If you are planning a trip to Lago di Como, I must say I envy you a little bit. Experiencing this gem of Italy for the first time again would be a dream come true, for traveling it the first time was one of the most wonderful trips I made recently. From these breathtaking green mountains, parting for the lake, with quaint towns spread along the coastline to the grand villas and wonderful restaurants serving the most amazing Italian dishes, Lago di Como is a fairy tale for you to explore. In this 10-Day Lago di Como Itinerary, I will show you all the amazing places I got to discover, as well as tips and recommendations for your hotels and restaurants. This itinerary will cover stays on both sides of the lake as well as time in Bellagio.
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FAQ about exploring Lago di Como
When to Visit Lago di Como?
As Italy is one of those countries that is just worth visiting over and over again, it comes as no surprise that summers at Lago di Como come with crowds and long lines. That’s why I recommend visiting Lago di Como earlier in the year. The trip described below took place at the end of April, and while we had to wait in lines quite a few times, it was still manageable. We also came just in time for the last remnants of the Wisteria bloom, so it was really ideal for us!
How to Get to Lago di Como?
Without a car, the easiest way to get to Lago di Como is to fly to Milano (MXP) and take the train to Varenna or Como, depending on where you are staying. From each destination, you can easily take the ferry and get to all the smaller towns along the lake!
The trip that is described here was with a car, since we combined multiple stops in Germany and Switzerland with a road trip! However, when you do take the car, you can also get around the lake easily, since there are many car ferries too.
How to Get Around in Lago di Como?
Getting around Lago di Como is incredibly simple! Almost all towns on the lakeside are connected via a frequently running ferry, which is easy and affordable. The only downside to it is that the ferries also tend to get quite crowded during peak season and rush hours. So make sure you plan your days with enough buffer time and always bring patience and snacks for waiting time!
Do I need a Car when visiting Lago di Como?
The simple answer is: no! You can easily get to Varenna or Como by train from Milan, and once you are there, you can get to all the lakeside towns easily by ferry. All you have to bring is a little patience now and then, when there are many people at once crossing the lake. And make sure to plan some buffer. So don’t plan on getting a spot on the last ferry of the day when you are late.
There is one exception, however: on day 8 of this Lago di Como Itinerary, we are doing a little road trip around the mountain. If you do not have a car, you can simply take the ferry from Bellagio to Tremezzo.
Where to Stay in Lago di Como?
During the course of our stay, we stayed in three different towns, all located on different sides of the island. First, we chose Mandello de Lario for its proximity to Varenna, then we stayed in Bellagio and finally in Tremezzo. Every place and hotel had its perks, which will be described in more detail later in this post!
Day 1 – Arriving in Mandello de Lario, Checking into Locanda Alberti, Dinner in Mandello
The first morning of our Lago di Como Itinerary, we left Zurich after brunch and drove through Switzerland towards the lake. The first place we chose to stay in was Mandello de Lario, a quaint town just south of Varenna. Compared to Varenna, it is a bit smaller but just as charming and, more importantly, much less frequented. Staying here means actually getting to live out your „Call Me by Your Name“-fantasies of spending summer in Northern Italy while being immersed in such a romantic setting.
The place we booked for the next few days is the Locanda Alberti, and we got to stay in the cosiest room imaginable. It even came with a view of the lake! But what I loved the most was that the room also came with a small kitchen setting. That meant we could also cook dinner right there. That was super practical, since Mandello doesn’t have an abundance of restaurants.
After checking in, we headed out for our first Italian dinner of the trip, which we had at the restaurant almost directly around the corner, and it is called the Mamma Ciccia Café. And because „when in Rome“, we kicked off our trip with a gorgeous Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe.
Day 2 – Varenna: Early Morning Hotel Villa Cipressi, Day Trip to Bergamo, Evening Carbonara & Call Me by Your Name
The next day, on this Lago di Como itinerary already starts quite early, as we explore one of the most iconic sights of Lago di Como. Then we go on a day trip to Bergamo and end our day with one of the best movies for the occasion!
