Unveiling the Enchantment of Lake Como

Lake Como is a most beautiful picturesque area of northern Italy with sparkling blue water, small villages, history and culture all surrounded by “baby Alps.” The region encompasses many of the small cities and villages surrounding the lake. Como is at the southwestern portion of the lake and is the largest town in the region. It is also very easy to reach Como from Milan.

Other charming lakeside villages in the region include: Bellagio, Tremezzina, Lecco, Varenna, Mennagio, Colico, Lenno and Cernobbio.

Things to do in Como, Italy:

Get Lost in Como

Walking through the old town of Como overloads the senses. The narrow but flat, windy streets are paved in cobblestone with lovely boutique shops, restaurants with street seating, and the soundtrack of the romantic Italian language. There are a few cozy squares with many outdoor restaurants and the hubbub of friends cheering to life. Of course, the backdrop is the magnificent Duomo di Como (originated in 1396) which is open to explore and also is available for mass on Sundays.

Take the Funicular to the Village of Brunate

The Brunate funicular (walkable from old town) is basically a rail car that goes nearly straight up and down the mountain connecting Como with the small village of Brunate. It is a 7 minute trip one-way. The funicular is quite the experience with views for miles. Pro tip – get in the bottom car of the funicular for the best views! Disembark in Brunate with its spectacular views overlooking Como.

It is worth it to note that there are restaurants and shops eagerly awaiting you once you get up to Brunate. It’s also possible to hike either up, down or both ways on a cobblestone path with spaced stairs for adventurous people.

Take a Stroll on the Path around Lake Como

Walking around Lake Como, on the promenade, is a pretty stroll on a paved path (3.73 miles) with beautiful views and includes a long pier where fisherman compete in the mornings.

Things to do in Bellagio, Italy

Bellagio has been an important city for the Italians as it is the literal point where the two portions of Lake Como come together. If you see Lake Como as an upside down Y – then Bellagio is the inverted point.

Stroll through the Old Town Center

Bellagio is hilly and windy with many walkable-only passages of stairs that are covered in ivy, honey suckle and a variety of greenery that looks so perfect that it seems fake. The old town center with the main street being Via Giuseppe Garibaldi is a bustle of activity with mom and pop shops and restaurants all along the streets.

Take an E-Bike Tour through Bellagio

Take to the windy, narrow and steep streets on an e-bike (electric bike)! I used Lake Como for You for my Bellagio Bike & Eat Tour. On an e-bike, when you begin to get winded simply use the motor, and you’ll fly right up the hills with much less effort. If you’d like to really feel like an Italian bike rider, albeit with a motor, then this is your tour. The tour includes stopping at all the beautiful viewpoints in Bellagio and commencing with giant portions of pizza and a drink of choice high above the village at a manicured, posh restaurant.

Take a Sailboat Tour of Lake Como

A sailboat tour allows all the sites of the surrounding towns to come alive on the water – getting a close up view of all the gorgeous scenery (churches from 500 BC!) and all the architecture in between. This sail also grants the opportunity to speak with an Italian guide to learn the history of the architecture that you are seeing. I took a 3 hour amazing tour and used Viator to book that one.

Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bellagio

Another option is a free self-guided walking tour for walks ranging from 1 to 3 1/2 hours in length.

Kayak on Lake Como

Discover Bellagio on a guided kayaking tour for 1.5 hours with Lake Como for You. There is also an option to take the kayak out on your own for an hour or two. Lake Como was choppy when I was there, in early June, so the “on your own” option may be a better idea, so you can adjust plans based on the water’s calmness.

For places to stay check out VRBO, Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Travelocity.com. I love to stay at VRBOs and really get the flavor of the city close to where the locals live and thrive.

How to Get from Milan to Como, Italy

The closest major airport to the Lake Como area is Milan (MXP Malpensa Airport). To get to Como it is best to take the direct train (not high speed – it’s not available on this route) as the regional train includes many transfers and is often quite crowded. (Read: standing room only, packed wall to wall, and difficulty getting on and off trains on time)

Step by step instructions to take the trains from Milan Airport to Como:

• Take the regional train (Malpensa Express) from MXP only to Milano Centrale (main rail station).
  • The Malpensa Express is found in Terminal 1 on Level -1.
  • This train is available every 20-30 minutes.
  • It takes 35-50 minutes to get to Milano Centrale.
• At Milano Centrale take the direct train (Trenord) to the Como San Giovanni station which takes 39-47 minutes. There are no transfers.
• Use the Trainline app or Trenitalia app to purchase tickets.
• Validate your ticket on the app. The conductor will check your bar code on the train.
• If you choose first class then you typically pay a bit more for your ticket. Oftentimes you will get an assigned seat in the first few train cars. It will be on your ticket.
• If you use the kiosk to purchase a paper ticket, you will need to validate the ticket at the small green and white machine on a pole (near the actual train) BEFORE getting on the train. Otherwise, you can be fined for not validating the ticket.

Where to Stay in Como

I find it best to get a VRBO within walking distance of the train station, as you don’t have to worry about not being able to hail a taxi or find an Uber once you depart the train. A great thing about Como is that you can easily walk from Como San Giovanni train station right to the cobblestone, narrow streets of old town Como quickly. You won’t be the only one dragging your suitcase down the streets.

For places to stay check out VRBO, Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Travelocity.com. I love to stay at VRBOs and really get the flavor of the city close to where the locals live and thrive.

Transportation from Como to Bellagio

• Hydrofoil (quickest way) to/from Como to Bellagio.
  • Tickets are sold at the port ticket office in the center of Lake Como.
  • Leaves every 2 hours and it’s a 50 minute ride.
• Ferry from Como to Bellagio
  • not frequent
  • takes 2 hours
  • Timetable http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/risultati.aspx?lake=Como]
• Reserve a driver. We needed to do this as our e-bike tour was earlier than the boats’ schedule.
  • A reputable driver can be arranged with the Posta Design Hotel (in the center of Como).

Helpful links to book your travel here