Lake Como
Lake Como
Short overview
A deep glacial lake framed by mountains, lined with grand villas, terraced gardens and pastel villages. Come for ferries, gardens and lakeside dinners — and expect steep prices, narrow roads and summer crowds.
Best times to go
April – June
Gardens in full bloom, warm days and villas open before the summer rush.
September – October
Golden light, swimmable water and quieter ferries as summer fades.
Good for
couples, garden lovers and anyone wanting a romantic, scenic escape with easy day hikes.
Skip if
you're on a tight budget or want beaches and nightlife — Como is quiet, upscale and expensive in summer.
Things to do
Villa del Balbianello
A breathtaking villa on a wooded peninsula, famous for its terraced gardens and film appearances.
2–3 hours
€25 entry (gardens only)
Villa del Balbianello
A breathtaking villa on a wooded peninsula, famous for its terraced gardens and film appearances.
2–3 hours
€25 entry (gardens only)
Villa del Balbianello
A breathtaking villa on a wooded peninsula, famous for its terraced gardens and film appearances.
2–3 hours
€25 entry (gardens only)
Ferry hopping
Cruise between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, the lake's three most beautiful villages.
Full day
€17–25 day pass
Full day
€17–25 day pass
Greenway del Lago
An easy lakeside walk through villages, olive groves and villa gardens on the western shore.
3–4 hours
Free
3–4 hours
Free
Cheapest
€
80
/week
Free hikes and villages, plus one villa garden and a ferry pass.
Best value
€
260
/week
Three villas, ferry passes and the Brunate funicular.
Splurge
€
1,200
/week
A private wooden Riva boat tour, cooking class and a seaplane flight.
Cheapest
€
80
/week
Free hikes and villages, plus one villa garden and a ferry pass.
Best value
€
260
/week
Three villas, ferry passes and the Brunate funicular.
Splurge
€
1,200
/week
A private wooden Riva boat tour, cooking class and a seaplane flight.
Cheapest
€
80
/week
Free hikes and villages, plus one villa garden and a ferry pass.
Best value
€
260
/week
Three villas, ferry passes and the Brunate funicular.
Splurge
€
1,200
/week
A private wooden Riva boat tour, cooking class and a seaplane flight.
Food and drink
Lake fish, risotto and polenta rule. Eat in the hills or smaller villages for better value and fewer tourists.
Breakfast
Cheapest
Cornetto and cappuccino
At the bar of a lakeside café, the Italian way.
€
3
Best value
Café breakfast with a view
Coffee, juice and pastries on a terrace overlooking the water.
€
10
Splurge
Hotel breakfast
A generous buffet with lake views, often included in your stay.
€
22
Breakfast
Cheapest
Cornetto and cappuccino
At the bar of a lakeside café, the Italian way.
€
3
Best value
Café breakfast with a view
Coffee, juice and pastries on a terrace overlooking the water.
€
10
Splurge
Hotel breakfast
A generous buffet with lake views, often included in your stay.
€
22
Breakfast
Cheapest
Cornetto and cappuccino
At the bar of a lakeside café, the Italian way.
€
3
Best value
Café breakfast with a view
Coffee, juice and pastries on a terrace overlooking the water.
€
10
Splurge
Hotel breakfast
A generous buffet with lake views, often included in your stay.
€
22
Lunch
Cheapest
Panini by the lake
A sandwich from a deli, eaten on the waterfront.
€
7
Best value
Missoltini
Sun-dried lake shad grilled and served with polenta, a local speciality.
€
16
Splurge
Lakeside trattoria lunch
Pasta and a glass of wine on a terrace right above the water.
€
28
Lunch
Cheapest
Panini by the lake
A sandwich from a deli, eaten on the waterfront.
€
7
Best value
Missoltini
Sun-dried lake shad grilled and served with polenta, a local speciality.
€
16
Splurge
Lakeside trattoria lunch
Pasta and a glass of wine on a terrace right above the water.
€
28
Lunch
Cheapest
Panini by the lake
A sandwich from a deli, eaten on the waterfront.
€
7
Best value
Missoltini
Sun-dried lake shad grilled and served with polenta, a local speciality.
€
16
Splurge
Lakeside trattoria lunch
Pasta and a glass of wine on a terrace right above the water.
€
28
Dinner
Cheapest
Pizza in Como town
Wood-fired pizza at a busy local pizzeria.
€
13
Best value
Crotto dinner
Polenta, cured meats and red wine in a rustic cellar restaurant in the hills.
€
38
Splurge
Villa hotel tasting menu
Refined Italian cooking on a lakeside terrace at sunset.
€
160
Dinner
Cheapest
Pizza in Como town
Wood-fired pizza at a busy local pizzeria.