Early Morning Hotel Villa Cipressi
We start the day with the wonderful Villa Cipressi. The historic Villa turned hotel is open for visitors from 9:30 – 7:30. Right there, you can explore the botanical garden and enjoy a Chappuchino at the impressive enclosed café. It is the home of the famous gate on the lake line!
Wandering the gardens is a wonderful thing to do, and exploring all its corners was incredible, especially with the wisteria still in bloom. We ended our garden stroll with a cappuccino, ready to take on the rest of the day.
Helpful Tips:
- The Villa Cipressi is quite a frequented place. Make sure to be there 15-30 minutes before opening time.
- If you want the famous picture with the gates, make sure to go there first thing. Even before exploring the rest of the grounds, since the light is only quite soft there in the early morning.
- The tickets to Villa Cipressi can only be bought on the day of your visit.
- There is an option to buy your ticket to the Villa Cipressi in combination with entry to the Villa Monastero. We decided against this, since we wanted to enjoy the Villa Monastero the first thing in the morning too.
Day Trip to Bergamo
Once we finished our time at Villa Cipressi, we embarked on the drive to Bergamo. Since the beautiful city is only a short drive away from Lago di Como, we decided to make that our program of the day. In Bergamo, we made our way up to the Città Alta, where we spent the remainder of the afternoon exploring this gem of a city. We had filled focaccia and Lemon Soda while sitting on the steps surrounding the Palazzo della Ragione and shopped through all the lovely boutiques. On the way back, we took the Funicolare back downtown and drove back to Mandello for the evening.
Evening Carbonara & Call Me by Your Name
While making it back to Mandello, we made sure to stop on the way for a little grocery shopping. We decided to spend the evening cooking Carbonara in our room and watch the absolutely perfect movie for the evening. „Call Me By Your Name“ perfectly sets the vibe for the evening. Bonus Points if it rains while watching the movie. Can it get any better than pasta + rain + „Mystery of Love“?
Day 3 – Varenna: Villa Monastero, Passerella Innamorati Sul Lago, Lunch at ALMA
Are you ready for the next villa on this Lago di Como itinerary? Again, your day will take you to another beautiful villa & botanical garden combo. Afterwards, you will explore the rest of this wonderful town called Varenna and have your lunch by the lakeside.
Villa Monastero
Almost directly next to the Villa Cipressi, you will find the gorgeous Villa Monastero. Even the gate is already impressive and grants you a beautiful view of the lake. Only a short walking distance down the steep hill, you will reach the main building and its surrounding terraces and gardens. With your entry ticket, you will be able to explore the gardens and the museum on the grounds.
The main attractions here are, of course, the Instagram-famous gazebo and more picturesque scenery. Of course, the best time to visit the Villa Monastero is when the Wisteria is in full bloom, as it turns the garden into a lilac and violet spectacle. We were lucky enough to see the remainder of the bloom to get an idea of how it is. Seeing the Wisteria in full bloom at Lago di Como is definitely a dream come true.
Inside the museum, you will learn more about the history of the Villa and its inhabitants. It is incredibly interesting, and you should not miss it. It also has some further lake views that you will not want to miss.
Once you have finished exploring Villa Monastero, make sure to stop for coffee and a pastry for breakfast. The enclosed café had the perfect Italian cappuccino and the most delicious pistachio croissant I can imagine. And, of course, they also come with a nice view!
Exploring Varenna & the Passerella Innamorati Sul Lago
While we skipped Varenna the day before, that day we seized our chance to finally explore one of the most charming small villages around Lago di Como or dare I say even in Italy? Varenna is the gateway to the Eastern shore of the lake, as there is a train station connecting the city directly with the major surrounding cities. Combine this with a ferry dock, and you have a central connection point. And of course, the two magnificent villas don’t hurt too much to make Varenna a buzzing and vibrant town.
We took our time to explore the narrow streets and colourful houses of Varenna. You will stumble upon art galleries, restaurants and shops, all while catching a glimpse of the lake at every crossing. Once we had reached the ferry dock, we also walked the Passerella Innamorati Sul Lago, the walkway directly on the shoreline that connects the dock with the larger town, where you have the most magnificent views.
