9 Best Towns in Lake Como (2026): Where to Visit + The One Most Tourists Miss

Lake Como was probably my favourite part of my whole Italy trip, and I say that as someone who spent a week visiting, attending my best friends wedding at Villa del Balbianello and don’t forget the food.

I visited five towns across four days, based in Como City (if you read my other Lake Como posts, you’ll know why), and took ferries to a different place most mornings. Some towns absolutely lived up to every single photo I’d saved. Some surprised me by being even better than I expected.

And one of them, number nine on this list is barely mentioned in any first-timer guide I came across, which is honestly criminal. It has a gorge carved 15 million years ago that you walk through on suspended walkways above a roaring river. I hadn’t even heard of it before I started planning this trip!

In this guide, I want to share my honest take on all nine towns worth visiting, what I loved, what I didn’t, how long to spend in each one, and which town I’d tell you to base yourself in. I hope it helps you plan your own trip! Also will be recommending some tours and experiences along the way.

For complete Lake Como planning including ferries, villas, and sample itineraries, check out my Lake Como Travel Guide.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue doing what I love and continue to provide you with free Travel guides. Thank you!

Quick overview: Lake Como towns at a glance

For first-time visitors (1-2 days): Focus on Varenna, Bellagio, and Villa del Balbianello in Lenno

For longer stays (3-5 days): Add Como town, Tremezzo, Menaggio, and consider Nesso

Best base for most travelers: Varenna (scenic, convenient train access, good ferry connections)

Best base for central location: Bellagio (easy ferries to everywhere, but more expensive)

Best base for budget: Menaggio and Bellano (lower prices, good facilities, less touristy)

Keep in mind that, English is spoken at times but the locals are not the best in English except maybe the big cities like Rome or Milan. Knowing a few local phrases make a huge difference when travelling. If you want to learn what people actually say, one-to-one tutoring with a native speaker helps more than apps.

I have used Preply, and you can book your trial lessons on Preply, you can try a lesson and decide for yourself.

1. Varenna: The most charming Lake Como Town

Varenna is my top recommendation for Lake Como, and most first-time visitors who base themselves here seem to agree. The town sits on the eastern shore where colorful buildings (yellows, oranges, and reds) climb the hillside from the waterfront, creating that classic Lake Como scene visible from approaching ferries.

What makes Varenna special

The combination of beauty and convenience sets Varenna apart. Direct trains from Milan reach Varenna in about an hour, and it’s so convenient but it gets extremely busy so be warned.

The town is small enough and has excellent restaurants, two stunning villas within walking distance, and that perfect mix of local life and visitor-friendly amenities.

Walking through Varenna’s narrow streets that wind uphill from the waterfront, you’ll find old churches, small squares, and residents going about daily routines. The waterfront promenade called Lover’s Walk runs along the cliff edge with continuous lake views.

What to do in Varenna

Villa Monastero is Varenna’s main attraction, a former monastery turned villa with botanical gardens stretching along the lakefront. The terraced gardens contain exotic plants from around the world, stone pathways revealing different lake views at each level, and that beautiful stone boat dock with columns rising from steps leading into the water.

Entry costs €10 for gardens only or combined tickets with Villa Cipressi next door. Plan 1-2 hours to explore properly.

Villa Cipressi offers similarly beautiful terraced gardens at €10 entry. The gardens are more compact but equally photogenic, particularly in April when purple wisteria blooms across the terraces.

Castello di Vezio sits above Varenna, about 20 minutes uphill from the town center. The medieval castle ruins offer panoramic views over the lake to Bellagio and the surrounding mountains. Entry costs €6 and the castle grounds include falconry displays during summer months.

Explore the old town. Walk the waterfront, meander into narrow alleys climbing the hillside, stop at Bar Il Molo for coffee or an Aperol Spritz with lake views, and soak in the atmosphere.

For a complete guide including all restaurants and hidden corners, see my Things to Do in Varenna.

