Where To Stay In Lake Como? These Towns Will Make You Want To Book A Trip

Lake Como is one of the most popular destinations in North Italy. A luxurious and romantic area where the crystal-blue waters of the lake meet the majestic Alps mountains, Lake Como is a renowned tourist spot with charming towns, lakeside promenades and stunning historical villas facing the waters. Deciding where to stay in Lake Como is fundamental to having a memorable vacation packed with exciting experiences.

This guide will help you navigate the various towns along Lake Como’s shores so you can choose the best one to stay in, depending on your travel needs. We have also included some useful tips to make your trip to Lake Como stress-free, as well as the best things to see in each town and how to reach them.

Where To Stay In Lake Como

Lake Como isn’t just one destination, it is a collection of charming lakeside towns, each with its own personality. Some are famous for luxury hotels and grand villas, others for colorful waterfronts, easy ferry connections, or a quieter, more authentic atmosphere. Choosing the right base can make a big difference to your trip.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best towns to stay in Lake Como, highlighting what each is known for, who it’s best suited to, and our favorite hotel recommendations. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family holiday, or your first visit to Italy’s most famous lake, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.

The Main Neighborhoods Of Lake Como 

Lake Como has many beautiful towns, and below you will find a list of the best ones. 

• Como – The town that gives its name to the lake, elegant Como is full of charm and history and is the perfect base for the whole family. 
• Lecco – The poetic vibe is everywhere in this town on the eastern branch of Lake Como. The history of Lecco is deeply intertwined with one of Italy’s most famous novels, I Promessi Sposi by novelist Alessandro Manzoni. 
• Bellagio – Lake Como’s most romantic town, Bellagio rises on the promontory that divides the lake into the two branches of Como and Lecco. Its beautiful villas overlooking the lake’s waters make Bellagio the busiest town in the area.
• Menaggio – With an elegant lakeside promenade, this picturesque town is fantastic for outdoor lovers and foodies, thanks to the many aquatic sports opportunities and traditional restaurants.
• Varenna – A quiet town, in Varenna you will experience a more authentic side of Lake Como. Incredible views over Menaggio and Bellagio also characterize picturesque Varenna.
• Tremezzo – This historical town will enchant you with its ancient churches and elegant villas. During the summer, Tremezzo is vibrant with events, from concerts to gourmet festivals. 

Como

What’s There And Why Visit 

As the largest town on Lake Como, Como is the perfect balance of convenience, history, and lakeside charm. It’s the easiest town to reach from Milan by train, making it an excellent base for first-time visitors or anyone planning a shorter trip without a car.

Unlike many of the smaller villages around the lake, Como feels like a lively city, with bustling piazzas, elegant shopping streets, waterfront promenades, and plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants to enjoy throughout the day.

It’s also home to several standout attractions, including the impressive Villa Olmo, the fascinating Museo Volta, and the funicular to Brunate, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.

Best of all, Como is relatively flat compared to many of the lake’s hillside towns, making it one of the easiest places to explore on foot.

Suggested Hotels Near Como

Things To See Near Como 

• Duomo di Como – One of the most beautiful monuments in northern Italy and the third-largest church in Lombardy, visiting Como’s cathedral is a great way to discover the architectural style of different historical periods as the church is a harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.
• Villa Olmo – A mesmerizing neoclassical villa constructed at the end of the 18th century, Villa Olmi is made of a perfect-tailored garden and several adjacent buildings. The villa is today a lakefront location for art exhibitions and events. 
• Museo Volta – An incredible temple-like Neoclassical building that hosts the museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the Italian inventor of the first electric generator ever made. Built in 1927, the museum contains equipment Volta used in his research.
• Piazza San Fedele – Como’s main square is the perfect spot for enjoying an afternoon of shopping, sipping a good espresso in one of its bars, or tasting a local meal in a traditional restaurant, all while people-watching.
• Museo della Seta – A museum entirely dedicated to silk, one of the most luxurious fabrics out there. Visiting the museum, you’ll learn all about Lake Como’s history of producing this wonderful material. The museum also has a shop where you can buy handmade silk clothing pieces. 
• Funiculare Como-Brunate – Taking the cable car from Como up to Brunate is the best way to marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Como town, the lake, and the Alps in the distance. The funicular has been operating since the early 19th century and will get you to an altitude of almost 800 meters. 

Getting There 

Duomo di Como – From Como S. Giovanni train station, take Via Alessandro Manzoni. After 200 meters, turn left on Via Maestri Comacini and immediately right on Piazza del Duomo until you get to the cathedral.

