In the northwest corner of Italy, lazing peacefully at the foot of the Swiss Alps lies the vast and beautiful Lake Como.
The Y-shaped lake has long been topping lists of the best places to visit in Italy, and for good reason.
The lake is not only a gorgeous natural wonder, but its banks are lined with picturesque old towns and villages that offer fairytale scenery, gorgeous lakefront promenades, and exceptional views.
We’ve made a list of our top ten Lake Como towns, so you can start planning your trip to this beautiful region.
Here are the 10 Best Towns In Lake Como
Below you will find the 10 best towns on Lake Como in Northern Italy. Our two favorites by far are Bellagio and Varenna.
1. Bellagio
The town of Bellagio lies in a famously stunning location right on the peninsula that divides the three branches of Lake Como, Italy.
It is a beautiful town with a rich history stretching back thousands of years and is without a doubt the most well-known town in the area.
It is often considered the best town to stay in Lake Como, and whilst smaller in size than Mennaggio this is where we prefer staying ourselves.
Also referred to as the ‘pearl of Lake Como’, Bellagio is classy, glamorous, and frankly relatively expensive.
It’s also a hotspot for tourists (for good reason), so it tends to be relatively busy with a bustling atmosphere.
The town is veined with steep and narrow streets and alleyways that wind gracefully amongst the old buildings.
Gorgeous cobbled streets and gentle staircases slope down toward the lake, ensuring incredible views while you walk around the town.
The quaint streets are lined with flowers, ivy-covered balconies, and buildings in an array of pastel colors. There is also a selection of great shops and restaurants in the town.
Whilst the town itself is stunning, the amazing panoramic views it offers are even better.
What To Do In Bellagio
Amongst other activities, visitors can spend time walking the picturesque streets, strolling along the waterfront promenade, admiring the Villa Melzi gardens, or taking a kayaking tour.
There are numerous boat trips available. Take a leisurely ferry cruise around the lake or opt for a speedboat tour to get up close and personal with the stunning scenery.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there is an interesting Devil’s Bridge Tour. Discover the stories behind the witches of the “Devil’s Bridge,” nestled in the beautiful Alpine scenery. The tour lasts for 2 hours.
Spend the day lounging on the sand on a beach or exploring Bellagio’s many piazzas with a delicious cup of cappuccino. Experience Bellagio like the locals do – swimming in the lake or taking part in an Italian cooking class.
2. Varenna
Originally a traditional fishing village, Varenna is a humble, quiet, little town that is far less touristy than some of the other towns on the lake.
The town is quaint and rustic and offers a more authentic window into the life of Como Lake locals. In my opinion, it is definitely the prettiest out of all the Lake Como villages.
It’s famous for its brightly colored houses and villas, as well as its peaceful atmosphere. We’ll be honest, there isn’t a whole lot to do in Varenna, but that’s part of its charm!
This town is my pick if you are after a romantic escape.
What To Do In Varenna
Visitors can walk through its streets and admire the beauty, walk along the lakeside boardwalk, lounge by and swim in the lake, or hike up to Castello di Vezio, an 11th-century castle.
The hike up is beautiful and offers views across the expansive lake to Bellagio.
You can also pay a small fee to enter the beautiful Villa Monastero, whilst you can enter the villa, and the grounds are lovely to explore.
Varenna is full of unique places to explore, and a walking and food tour is the perfect way to experience them.
Explore Lake Como’s banks with a small-group walking tour from Varenna. Walk the ‘Greenway of the Patriarchs,’ visit the ‘fiumelatte’ and Villa Monastero’s gardens.
3. Menaggio
Located directly across the lake from Varenna, Mennagio is one of the largest towns on the lake and is often considered by visitors to be the most beautiful.
Due to its size and abundance of accommodation options, Menaggio is often used by those visiting Lake Como as a base from which to explore the surrounding towns and areas.
It is one of the best towns around Lake Como for those traveling with young kids.
Once a walled city in medieval times, Menaggio is gorgeous and soaked with history.
What To Do In Menaggio
It’s well worth hiking up the steep steps to the beautiful older part of the town, where you’ll find the dilapidated remains of the original city wall.
There are also some good hiking trails with incredible views that start from the nearby Breglia.
Spend time wandering through the gorgeous quaint streets, and soaking up the views on the elegant lakefront promenade that is lined with palm trees and flower beds.
If you’re looking for an area with a lively vibe during your time at the lake, Menaggio is a great option.
Piazza Garibaldi, with its 19th-century architecture, is the vibrant hub of Menaggio, filled with bars, restaurants, and cafes.
The town has a great atmosphere, and you can generally find some great live entertainment!
4. Lenno
Lenno is small and quiet and is one of the lesser-visited, less touristy villages on Lake Como, inhabited predominantly by locals.
It is, however, well known for two things: primarily the Villa del Balbianello, but also its exceptional homemade olive oil.
It might be the most famous town around the lake as it was used as a shooting location for popular films.
The Villa del Balbianello, located at the tip of a small wooded peninsula, is a gorgeous 18th-century villa with stunning terraced gardens.
