Lake como how many days

The specialties here are kayaking and stand up paddleboarding SUPing. You may choose to rent your own kayak or SUP board and explore the tranquil waters on your own; but, if you want an experienced guide to enhance the experience, you could book onto one of the available tours! The various tours take you on a journey of discovery, ducking into hidden corners and past little-known gems of the lake. Kayaking and SUPing might just be our favorite methods for exploring the lake.

Paddling offers an enchanting combination of scenery, fun, and tranquility, with a healthy dose of interesting stories and information if you decide to book a tour! Insider Tip: Advanced booking is required, so be sure to book your rentals or tour ahead of time.

Also, note that Bellagio Water Sports is generally closed on Sunday afternoons. Head to the ferry port, and embark on the beautiful minute journey across the lake. Menaggio was once a walled city, with roots stretching back thousands of years! Start by heading to Piazza Garibaldi, the main square of the town. Set off on the promenade from the square and meander along the lake, passing lush trees, colorful flower beds, and pastel houses.

Enjoy the gentle sounds of the lake and take in the beauty of the scenic surrounds. If you have time, perhaps hike up to the medieval part of Menaggio higher up the hill, with steep staircases, narrow alleyways, and stone buildings.

Sunset is a beautiful time on the lake. The daytime energy fades into the ambiance of the night, with air still warm from the heat of the sun. Just be sure to check the ferry and bus schedule for the evening!

Varenna is just a minute ferry ride from Menaggio and home to some of the most spectacular sunset spots on the lake! Try Ristorante La Vista, with its elevated lakeside terrace, for a sunset aperitif and some exquisitely prepared food.

Bar Il Molo also offers sensational lakeside views and tasty local dishes! Perched high up in the town, this restaurant offers incredible panoramic views and delectable Mediterranean dishes. There are dozens of towns and villages on Lake Como, but Varenna is often cited as a favorite amongst those who have visited. Smaller and quieter than its popular neighbors, Menaggio and Bellagio , Varenna is overflowing with undeniable rustic charm!

As your ferry pulls up to Varenna , your breath will be taken by its beauty. The colorful buildings are painted in autumnal colors, stacked cozily between the mountains and the lake! The village is steep, set against rugged cliffs, and surrounded by an unspoiled natural landscape. Your morning in Varenna will mostly consist of relaxing and wandering aimlessly, admiring the picturesque scenes and fairytale charm! Enjoy a peaceful portion of your Lake Como itinerary.

Castello di Vezio is a castle perched on the hill above Varenna. Originally built in the 11th and 12th centuries, the now dilapidated castle is a beautiful and important historic site. The best route up to the castle can be found right next to Albergo Ristorante Montecodeno. The route is well signposted along the way. The hike is steep but relatively short, taking around 20 — 30 minutes. The trail also immerses you in spectacular natural beauty; rugged rock walls and lush greenery to one side, and stunning lake views to the other.

Once you get to the top, panoramic views of the lake will open out in front of you! Spend some time exploring the castle, admiring the view, and sipping on a coffee from the hilltop cafe before heading back down to Varenna. With rough rocky walls and lush villa gardens to your right and the expansive lake to your left, the path meanders elegantly along the water. Beautiful green plants tangle from the walls, trees arch overhead, and the path takes you through a charming tunnel of ivy.

The views are amazing and the atmosphere is incredibly romantic! Completed in , Villa Carlotta is a beautiful 18th-century villa, surrounded by exotic botanical gardens. The art collection includes work from notable artists such as Hayez, Canova, and Migliara. The museum also offers visitors a trip back in time with the private apartments on the 2nd floor, filled with antique furniture.

The variety here is astounding; from bamboo forests and succulent rock gardens to romantic roses, citrus tunnels, and classic Italian gardens. By far the most popular attraction in Tremezzo is Villa Carlotta, but the small town is worth exploring in its own right as you pass through!

Villa Carlotta is located at the north of the town, so after exploring the villa you can make your way south. The views from the walk along the water are spectacular! Make the short journey on foot to The Tower of Rogaro, a medieval tower perched on a hill. You may also choose to stop by at the Church of Saint-Bartholomew.

With roots stretching back to the s, this tiny baroque-style church features some stunning paintings. This is a great stop during a weekend in Lake Como. The village of Lenno is just a short minute walk or an even shorter bus ride from Tremezzo and home to one of the most famous Lake Como points of interest: Villa del Belbionello. Situated on the tip of a quaint, wooded peninsula, the 18th-century lakeside villa is gorgeous and grand.

Surrounded by ornately carved statues and ivy draped stone walls, it boasts exceptional views of the lake, as well as perfectly pruned terraced gardens. A number of feature films have used the villa as a shotting location. Next, it solidified its film star status when it appeared as an important shooting location for Casino Royale! Perhaps the most recognizable feature of the villa is the perfectly dome-shaped tree sitting in the lake-facing garden.

Insider Tip: The villa closes at pm each day and is closed on Mondays and Wednesday. Be sure to plan your time accordingly during day 2 of your Lake Como Itinerary! Set on the slopes of Mount Tremezzo, the village offers many of the same charms as the other lakeside villages; A beautiful waterfront promenade, narrow alleyways, and historic buildings.

Lenno is quieter than many of the neighboring towns, making it a good place to enjoy some peace. Lenno is also well known for its incredible olive oil, so be sure to pick up a bottle to take home with you or enjoy while touring Lake Como! The best place in Lenno to buy some is Oleificia Vanini Osvaldo. Even broke backpackers in Italy will slurge on this wonderful olive oil. For more awesome hostel options, check out our favorite hostels in Milan.