Villa Olmo – A nice way to get to Villa Olmo is by taking a relaxing 15-minute sidelake walk along Passeggiata Lino Gelpi, which starts from Como’s city center.

Museo Volta – Head to the lakefront and turn left to Lungo Lario Trento. Keep walking on the lakeside promenade until you see the Giardini del Tempio Voltiano. Turn left on Lungolago Mafalda di Savoia: the museum is at the end of the street.

Piazza San Fedele – From the Como S. Giovanni train station, exit from the main entrance and walk for about 10 minutes through the city center. 

Museo della Seta – From Como S. Giovanni train station you can either walk for around 22 minutes or take the public bus to arrive at the museum. The bus N7 will drop you off at the Como – Università stop, just 1 minute away from the museum. 

Funiculare Como-Brunate – With a 5-minute walk from Como S. Giovanni train station, you will find the funicular that will take you to Brunate.

Suggested Activities In Como 

Lecco

What’s There And Why Visit 

The town gives its name to the eastern branch of Lake Como, and it is the best place to stay in Lake Como if you love mountain treks. Lecco is also the town where you can find the most affordable accommodation options, so it is where to stay in Lake Como if you don’t want to break the bank.

Lecco has a special place in Italian literature and culture as it inspired Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni to write one of the country’s masterpieces, the novel I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed in English). So, make sure not to miss visiting Villa Manzoni while in town.

Suggested Hotels Near Lecco

Things To See Near Lecco 

• Chiesa di San Vitale e Valeria – Located in the namesake square, this church has several interesting design elements added over time. The most striking ones are the 15th-century bell tower and the baroque façade. This church is also known as the “Chiesa di Don Abbondio”, a character in the famous Italian novel I Promessi Sposi. 
• Basilica di San Nicola – This church underwent several changes and additions through the centuries. Beautiful is the church’s interior, with numerous frescoes, most notably the Glory of the Madonna on the ceiling. Moreover, the church’s bell tower with nine bells is the second highest in Italy, and when they ring can be heard in every corner of Lecco. 
• Villa Manzoni – The private summer residence of Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni, the villa has been converted into the Civico Museo Manzoniano, where visitors can discover manuscripts, artworks, and mementos from his personal works and collection.

Getting There 

Chiesa di San Vitale e Valeria – From Lecco train station, take the bus D35 for a 5-minute ride and get off at Lecco – Corso Matteotti. Walk until you reach the junction with Via Caldone to the right. Take the street, and after a couple of minutes, you will be at your destination. 

Basilica di San Nicola – From Lecco train station, exit north to P.za Stazione and walk Via Centrone. At the roundabout, take the third exit on Via Giuseppe Resinelli. In 120 meters, turn left to Via S. Nicolò. The Basilica is on the right at the end of the street.

Villa Manzoni – Exit Lecco Train station southwest towards Piazza Armando Diaz. Take this street on the left and keep walking until the roundabout. Take the first street, Via Digione, and right away to the left to Via Carlo Porta. Turn right at the intersection with Via Don Guanella, and after 100 meters, keep left to stay on Via Don Guanella until you reach the villa. 

Suggested Activities In Lecco 

Bellagio

What’s There And Why Visit 

This is hands-down the most famous town in Lake Como. It has a luxurious vibe thanks to the high-end accommodation options and fine-dining restaurants. If you want to spoil yourself, Bellagio is where to stay in Lake Como.

Bellagio is conveniently located at the center of the lake, within striking distance of multiple attractions. It is considered the pearl of Lake Como for its beautiful villas and spectacular sunsets. 

Suggested Hotels Near Bellagio

Things To See Near Bellagio 

• Basilica di San Giacomo – A Romanesque church built in the 11th century, the Basilica is not impressive from the outside as it shows off an unadorned stone façade. You will need to step inside to marvel at a mix of artwork from the Umbrian and Lombard schools, Romanesque sculpture, and a marble pulpit with columns.
• Villa Serbelloni – This gorgeous lakeside villa was constructed as the vacation residence of a noble family from Bergamo. In 1873, Villa Serbelloni was turned into a luxury hotel still open today. You will be glad to hear that although you aren’t a hotel guest, you can visit the villa and its 50 acres of garden.
• Villa Melzi – This 19th-century mansion was commissioned by the Duke of Lodi and is one of the most beautiful of Lake Como’s lakeside villas. The best part of Villa Melzi is the huge outdoor botanical garden with exotic trees and flowers, an orangery, and a hill-pine forest.
• Lido di Bellagio – Why not take a refreshing swim and sunbathe in the turquoise water of Lake Como to beat the summer heat? Bellagio has its own little beach with white gazebos and a bistrot for a delicious lunch. During the weekend, Lido di Bellagio turns into an exclusive nightclub, hosting the best DJ sets. 