Its exceptional beauty has earned the villa a part in numerous feature films, such as Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.
The Villa del Balbianello isn’t the only thing Lenno has to offer – the town itself is beautiful and certainly worth a visit during your visit to Lake Como.
It’s accessible by boat from the larger villages on the lake, so perhaps enjoy a scenic trip across the water and spend a day in this quaint and authentic town.
Be sure to pick up some olive oil to take home with you or indulge in during your visit to Lake Como.
5. Tremezzo
Tremezzo is another beautiful small town on Lake Como that is mostly known as a picturesque tourist resort, with elegant villas lining its streets.
The vast majority of this quaint and romantic town lies directly on the banks of Lake Como, so navigating it is simple and the sights are all grouped quite close together.
By far the largest attraction to Tremezzo is the incredible Villa Carlotta, a 17th-century neo-classical style villa surrounded by the most gorgeous gardens in the Lake Como area.
The gardens are incredibly diverse, containing over 500 plant species, including bamboo, cacti, palm trees, Japanese maples, and orchids, amongst many others. There is also a great art museum at the villa.
The Monte Crocione hike (eight-hour round-trip) which starts nearby offers amazing views of the lake and the Alps.
Click here to book a luxurious stay at the stunning Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
6. Lecco
Lecco is a beautiful town in Lake Como. With its spectacular views, charming historical sites, and endless outdoor activities it’s no surprise it’s one of the best towns on the lake.
The scenery around Lecco is particularly stunning – lush green hillsides stretching as far as the eye can see, with dramatic snow-capped mountains hovering above them.
This provides plenty of opportunities for hiking and trekking, as well as taking a leisurely stroll or bike ride along some of Lake Como’s most picturesque shoreline paths.
What to do in Lecco
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, biking, or swimming in the lake.
The town itself is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including the Lecco Castle, Piazza Garibaldi, and the historical Church of Sant’Antonio Abate.
It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife and restaurants.
7. Nesso
Nestled in the mountains, Nesso is an idyllic village located just 20 minutes away from Bellagio.
The town is surrounded by gorgeous countryside and is known for its beautiful lakeside walk and numerous hiking trails.
Those looking to explore the history of Nesso can visit the Church of Santa Maria della Neve and the ruins of Castel Baradello.
For me, Nesso is a great town to visit for an hour or two, but it is not a town that I want to stay in for a few nights.
8. Bellano
Bellano is a stunningly beautiful town on Lake Como, located in the center of the lake.
The town itself is full of quaint alleys and cobblestone streets that make walking around and exploring its unique charms a delight.
Bellano has been gaining in popularity recently as one of the premier towns on Lake Como, with its picturesque harbor waterfronts, stunning views, and delicious cuisine making it a must-visit destination.
The town itself is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including several churches and small museums.
For outdoor activities, visitors can go swimming in the lake or explore some of its many hiking trails.
9. Cernobbio
The picturesque town of Cernobbio is located just 6km from Como and is renowned for its elegance and sophistication.
It is home to one of the most luxurious hotels in Lake Como – Villa d’Este.
What To Do In Cernobbio
Cernobbio offers a variety of activities for visitors. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade or explore one of the beautiful gardens.
For some adventure, rent a kayak and paddle out into the lake or hire a bike to explore the surrounding countryside. The area is also home to several golf courses if you’re looking for something a bit different.
If you’re in need of some relaxation, take some time out at one of the town’s spas. Or, if you’re looking to indulge, head to one of the many chic restaurants or cafes and sample some traditional Italian cuisine.
10. Como
The city of Como, offers visitors a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy.
For those looking to explore the culture and history of the area, there are several great museums and galleries to visit such as the Museo Didattico della Seta and the Casa Museo Volandia.
The city also has some excellent shopping opportunities, restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs to explore.
What To Do In Como
One of the best attractions in Como is the stunning Duomo di Como, which was built between 1396 and 1770 and is one of the most beautiful examples of Italian baroque architecture.
Exploring the picturesque lakefront promenade is also a must-do. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the views over the lake or take a boat trip to explore Como’s many small islands.
For some adventure, rent a bike and cycle around the hills surrounding the city, or take a cable car up to Brunate for some breathtaking views.
The great thing about staying in Como is that you can also easily include some fun day trips from Lake Como to other destinations close by as well.
Final Thoughts On The Best Towns To Visit In Lake Como
Lake Como has plenty to offer, and a town to suit every kind of traveler. I hope our list of the best places in to see in Lake Como has helped to narrow down your list of what to include in your itinerary.
Whilst we recommend that you spend at least 3 nights here at one of the towns around Lake Como, it is also helpful to know that you could easily visit Lake Como on a day trip from Milan or via an organized tour from Milan as well.
Now that you’re equipped with a list of the best towns in Lake Como, get ready for an immersive journey filled with charming villages, picturesque promenades, and stunning views!
Next step? Here is a great guide about the best time of the year to visit Lake Como – tip: hotels and restaurants are not open all year long!