€
13
Best value
Crotto dinner
Polenta, cured meats and red wine in a rustic cellar restaurant in the hills.
€
38
Splurge
Villa hotel tasting menu
Refined Italian cooking on a lakeside terrace at sunset.
€
160
Dinner
Pizza in Como town
€
13
Wood-fired pizza at a busy local pizzeria.
Crotto dinner
€
38
Polenta, cured meats and red wine in a rustic cellar restaurant in the hills.
Villa hotel tasting menu
€
160
Refined Italian cooking on a lakeside terrace at sunset.
Cheapest
€
210
/week
Bar breakfasts, deli lunches and pizza dinners.
Best value
€
420
/week
Trattoria lunches, a crotto dinner and aperitivo by the lake.
Splurge
€
1,100
/week
Lakeside terraces, fine wine and a couple of tasting menus.
Cheapest
€
210
/week
Bar breakfasts, deli lunches and pizza dinners.
Best value
€
420
/week
Trattoria lunches, a crotto dinner and aperitivo by the lake.
Splurge
€
1,100
/week
Lakeside terraces, fine wine and a couple of tasting menus.
Cheapest
€
210
/week
Bar breakfasts, deli lunches and pizza dinners.
Best value
€
420
/week
Trattoria lunches, a crotto dinner and aperitivo by the lake.
Splurge
€
1,100
/week
Lakeside terraces, fine wine and a couple of tasting menus.
Don't leave without trying
Don't leave without trying
Risotto con pesce persico
Creamy butter-and-sage risotto topped with golden fried fillets of lake perch — the lake's signature dish.
Risotto con pesce persico
Creamy butter-and-sage risotto topped with golden fried fillets of lake perch — the lake's signature dish.
Where to stay
Varenna and Bellagio are the most beautiful bases, Menaggio is good for hikes, and Como town is cheaper with easy train links.
Cheapest
Hostel in Menaggio
A popular lakeside hostel with kayak rentals and ferries at the door.
€350/week
/night
€
50
Cheapest
Hostel in Menaggio
A popular lakeside hostel with kayak rentals and ferries at the door.
€350/week
/night
€
50
Best value
B&B in Varenna
A charming guesthouse in a pastel village with its own train station.
€1,190/week
/night
€
170
Best value
B&B in Varenna
A charming guesthouse in a pastel village with its own train station.
€1,190/week
/night
€
170
Splurge
Grand villa hotel in Bellagio
A 19th-century palace with a lakeside pool, gardens and sweeping views.
€5,250/week
/night
€
750
Splurge
Grand villa hotel in Bellagio
A 19th-century palace with a lakeside pool, gardens and sweeping views.
€5,250/week
/night
€
750
Unique stay
Lakeside villa apartment
A historic villa apartment with a private terrace and boat dock.
€2,450/week
/night
€
350
Unique stay
Lakeside villa apartment
A historic villa apartment with a private terrace and boat dock.
€2,450/week
/night
€
350
Unique stay
Lakeside villa apartment
A historic villa apartment with a private terrace and boat dock.
€2,450/week
/night
€
350
Getting around
Ferries are the best way to get around. Trains reach Como and Varenna from Milan.
Public transport
Coverage
Navigazione Laghi ferries link all the main villages, and trains and buses connect the shores. Summer ferries get busy.
Single ticket
€
5
Weekly pass
€
90
Which modes are available?
Lake ferries
Trains from Milan
C10 and C30 buses
Public transport
Coverage
Navigazione Laghi ferries link all the main villages, and trains and buses connect the shores. Summer ferries get busy.
Single ticket
€
5
Weekly pass
€
90
Which modes are available?
Lake ferries
Trains from Milan
C10 and C30 buses
Car rental
Car usefulness
Lakeside roads are narrow, winding and crowded, and parking is scarce. Ferries are easier for most trips.
Price
€
50
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
20
/day
Limited and expensive in villages. Many hotels charge €15–25 a night for parking.
Car rental
Car usefulness
Lakeside roads are narrow, winding and crowded, and parking is scarce. Ferries are easier for most trips.
Price
€
50
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
20
/day
Limited and expensive in villages. Many hotels charge €15–25 a night for parking.
Cheapest
€
60
/week
Mostly buses and a couple of ferry trips.
Best value
€
130
/week
A few ferry day passes and the train from Milan.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Water taxis, a private boat day and transfers from Milan.
Cheapest
€
60
/week
Mostly buses and a couple of ferry trips.
Best value
€
130
/week
A few ferry day passes and the train from Milan.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Water taxis, a private boat day and transfers from Milan.
Cheapest
€
60
/week
Mostly buses and a couple of ferry trips.
