Best Towns to Stay in Lake Como: a region of natural beauty

Nestled in northern Italy, Lake Como in the Lombardy region offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious escapes. As you plan your Italian adventure, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference. Did you know that Lake Como alone attracts over 1.4 million visitors annually? With its stunning landscapes and charming towns, it’s no wonder this region has become a favorite among travelers and celebrities alike.

Quick Picks: Best Lake Como Towns at a Glance

• Best for First-Time Visitors: Bellagio
• Best for Urban Amenities: Como
• Best for Authentic Experience: Varenna
• Best for Mountain Views: Lecco
• Best Value: Bergamo
• Best for Luxury: Bellagio
• Best for Transport Links: Como

Understanding Lake Como’s Layout

Before exploring specific towns, it’s essential to understand Lake Como’s unique geography. The lake forms an inverted ‘Y’ shape, with three branches meeting at Bellagio. The western arm leads to Como city, the eastern to Lecco, and the northern extends toward the Alps. This distinctive shape creates different microclimates and views, making each town’s location crucial to your experience.

The Top 5 Best Towns to Stay in Lake Como

1. Bellagio: The Pearl of Lake Como

Perched at the intersection of Lake Como’s three branches, Bellagio is often called the “Pearl of Lake Como” for good reason. This picturesque town is known for its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and stunning lake views.

Location: Central Lake Como, about 30 km from Como city
Key features: Luxurious villas, botanical gardens, high-end shopping
Culture: Elegant and sophisticated, with a mix of local charm and international flair

Best For: Luxury travelers, honeymooners, first-time visitors, and those seeking the quintessential Lake Como experience

Pros:

• Central location at intersection of lake’s three branches
• Best selection of luxury hotels and restaurants
• Most stunning views of lake and mountains
• Excellent ferry connections to other towns
• Beautiful historic villas and gardens
• High-end shopping boutiques
• Romantic evening atmosphere
• Best sunset views on the lake
• Professional English-speaking services

Cons:

• Most expensive area on Lake Como
• Very crowded during peak season (June-September)
• Limited budget accommodation options
• Can feel too touristy in high season
• Restaurants tend to be pricey
• Hilly terrain can be challenging
• Limited parking options

Best Places to Stay in Bellagio:

• Solo travel: Hotel Belvedere. Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Como, Hotel Belvedere offers solo travelers a peaceful retreat with panoramic views, a spa, and easy access to Bellagio’s center.
• Budget-friendly: Hotel du Lac. Located in the heart of Bellagio, Hotel du Lac provides comfortable rooms with lake views at a reasonable price, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
• Couples escape: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. This 5-star luxury hotel boasts opulent rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a private beach, making it ideal for a romantic getaway.
• Family-friendly: Borgo Le Terrazze. Featuring spacious apartments with kitchenettes and a large pool, Borgo Le Terrazze caters to families looking for comfort and convenience.
• Group travel: Villa Lario Resort Mandello. This historic villa offers multiple apartments and common areas, perfect for groups wanting to stay together while enjoying Lake Como’s beauty.
• High-end luxury: Villa Melzi. An exclusive private villa rental, Villa Melzi offers unparalleled luxury with its own gardens, private dock, and personalized service.

2. Como: The Vibrant Lakeside City

As the largest town on Lake Como, Como offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and lakeside charm. It’s an excellent base for exploring both the lake and the surrounding region.

Location: Southern tip of Lake Como, 40 km north of Milan
Key features: Historic center, beautiful cathedral, funicular to Brunate
Culture: Bustling city life with a rich textile history and modern fashion scene

Best For: Urban explorers, shopping enthusiasts, those wanting good transport connections, longer-stay visitors

Pros:

• Best transport links to Milan and airports
• Largest selection of restaurants and shops
• Active year-round (not just tourist season)
• Excellent public transportation
• Historic city center with great architecture
• Regular markets and events
• Best shopping in the region
• More affordable dining options
• Funicular to Brunate for panoramic views

Cons:

• Less picturesque than smaller towns
• More urban feel than lake village atmosphere
• Busier traffic and noise
• Fewer lake views from hotels
• Can feel crowded with day-trippers
• Some areas need renovation
• Limited beach access

Best Places to Stay in Como:

• Solo travel: Ostello Bello Lake Como. This modern hostel offers both private and shared rooms, a lively common area, and organized activities, making it perfect for solo travelers looking to meet others.
• Budget-friendly: B&B Hotel Como City Center. Centrally located with clean, comfortable rooms, this hotel provides excellent value for money and easy access to Como’s attractions.
• Couples escape: Vista Palazzo. This intimate luxury hotel offers stunning lake views, a rooftop restaurant, and elegantly designed rooms for a romantic stay.
• Family-friendly: Palace Hotel. With spacious rooms, a large garden, and a pool overlooking the lake, Palace Hotel caters well to families of all sizes.
• Group travel: Residence Diaz. Offering apartments of various sizes, Residence Diaz is ideal for groups wanting the flexibility of self-catering accommodations.
• High-end luxury: Villa d’Este. Located in nearby Cernobbio, this iconic 5-star hotel offers unparalleled luxury with its floating pool, exquisite gardens, and world-class service.

