Lake Como day trip from Milan

About Lake Como

Lake Como, called Lario locally, lies at the foot of the Alps north of Milan. Carved by a glacier, it's long, narrow and very deep — down to about 410 m, one of Europe's deepest lakes — and shaped like an upside-down Y: the two southern arms, at Como and Lecco, meet in the middle at the Bellagio headland.

Its shores have drawn holidaymakers since Roman times, and from the 16th to the 19th centuries Milan's nobility built villas with gardens tumbling to the water. Today it's one of Italy's most famous resort areas, with lakefront promenades, cafés, boat-filled harbours and mountain views of snowy peaks.

The lakeside towns

Como, at the southern tip, is where trains from Milan arrive: a marble cathedral, an old town, a promenade and the funicular to Brunate, which climbs in minutes to a view over the whole southern lake. Bellagio, the "pearl of the lake", sits on the headland where the arms meet, with stepped lanes, the gardens of Villa Melzi and views three ways.

Varenna on the east shore is small and quiet, with colourful houses at the water's edge and a lakeside walk — and an easy train from Milan. Menaggio and Tremezzo on the west shore have promenades, hotels and villas. Short ferries link Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, so you can see three towns in a day.

Top things to see

• Bellagio — the headland between the arms, gardens and views.
• Varenna — colourful houses and a lakeside path.
• Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo — rhododendron gardens and sculpture.
• Villa del Balbianello — gardens on a promontory near Lenno.
• Como–Brunate funicular — the view over the southern lake.
• Como waterfront — the cathedral and old town by the water.

When to go

The best months are April to October: azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in villa gardens in spring, summer brings swimming and boat hire, autumn fewer crowds and soft light. In winter many villas and some ferries close, though the towns and views stay lovely.

Summer weekends are very busy on the ferries and in Bellagio — take an early train and head back before the evening rush. Check the ferry timetable the day before, as off-season sailings are fewer.

Is Lake Como worth it?

Yes — it's the best day trip from Milan. After the city, the lake feels like another world of mountains, water, gardens and quiet promenades. A day is enough for two or three towns, but many people stay a night to see the lake in the morning before the day-trippers arrive.

How to do it right

• Early trains are quieter.
• Ferry between Varenna and Bellagio.
• Villas are best in spring and autumn.
• Brunate for the view from above.

Questions