Getting There 

Basilica di San Giacomo – Head left on P.za Giuseppe Mazzini from the Bellagio ferry terminal. Take the third street on the right, Salita Maraffio, and walk straight to the church.

Villa Serbelloni – From the Bellagio ferry terminal, head left on P.za Giuseppe Mazzini and walk for about 2 minutes to reach the villa. 

Villa Melzi – Right outside the Bellagio ferry terminal, take a right on P.za Giuseppe Mazzini, and keep walking on the lakeside promenade Lungo Lario Manzoni until you reach your destination.

Lido di Bellagio – The beach is located along the Lungo Lario Manzoni. So From the Bellagio ferry terminal, take P.za Giuseppe Mazzini to the right and walk until you get there.

Suggested Activities In Bellagio 

• Bellagio: The Devil’s Bridge Wilderness Walk – Discover a hidden side of Lake Como with a walk that starts from the mysterious Devil’s Bridge and runs through a paradise-like landscape that will delight you with spectacular vistas. 
• Lake Como Kayak Tour from Bellagio – Paddle with a local guide on Lake Como to discover its history and ecosystem while admiring scenic attractions such as Pescallo Bay, Rockefeller Cliffs, and Villa Serbelloni.

Varenna

What’s There And Why Visit 

This picturesque town on the eastern shore of Lake Como has an authentic and peaceful atmosphere as opposed to the more touristy Como and Bellagio.

With a distinct village vibe, in Varenna you will experience the traditions of the past, with fishing being at the core of the locals’ activities. 

The town is also home to stunning villas with botanical gardens and unmissable nature trails that will lead you to breathtaking panoramic vistas and history-rich spots.  

Suggested Hotels Near Varenna

Things To See Near Varenna 

• Villa Monastero – This stunning villa is one of the most photographed places in Varenna. It houses a museum that displays 14 of the villa’s rooms with their original furniture in neo-Renaissance and neo-Rococò styles. Villa Monastero’s best part is its impressive botanical garden with rare native and exotic tree species.
• Villa Cipressi – Another magnificent villa on Lake Como’s shores, Villa Cipressi houses a 4-star hotel. The villa’s sumptuous, terraced garden is open to the public, and you’ll surely love its bucolic but luxurious atmosphere!
• Riva Grande – Varenna’s most authentic side, Riva Grande is the ancient fishing village. The quaint little harbor with views of Bellagio is the perfect spot to enjoy beautiful sunsets over Lake Como. 
• Castello di Vezio – The medieval castle of Vezio is located on a promontory over Varenna, boasting breathtaking views of the town and Lake Como. Besides being a scenic viewpoint, Castello di Vezio is immersed in olive groves which makes for a relaxing visit. The castle also houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Lariosaurus, around which is a local legend similar to the one of the Loch Ness monster.

Getting There 

Villa Monastero – From Varenna ferry terminal head right on Via Imbarcadero. Walk the lakeside promenade for around 5 minutes, turn left on Contrada Giovanni Battista Pirelli and right on Via Venini. You will find Villa Monastero on the right after walking 280 meters more.

Villa Cipressi – Villa Cipressi is right before Villa Monastero, so follow the same road to get there. 

Riva Grande – From the Varenna ferry terminal you can reach Riva Grande by walking the lakeside promenade, also known as “Passeggiata degli innamorati” (Walk of lovers). From the ferry station, just head right on Via Imbarcadero and walk until you arrive at your destination.

Vezio Castle – With a good 30-minute walk you will get to Vezio Castle. Take Via Piazza Martiri from the Varenna ferry terminal. Turn right on Via Venini and walk around 200 meters until you see some stairs on your left. Take the stairs and follow the path all the way to Via della Costanza. Take the right, and the destination will be on your left after 350 meters. 

Suggested Activities In Varenna 

Menaggio

What’s There And Why Visit 

The main town on the western shore of Lake Como, the charming Menaggio features a historic center with narrow alleys and medieval stone buildings, and a sumptuous lakeside promenade.

The pedestrian-only center is full of entertaining options, like shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors, while the promenade with gorgeous villas, colorful flowerbeds, and tall palm trees is perfect for a relaxing walk.

