The complete guide to Como Lake- where glamour, pretty towns and hiking adventures rule

07.11.2022.

The abundant treasure of pretty places and views- that’s the lake Como. More than that, it’s the surprising hank of mountainous paths. Does the glamour take the first place here? Lake Como magically unites all kind of tastes and takes to the throne its pure beauty of nature.

As it’s so charming, Lake Como definitely deserves to be to the bucket list of dreamy places. Many of Italian lakes unveil the hidden charm so rich like Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda.

Within only one hour from Milan you will be at the picturesque oasis of relaxation. George Clooney wisely chose the right lake for his villa at this enchanting Italian destination.

See the best of lake Como at my recent instagram reel.

Pretty towns at Como Lake

Just so cozy and relaxing while you wish to spend more time at this lovely streets Lake Como puts the spell on you. Even though sometimes only the view is enough, maybe only through your window- it’s the price of relax.

You cannot even choose which one is prettier and you just wish to come back soon.

Menaggio

Though many people prefer Bellagio or Varenna, Menaggio got my heart. It’s so close to many hiking trails and fabulous views of Como Lake. Its prettiness lies in simple decor and promenade views. It doesn’t have so many hilly streets like Bellagio or Varenna.

The lake promenade is so elegant and has my plus comparing to Bellaggio.

Menaggio is also so close to fabulous villas, only 10 minutes by bus. Villa Balbianello deserves the title of the most popular one, than comes Villa Carlotta with its botanical gardens.

I chose to stay in Menaggio thanks to lovely and affordable hostel La Primula, more about it later.

Cute decorations like teddy bears, flowers to spice you up and many souvenir shops make you way. Even lavender shops delight in October.

Varenna

Varenna lies just across Menaggio and captures the beauty from the first moment. It’s also one of the loveliest places at Lake Como though in many times filled with crowds.

The colourful houses speak with the enchanting melody. Boats that pass or kayakers fills the air with their vibrant music too. Hilly streets, pretty villas and little beaches take the name of Varenna. Riva Grande is a lovely promenade that unites with the Walk of lovers (Passeggiata degli innamorati).

Villa Monastero is a delightful gem that mostly stays out of sight of visitors. It covers the botanical garden to allure your senses. Nowadays it’s serving as international conference centre and includes Casa Museo. Exquisite furniture brings the history alive. It’s open to public from March to November.

Villa Cipressi holds the glamourous hotel near the Villa Monastero. Cypress trees characterise its appearance and beautiful terrace gardens.

Castello Di Vezio takes the highest point above Varenna.

Bellaggio

Hilly streets that blend one with another lead to the principal square and church at the top. Souvenir shops are here at the higher lever, they hold the artistic charm.

Chiesa San Giacomo inspires the visitors to come into the unique interior and lovely mosaics.

Punta Spartivento is the most further point giving the stunning view.

Villa Menzi is the modern ambience of 19th centure. It gives shine to its gardens as villa itself is not open to the public. Spring delight with azaleas and rhododenrons at its meadows.

Gardens of Villa Serbelloni are open only to the guided tours and not belonging to the hotel of the same name.

Bellano

Bellano lies next to Varenna, worth of visit due to its gorges. River Pioverna create the magnifiscient „Orido“ where natural wonder keeps the awe. Most of the paths stand high in some kind of cave-trails. The waterfalls, canyons and relaxing moments are the must see. The price is 5€.

Check the video.

Lake Como for mountain & outdoors lovers

Crocetta

The easiest viewpoint to reach is Crocetta though only if you go by road. I took the advice from the hostel stuff and follow the way above the hostel but that lead me into unpassable paths. They were pretty steep without the real trail. Lots of brenches on the way made my wonder is that the real path.

Rifugio Menaggio & Monte Grona

The more impressive view scatters further above Menaggio, starting point is the village of Breglia. To reach Breglia it takes 30 minutes by car or bus. Bus unfortunately doesn’t drive on Sundays.

Getting to Rifugio Menaggio is a bit challenging hike and takes about 5h.

Monte Grona shines with the breathtaking view and if you’re willing to continue further, it’s even more astonishing. You will deserve the stunning views to Lake Como, Lake Piano and Lake Lugano. Three various tracks from Rifugio lead to the summit.

Val Senagra- lovely waterfalls above Menaggio

The relaxing atmosphere holds the beauty at this 1h hike above Menaggio. Senagra Valley Park covers the rich wildlife and rural beauty.