After we finished our walk along the lake, we chose the ALMA as our lunch spot for the day! From its terrace, you have a beautiful view of the lake and the colourful houses of Varenna. Another popular yet overcrowded place to have your lunch would be the Bar Il Molo with its picturesque matching tables and chairs, we did not make a reservation beforehand, so let this be your reminder for that. At ALMA, however, we got a nice table and had amazing pasta carbonara (well, doesn’t that sound like have heard before? I do admit, Carbonara is one of my favourite dishes of all time).
Exploring Mandello del Lario
With our bellies filled with delicious food, we headed back to Mandello del Lario. There we had a gelato and sat on a bench next to the lake, reading in the afternoon sun. What a wonderful place to end the day!
Day 4 – Bellano & Arriving in Bellagio
The next day on this Lago di Como itinerary, is dedicated to moving from Mandello del Lario to Bellagio, your place to stay for the next few days. To make sure everything goes smoothly when crossing the lake with your car, make sure to research your ferry connection. The car ferry we took departed from Varenna and arrived in Bellagio, but before we took it, we also spent some time exploring Bellano.
Exploring Bellano
After checking out from Locanda Alberti and loading the car, we headed out to explore the town next to Varenna. Bellano is just as lovely and quaint as Varenna is, but still very much less frequented. Once the car is parked, we walk along the lakeside, taking in all the views. We walked from one side of the town to the other, always following the lake until we reached its public beach, where we stayed and read for a while.
Apart from its lake panorama, Bellano also offers some incredible views from above when you walk towards the opposite direction from the lake. We walked all the way up to the Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime – Lezzeno-Bellano and took a look around before heading back towards the shore.
Lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria Cavallo Bianco
Once we had had enough of exploring (and walking up and down the steep hills surrounding Bellano), we decided it was time to go for the real reason you visit Lago di Como (or any place in Italy for that matter) – pizza, pizza and pizza! At the Cavallo Bianco, you can enjoy all three of them while being directly seated next to the lake with a romantic view. How amazing!
Car Ferry
After this most delicious pizza, it is time to take the car ferry to Bellagio! To do so, we went to Varenna and boarded the ferry. Only 15 minutes and a few wonderful lake views later, you have arrived in the beautiful town that is Bellagio! Here we spent the next few nights and explored more of the southern side of the lake.
Where to Stay in Bellagio
Staying in Bellagio is wonderful, but it can be expensive at times. The town is incredibly popular, so hotel prices can be a bit high compared to other regions of the Lago. We decided to stay in the Bellagio Rotonda Apartment during our time. The place is close to the town and comes with a fully equipped kitchen. This made it easy for us to cook during our stay and combine sightseeing with a nice walk to the town.
Day 5 – Exploring Bellagio
Exploring Bellagio in the Early Morning
If you want to truly explore Bellagio, you have to get up early. As I said, the town is very popular and thus overcrowded. So if you really want to see and enjoy Bellagio to the fullest, you have to get up early and visit it in the early morning.
The best place to start your exploration is at the Instafamous Wine Bar Aperitivo Et Al. After a quick photoshoot, we just started to walk around this picture-perfect town and soaked in all of its charm, before the crowds could fill in.
When exploring Bellagio, make sure to take your time to wander around all its little alleys and even down to the lake promenade for the best views of the town.
Breakfast in Bellagio at Bar Vecchio Borg
After wandering around Bellagio for a long time, while not getting enough of this perfect town, we looked for a place to have our breakfast and the first café we stumbled upon was the Bar Vecchio Borg, where we enjoyed delicious Italian coffee and the best pistachio croissant that we had in Italy.
Afternoon Explorations in Bellagio – Dolce Far Niente and Dolce Vita
After our breakfast, we first headed back to the Bellagio Rotonda Apartment we stayed in for a quick nap and reading in the sun, which took longer than expected. Around the late afternoon, we headed back to Bellagio to soak up a more lively atmosphere of the town, too. With some Gelato from the Bar Pasticceria Bifolco, we sat next to the cathedral and watched people go by. We also did a little shopping, then, buying shoes and other Italian goods. This must be the Dolce Vita, everybody speaks of.
Aperitif and Bar Sanremo & Dinner at Dalla Nonna Trattoria Italiana e Bar
We simply had to finish our glorious flaneuring with an Aperol Spritz. And of course, I had to sit directly next to the water doing so. At the Bar Sanremo, you can find both at the very same time. Oh, how lovely is Bellagio!
