The Most Beautiful Towns to Visit Around Lake Como 

Tranquil Nesso features a waterfall that feeds into Lake Como
Tranquil Nesso features a waterfall that feeds into Lake Como | © Emmanuele Baldassarre / Alamy Stock Photo
Konstantina Pyrnokoki

Travel Writer

Lake Como is mesmerising no matter which part of it you choose to visit. Even more charming, though, are the towns that populate its shores. Their multi-coloured houses and luxury villas contrast against the glittering water to create picture-postcard vistas that are hard to ignore.

From Bellagio’s cosmopolitan allure to Nesso’s raw beauty, the towns around Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy, play a big part in the latter’s popularity. Whether you choose to stay in a sumptuous villa or relax by a gorgeous waterfall, you are bound to fall in love with these precious gems. Read on for our favourite Lake Como towns.

Visit Lake Como for yourself on our 10-day specially curated Northern Italy adventure – after exploring Rome and Tuscany, you’ll hop on a boat for a tour of Lake Como.

Bellagio

Dubbed “the pearl of Lake Como”, this small, elegant village sitting halfway between the two southernmost branches of the lake is the most visited in the area. Bellagio will win you over with its unrivalled coastal views, its cobbled, flower-lined streets and its Instagrammable houses with ivy-covered balconies that come in all kinds of pastel colours. The town is also famous for its classy villas; make sure to visit Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni – their spectacular gardens are open to the public – before you shop in the arcades facing the water or sip on an aperitivo near the ferry dock.

Bellagio’s cobbled, flower-lined streets will win you over

Como

Typically seen as a getaway to other towns around the lake, Como is probably the most underrated of the group. This is indeed where you can catch ferries to various parts of the lake, but Como is so much more than that. If you choose to spend some time here, the town will reward you with its rich history and pretty architecture. Pass by the marvellous churches, such as the 15th-century Duomo or the imposing San Fedele, and stroll along the lovely lakeside promenade. Other must-sees include Porta Pretoria, the ancient gate to the town, and the medieval centre, marked by beautiful 12th- and 13th-century buildings.

Como’s Duomo is worth a visit

Varenna

It probably doesn’t get more peaceful or rainbow-coloured than Varenna. This steep hillside village owes its charm to the cute fishermen’s houses that contrast with the grand villas of its neighbour, Bellagio. Home to no more than 900 residents, Varenna has kept its authenticity, which shines through in the romantic boardwalk, the picturesque churches and the buildings’ traditional facades. Relax by the lake, or in the lush gardens of the dreamy Villa Monastero, and follow the narrow path all the way up to Castello di Vezio for some incredible lake views; the castle stands out thanks to the eerie ghostlike figures that adorn its walls and that are the subject of many urban legends.

Varenna’s colourful houses and authentic feel are undeniably charming

Menaggio

Directly across the lake from Varenna lies this small town that serves as the more laid-back, less popular sister-village to Bellagio. Once a walled city in medieval times, Menaggio is now a quaint resort brimming with hotels, cafes, characterful boutiques and even a mini-golf course. While away at the lakefront promenade with its bright-coloured houses before climbing up the stairs to the older part of the town to admire the remnants of the walls that once bordered the ancient castle. Don’t miss the lively Piazza Garibaldi and its truly unique 19th-century architecture – it’s where locals gather for a cup of coffee or a fun night out.

Menaggio is a quaint lakeside resort brimming with hotels, cafes and boutiques

Tremezzo

If you’re looking for abundant nature amid glamorous villas, then Tremezzo should be your go-to lakeside retreat. The town is most famous for the stunning gardens of Villa Carlotta, which feature azaleas, Japanese maples, palm trees, cacti, bamboo and orchids among more than 500 species. The entire property covers an area of 14 acres (6ha); step inside the 17th-century Neoclassical villa to find an interesting collection of paintings, sculptures and tapestries. Another highlight is the lavish Grand Hotel Tremezzo that looks out at Bellagio across the shimmering lake – the hotel has its own park, while one of its pools literally floats on the lake.

The Villa Carlotta gardens are home to more than 500 plant species

Nesso

For the ultimate tranquil destination, stop in Nesso. This small town found halfway between Bellagio and Como will appeal to those looking for a low-key stay, amidst unbelievable nature. Nesso is known for its majestic gorge and the series of waterfalls gushing out of it and feeding into the lake. Cross one of the dreamlike bridges and you’ll find yourselves in awe of the green and sparkling-blue scenery. The gorge is so impressive that it has caught the attention of artists through the years. Leonardo da Vinci once referred to Nesso as “a land where a river falls with great violence into a vast rift in the mountain.”

Nesso is a low-key spot between Bellagio and Como

Bellano

The fishing town of Bellano boasts an even more astonishing, steep ravine, called Orrido di Torrente Pioverna, which was formed by an erosion 15 million years ago. The difference here is that you can actually experience the wondrous gorge from the inside in all its precipitous glory, as long as you follow the catwalks that are fixed in the rock exactly for this purpose. Take photos of the caves as you stare down to the milky waters of the lake and breathe in the natural scents. Painted lakeside homes are once again prominent, as are tall trees and a number of pretty white boats moored on the harbour.

Bellano boasts an impressive ravine

Cernobbio

Home to some world-renowned villas, Cernobbio is equal parts serene and cosmopolitan. Standing out are Villa Erba and Villa d’Este; having served as a cardinal’s summer residence from 1568 to 1873, the latter is now a luxurious hotel frequented by the rich and famous. It features landscaped gardens, plush interiors complete with classy chandeliers, an outdoor pool floating on the lake and deluxe spa facilities. Hiking enthusiasts will also appreciate Cernobbio’s location, as the town sits near the start of the Monti Lariani Trail, which extends across 130km (80mi) through the hills on the west side of Lake Como.

Cernobbio’s Villa d’Este has been transformed from a cardinal’s residence to a luxury hotel

Fancy exploring more of Italy? Foodies should book our four-day Mini Trip in Bologna or our five-day adventure in Puglia. After a longer getaway? Check out our Southern Italy or Sicily trips for an immersive experience travelling the region over 10 days.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article