Suggested Hotels Near Menaggio

Things To See Near Menaggio 

• Villa Mylius Vigoni – Crossing the halls of this villa, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most important artworks of the early nineteenth century. But Villa Mylius Vigoni is as stunning on the outside, surrounded by a well-curated English garden that creates a naturalistic setting of rare beauty. 
• La Crocetta – Lake Como is dotted with panoramic viewpoints, and La Crocetta is one that you really shouldn’t miss. So, climb above Menaggio and get ready to be astonished by the panorama! 
• Chiesa di Santo Stefano – This 17th-century church has a beautiful façade but is even more gorgeous inside. Thanks to its remarkable frescoes and paintings, you won’t regret visiting this church. 

Getting There 

Villa Mylius Vigoni – From the Menaggio ferry terminal you need to reach Hotel Loveno. Take the stairs beside the hotel and at the intersection, take the street on the left and then again on the left at the junction with Via Catulla Milyus Vigoni. After 180 meters, turn right on Via Vigoni to reach the villa. 

La Crocetta – Take the bus C12 from Menaggio’s center and get off at Croce – Piazza Chiesa stop. From the bus stop, walk to Via Pigato. The panoramic viewpoint is at the end of the street.

Chiesa di Santo Stefano – From Menaggio ferry terminal, head right to Via IV Novembre. After 5 minutes, your destination is on the left. 

Suggested Activities In Menaggio 

Tremezzo 

What’s There And Why Visit 

This stunning town on the western banks of Lake Como is a beautiful hamlet where you will find a perfect mix of nature, history, and lifestyle.

Crossed by the ancient Via Regina, the peculiarity of Tremezzo is that it is part of the municipality called Tremezzina with the nearby villages of Lenno, Mezzegra, and Ossuccio. 

Praised since medieval times to be an area of eternal spring for which it has been nicknamed “Riviera delle azalee” (“Riviera of azaleas” in English), Tremezzo hosts the breathtaking Villa Carlotta, and it is within easy reach to Villa Balbianello, used as the movie set for Casino Royale and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones. 

Suggested Hotels Near Tremezzo

Things To See Near Tremezzo 

• Villa Carlotta – If there is a villa you need to see while in Lake Como, that is Villa Carlotta. A neoclassical masterpiece, the villa’s vast terraced garden is a paradise of colorful flowers and plants from every corner of the world. The villa is also famous for the art collections housed inside, which gather pieces by Antonio Canova, Francesco Hayez, and Bertel Thorvaldsen.
• Chiesa di San Lorenzo – If you are passionate about art and architecture, you will love this church with an eclectic style already evident in the neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque elements of the façade. The towering hills in the church’s background make it truly extraordinary!
• Chiesa di San Bartolomeo – A small church featuring architectural elements from different centuries, get inside to see beautiful decorative paintings around the altar. Next to the church starts a path known as “Selve di Rogaro” that leads to the small village of Rogaro, boasting panoramic views.

Getting There 

Villa Carlotta – From the Tremezzo ferry terminal, take the right and walk on the lakeside promenade for about 8 minutes until you get to your destination on the left. 

Chiesa di San Lorenzo – Take the lakeside street to the left of the Tremezzo ferry terminal and proceed for about 5 minutes until you reach a parking lot. Turn right to find the church.

Chiesa di San Bartolomeo – The church is right in front of the Tremezzo ferry terminal.

Suggested Activities In Tremezzo 

Map Of Lake Como

Use the interactive map below to explore the best towns to stay in Lake Como, from picturesque Bellagio and romantic Varenna to lively Como and laid-back Menaggio. See where each town is located around the lake, compare their proximity to major attractions and ferry connections, and find the best base for your travel style and budget.

Lake Como Travel Tips

How To Get Around 

Since the best place to stay on Lake Como for your travel needs may be one town rather than another, you might wonder how to get to the other gorgeous places along the lake’s shores. 

Many think having a car is necessary to get around Lake Como’s towns, but the truth is that they are very well connected by public transport. So here’s an overview of all the ways to get around Lake Como.

Ferry

All the most famous towns on Lake Como are sitting right on its shores, so the fastest way to move from one to another is by ferry. You can either buy the ferry tickets online in advance or directly at the ferry terminal in each town. Several types of tickets are available: one-way, return ticket, one-day pass, and multi-day pass. 

While the passes can be purchased only at the terminals’ ticket offices, single tickets are available online at the official website of Navigazione Laghi, where you will also find the ferry timetables and prices. 

We highly recommend you buy tickets online to avoid the long queues during the summer period. 

Bus

Public buses are a great way to get around Lake Como as the routes connecting the different towns are incredibly scenic. 