3. Varenna: Charming Lakeside Village

Varenna is a picture-perfect village that captures the essence of Lake Como’s beauty without the crowds of more famous towns.

Location: Eastern shore of Lake Como, about 60 km north of Milan
Key features: Colorful houses, lakeside promenade, nearby Castle of Vezio
Culture: Relaxed and authentic, with a strong sense of local traditions

Best For: Photographers, romantic couples, those seeking authentic atmosphere, history buffs

Pros:

• Most photogenic town on Lake Como
• Less crowded than Bellagio
• Beautiful lakeside promenade
• Direct train connection from Milan
• Excellent ferry connections
• More affordable than Bellagio
• Great restaurant selection
• Historic castle overlooking town
• Swimming areas nearby

Cons:

• Limited shopping options
• Fewer luxury accommodations
• Can be quiet in off-season
• Steep walks in parts of town
• Few parking spaces
• Limited nightlife
• Some hotels need updating

Best Places to Stay in Varenna:

• Solo travel: Albergo Milano. This family-run hotel offers cozy rooms with lake views and a terrace restaurant, providing a friendly atmosphere for solo travelers.
• Budget-friendly: Hotel Beretta. Located in the heart of Varenna, Hotel Beretta offers simple, clean rooms at affordable rates, with easy access to the ferry and town center.
• Couples escape: Hotel Villa Cipressi. Set in a stunning botanical garden, this romantic hotel features elegant rooms and terraces with panoramic lake views.
• Family-friendly: Appartamenti Villa Varenna. These well-equipped apartments offer flexibility for families, with full kitchens and plenty of space to spread out.
• Group travel: Casa Contrada Bella. A beautifully restored townhouse that can accommodate larger groups, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
• High-end luxury: Hotel Royal Victoria. This luxurious hotel boasts two swimming pools, a private garden, and elegant rooms, some with balconies overlooking the lake.

4. Bergamo: Medieval Hilltop Gem

While not on Lake Como itself, Bergamo is a hidden gem in Lombardy that offers a unique blend of medieval architecture and modern Italian life.

Location: 40 km northeast of Milan, at the foothills of the Alps
Key features: Medieval Città Alta (Upper Town), funicular, Venetian Walls
Culture: Rich in art and history, with a strong gastronomic tradition

Best Places to Stay in Bergamo:

• Solo travel: Ostello di Bergamo. Located in the modern lower town, this hostel offers both dormitories and private rooms, making it ideal for solo travelers on a budget.
• Budget-friendly: B&B Hotel Bergamo. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices, with easy access to both the upper and lower towns.
• Couples escape: Relais San Lorenzo. A luxurious design hotel in the heart of the old town, offering romantic rooms with stunning views and a gourmet restaurant.
• Family-friendly: Mercure Bergamo Centro Palazzo Dolci. This 4-star hotel offers family rooms, a central location, and amenities that cater to both adults and children.
• Group travel: Residenza San Lorenzo Bergamo Alta. A collection of apartments in the old town, perfect for groups wanting to immerse themselves in Bergamo’s medieval atmosphere.
• High-end luxury: Gombit Hotel. A boutique design hotel set in a historic tower, offering unique, luxurious rooms and personalized service in the heart of the old town.

5. Lecco: Gateway to the Alps

Lecco, situated at the southern tip of Lake Como’s eastern branch, offers a perfect blend of lakeside relaxation and alpine adventures.

Location: Southeastern branch of Lake Como, about 50 km north of Milan
Key features: Mountain views, water sports, nearby hiking trails
Culture: Outdoor-oriented with a strong focus on sports and nature

Best Places to Stay in Lecco:

• Solo travel: Hostel and B&B Alpino. This cozy hostel offers a friendly atmosphere for solo travelers, with both dormitory and private room options, and great advice for outdoor activities.
• Budget-friendly: Hotel Moderno. Centrally located, this no-frills hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms at reasonable rates, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
• Couples escape: NH Lecco Pontevecchio. With modern rooms, some offering lake views, and a romantic rooftop terrace, this hotel is ideal for couples looking for comfort and style.
• Family-friendly: Casa sull’Albero. This unique eco-friendly hotel offers spacious suites and a large garden, perfect for families who appreciate nature and design.
• Group travel: Apartment Manzoni. These centrally located apartments can accommodate larger groups and offer the flexibility of self-catering facilities.
• High-end luxury: Hotel Griso Lecco. Boasting panoramic lake views, a gourmet restaurant, and elegant rooms, this 4-star hotel offers a touch of luxury in Lecco.