Best value
€
130
/week
A few ferry day passes and the train from Milan.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Water taxis, a private boat day and transfers from Milan.
Total costs
Everything you’ll spend once you’re there, per person. Getting there isn’t included.
Cheapest
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Food costs
€30–€40
Accommodation
€45–€65
Getting around
€10–€15
Activities
€10–€15
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€100–€145
PER WEEK
€700–€1,020
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Bellagio.
Cheapest
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Food costs
€30–€40
Accommodation
€45–€65
Getting around
€10–€15
Activities
€10–€15
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€100–€145
PER WEEK
€700–€1,020
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Bellagio.
Cheapest
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Food costs
€30–€40
Accommodation
€45–€65
Getting around
€10–€15
Activities
€10–€15
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€100–€145
PER WEEK
€700–€1,020
Best value
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Food costs
€60–€80
Accommodation
€150–€200
Getting around
€20–€30
Activities
€30–€50
Miscellaneous
€10–€20
PER DAY
€270–€380
PER WEEK
€1,890–€2,660
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Bellagio.
Best value
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Food costs
€60–€80
Accommodation
€150–€200
Getting around
€20–€30
Activities
€30–€50
Miscellaneous
€10–€20
PER DAY
€270–€380
PER WEEK
€1,890–€2,660
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Bellagio.
Best value
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Food costs
€60–€80
Accommodation
€150–€200
Getting around
€20–€30
Activities
€30–€50
Miscellaneous
€10–€20
PER DAY
€270–€380
PER WEEK
€1,890–€2,660
Splurge
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Food costs
€150–€250
Accommodation
€500–€900
Getting around
€60–€120
Activities
€100–€200
Miscellaneous
€30–€50
PER DAY
€840–€1,520
PER WEEK
€5,880–€10,640
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Bellagio.
Splurge
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Food costs
€150–€250
Accommodation
€500–€900
Getting around
€60–€120
Activities
€100–€200
Miscellaneous
€30–€50
PER DAY
€840–€1,520
PER WEEK
€5,880–€10,640
Per person in shoulder season. July and August can add 30–50%, especially in Bellagio.
Splurge
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy
Food costs
€150–€250
Accommodation
€500–€900
Getting around
€60–€120
Activities
€100–€200
Miscellaneous
€30–€50
PER DAY
€840–€1,520
PER WEEK
€5,880–€10,640
Good to know
What to expect, what to avoid, and what nobody tells you before you go.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Scenery, villas, gardens and romance.
Catches visitors off guard
High prices, narrow roads, busy ferries and how far apart the villages are.
Common misconception
You can't see the whole lake in a day — it's 46 km long, and ferries take time.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Scenery, villas, gardens and romance.
Catches visitors off guard
High prices, narrow roads, busy ferries and how far apart the villages are.
Common misconception
You can't see the whole lake in a day — it's 46 km long, and ferries take time.
Watch out for
Ferry queues
Summer ferries between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio can have long waits. Travel early.
Villa closures
Many villas close from November to March. Check opening dates before you go.
ZTL zones in Como
Driving into Como's historic centre triggers automatic fines.
Watch out for
Ferry queues
Summer ferries between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio can have long waits. Travel early.
Villa closures
Many villas close from November to March. Check opening dates before you go.
ZTL zones in Como
Driving into Como's historic centre triggers automatic fines.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Three to four days covers the central villages, a couple of villas and a hike.
How do I get from Milan?
Trains reach Como in about 40 minutes and Varenna in about an hour from Milan, for €5–9.
Where is the best base?
Varenna or Bellagio for charm and ferries, Menaggio for hiking, and Como town for value.
Can I swim in the lake?
Yes, at lidos and small beaches in summer. The water is cool but clear.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Three to four days covers the central villages, a couple of villas and a hike.
How do I get from Milan?
Trains reach Como in about 40 minutes and Varenna in about an hour from Milan, for €5–9.
Where is the best base?
Varenna or Bellagio for charm and ferries, Menaggio for hiking, and Como town for value.
Can I swim in the lake?
Yes, at lidos and small beaches in summer. The water is cool but clear.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). ATMs are available in larger villages.
Cards vs cash
Cards work widely, but carry cash for ferries, small cafés and crotti.
Tipping
Not expected. A coperto of €2–4 is common; round up for good service.
Tourist tax
€1–5 per person per night depending on village and hotel class.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). ATMs are available in larger villages.
Cards vs cash
Cards work widely, but carry cash for ferries, small cafés and crotti.
Tipping
Not expected. A coperto of €2–4 is common; round up for good service.
Tourist tax
€1–5 per person per night depending on village and hotel class.
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Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.
Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.