Gigantic Benches of Vale Intelvi

Panoramic views bursts close to Bolla, in the middle of mountainous paths- at the point that links two shores of Lake Como.

Sentiero Spirito del Bosco

Here you can enjoy the lovely sculptures that kids will just adore. Though the trail is steepy, the splendid views prevail and amazing sculptures.

The Green Way of Lake Como

The picturesque trail covering 10 km starts in Griante near Menaggio. It’s the way to absorb the local architecture, amazing villas and relaxing shine.

Gorgeous villas at lake Como

Let’s be honest- charming villas represent the lake Como. It’s the opportunity to become one with the style belonging to princesses and glamour. Though it’s the elegant atmosphere, many people just go in the sportive mood. So don’t overthink, just enjoy.

Villa Balbianello

The panoramic views take the principal word here. This is the place where many writers and schoolars took the villa as their own. Located in Lenno, you will need to take 25 minutes more to reach the villa from the public transport. Actually it’s a forest path, not far from the town.

I was so lucky during my visit as they asked only for donation, not a ticket. Due to some event; I could visit only gardens and that’s fairly enough.

Among the movies that took place here are the Star Wars-Attack of the Clones (2002) and James Bond- Casino Royale (2006).

Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta in the picturesque Tremezzo has the abundant offer of the plants and flowers. It’s specially worth visiting in spring. Waterfalls burst the refreshing shine while walking at this large botanical garden.

It’s possible to take a shorter ruote (30 minutes) or longer (1,5h).

Check out the palace also with the fabulous art collection, specially from the first half of the 19th century. Some of the notable artists include Antonio Canova, Francesco Hayez and Jean-Baptiste Wicar. The artworks of Giovanni Liberotti prevail such 470 plaster cameos. This marvellous villa dates back in 1690.

Celebrities of lake Como

George Clooney takes the throne but many famous people own the villas at Lake Como. Some of them include Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, Gianni Versace, Ronaldhino. Such a dreamy place to live puts the breath away and inspires to dwell forever.

How to come

Lake Como is easily reachable by the train from Milan/Milano. It costs 5€ to arrive to Como town and last 1h.

Menaggio

After getting to Como town (which didn’t impress me much from the bus- it’s the largest place), take a bus to Menaggio. It takes 1h and it’s always rather full.

Varenna

Pretty Varenna is also connected with the train from Milan. Varenna Esino is the local station and takes 1h ride. It’s also pretty close walk to the centre of Varenna.

Bellaggio is a short ferry ride from Varenna.

You can take an all around ticket around the island to visit more places in one day. It costs 15€. There’s usually wifi at the ferry.

Where to stay

Budget options:

La Primula Hostel Lake Como in Menaggio– cozy place with amazing lake view, free breakfast is included and delicious food to order at dinner time. I really like the relaxing atmosphere and met many amazing people;

Ostello Bello, Como- beautiful hostel which includes a whole chain in Italy and other countries;

Hotel du Lac, Bellaggio- spa hotel with the lake view and amazing restaurant;

Middle budget:

Hotel Garni Corona, Menaggio- cozy and tranquil place with great breakfast and lovely rooms;

Hotel Olivedo, Varenna- beautiful vintage hotel, close to the train station;

Hotel du Lac, Varenna– cozy hotel with amazing terrace and lake wiew at the quiet street;

Hotel Central Bellaggio– cozy hotel with the lovely garden and amazing breakfast, it holds an amazing 3-stars value;

Bike & Active Hotel II Perlo Panorama, Bellaggio- fantastic, sustainable hotel with amazing view and delicious food;

Luxury Hotels:

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellaggio- historical place from 1873 with lovely gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools. This 5-star hotel also covers Murano glass in the Gran Hall and splendid views. Gardens are open to the public;

Villa Ponti Bellavista, Bellaggio- private hotel with the infinity pool and breathtaking views of the lake, the prices are quiet expensive though;

Hotel Villa Cipressi, Varenna- elegant hotel featuring fabulous gardens which are also open to the public;

Gran Hotel Tremezzo– 5-star hotel with 3 swimming pools (one just in front of the lake), several restaurants and amazing views. It’s located just near Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo;

Final thoughts

Lake Como totally deserves the status of the prettiest lake in Italy. Standing in awe with the cute streets, lovely views and fabulous villas means coming back.

Finding new perspective of the place brings lake Como to the bucket list of yours even higher. Such a treasure of hiking routes speaks a new story of lake Como.

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