ostello La Primula in Menaggio is a well-loved hostel on the lake with excellent reviews, a beautiful terrace, and very affordable rates. One of the most charming budget options at any Italian lake.
Mid-range:
Hotel du Lac in Varenna sits directly on the waterfront with some of the most beautiful lake views from any mid-range hotel in Italy. Book well in advance.
Luxury:
Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Tremezzo is one of the most celebrated hotels on Lake Como, a belle époque palace directly on the water with a floating pool on the lake.
Villa d'Este in Cernobbio is legendary, a former royalty and celebrities only, but genuinely extraordinary.
Practical Tips
Arrive early and leave mid-afternoon or late evening. The morning golden hour on Lake Como is genuinely different from the rest of the day, quieter, softer, and more beautiful. By 11am in peak season, the ferry queues in Bellagio are long and the village streets are packed.
Villa del Balbianello: book in advance on their official website here. This is not optional in peak season, tickets sell out days ahead, especially for weekend visits. The interior tour is an additional booking.
Bus alternative to ferry: the western shore of Lake Como (the Tremezzina side) is served by SPT buses running approximately hourly between Como and Menaggio. Buses are significantly cheaper than ferries and useful for the Greenway towns (Tremezzo, Lenno, Ossuccio). Buy tickets from the driver or at tabacchi shops.
Train to Varenna: the Milan Centrale to Varenna-Esino train is the fastest and most scenic approach. Buy tickets on Trenitalia.com or at the station. Check current schedules for any track work closures before you travel.
Swimming: Lake Como water is clear and cold, even in August it does not warm much above 72°F (22°C). The best swim spots are Lido di Bellagio, Lido di Menaggio, and the small beaches around Varenna. Swimming is free from public access points; lidos charge a small entry fee.
Eating well for less: the rule across all Lake Como towns is to walk two streets back from the waterfront. Restaurant prices drop noticeably and quality often improves. Ask for the menu del giorno (daily menu) at lunch, typically three courses for €12 to €18 at inland spots.
Common mistakes: not buying the day ferry pass early in the morning. Trying to visit Villa del Balbianello without a reservation. Scheduling the return ferry from Bellagio after 3pm in July and August when the queues can mean missing your train connection.
Next Stop After Lake Como
Venice: 3 to 3.5 hours by train from Milan, or approximately 2.5 hours from Varenna via Milan. The perfect continuation of a northern Italy trip. Read my 2-day travel guide for Venice here.
Cinque Terre: take the train south from Milan to La Spezia, gateway to the five coastal villages. A completely different Italian landscape and highly rewarding.
Florence: 1.5 to 2 hours by high-speed train from Milan. The art and cultural capital of Italy and the most natural next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Como worth visiting as a day trip?
Absolutely. A day trip from Milan combining Varenna, Bellagio, and Villa del Balbianello is one of the best day trips in all of Europe. If you can only do one day, follow the Day 1 itinerary exactly and you will leave completely satisfied.
Which town on Lake Como is best?
Varenna is the best all-round choice most authentic, directly accessible by train from Milan, beautiful, and well-positioned for ferry connections. Bellagio is more famous and more beautiful in a postcard sense but significantly more expensive and crowded. Menaggio is the best choice for hikers.
How do I buy Lake Como ferry tickets?
The Central Lake Day Pass (approximately €15) is the best value and covers all the main towns in the triangle. Buy at the ticket office at your departure town as soon as it opens, no later than 7:30 AM in peak season. Online booking is possible for regular service tickets but does not guarantee boarding and cannot be used for express service.
When should I visit Lake Como?
April to June is the sweet spot, flowers in bloom at the villas, mild temperatures, and lighter crowds. September and October are also excellent with autumn colors and off-peak prices. Avoid July and August if possible: the heat and crowds are intense and ferry queues can consume an hour of your day.
Can I swim in Lake Como?
Yes, and many visitors do in summer. The water is clear and cold. The best spots are Lido di Bellagio, Lido di Menaggio, and the public access points around Varenna. Swimming from the ferry piers is not permitted.
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