Lake Como, Italy - Travel Guide
By MupDay - the planner that does the research for you.
Updated: 2026-07-02
Lake Como is a breathtaking Italian gem, combining dramatic mountain landscapes with crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque villages. It's a perfect destination for a romantic or family vacation, offering a blend of luxury, nature, and authentic Italian culture.
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Top things to do in Lake Como
The must-see places in Lake Como include Bellagio, Villa Balbianello, Villa del Balbianello, Varenna, Villa Carlotta and more. Here is the full list, with a short note on each:
- Bellagio · Bellagio
The famous town of Bellagio, known as the 'Pearl of the Lake', offers picturesque streets, boutique shops, and magnificent views.
- Villa Balbianello
The Villa del Balbianello is a villa in the comune of Lenno, a province in the north of the Lombardy region of Italy, overlooking Lake Como. It is located on the tip of the small wooded peninsula of Dosso d'Avedo on the western shore of the south-west branch of Lake Como, 1500 meters east from the Isola Comacina. The villa is famous for its elaborate terraced gardens.
- Villa del Balbianello · Lenno
A magnificent villa with stunning gardens and breathtaking lake views, used as a filming location for famous movies.
- Varenna · Varenna
A charming fishing village with colorful houses, narrow alleys, and a romantic lakeside promenade.
- Villa Carlotta · Tremezzina
A magnificent 17th-century villa with stunning botanical gardens featuring rare plant collections and sculptures.
- Villa Monastero
- Funicolare Como-Brunate · Como
A historic funicular climbing to the town of Brunate, offering magnificent panoramic views of Como and the lake.
- Como Cathedral · Como
An impressive Gothic and Renaissance cathedral, one of the most beautiful examples of architecture in Italy.
- Giardini di Villa Melzi
- Menaggio · Menaggio
A charming town on the western shore of the lake, with a beautiful promenade, lively squares, and convenient ferry connections.
- Tremezzo · Tremezzina
An elegant town known for its magnificent villas, especially Villa Carlotta, and beautiful gardens.
- Vezio Castle
Castello di Vezio is a castle located nearby Varenna and Perledo, northern Italy. Characterized in the main tower by square merlons, similar to Cly Castle in Aosta Valley, it commands the Lake Como. It was once connected by walls to the village of Varenna below.
- Castello di Vezio · Varenna
A medieval castle with stunning panoramic views, falconry shows, and exhibitions on local history.
- Tempio Voltiano · Como
- Castello di Lierna
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-see places in Lake Como?
Bellagio, Villa Balbianello, Villa del Balbianello, Varenna, Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero
When is the best time to visit Lake Como?
Any season works - MupDay plans around opening hours and the weather, and rebuilds your days as you add or remove places.
How do I plan an itinerary for Lake Como?
Pick places in MupDay and it auto-builds a day-by-day route with no zig-zag, weather-aware.
