Lake Como: how to get there, where to stay, what to see

Brief highlights

In ancient times, villas on the lake belonged to Virgil and Pliny the Younger; nowadays, they have been replaced by billionaires and celebrities. Filmmakers were also captivated by the beautiful surroundings of Como: scenes from movies like "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones", "Ocean's Twelve", "Casino Royale", "A Month by the Lake", and others were filmed here.

Where to stay

The most popular cities are Bellagio and Como, which are conveniently accessible from Milan without a car. The city of Como is chosen by those who value developed infrastructure: a wide selection of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Bellagio is smaller and more picturesque, but during the season it can be overcrowded and accommodation prices are higher (though you can easily reach most interesting places by boat or ferry without transfers).

Those seeking seclusion can choose on the map: Tremezzo, Menaggio, Varenna, or even one of the villages on the coast. However, in this case, it's better to have a car at your disposal or be prepared for daily boat trips to see the main attractions.

How to get to Como

From Malpensa Airport (Milan)

1. From Terminal 1, take the Malpensa Express train to Saronno station (20 minutes, €12), then take a train to Como Lago (40 minutes, €4.5).
2. Take the Malpensa Express train (52 minutes, €16) or bus (50 minutes, from €12) to Milano Centrale station, then take a train to Como S. Giovanni (40 minutes, from €8).
3. By car. Distance is about 60 kilometers.

From Linate Airport (Milan)

1. Take the Malpensa shuttle bus to Monza station (30 minutes, €12), then take a train to Como S. Giovanni (25 minutes, from €6.5).
2. Take bus No. 73 to Milan (45 minutes, €3), then take a train from Milano Nord Cadorna to Como Nord Lago (1 hour, €4.8) or from Milano Centrale to Como S. Giovanni (40 minutes, from €8).
3. By car. Distance is about 65 kilometers.

From Orio al Serio Airport (Bergamo)

1. Take the Orio Shuttle bus to Milano Centrale station (50 minutes, from €10), then take a train to Como S. Giovanni (40 minutes, from €8).
2. Take the Orio Shuttle bus to Monza station (40 minutes, from €8), then take a train to Como S. Giovanni (25 minutes, from €6).
3. Take the Atp bus to the Bergamo railway station (15 minutes, €8), then take a train to Monza station (50 minutes, from €8), and from there to Como S. Giovanni (25 minutes, from €6).
4. By car. Distance is about 90 kilometers.

From Milan

1. Take the train from Milano Nord Cadorna to Como Nord Lago (1 hour, €8).
2. Take the train from Milano Centrale to Como S. Giovanni (40 minutes, from €8).
3. By car. Distance is about 55 kilometers.

How to get to Bellagio

If you decide to rent a car, it's straightforward: head straight to Bellagio. It's 90 kilometers from Malpensa Airport, 75 kilometers from Linate Airport, and 60 kilometers from Orio al Serio (Bergamo) Airport.

For those who prefer public transport, most often they choose the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino station (1 hour, from €11), then take a ferry to Bellagio (15 minutes, €7). The pier is approximately a 10-minute walk from the station.

You can check train schedules and buy tickets on the website, and find ferry schedules here.

What to do at Lake Como, places to see and activities

Lake Como offers 73 museums, 11 medieval castles, 40 parks, 11 gardens, and 60 hiking and biking routes. To cover everything, you might want to settle in here. Here's a list of 10 must-see spots for those who want to make the most of an average vacation.

1. Visit Famous Villas

For example, Villa del Balbianello, where Padmé Amidala said "yes" to Anakin Skywalker on the terrace, and James Bond declared his love to Vesper Lynd. It's open daily except Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 to 18:00. Admission to the garden for adults costs €13.

Four kilometers from Balbianello is Villa Carlotta, adorned with works by Antonio Canova, Adamo Tadolini, Francesco Hayez, and other masters. The villa is surrounded by a garden featuring 150 species of rhododendrons and azaleas. Opening hours: from late March to early December, from 9:00 (10:00) to 17:00 (19:30). Adult tickets cost €10.