Getting to Varenna

From Milan: Direct train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino station (1 hour, €5-10). The station sits above town, requiring a 10-minute walk down steps or short taxi ride (€10-15) to reach the waterfront.

By ferry: Frequent connections from Bellagio (15 minutes), Menaggio (20 minutes), Como (1.5 hours), and other towns.

By car: Possible but parking is limited. The ferry eliminates that stress.

How much time you need in Varenna

Quick visit: 2-3 hours for walking the waterfront and seeing one villa Half day: 3-4 hours including both villas Full day: Add lunch, Castello di Vezio, and leisurely exploration

Where to stay in Varenna

Varenna makes an excellent base for exploring Lake Como, with easy ferry connections and the peaceful atmosphere you want from a lakeside town.

Browse Varenna accommodation options apartments, hotels, and lakefront properties

Recommended: Divina Vita Apartments offer beautiful lake views from small balconies. Book months ahead during peak season as there are only five apartments total.

2. Bellagio: The Pearl of Lake Como

Bellagio sits at the point where Lake Como splits into three branches, creating that perfect central location everyone talks about. The town earned its “Pearl of Lake Como” nickname through a combination of beauty, position, and centuries of attracting wealthy visitors.

What makes Bellagio special?

The location gives Bellagio ferry connections in all directions, making it the most convenient base for exploring other towns. The old town is a maze of cobblestone streets climbing the hillside, with shops, restaurants, and those iconic ivy-covered balconies creating picture-perfect scenes.

Bellagio has more restaurants and shops than smaller villages, but also more crowds. Day-trippers arrive by tour bus from 10 am to 4 pm, particularly during peak season. Staying overnight means experiencing Bellagio early morning and evening when it’s peaceful.

What to do in Bellagio?

Salita Serbelloni is Bellagio’s most photographed street, a stepped lane climbing through the old town lined with shops, restaurants, and flowers cascading from balconies above. This is Instagram central, and for good reason.

Villa Melzi sits a 10-minute walk south of Bellagio center, a neoclassical villa with gardens stretching along the lakeshore. The gardens contain sculptures, exotic plants, and peaceful spots with lake views. Entry costs €10 and takes 45-60 minutes to explore.

For everything Bellagio offers including hidden corners and the best restaurants, see my Things to Do in Bellagio.

Getting to Bellagio

From Milan: Take train to Varenna, then 15-20 minute ferry to Bellagio

By ferry: Central location means frequent connections to Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo, Lenno, Como, and other towns

By car: Car ferries connect Bellagio to Varenna and Cadenabbia, though driving around the lake is slow

How much time you need in Bellagio?

Quick visit: 1-2 hours for the town center and Salita Serbelloni Half day: 3-4 hours adding Villa Melzi and more thorough exploration Full day: Explore beyond the center, visit multiple villas, take a boat tour

Where to stay in Bellagio

Bellagio’s central location makes it ideal for exploring Lake Como, though prices run higher than other towns.

Find Bellagio accommodation from budget apartments to luxury hotels

Note: Hotel Belvedere offers infinity pool and rolling gardens above town, about 10 minutes walk to center.

3. Como City: The Gateway Town

Como is Lake Como’s largest city with about 85,000 residents. It sits on the southern tip of the lake where most visitors arrive by train from Milan. Como feels different from the smaller villages, an actual city with shopping streets, business districts, and residential neighborhoods extending beyond the tourist center.

While the train to Varenna gets incredibly busy, the train to Como City is less so albeit it is further away to Bellagio and Varenna.

What Makes Como Special

Como functions year-round regardless of season. While smaller Lake Como towns partially shut down November-March, Como remains lively with shops, restaurants, and services operating throughout the year. The historic center is compact and beautiful despite the urban setting, and the pedestrian zone makes exploration pleasant.

Como is also world-famous for its centuries-old silk industry. Famous designers and fashion brands source silk from here. You’ll find shops throughout the center selling silk scarves, ties, and fabrics ranging from affordable to luxury prices.

