In this post, “The Most Beautiful Lake Como Villages,” we will reveal the most beautiful villages and towns on the coast of this mesmerizing Lake. If you want to learn more, please stay with us.
Como city – The cathedral
©TripSavvy / Christopher Larson
Our list of the most beautiful villages on Lake Como
Lake Como has charming villages and towns with quiet alleys, stunning views, beaches, enchanting villas, and more. Check out this list of popular towns to visit and read travel guides to plan your trip.
Como city
Como is located near the Italian-Swiss border and overlooks the southwest end of its Lake. It is surrounded by green ridge hills, resulting in unparalleled natural scenery. Furthermore, Como is home to some of Lombardy’s best attractions – like its Cathedral. It is also the birthplace of the famous physician Alessandro Volta.
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Lake Como Villages – Bellagio
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Bellagio
Bellagio is a small jewel on the peninsula that separates the two southern branches of Lake Como. More importantly, the townlet is everything you expect from a traditional Italian village by the Lake: charming buildings, narrow streets, shops, cute restaurants—not to mention the park and pretty flowers.
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Lake Como Villages – Varenna
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Varenna
On the eastern shores of the Lake, adorable Varenna competes with Bellagio to win the title of prettiest hamlet on Lake Como. Its charm includes luxury villas around the shoreline, colorful houses in a labyrinth of cobbled alleys, and a winding lakeside path hanging over the glittering water, with cafés, fine restaurants, and art galleries looking over the Lake. Varenna is an essential stop for anyone wishing to visit one of the most peaceful towns on the Lake.
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Tramezzina
Tremezzina is located on the western banks of Lake Como, just opposite Bellagio. It is the result of a recent merger of the municipalities of Lenno, Mezzegra, Ossuccio, and Tremezzo. Tremezzina is home to some of the most beautiful villas on Lake Como.
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Lake Como Villages – Menaggio
©Luigi Secchi/menaggio.com
Menaggio
There are three main places you’re going to want to see on Lake Como, Italy: Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna. These three are well-connected by ferry and provide some of the best options for food and accommodation around the Lake. It’s also possible to stay in one of the many smaller towns, especially if you’re driving by car.
When you’re in Menaggio, grab an ice cream on the main square and walk down the promenade. There are some churches in town, which you can check out, but nothing too spectacular. Most of your time will be spent sitting at a cafe, enjoying the sunshine, and possibly taking a boat ride on the Lake.
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Nesso
Split in half by its famous gorge, Nesso is a picturesque village sitting on the banks of Lake Como. Nesso is smaller than the nearby Bellagio, but it’s an absolute heaven for those who seek peace and all the regenerating aspects of slow living.
Lecco
Lecco is not a tourist hot spot but one of Lake Como’s largest cities. It has beautiful scenery, a lovely lakeside promenade, and is accessible by train. Lecco is famous for inspiring Alessandro Manzoni, one the most world-renowned and loved Italian authors. His masterpiece, I promessi sposi (The Betrothed), is set in northern Italy, and Lecco is prominently featured in the work.
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Cernobbio
Cernobbio is a small city northwest of Como, between Mount Bisbino and the Lake’s calm waters. It is home to some of the most famous villas, making it an ideal place to avoid the crowds that fill the main tourist resorts. One of the most luxurious villas on Lake Como, Villa d’Este, is now a luxury hotel in Cernobbio. It was once voted the ‘best hotel in the world’! If you stay here, you can stroll around one of the loveliest gardens on Lake Como, with lots of statues and water features to admire. However, the hotel’s price range of 600-2000 euros per night is too expensive for most of us.
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Where to stay
Any town is suitable if you spend 3-4 days at Lake Como and have no mobility issues. Public transportation is comfortable and can take you to all other destinations. The Lake’s central area is where most tourist attractions are, so it gets crowded during the high season. We recommend planning your trip for April or October when the weather is pleasant and the area is less crowded. To schedule your trip:
- Identify the attractions or towns you want to visit, then choose the town with the easiest access to them all.
- Remember that the towns in the center of the Lake are about 15-30 minutes apart by boat, while the trip from Como to Bellagio takes 1-2 hours.
- If you have only one day to spend in Lake Como, choose a town easily accessible by train, such as Como, Varenna, or Lecco.
With proper planning, you can visit multiple towns in a day. For example, you can travel to Varenna from Milan and take the ferry to Bellagio or Menaggio in only 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can visit Cernobbio, a 15-minute boat ride from Como.
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Lake Como Villages – Cernobbio
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Safety Tips
Lake Como is a safe destination for travelers. The region has a low crime rate, and local authorities prioritize visitor safety. The picturesque towns and villages around the Lake are generally safe to explore alone during the day. However, it’s recommended to take basic precautions to ensure personal safety. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and secure your belongings. Travelers can confidently use public transportation in Lake Como, including trains, buses, and ferries, which are well-maintained, reliable, and safe. If you prefer to drive, the roads around the Lake are generally well-maintained. Still, following traffic rules and being aware of the narrow and winding streets is essential. Solo female travelers should feel relatively safe in Lake Como. Taking basic safety measures, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, will enhance your safety. Overall, Lake Como provides a safe and welcoming environment for solo travelers, and staying informed and using common sense can lead to a worry-free visit to this stunning Italian destination.
Final wordings
Here is our list of the most beautiful Lake Como Villages and towns. Which villages have been made into your list? Please share your experiences with us in the comments below.
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Featured photo: ©mylakecomo.co