Lake Como: Where to Stay, Explore & Eat

Como - Lenno - Menaggio - Varenna - Bellagio

“When you write a story of two happy lovers, let the story be set on the banks of Lake Como.” — Franz Liszt

Lake Como is surrounded by dramatic mountains, colorful villages, historic villas and beautiful gardens. There are dozens of towns along the lake, but you don’t need to visit them all.

For a first trip, I would focus on Como, Cernobbio, Lenno, Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna.

Getting Around

You can explore Lake Como by ferry or car. I recommend a car so you can travel at your own pace. The ferry has limited time availability and there is no uber service. A private car service will become expensive.

The ferry is the easiest way to travel between the central lake villages, particularly Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna since they are on different sides of the lake but in a triangle form so 15-20 minutes ferry ride between them.

If you’re driving, I recommend exploring the western shore. The road hugs the lake and passes beautiful villages, hotels and viewpoints. There is essentially one main road, so traffic can significantly affect travel times.

I also recommend renting a private boat for a few hours. Some of the most beautiful views of Lake Como’s villas and villages are from the water.

COMO

Como is the largest and most city-like stop on the lake, with pedestrian streets, restaurants, boutiques and bakeries.

One of my favorites is Beretta Il Fornaio for fresh breads and pastries.

Como is a great starting point before continuing north along the western shore.

CERNOBBIO: VILLA D’ESTE

About 10–15 minutes by car from Como is Villa d’Este, one of Lake Como’s most iconic hotels.

Originally built in the 16th century, the property later became a luxury hotel and still maintains its elaborate old-world Italian style.

Even if you’re not staying here, stop for lunch and walk through the beautiful gardens overlooking the lake.

Where to eat: Veranda at Villa d’Este.

LENNO: VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO

Continue north to Villa del Balbianello, one of the most recognizable villas on Lake Como and a filming location for Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

You can explore the gardens independently, but I recommend taking a guided tour of the villa.

Its former owner, explorer Guido Monzino, filled the property with art, artifacts and objects collected during his expeditions around the world. He even went to the North Pole

This is one of my must-see places on Lake Como.

MENAGGIO

Menaggio is quieter than Bellagio and Varenna, which is exactly what I loved about it.

The waterfront promenade is one of my favorite walks on the lake, surrounded by trees, flowers, mountains and beautiful water views.

Where I Stayed: Grand Hotel Victoria

I stayed at Grand Hotel Victoria and would absolutely recommend it for travelers who prefer contemporary luxury.

The service is excellent, the atmosphere is peaceful and the location makes it easy to take the ferry to Bellagio and Varenna.

The food was another highlight. I had one of the best spaghetti pomodoros of my trip here—good enough that I immediately ordered a second portion.

In the evenings, live music adds to the atmosphere, and the hotel has beautiful outdoor spaces and a pool.

The property also introduced a lakefront beach

club experience in 2026.

TREMEZZINA: GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO

For a more classic Italian experience, stay at Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

I stayed here as well and loved the old-world charm, beautiful pools, exceptional service and incredible lake views.

Breakfast is excellent, and there are walking paths above the hotel with panoramic views over Lake Como.

Grand Hotel Victoria: modern, quiet and understated.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo: classic, glamorous and quintessentially Lake Como.

LUXURY HOTEL OPTIONS

Lake Como has some of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Italy, ranging from historic villas to sleek contemporary resorts.

Grand Hotel Victoria — Menaggio

Modern, peaceful and one of my personal favorites. I stayed here and loved the service, food and location, especially for easy access to Bellagio and Varenna.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo — Tremezzina

Classic Lake Como glamour with beautiful pools, gardens, exceptional dining and incredible views. I stayed here as well and had an amazing experience.

Villa d’Este — Cernobbio

One of Lake Como’s most iconic hotels, known for its history, elaborate gardens and traditional Italian elegance.

Passalacqua — Moltrasio

An intimate historic villa with only 24 suites, magnificent gardens and a private, residential atmosphere.

Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como — Blevio

A luxurious lakefront resort surrounded by gardens, with a beautiful spa and a quieter setting close to Como.

Il Sereno Lago di Como — Torno

Sleek, contemporary and design-focused. A great choice for travelers who prefer modern architecture over traditional Italian décor.

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni — Bellagio

A historic grand hotel in the heart of Bellagio and an excellent choice for travelers who want to stay within one of the lake’s most famous villages.

The Lake Como EDITION — Cadenabbia

One of the lake’s newest luxury hotels, bringing a more contemporary, stylish option to the western shore.