What to do in Como

Duomo di Como is the Gothic-Renaissance cathedral in the town center. The building combines architectural styles from different periods and is free to enter.

Funicular to Brunate climbs to Brunate village at 715 meters elevation. The 7-minute ride (€6 round-trip) offers spectacular views over Lake Como and the Alps. From Brunate, hike 15 minutes to Faro Voltiano lighthouse for even better panoramic views.

Villa Olmo is a neoclassical villa with grounds open to the public (free entry). The villa hosts temporary exhibitions requiring separate tickets, but the gardens are accessible without charge. Located about 20 minutes walk from the city center along the lakefront.

Shopping is better in Como than smaller lake towns. The city center has Italian and international brands, local boutiques, and silk shops selling Como-made products.

For everything Como offers including best restaurants and shopping areas, see my Things to Do in Como City.

Getting to Como

From Milan: Direct train from Milano Centrale or Milano Nord to Como San Giovanni (30-40 minutes, €4-8)

By ferry: Connections to all major Lake Como towns, though journeys to central lake (Bellagio, Varenna) take 1.5+ hours

By car: 30-40 minutes from Milan via A9 motorway

How much time you need in Como City?

Quick visit: 2-3 hours for city center and Brunate funicular Half day: Add Villa Olmo and shopping time Full day: Includes leisurely lunch and thorough exploration

Where to stay in Como

Como works well for one night at the start or end of your Lake Como trip, especially for arrival/departure convenience.

Browse Como accommodation – city hotels and apartments

Note: Como has the most hotel options and price ranges, making it easier to find availability during peak season.

4. Tremezzo: Villa Carlotta and Grand Hotel

Tremezzo is a small commune on Lake Como’s western shore, basically a strip of restaurants, shops, and hotels along the main road bordering the lake. The town doesn’t have the concentrated old-town character of Varenna or Bellagio, but it’s home to Villa Carlotta, one of the lake’s most impressive villas.

What makes Tremezzo special

Villa Carlotta brings most visitors to Tremezzo. After visiting the villa, many continue to other towns, but the area has more to offer if you have time. The lakefront setting across from Bellagio provides excellent views, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo creates that vintage Italian atmosphere seen in countless photos.

What to do in Tremezzo

Villa Carlotta is a neoclassical villa built in 1690, now functioning as a museum with an art gallery and botanical gardens. The gardens are the main attraction, famous for azaleas and rhododendrons that bloom spectacularly in April and May.

Entry costs €12 for both villa and gardens. The villa interior contains period furnishings and artwork, but the gardens are what makes Villa Carlotta special. Fountains, a lemon tunnel, trimmed hedges, and terraced lawns sloping toward the lake create that quintessential Lake Como scene.

The site is steps from Tremezzo ferry dock, making it extremely convenient.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo towers over the western shore with its distinctive orange and white color scheme. The lakefront terrace features the hotel’s signature bright sun beds and umbrellas creating that vintage Italian vibe. Giacomo al Lago restaurant serves excellent seafood in this setting, open to non-guests for lunch or dinner.

Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli is a small public park at the lake with an impressive staircase, fountain, and old trees. Locals play beach volleyball here and swim from the shore in summer.

Getting to Tremezzo

By ferry: The best way to reach Tremezzo. Frequent ferries from Bellagio (15-20 minutes), Varenna (30 minutes via Bellagio), and other towns. Ferry stops at both Villa Carlotta and Tremezzo center, a short walk between the two.

By car or bus: Possible but ferry is more scenic and convenient

How much time you need in Tremezzo?

Minimum: 2 hours for Villa Carlotta (1-1.5 hours) plus walking the lakefront Half day: Add lunch and more leisurely exploration

Where to stay in Tremezzo

Tremezzo and surrounding Tremezzina area offer lakefront hotels and villas.

Find Tremezzo accommodation for your dates and travel

Note: Grand Hotel Tremezzo is the area’s most iconic property, reminiscent of vintage Italy with its lakefront pool and retro aesthetic.