Lake Como is only 50-100 km or about an hours’ drive away from Milan, with frequent train services taking as little as 40 mins to arrive. Be sure to check out our Best Neighborhoods Stay in Milan guide.

Two Towns to Avoid Staying

While Lake Como and the Lombardy region are filled with charming destinations, there are a couple of places you might want to reconsider:

1. Malgrate: Although close to Lecco, Malgrate lacks the charm and amenities of its neighbor. The town has limited attractions and accommodation options, making it less ideal for most travelers.
2. Colico: Located at the northern tip of Lake Como, Colico can be quite windy and is farther from the main attractions. Its industrial areas and limited tourist infrastructure make it less appealing for a vacation stay.

Transportation Tips

Lake Como is about a hour’s drive from Milan. From Milan Malpensa Airport: there are direct bus to Como (1 hour, €12) or train via Milan Centrale (up to 2 hours, €20)

From Lake Como, a ferry and bus network connects major towns, with train connections to Como, Lecco and Varenna. (see below)

Car rental is recommended for exploring inland

Trains to Lake Como

There are three key train stations on the shores of Lake Como: Como San Giovanni, Lecco and Varenna.

From Milan Centrale, there are regular and frequent services to Como 35-50 mins, ~€5 and direct to Varenna (1 hour, €7).

From Como, there are trains to Lecco (about 53 mins) and Varenna (1 hr 5 mins).

Trains are operated by Trenord (local services), with Trenitalia Eurocity (serving intercity services from Milan)

Lake Como Ferries

Lake Como’s ferry system, operated by Navigazione Laghi, connects the major towns along the lake, and includes three types of boats: motorships, hydrofoils, and ferries. It runs year-round services with increased frequency during the summer tourist season (April to October). Ferries typically run every 1-2 hours, with hydrofoils offering faster but less frequent options.

Passenger-only ferries and other services generally stop earlier, with most ending by 7:00 PM or earlier, depending on the season and route

The ferries primarily connect the central area of Lake Como, including Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia. Additional routes extend to Como, Colico, and Lecco, covering both the southern and northern parts of the lake.

Visit the Navigazione Laghi website for timetables and to buy tickets.

Local Buses for Lake Como

Buses along lake shores are operated by:

• ASF Autolinee: urban and suburban routes in Como and the western branch, covering towns such as Route C10: Como to Cernobbio, Argegno, Tremezzo, Menaggio, Colico and Route C30: Como to Torno, Faggeto Lario, Nesso, Bellagio.
• Arriva & Linee Lecco: metro Lecco and eastern branch, covering towns such as Route D10: Lecco, Onno, Limonta, Bellagio, Route D20: Lecco-Mandello, Route D21: Bellano-Varenna.

Seasonal Considerations

• High Season (May-September): Book 4-6 months ahead, especially in Bellagio
• Shoulder Season (March-April, October): Best value and fewer crowds
• Winter (November-February): Many hotels and restaurants close
• Easter and August: Book 6+ months ahead, rates increase 40-100%
• Consider wind patterns for boat tours – mornings generally calmer

Expert Tips for Booking

• Request lake view rooms specifically – “views” might mean mountains
• Check ferry schedules before booking accommodation
• Verify air conditioning for summer stays
• Consider apartment rentals for stays over 4 days
• Ask about parking if driving – limited in most towns
• Check for renovation works in historic properties

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Staying in Milan and trying to day trip repeatedly
• Booking accommodation far from ferry stops
• Assuming all lakefront properties have beaches
• Not checking hotel’s exact location on the hill
• Overlooking transport links to Milan airports
• Booking non-refundable rates in shoulder season

FAQs

Q: Is it worth paying extra to stay in Bellagio? A: For first-time visitors staying 2-3 days, yes. The central location and classic Lake Como experience justify the cost.

Q: When is the best time to visit Lake Como? A: May-June and September-October offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer.

Q: Do I need a car at Lake Como? A: Not necessary if staying in main towns – ferry network is extensive. Useful for exploring inland villages.

Q: How many days do I need in Lake Como? A: Minimum 3 days to experience the highlights, 5-7 days ideal for a relaxed exploration.

Q: Should I stay in Milan and visit Lake Como as day trips? A: Not recommended – early mornings and evenings are the most magical times on the lake.

Conclusion

Lombardy and Lake Como offer an array of stunning locations and accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences. From the glamorous shores of Bellagio to the medieval charm of Bergamo, or the active lifestyle of Lecco, each destination promises a unique and memorable experience.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo exploration, the towns we’ve highlighted provide the perfect base for your Lombardy and Lake Como journey. Remember to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak summer season, to secure your ideal stay.

As you plan your trip, consider mixing lakeside relaxation with urban exploration to get a true taste of what this spectacular region has to offer. With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm Italian hospitality, Lombardy and Lake Como are sure to captivate your heart and leave you longing to return.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Italian dream vacation today and discover the best towns to stay in Lake Como. Your unforgettable adventure in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions awaits!