With our steps slightly wobbly due to the Aperitif on a more or less empty stomach, we made our way back to our apartment. Although with one important stop in mind. This night, we dined at the Dalla Nonna Trattoria Italiana e Bar. The restaurant is next to the gas station, where you can enjoy the most authentic Italian dinner. Honestly, I could have eaten there every night!
Day 6 – Early Morning at Villa Melzi, Bellagio Walk, Late Lunch at Enoteca Cava Turacciolo
Day 6 of this Lago di Como Itinerary is filled with another incredible Villa, more time to explore Bellagio and an extraordinary late lunch.
Morning at Villa Melzi
„Getting up early to visit a breathtaking villa“ could very well be the motto of your whole Lago di Como vacation. The villa of the day is the wonderful Villa Melzi, which you can easily reach on foot from the apartment. Its garden might even be the grandest you can see, at least it was my favourite. Its gazebo is especially picturesque, even though it is very frequented for that exact reason.
At the Villa Melzi, you will not only have the chance to explore the garden but also visit the Villas’ museum as well as its own chapel, which is incredibly beautiful. However, my personal highlight is its spacious garden. With its impressive, old trees, ponds and blooming shrubs, it feels like the garden of a fairytale. What a beautiful place!
Helpful Information:
- The entry per person is 10€, you can get tickets online in advance or on the day of your visit.
- As usual, be early for visiting the Villa Melzi. It gets crowded fast, especially the only Ladies’ restroom on the grounds.
Late Lunch at Enoteca Cava Turacciolo
After a much-needed rest in the garden of our apartment, we heard the next Aperol Spritz calling our names. Sunbathing and Aperitif by the lake, honestly, isn’t this the purest meaning of „Dolce Vita“? We had said Aperol and a delicious antipasti platter at the incredible Enoteca Cava Turacciolo, a wine bar in Bellagio that you shouldn’t miss for the world!
Day 7 – Day Trip to Colico, Portovino | Restaurant • Wine & Cocktail Bar, Spiaggia Ontano
Have a lovely day trip to Colico, the Northern Side of Lago di Como and enjoy more pistachio croissants and Aperol along the way! However, you might also come across some of the difficulties caused by mass tourism.
Ferry to Colico, Breakfast at Portovino & Spiaggia Ontano
On the seventh day of the Lago di Como Itinerary, we decided to take the ferry from Bellagio and go North to explore more areas of the lake! And as the ferry runs on a first-come, first-served basis, it is very easy to just board a ferry and cross the lake. In Colico awaits you another lakeside gem with a beautiful promenade, filled with lovely bars and cafés for you to explore.
After a lovely cappuccino and pistachio croissant for breakfast, we went on a long walk, exploring Colico, all the way to Spiaggia Ontano, where we sat in the sun for a while, before heading back to Colico, where we still had a bit of time left.
Getting back to Bellagio
We didn’t know it at the time, but getting back to Bellagio did turn out like quite an adventure. In theory, it would have been easy; we would take the train from Colico to Varenna, the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio, then walk from Bellagio harbour back to our apartment. The first part of the itinerary was easy enough. Taking the train to Varenna was quick and easy. However, trying to catch the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio was also a reminder that you also need patience for traveling a destination like the Lago di Como. When trying to get the ferry, we had to wait in line for more than an hour. With the route Varenna – Bellagio being a very frequented one, we had to be very patient. That alone wouldn’t have been a problem at all if it weren’t for the looming threat of it being too crowded for us to catch the last ferry.
Long story short: When travelling on Lago di Como by ferry, never plan to take the last ferry of the day, because you might not be the only one trying to do so!
Day 8 – Road trip around the lake, walk to Ponte del Lago, Lunch at Ristorante Briisa de Ness, Stop in Cernobbio, Check-In at Hotel Ristorante La Darsena
Here comes the only day on this Lago di Como Itinerary that is not so easily recreated, if you do not have a car at your disposal. That day, we left Bellagio and drove towards the Western shore of the lake, where we would spend our final days at the lake. Before checking out, we slept in and had a last breakfast at the apartment. Then we left for our little road trip!