5. Lenno: Home of Villa del Balbianello

Lenno is a small village that takes an hour to explore, but it’s home to Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como’s most famous villa. The distinctive location on a wooded promontory surrounded by water on three sides makes this villa instantly recognizable to anyone who’s seen Star Wars Episode II or James Bond’s Casino Royale.

What makes Lenno special

Villa del Balbianello is the main reason to visit Lenno. The 18th-century villa with its terraced gardens, iconic loggia, and spectacular views has become Lake Como’s most photographed location. After visiting the villa, Lenno itself offers a pleasant town center with the octagonal Church of St. Stefano and lakefront cafes.

What to do in Lenno

Villa del Balbianello sits at the tip of the Dosso di Lavedo peninsula. The villa and gardens can be visited with advance tickets. Gardens-only tickets cost €15, while villa interior tours (guided only) cost an additional €9.

The loggia with its three arches framing lake views is where Star Wars scenes were filmed and where many Lake Como weddings take place. The terraced gardens contain sculptures, manicured paths, centuries-old trees pruned into umbrella shapes, and countless viewpoints.

Reach the villa by either walking 20 minutes from Lenno town center or taking a water taxi from the Lenno waterfront (€7 round-trip). The water taxi approach gives you that perspective from the lake that makes the villa’s location so special.

For complete information including booking tips and what to expect, see my Villa del Balbianello Guide.

St. Stefano Church in Lenno town center has an impressive interior and underground crypt (free entry, donations welcome). The crypt is one of Lake Como’s hidden gems, rarely mentioned in guides but worth seeing.

Getting to Lenno

By ferry: Best option, with connections from Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, and other towns. Not all ferries stop at Lenno, so check schedules.

By car: Possible but parking is extremely limited. Unless arriving by 9am, finding a spot during summer is difficult.

How much time you need in Lenno?

Minimum: 1.5 hours for Villa del Balbianello gardens With villa interior tour: 2+ hours Including Lenno town: 2-3 hours total

6. Menaggio: The Laid-Back Choice

Menaggio is one of Lake Como’s larger towns, located on the western shore with good ferry connections to Bellagio and Varenna. The town feels more residential than touristy, with locals going about daily life alongside visitors.

What Makes Menaggio Special

Menaggio has more of a lakeside resort feel than other towns, a place where people come for longer vacations rather than quick day trips. The atmosphere is relaxed, prices are generally lower than Bellagio or Varenna, and the town has supermarkets, banks, and services useful for extended stays.

The town center is flat and easy to explore, making it more accessible for people with mobility concerns compared to hillside villages like Varenna.

What to Do in Menaggio

Lakefront promenade stretches along the water with benches, flowers, and trees creating a pleasant walking area. Head south from the main square to reach a tiny walled marina, one of Menaggio’s most picturesque spots.

Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is the charming town square where locals and visitors gather at cafes.

Church of Santo Stefano sits near the waterfront with its distinctive white bell tower visible from the water.

Simply relax at one of the many lakefront cafes and restaurants. Menaggio is about slowing down rather than checking off sights.

Getting to Menaggio

By ferry: Best option, with frequent connections from Bellagio (20 minutes), Varenna (20-30 minutes), and other towns

By car or bus: Possible but parking is limited. Designated paid parking areas fill up during peak season.

How Much Time You Need

Quick visit: 1-2 hours to see the center Longer stay: Menaggio works better as a base than a quick visit

Where to Stay in Menaggio

Menaggio offers good value compared to more touristy towns, with solid ferry connections for exploring.

Browse Menaggio accommodation

Note: Menaggio’s flat center and more affordable prices make it popular with travelers seeking a more local atmosphere.

7. Nesso: The Hidden Waterfall Village

Nesso is a tiny hillside village between Como and Bellagio that most tourists skip. This is part of its appeal for those who do visit. The village takes less than an hour to explore on foot, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with that dramatic waterfall gorge visible from the medieval stone bridge.

