Located on the picturesque Bellagio promontory, this charming town looks like it’s right out of a postcard. Here, you'll climb up to the promenade for a panoramic view of the lake and then stroll through the gardens of the stunning Villa Melzi.
Como is a bustling lakeside city, best known for its stunning cathedral and funicular railway to the mountain town of Brunate. Take a walk around the city walls and meander through the scenic streets of the historic center. Make sure to visit the Volta Temple to learn about the life of Alessandro Volta.
Located on the western shore of Lake Como, Villa Carlotta is a popular attraction featuring botanical gardens and art collections. Later, hop on a boat to Lenno’s stunning shoreline promenade, where you can visit the local churches and museums. End the day with a visit to the historic Villa del Balbianello, known for its beautifully-kept gardens.
The charming village of Varenna is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Visit the elegant Villa Monastero, a beautiful lakeside villa built in the 12th century, and the medieval Castello di Vezio. Take a stroll along the scenic cobbled streets and enjoy the serene view of the lake.
Get ready to experience stunning views of Lake Como from above. After taking the funicular railway to Brunate, you can visit the lighthouse, and walk down to the town to visit the local museum and art galleries.
A car is necessary to get the most out of your five days on Lake Como. You can rent a car from Milan Malpensa Airport for around €35 per day, or you can hire a driver for a more comfortable ride, with prices starting at €50 per hour. For the best views, you can also take a funicular railway up to Brunate or catch a boat to Lenno.
If you have more time, consider visiting Tremezzina, a nearby area with picturesque villas and gardens. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider scaling down your itinerary to focus on the town of Como, Bellagio, and Villa Carlotta.
Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa (MXP) is the nearest airport to Lake Como, located about 40 km away from Como. The drive from the airport to Lake Como takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly into the smaller, regional airports of Lugano (50 km away) or Bergamo (60 km away) and then hire a private transfer or rent a car.