If you have 3 days in Lake Como or longer, our first suggestion would be to spread out the activities from the first two days in order to really appreciate each stop. Here are some of our favorites for a 3-day itinerary in Lake Como. A small wooded island in the western arm of Lake Como, Isola Comacina is an important historic site. Its the only island in Lake Como, and it has a fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years!

Throughout the centuries, the island has been both a principal political center and an important religious center. It remained uninhabited and left to decay for many centuries thereafter until it was eventually given to Belgium after the first world war!

The island has been described as among the most interesting archaeological sites in Northern Italy, specifically for the early middle ages. A series of ancient ruins can still be explored on the island! Lakeside walkways guide you around the island, past patches of history, beauty, and spectacular vistas! The views from the terrace are out of this world! The island can be reached via private boat or ferry from Ossuccio, which in turn, is easily accessible from the main towns of the lake.

The city of Como, located at the tip of the Lakes western arm, is often overlooked by those traveling to Lake Como. The city is often considered amongst the most beautiful spots in the Lombardy region. Perhaps the most impressive building in Como, if not the entire lake, is the magnificent Como Cathedral. Renowned for its spectacular architecture, this 14th-century Roman Catholic cathedral features a gothic design. The imposing facade stands tall in a city square, boasting detailed ornate carvings and incredible stonework.

The interior is equally awe-inspiring, with swooping arches and a famous domed ceiling. Both are worth a visit if you have time! Brunate is a tiny town set high up in the mountains above Como.

Taking the historic funicular up to Brunate from the city is by far one of the most popular excursions from Como! Opened in , the funicular has been hoisting locals and visitors up to m 2, feet above sea level, on a track with a gradient as steep as is allowed! For those who are unfamiliar, a funicular is like a tram or a streetcar but set at an angle on a hill.

The 7-minute funicular ride is packed with gorgeous scenery and is an amazing experience in itself. Trees and vegetation are plentiful, and the views are wonderful. You can also take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan , but I personally recommend staying in the region if possible. The lake is beautiful to see overnight. Train is the easiest and fastest way to reach Lake Como from Milan — which is the closest big Italian city.

Remember, though, that Milan is a big city. After all, there are three separate train stations — Porta Garibaldi, Centrale, and Cadorna — and all stations have lines that go to Como. So make sure you know your departure station ahead of time! The main way to navigate Lake Como are the ferries and boats.

In high season, you will want to review the boat times and routes to maximize your 48 hours in Como. In addition, Como has regular and reliable bus services that go around the lake. Again, make sure to check times and know when the last bus is! Lake Como is huge. Lake Como has tons of options for accommodation. Obviously, the main attraction in Lake Como is the lake itself. You need to come see the lake in-person. Mountains surround Lake Como making this region a paradise for hikers.

The views will literally snatch your breath away. Research the best hikes and walks in Como ahead of time. Some of these villas are privately owned, but many are museums that are open to the public. This place is super popular and busy, but the food was heavenly.

Personally, I adored both Bellagio and Varenna, but Lake Como has even more adorable towns that deserve your time and attention! I recommend sticking to the immediate area. To be honest, I spent a lot of my first day in Como sitting next to the lake and devouring dark chocolate gelato, haha. However, I still had a pretty busy day.

This stunningly gorgeous Gothic cathedral is dedicated to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was built between the 14th and the 18th centuries. This adorable funicular connects the city of Como with the much smaller village of Brunate.

This funicular was first built in and runs every half hour. Go for all the viewpoints and maybe have a coffee on a scenic perch.

Its characteristic shape, reminiscent of an inverted Y , results from the melting of glaciers combined with the erosive action of the ancient Adda river. This led to the formation of the two southern branches , in the midst of which there is the world popular Bellagio. Located at the foot of the Alps , Lake Como provides one of the most picturesque sceneries in the world. I did a lot of search and collected a selection of accommodations and experiences to help you organize your trip to Lake Como, Italy!

The entire perimeter of Lake Como is studded with charming villages and towns. The most popular destinations are definitely Bellagio , Varenna and the city that gives its name to the lake, Como.

If you are planning to visit Lake Como for days , I would choose a town in the central part of the lake such as Bellagio because the boat service will easily allow you to reach other popular villages such as Varenna, Tremezzina or Menaggio in a matter of minutes.

This popular video by Rick Steves will take you to the discovery of Bellagio and Varenna. If you are visiting Milan , well, I would choose a town where you can easily get by train such as Como, Varenna or Lecco.

Take some time to read my guides and start planning your trip! Whether you are visiting Lake Como for a day or staying longer , jump aboard a boat, relax and reach your favourite town: Bellagio , Varenna , Como , or maybe one of the historical villas on the shores of the lake. If you are traveling with your better half or with your friends, take a private boat tour and experience Lake Como at your own pace.

Beaches in Lake Como are the perfect place to relax during the hot summer days, and in some cases they also give you the opportunity to go sailing or windsurfing. Top reviewed on Booking. For couples and families. The best time for visiting Lake Como is between March and November , because of the warm temperature that allows you to enjoy boat tours and walks. Consider, however, that summer is high season and the most popular towns such as Bellagio and Varenna can be quite crowdy.

If you prefer a quiet period, consider visiting Lake Como in winter! The historic villas and their lush gardens, the beauty of the territory, its charming and elegant towns , the surrounding nature that allows you to take relaxing walks. It depends on the area that you want to reach. If you want to reach Como city , Milan Malpensa Airport is probably the best choice read here how to get from Malpensa to Como.