What Makes Nesso Special

Orrido di Nesso is where two mountain streams cascade 200 meters into the lake under the Ponte della Civera bridge. This natural gorge creates one of Lake Como’s most dramatic scenes. Stone steps lead down to the water for swimming and sunbathing, and in summer, locals dive from the bridge into deep water below.

Nesso maintains an authentic atmosphere untouched by mass tourism. The narrow alleys, stone houses, and old churches create that feeling of stumbling upon somewhere locals haven’t yet packaged for visitors.

What to Do in Nesso

Orrido di Nesso is free to access from the bridge. Walk down the steep steps toward water level for better perspectives on the waterfall and gorge.

Swimming and cliff jumping happen here in summer. The water is deep enough for jumping from the bridge, though this is at your own risk.

Explore the village by walking through narrow streets climbing the hillside.

Getting to Nesso

By ferry: Some ferries stop at Nesso, but not all. Check current schedules on Navigazione Laghi website. The slow ferries (battello) are more likely to stop here than fast hydrofoils.

By car or bus: Possible, with buses running from Como

How much time do you need in Nesso?

A couple of hours is enough to see the waterfall, walk through the village, and perhaps swim if visiting in summer., then it might take longer as you can expect queues to jump off the bridge into the water (unless you are early).

8. Cernobbio: Elegant and Understated

Cernobbio sits on the southern end of Lake Como, close to Como town. The village is best known for Villa d’Este, a 16th-century villa that now operates as a luxury hotel, meaning you can’t visit unless staying there or dining at the restaurant.

What Makes Cernobbio Special

Cernobbio sits on the southern end of Lake Como, very close to Como town, and it is best known for Villa d’Este: a 16th-century villa that now operates as a luxury hotel. You cannot visit unless you are staying there or dining at the restaurant, which is true of very few places on this lake and gives Cernobbio a slightly different register from everywhere else.

The village is pleasant for a lakeside walk. The waterfront promenade, Villa Erba in its park, Villa Bernasconi when it happens to be open. It is not the place I would prioritise if you have limited days on the lake, but if you are based in Como for the night and want a quiet afternoon somewhere nearby, Cernobbio is a twenty-minute ferry ride and a completely different mood.

What to Do in Cernobbio

•   Villa Erba  beautiful park and exterior worth seeing even when no events are running. The interior is only accessible during exhibitions and events.

•   Villa Bernasconi  functions as a museum but opens only a few days per week. Check current schedules before making it the reason you come.

•   Waterfront promenade  pleasant walking along the lake, the main reason to be here.

9. Bellano

I promised you a gorge carved 15 million years ago, and here we are.

Bellano is located between Varenna and Colico, and I hadn’t even heard of it before I started researching this trip. That turns out to be one of the most common things people say about Bellano.

The Orrido di Bellano is a natural canyon formed over 15 million years by the erosion of the Pioverna River and the Adda Glacier. You walk through it on suspended wooden walkways fixed to the vertical rock walls, directly above the rushing water below. The sound the waterfalls make echoing off the stone is one of those things I genuinely struggle to describe. I went on a warm day and the spray from the water and the cool stone walls made it feel like being in a completely different world from the sunny lake outside.

The walk through takes about 20 to 25 minutes. It’s one-way once you enter. The walkways have handrails throughout, though I’d say anyone with a serious fear of heights might find certain sections uncomfortable. You are walking above the gorge, not beside it.

Next to the gorge entrance there is the Ca’ del Diavol, or Devil’s House, a medieval tower in an irregular hexagonal shape with frescoes of the devil painted on the upper level. The local legend involves buried treasure, Satanic rituals, and a warrior named Taino buried in the depths of the ravine. I did not know any of this before I visited, and I loved every sentence of it.

The Orrido di Bellano:

Ticket:  Around 7 euros for adults for the gorge alone. Combined ticket with Ca’ del Diavol available. Family rate approximately 20 euros for 2 adults and 2 children under 12. No advance booking needed and you can buy at the entrance.

