Where to actually go in Lake Como

Gelateria Lariana

Dessert · Como

A long-running gelato shop near the lake, loved by locals.

Best for: gelato

Best time: afternoon

Bellagio

Area · Bellagio (mid-lake)

The "pearl of the lake": steep stepped lanes at the point where the lake splits in two.

Best for: the classic Como village

Best time: afternoon

Punta Spartivento

Viewpoint · Bellagio

The tip of the Bellagio peninsula, with views up all three arms of the lake.

Best for: a free sunset

Price: free

Best time: sunset

Villa Melzi gardens

Garden · Bellagio

Lakeside gardens of azaleas, statues and a Japanese pond.

Best for: a garden walk

Best time: morning

Varenna

Area · Varenna (east shore)

A small, colourful village with a lakeside walkway and the train to Milan.

Best for: a base, an evening walk

Best time: evening

Villa Monastero

Garden · Varenna

A former convent with long lakeside gardens.

Best for: a peaceful garden

Best time: morning

Castello di Vezio

Viewpoint · above Varenna

A medieval tower above Varenna with falconry shows and a big view.

Best for: the view over the lake

Best time: late afternoon

Fiumelatte

Walk · south of Varenna

One of Italy's shortest rivers, a white torrent that only flows part of the year.

Best for: a short walk from Varenna

Best time: afternoon

Menaggio

Area · Menaggio (west shore)

A lively lakeside town with a promenade and hiking trails above it.

Best for: a base for hikes

Best time: afternoon

Villa Carlotta

Museum · Tremezzo

A villa of sculpture and huge gardens of rhododendrons and azaleas.

Best for: gardens and art

Best time: morning

Villa del Balbianello

Sight · Lenno

A villa on a wooded point used in Star Wars and Casino Royale.

Best for: the famous villa

Booking: Check opening days and book ahead.

Best time: morning

Isola Comacina

Sight · off Ossuccio

The lake's only island, with church ruins under the trees.

Best for: a short boat hop

Best time: afternoon

Greenway del Lago di Como

Walk · Colonno to Cadenabbia

A 10 km lakeside walking route through villages and past villas.

Best for: an easy scenic walk

Best time: morning

Sentiero del Viandante

Walk · east shore (Varenna area)

An old mule track along the east shore with sections you can walk between train stations.

Best for: a longer hike

Best time: full day

Lake Como ferry

Activity · all villages

Public boats are the best way to see the lake; a day pass covers the mid-lake triangle.

Best for: getting around with a view

Best time: any time

Como town and cathedral

Area · Como

The lake's main town, with a grand cathedral and a lively old centre.

Best for: arriving by train, shopping

Best time: afternoon

Brunate funicular

Viewpoint · Como

A funicular up the mountain above Como to a village with a view over the lake.

Best for: the view above Como

Best time: sunset

Villa Olmo

Garden · Como

A neoclassical villa with free lakeside gardens.

Best for: a free stroll

Price: free (gardens)

Best time: afternoon

Orrido di Nesso

Sight · Nesso

A gorge and waterfall under a stone bridge in a quiet village.

Best for: a quiet stop

Best time: midday

Lugano

Area · Switzerland (about 1 hour from Menaggio)

A Swiss lake city a bus ride from Menaggio, Italian-speaking but Swiss-priced.

Best for: a second country in a day

Best time: full day