Numerous bus lines connect the different towns, so you will need to check the current timetables and prices for the various bus lines on the official website ASF Autolinee. The website is not the easiest to navigate, so you might want to ask for information at the tourist office of the town you currently are in. 

On Foot

You might be surprised that several of Lake Como’s towns are so close to each other that you can get from one to the other by walking via gorgeous lakefront promenades. 

Car

Having a car will allow you to visit all the beautiful places around the lake at your own pace.  If you’re looking to save money, make sure to learn about car rental coupon codes

However, if you are considering renting a car during your trip to Lake Como, there are some points you should think about: 

• Car rental is expensive.
• The roads around the lake are twisty and often very narrow with sharp bends.
• Some locals drive in a pretty assertive manner.
• Finding parking will be challenging, especially in high season.

Plan Your Trip

To make your trip to Lake Como run smoothly, you will want to keep in mind these tips:

Learn some Italian before you go – Compared to more touristy places in Italy like Rome and Venice, fewer people in Lake Como speak English. Your life will be much easier if you learn a few key words and phrases in Italian beforehand.

Check the ferry timetable – This is of fundamental importance whenever you take a ferry: if you don’t catch the last ferry of the day, your only option to get back to where you’re staying might be taking a taxi – which usually is quite expensive.

Pack comfortable walking shoes – During your exploration of Lake Como you will be walking a lot, trust us! Plus, many of the lakefront towns are covered with jagged cobbles and have steep stairways, so a good pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must in your suitcase. 

Cash on hand – While restaurants accept bank cards, you may run into the possibility of having to pay cash for smaller purchases, be it a cappuccino at the bar or a gelato at the ice cream parlor.  

Bring with you a reusable water bottle – North Italy’s water is some of the cleanest you will find in Europe as it comes directly from the mountains, so having a reusable water bottle with you at all times is not only an eco-friendly option but also one that will save you money.

What To Pack For Lake Como

Packing for Lake Como is all about balancing comfort with a little bit of style. Between exploring picturesque lakeside towns, hopping on ferries, visiting grand villas and gardens, and enjoying waterfront restaurants, you’ll want comfortable walking gear, versatile outfits, and a few essentials for spending time on the water. The weather can also change throughout the day, so packing layers will help you make the most of your visit.

• Comfortable walking shoes – The charming towns around Lake Como have cobblestone streets, steps, and hilly paths, so bring supportive shoes you can comfortably wear all day.
• Lightweight clothing – Breathable tops, shorts, dresses, and linen pieces are ideal for exploring during the warmer summer months.
• A light sweater or jacket – Mornings, evenings, and ferry rides can feel cooler than expected, especially in spring and fall.
• A packable rain jacket or compact umbrella – Be prepared for passing showers that could affect your plans for exploring towns, gardens, and viewpoints.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat – You’ll spend plenty of time outdoors, whether strolling along the waterfront, visiting villas, or enjoying a boat ride.
• A swimsuit – Pack one if you plan to swim, visit a lakeside beach, or take advantage of a hotel pool.
• A day bag – A small backpack or crossbody bag is useful for carrying water, sunscreen, your camera, and other essentials while exploring different towns.
• A reusable water bottle – Keep hydrated while walking between attractions, especially on warm days.
• A slightly dressier outfit – Bring something suitable for an evening aperitivo, a lakeside dinner, or a special restaurant.
• A modest outfit for churches – Keep a lightweight layer handy to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites that require modest dress.
• A portable power bank – You’ll likely use your phone for ferry schedules, navigation, restaurant research, and plenty of photos throughout the day.
• A camera or smartphone – From colorful villages and historic villas to mountain backdrops and lake views, Lake Como offers endless photography opportunities.
• A small amount of cash and a bank card – Having both gives you flexibility for small purchases, cafés, and places that may not accept every payment method.

Where Should You Stay In Lake Como?

The best place to stay in Lake Como depends on the type of trip you’re planning. Bellagio is perfect for first-time visitors wanting classic lake views and excellent ferry connections, while Varenna offers a quieter, more romantic atmosphere with easy train access from Milan. Menaggio is a fantastic all-round choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts, and Como is the most convenient base if you’re arriving by train or only have a short time to explore.

For those seeking luxury, Tremezzo is home to some of Lake Como’s most spectacular hotels and historic villas. Wherever you choose to stay, the ferry network makes it easy to visit the lake’s most beautiful towns, meaning there’s no single ‘best’ base, just the one that’s right for your travel style.

Frequently Asked Questions