Hours:  July and August daily 10am to 10pm. June and September daily 10am to 7pm. Other months check the official Discovering Bellano website as hours vary. Bring a layer as the canyon is cool and wet year-round even when it’s hot outside.

Getting there:  Direct train from Milano Centrale to Bellano-Tartavalle Terme, around 1 hour. The train also connects Bellano to Varenna in about 5 minutes which makes the hike between them a very easy day to structure. Ferry from Varenna (15 minutes) or Bellagio (30 to 40 minutes).

How long:  Half day for the Orrido, Ca’ del Diavol, and a walk along the promenade. Full day if you add the Sentiero del Viandante hike to Varenna.

Which Lake Como Town should you choose?

For First-Time Visitors in Lake Como

Stay in Varenna if you want scenic beauty, convenient train access from Milan, and a genuinely local atmosphere. Take day trips by ferry to Bellagio, Lenno for Villa del Balbianello, and Tremezzo. This is what I did and I would not change it.

Stay in Bellagio if central location is the priority and the higher prices work for your trip. You will have the easiest ferry access to everywhere else on the lake.

For Longer Stays

Base yourself in one town for the whole stay rather than moving accommodations. Varenna, Bellagio, or Menaggio all work well as bases with easy ferry connections to explore daily. Moving hotels mid-trip on Lake Como involves more logistics than it first appears.

For Budget Travelers

Menaggio offers lower prices than Bellagio or Varenna while keeping good ferry connections. Bellano is even cheaper and has more of a local atmosphere than any of the more famous towns. Como city has the widest range of accommodation options across all price points.

For Families with Young Children

Como and Menaggio have flat centres that work for pushchairs. Varenna and Bellagio involve hills and stairs throughout. Bellano also has a flat main promenade along the lake. For older children and teenagers, the Orrido di Bellano is excellent.

Getting around Lake Como Towns

Ferries are the best way to move between towns. The public ferry system connects all major destinations with frequent service April through October and more limited service November through March.

•   Battello (slow ferry)  stops at many towns including smaller ones like Nesso and Bellano. Scenic, more time, the right choice if you are not in a hurry.

•   Aliscafo (fast hydrofoil)  skips smaller stops, gets you between major towns quickly.

•   Car ferry  connects Bellagio to Varenna and Cadenabbia. Note: Cadenabbia dock closed for maintenance until 22 March 2026. Use Menaggio instead.

Check current schedules at Navigazione Laghi before your trip, as times change seasonally.

Central zone day pass costs around €15 and allows unlimited travel between key towns if you’re making 3+ ferry trips in one day.

For complete transportation information including trains, cars, and ferry routes, see my Lake Como Travel Guide.

FAQs About the Best Towns in Lake Como

My Final Thoughts on Lake Como Towns

After visiting all these towns, I’d recommend Varenna as the best base for first-time visitors, with Bellagio as a close second if budget allows. Both put you in the scenic center of the lake with easy ferry connections to everywhere.

If staying just one or two nights, base yourself in one town and take day trips by ferry. If staying longer, you could split your time between two towns for different perspectives, though moving accommodations mid-trip adds logistics.

The beauty of Lake Como is that even the “lesser” towns on this list offer something special. You can’t really go wrong with any of these eight, but knowing what each offers helps match the right town to your travel style.

For complete Lake Como planning including villa visits, restaurants, and sample itineraries, check out my Lake Como Travel Guide and specific town guides for Varenna, Bellagio, and Como.

Take a look at our Lake Como Guides below:

Best things to do in Varenna, Lake Como Italy 2026 + One Day Itinerary

Best things to do in Como City, Lake Como Italy + One Day Itinerary

Best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como Italy 2026 + One Day Itinerary

Lake Como Travel Guide 2026: Your Next Dream Summer Vacation

Villa del Balbianello: Is It Actually Worth the Hype? (2026 Guide)