VILLA CARLOTTA

Near Grand Hotel Tremezzo is Villa Carlotta, a historic villa surrounded by botanical gardens.

It’s beautiful, but if your time is limited, I would prioritize Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero. Its a mid-nineteenth centery villa that was given to Princess Charlotte as a wedding present. It is a 10 minute drive south from Menaggio. It is beautiful, but if you don't have much time, I would not advise touring it. The Villa Monastero in Varenna is far more worthwhile.

Below are photos of Villa Carlotta which you will be able to compare with the photos you will find later in this blog of Villa Monastero.

BELLAGIO

Bellagio is Lake Como’s most famous village and one of its busiest.

It’s filled with restaurants, boutiques, steep stone staircases and beautiful lake views. The best way to experience it is simply to wander.

I especially loved being here around sunset.

About a 15-minute walk from the Bellagio ferry area is I Giardini di Villa Melzi, a peaceful lakefront garden worth visiting.

Destination Dara Tip: Check the return ferry schedule before dinner. Ferries do not operate throughout the night.

15 minutes walk minutes walk from center of Bellagio near ferry port is I Giardini di Villa Melzi

As the saying goes, "save the best for last." My favorite village in Lake Como is definitely

Varenna!

VARENNA

Varenna is my favorite village on Lake Como.

It’s smaller, romantic and incredibly picturesque.

When you arrive by ferry, don’t immediately stop at the crowded restaurants near the port.

Continue walking along the waterfront path and you’ll discover quieter restaurants, cafés and beautiful views.

That’s how I found Hotel Royal Victoria, where I had gnocchi pomodoro and a Bellini overlooking the lake.

VILLA MONASTERO + VILLA CIPRESSI

Villa Monastero is my favorite garden experience on Lake Como.

The historic property originated as a monastery and today includes a museum and a long botanical garden directly along the lake.

Nearby you’ll also find Villa Cipressi, known for its beautiful terraced botanical gardens descending toward the water.

If you love gardens, you can easily experience both while you’re in Varenna.

Villa Monastero

As you walk back to the port, you will find more little paths that lead you to restaurants, gelato cafes, shops and a charming abandoned house. Varenna is worth the day trip or a few days if you happen to find a hotel that meets your requirements. I personally choose the hotel in Menaggio because it was the most modern of the hotels I researched in Lake Como and a perfect location to explore all the areas, while still having peace and quiet at the end of the day since it's not a tourist location.

ORRIDO DI BELLANO

About a 10-minute drive north of Varenna, Orrido di Bellano is a natural gorge with waterfalls and walkways through dramatic rock formations.

It’s a great addition if you want a break from villas and villages.

NESSO

For another beautiful nature stop, Nesso is a tiny village known for the Orrido di Nesso, a dramatic gorge and waterfall flowing between old stone buildings.

It’s especially worthwhile if you’re exploring this side of the lake by car or boat.

If you want nature without crowds:

• Greenway del Lago di Como → easy scenic walk along villages

• Brunate (via funicular) → insane panoramic views

• Monte Grona → more rugged, dramatic alpine feel

• Sentiero del Viandante → long trail with quiet sections and views

Como Point Of View, Via Attilio Pirotta, 1, 22034 Brunate CO, Italy

For hiking, look into Monte Grona or sections of the Sentiero del Viandante along the eastern shore.

WHERE TO EAT

• Lago Restaurant — Grand Hotel Victoria

• Veranda— Villa d’Este

• Il Sereno Al Lago— Il Sereno

• Ristorante Visteria— Hotel Royal Victoria

• La Terrazza— Grand Hotel Tremezzo

• Kitchen

• Roteo

  
  

WHEN TO VISIT

May, June and September are some of my favorite months to experience Lake Como, with beautiful weather and generally fewer visitors than peak July and August.

MY LAKE COMO ESSENTIALS

If you’re short on time, prioritize Villa del Balbianello, Bellagio, Varenna and Villa Monastero.

For accommodations, I loved Grand Hotel Victoria for its modern luxury and peaceful location and Grand Hotel Tremezzo for a more classic Italian experience.

And don’t forget to experience the lake itself. Whether you’re traveling by ferry or spending a few hours on a private boat, seeing the villages, mountains and villas from the water is one of the most beautiful parts of Lake Como.

Destination Dara Tip: Don’t try to check off every village. Choose a few places you really want to experience and leave time for an unplanned cappuccino, gelato or long lunch overlooking the lake.