Lake Como Holidays
The lake runs 46 km from north to south and sits at 198 m above sea level, with the surrounding peaks reaching over 2,000 m. The contrast between the water, the shoreline terracing, and the alpine backdrop is unlike anything else in the Italian lakes region.
Milan, Bergamo's Città Alta, the Valtellina wine valley, and the Swiss city of Lugano are all within 90 minutes by car or rail. Customers who treat the lake as a hub consistently get more from the trip.
The inverted-Y shape of the lake means three distinct branches, each with its own character — you can experience meaningfully different atmospheres without covering more than 30 km by road.
The public ferry network run by Navigazione Laghi connects over 20 landing stages. Getting between Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio by boat costs a few euros and takes under 15 minutes — it is the most practical and pleasurable way to spend a day on the lake.
Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi are among the finest formal gardens in northern Europe. Each takes the better part of a half-day, and the spring flowering season runs from late March through May.
The western shore towns have restaurants where the clientele is almost entirely Italian. Risotto con pesce persico — freshwater perch risotto — is a lake dish that has nothing to do with tourist menus closer to the water's edge.
The lake divides into distinct zones, and the choice of base shapes everything else. Here is where holidays to Lake Como work best across the main options.
Como Town: The southern gateway and the most practical base for first-time arrivals. The Duomo — a cathedral begun in 1396, mixing Romanesque and Gothic in equal measure — dominates the central square. The Museo della Seta explains the full silk production process using original equipment and is one of the few places in Europe where the complete craft survives in a museum setting. A well-planned Lake Como holiday can be built entirely from here using the ferry and rail connections.
Bellagio: The most recognised of the lakeside villages, positioned exactly where the lake's two southern branches divide. The waterfront and the stepped lanes above it are worth the visit — though Bellagio fills quickly in July and August and is more rewarding in May, June, or September. Worth two nights as a base for holidays in Lake Como built around exploring the central lake by ferry.
Varenna: On the eastern shore, roughly 25 km from Como by road, Varenna is smaller than Bellagio and noticeably quieter. The ferry crossing to Menaggio takes eight minutes. Villa Monastero and its lakeside garden are here; the main promenade is one of the most photographed stretches of waterfront on the lake. A strong first choice for a holiday to Lake Como centred on slower days and good evening dining.
Menaggio: On the western shore opposite Varenna, with more amenity than the smaller villages without losing the lakeside character. Ferry connections run in all directions, and the town suits families and couples in equal measure — an easy centre for a Lake Como Italy holiday.
Cernobbio: Just 5 km north of Como town, home to Villa d'Este — a grand hotel in continuous operation since 1873. The village is worth an evening on any Lake Como holiday regardless of where you are staying; the lakeside road and the regular Como-Cernobbio ferry both connect it easily.
Ferry travel across the lake: The Navigazione Laghi public service connects over 20 landing stages from Como town south to Colico in the north. A day pass for the central lake — covering the Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio triangle — costs under €20 and covers serious ground in a single day. Schedules run reliably from April to October.
Villa del Balbianello: On the Lavedo peninsula above Lenno, this 18th-century villa is recognisable from its appearances in Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II. The formal terraced gardens above the lake are the main draw. Accessible by ferry to Lenno and a 20-minute walk, or by direct water taxi from Bellagio. Advance booking is essential in peak months.
Boat and kayak hire: Private boat hire is available from Como, Menaggio, and Bellagio — no licence is required for vessels under 40hp, which covers most of the hire fleet. Kayak hire from several lakeside operators reaches small pebble bays not accessible by road. Half-day electric boat hire is a practical option for those who want to cover the central lake independently.
Walking routes above the shore: The Greenway del Lago runs 10 km along the western shore between Colonno and Cadenabbia on footpaths and mule tracks away from the road. The ascent to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo above Magreglio gains around 500 m of elevation from Bellagio and ends at the dedicated cycling sanctuary, which houses jerseys from Tour de France winners.
Lake boat tours and evening cruises: Guided tours of the central lake run from Como, Bellagio, and Varenna, taking in the main villas and Comacina — the lake's only island. Full-day private hire for groups of four to eight can be arranged around specific landing stages. Several operators run evening aperitivo cruises departing around 6.30 pm in summer — a fixture of holidays to Lake Como Italy.
May and June are the months most experienced Como travellers return to — gardens in full season, temperatures between 20°C and 26°C, and the main resorts open without the July and August crowd levels. September is the other standout, particularly for walkers and those combining the lake with Valtellina wine country. July and August are peak season and deliver on atmosphere, but Bellagio and Varenna fill quickly from mid-morning — planning around the ferry timetable makes a significant difference.
