Elegant lakeside villas, picturesque villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery have made this one of Italy’s most celebrated destinations. Combining timeless beauty with a relaxed atmosphere, it has captivated everyone from aristocrats and artists to modern-day travelers.
Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, grand historic villas, and charming waterfront towns. Whether you’re savoring authentic Italian cuisine, cruising across the lake, hiking scenic trails, or simply unwinding beside the water, every corner offers spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.
For centuries, visitors have found themselves extending their stay, drawn in by the region’s natural beauty, refined elegance, and slower pace of life. It’s easy to see why Lake Como remains one of Italy’s most iconic and irresistible holiday destinations.
Como
The most famous town on the lake, Como is surrounded by verdant green hills and beautiful scenery. The historic old town charms visitors with terrace cafes and piazzas where people meet to chat and enjoy good food.
The Italian way of life is clear to see here with lively shops and bars bustling and other busy places. Como has plenty of historic sites, such as the Basilica di San Fedele, which dates back to the 10th century. Take the old funicular railway up the hill from Como to Brunate, or take the bus to nearby villages.
Bellagio
Bellagio is a classy little village that has long been popular with visitors to the lake. The village sits at the top of a hill between two pretty beaches and is a tiny town that’s packed full of charm. Bellagio is full of history and is a great spot to spend romantic breaks, enjoying the views and discovering the lake.
Amble along cobbled streets, shop in the chic boutiques and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants. Ferries stops off at Bellagio’s dock to take people to other sites around the lake. Accommodation in this stunning setting is luxury and hotel rooms are expensive; choose to stay in one of the lavish 5-star offerings and live decadently on the edge of the lake.
Menaggio

Tiny Menaggio sits on the shores of the lake ​and its easy transport links make it an attractive and popular resort town. The towns mountainous surroundings appeal to visitors who like hiking, and this part of the lake is great for swimming and watersports. The town offers a shady setting to enjoy the scenery, and boats can be caught to beauty spots around Como.
Bakeries and casual dining options serve fresh and reasonably priced food – you can sit in the town square and sip coffee as you watch the life on the lake. Stay in the 3-star hotel with lovely landscaped gardens, swimming pools and views of the lake.
Varenna
Situated in the center of the action, Verenna’s old buildings and interesting lanes create an alluring holiday destination. The village’s big draw is its waterfront, which is one of the best in the area. The pebbly beach draws sun-worshippers to the shores of the lake to spend weekends picnicking and socializing.
Stay in Varenna if you want to relax during your holiday and explore the famously Italian gardens of Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. You can travel easily by ferry to other resorts around the lake and the town is connected by the main railway line. Stay in impressive hotels with private lakeside grounds – or further up the hill there are some more budget friendly options which still boast great views.
Lecco
For a slice of the luxury lifestyle of Lake Como on a budget, stay in lovely Lecco. Spend a few nights sleeping in hotels with lake views for much less than other Como resorts. The accommodation is centered around stylish boutique hotels with balconies.
Whilst in Lecco, take the ferry along the lake, promenade and devour delicious food and wine. Lecco is a key transit hub for trains traveling to Bergamo and Milan – but make sure to stop off to try the Sicilian-style ice cream that Lecco is well known for.
Bellano
Beautiful Bellano’s big attraction is its beach flanked by luxury hotels with beachside swimming pools, and scattered with bars and restaurants that overlook Lake Como. Enjoy your Italian break relaxing on the beach surrounded by the panoramic views, or soaking up the culture that the town is famous for.
Bellano becomes busy with visitors in August when the town holds an opera festival, and there are many old churches and ancient local villages in the surrounding hills – this and the terrain makes the area great for hiking.
Lezzeno
Little Lezzo is made up of a number of small hamlets that span the area between the shore and the mountainside. Pretty traditional homes with their delicately designed gardens overflow with flowers and wildlife. Lezzeno is all about its sweeping views across the lake across beautiful Isola Comacina, an island in the lake.
Discover the villages intriguing secrets and history and learn more about the traditional crafts the area is famous for. Enjoy a coffee and socialize with locals, and stay at stylish hotels nestled among bars and restaurants. This town isn’t on the tourist trail and is a great chance to spend some time in a more authentic – and less busy – area of the lake.
Cernobbio
The popular resort town of Cernobbio sits close to the border of Switzerland at the foot of Monte Bisbino; here’s where you can find some of the most stunning old Italian villas on the lake. Choose to stay in one of the self-catering apartments in the town that overlook the lake – or splash out and stay in the iconic Villa d’Este, which has welcomed influential guests for many years.
The town is also the start of the Via dei Monti Lariani hiking route to Sorico, plus a great location to travel to other sites on the lake since most bus and ferry services stop here.
Tremezzina
With views across the lake and ancient architecture, Tremezzina is a busy town that’s made up of a few smaller settlements. The area’s classically Italian villas and palatial hotels slip seamlessly into the surrounding landscape of the lake. Slip easily into this town’s pace of life and admire the medieval remains of its fortress.

Spend time at the Villa Carlotta with its large park and in-depth art gallery. There are budget hotel rooms available in the area, which can work as a perfect place to spend time exploring Lake Como.
Cadenabbia
Cadenabbia is surrounded by stunning scenery and is a popular spot during the spring and autumn as the landscape’s trees change color. The town is famous for being a spa resort where visitors return year after year to enjoy the health benefits of the area. Gorgeous villas with huge gardens, stylish hotels with pools, and riviera locations offer well priced rooms for such luxury environs.
Moltrasio
Oozing European sundrenched style, Moltrasio’s gorgeous 19th-century villas have played host to influential figures such as Winston Churchill and Gianni Versace. Enjoy exploring the picture-perfect architecture and luxe lifestyle of the rich and famous that stay in the villas, and spend your time decadently daydreaming as if you were in a Hollywood movie.
Expensive and exclusive, hotel rooms in this part of the lake come at a high price, but then how much would you pay to be next door to the likes of George Clooney?
Malgrate
On the eastern part of the lake, Malgrate sits in front of Lecco and is connected by a bridge – namely, the Azzone Visconti bridge, which was built in 1336. Walk right along the edge of the lake and its beach as the sun sets behind the surrounding mountains. Excursions to the nearby scenic spots are easy to reach by the connecting road. Spend your weekend nights staying in tastefully furnished villas and being surrounded by nature.
Colico
The last village in the eastern shore, Colico sits at the foot of Como’s highest peak, Monte Legnone. The town has great transport links with a ferry that connects to Como and Lecco along with train connects to Milan.
The perfect location to dip your toes into the culture of Como, here you can check out some culture by visiting the ruins of an old fort; and this area of the lake is very well known for kitesurfing. Stay at one of the mid-range hotels which work as a great place to stay for family vacations.
Argegno
Stay off the beaten track in the little hamlet of Argegno and immerse yourself in local life and authentic culture. The perfect spot for a romantic break, here you can hide away in the unspoilt corner of the busy lakeside settlements. This is the kind of charming place that enchants visitors to stay much longer than first planned. Stay in traditionally colourful homestays and local inns.
Gravedona
Artistic and beautiful, Gravedona is a traditional fishing town that now attracts holidaymakers with its style and delicious cuisine as well as opportunities to enjoy the outdoor sporting activities on the lake. The atmosphere is tranquil as visitors enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and landscape around the lake.
Take time out and sit in one of the lakeside cafes and spend time wandering around the walls of the old town. Stay in locally owned bed and breakfasts in charming traditional houses.