Walking to Porticciolo di Nesso & Ponte della Civera
The first stop of the day was in Nesso, where we parked the car and walked down to the Porticciolo di Nesso, a lovely and picturesque small harbour. The walk itself was quite steep and a bit adventurous, but very worth it! The Porticciolo is very pretty, and from there it is only a short walk to the Ponte della Civera, a small but beautiful bridge from which you can easily access the lake and even see the waterfall up the mountain.
Second Breakfast at Ristorante Briisa de Ness
Once we walked up the shore again, we decided it was time for a small snack, which we had at the Briisa de Ness. There we enjoyed a lovely cappuccino, a croissant, and, of course, we had to finish it off with a tiramisu!
Stop in Cernobbio & Pasticceria Poletti
When driving around Lago di Como, we only drove past Como, as we decided to plan a stop in a less frequented place, which was the small town called Cernobbio. There we walked around, sat at the lakeside and finally went to the Pasticceria Poletti, where we had our lunch and the most incredible dessert.
Check-In at the Hotel Ristorante La Darsena
After lunch, it was time for the last leg of our road trip around Lago di Como. From Cernobbio, we drove to the La Darsena Hotel in Tremezzo. This last hotel for our time at Lago di Como was just as wonderful as all the other places we stayed, but we also loved this one a little extra. With its extraordinary lake views and spacious and clean rooms, you can’t help but fall in love with it.
Here we rested for the afternoon before we treated ourselves with one of the most fantastic dinners we had at the Lago. Every single thing we had here was amazing, and although we couldn’t sit outside as it was raining when we were there, it was such a wonderful and relaxed evening.
Day 9 – Villa del Balbianello, Exploring Menaggio, La Fabbrica del Gelato, Dinner at Divino 13
Waking up at the La Darsena with its magnificent lake view is really amazing; however, what I liked even more was the included breakfast. As the first sight we wished to visit opens at 10:00 am, we still had ample time once we got up to have a coffee and enjoy the early morning.
Visiting Villa del Balbianello
When staying in Tremezzo, the one thing you will want to explore is the famous Villa del Balbianello. Among the villas at Lago di Como, this one might be the most beautiful. You might have even seen it before, as it was here where James Bond stayed for his recovery in Casino Royale and where Padme and Anakin fell in love during Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. It is incredibly dreamy and picturesque. And really looks like it could be on another planet in another galaxy far, far away.
Its most prominent feature might be the archway with its overgrown pillars, so make sure to be there first thing if you want to get your shot. From there, you can explore the rest of the grounds and really make sure that you soak it all in. The Villa del Balbianello is a very special place, and you will want to take your time there.
Helpful Tips for Visiting the Villa del Balbianello
- You have to, and I can not stress this enough, book your ticket online in advance. The Villa is incredibly popular, so tickets sell out very quickly.
- When visiting the Villa del Balbianello by car, make sure to be there early and research where to park. Parking space is very limited, and you will want to be prepared.
- Once you have parked your car, you will still have to walk 10 – 20 minutes (depending on your speed and drive to be at the Villa the earliest). This road is not particularly accessible, so if you have any trouble with that, make sure to plan your stay.
Exploring Menaggio & Dinner at Divino 13
After our morning at the Villa del Balbianello, we took the rest of the afternoon to explore another charming town on the Lago di Como. Menaggio is only a short drive away from the Hotel La Darsena and another wonderful place. You have small boutiques, gelato, and a bunch of amazing restaurants.
For our dinner, we picked the Divino 13, a cosy wine bar, where we had our last dinner on this Lago di Como Itinerary. One final Carbonara before we would head home again the next morning. We spent the evening recalling the trip’s highlights along with a lovely glass of wine.
Day 10 – Getting Home
On day 10 of this Lago di Como Itinerary, you will get up with a lakeview one last time. Saying goodbye to this wonderful place is actually very hard. But one last breakfast at La Darsena is the best remedy to heal the impending pain of parting. Oh, what a wonderful place the Lago di Como just is!
And that’s it! Thank you for reading my Lago di Como Itinerary, make sure to Pin for Later!