2. Have fun in one of the Amusement Parks

Amusement parks around Lake Como operate from April to October, sometimes on weekends during other times. Here, both children and adults can enjoy various rope courses of different difficulties, tree canopy walks, zip lines, and other challenging activities:

• Jungle Raider Park in Civenna (the largest in Lombardy), Margno, and Albavilla;
• Parco Avventura Piani d’Erna, a few kilometers from Lecco, easily accessible by cable car;
• Lake Como Adventure Park near Menaggio, 20 kilometers from Gravedona.

3. Dive with aqualung

There are several optimal spots, such as Punta Spargivento in Bellagio or Villa Pliniana in Torno. Along the coast, there are diving centers offering training, guided dives, and equipment rental.

4. Paraglide

Around Lake Como, there are favorable air currents, making it a hub for paragliding clubs. You can take lessons or tandem flights with experienced instructors.

5. Learn kitesurfing

This is one of the most popular water sports on Lake Como. The best period for training is from March to October, but enthusiasts also go out in other months if weather permits. The northern part of Lake Como is considered ideal for kitesurfing.

6. Fly in a seaplane as a passenger or pilot

In Como, there's an aeroclub founded in 1930 where you can book sightseeing flights over the lake or take flying lessons.

7. Rent a boat and explore the Lake

If sitting still isn't your thing, explore the lake's shores: admire villas (some are only visible from the water), stroll through small towns and villages. The cost of a ticket depends on the length of your route: from Como to Bellagio, for example, you can travel for €16, to Varenna for €19.

To plan your route, use the free Navigazione Laghi app (available for Android and iOS). It's easy to use: select the lake, specify your departure and destination, and click "Search". All available options will appear on the screen, and you can simply choose a suitable trip and purchase a ticket at the counter.

8. Swim in Lake Como

We've selected 10 free public beaches for you to enjoy:

Eastern Shore:

• Lecco – Orsa Maggiore. A sandy beach equipped with sun loungers, deck chairs, and umbrellas. Canoe and boat rentals are available, as well as water skiing or wakeboarding.
• Abbadia Lariana – Parco Chiesa Rotta. A green shore with cafes and sun loungers, accessible with strollers and wheelchairs.
• Colico. A green beach with a large parking lot, bars, and equipment rentals for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• Oliveto Lario – Onno. A spacious quiet pebble beach with a bar, sun loungers, and umbrellas for rent.
• Abbadia Lariana – Pradello. Located a few kilometers from Lecco, 5 minutes from the train station. A comfortable beach with ample parking and grassy areas.

West Coast:

• Rezzonico Beach. A rocky, less crowded beach with a nearby restaurant.
• Pianello Beach. A secluded, rocky beach ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• Domaso Beach. One of the largest beaches on Lake Como. Afternoon winds make it perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can find shade under trees, and nearby campsites offer bars and restaurants.
• Dongo Beach. A small, grassy and rocky beach without infrastructure. Nearby campsites offer equipment rental for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with dining options in the town.
• Ossuccio Beach. A small beach opposite Isola Comacina.

9. Try local cuisine

• Polenta taragna — buckwheat flour polenta.
• Fritto misto di lago — assortment of fried lake fish.
• Missoltini or missultin — spring-caught and sun-dried lake sardines, pressed and stored in a special container. Grilled and served with fried polenta and red wine.
• Cassoeula — pork offal stewed with cabbage.
• Ristisciada — dish of pork and sausages fried with onions.
• Miascia — cake made from soaked bread with milk, eggs, sugar, butter, apples or pears, nuts, and raisins (sometimes with chocolate and lemon zest).
• Masigott — crumbly cake with raisins, pine nuts, and candied fruit.
• Red and white wines from the Brianza region.