A 2024 guide on what to see and how to travel around Lago di Como
First, I want to say that I have chosen the spanish title for this post “¿Cómo Como?” which literally translates to “¿How to Como?”, which sounds cool (don’t judge, I haven’t been sleeping).
The other option was: “COMO’n don’t skip leg day”, because if you’re going to be visiting the small villages around Laco di Como, there’s no way you aren’t going to get better calves, or a muscle sore, whichever suits you best.
You have 3 main options to explore Lake Como:
– By car: You have the freedom to explore the whole lake at your own pace, allowing you to make the most of your time around. There are many small stops between the different towns and out of the main road, that have breathtaking views that are worth visiting. (Sadly, I am not able to help you with those spots this time)
– By bus: There are two main routes you can take parting from Como City, east and west. Each has its own unique cities and landscapes to admire and you can also cross to the other side by ferry whenever you reach a port (check Google Maps for port locations, as not every city has a port and not all of them are interconnected).
It’s better to buy bus tickets at the stations or official stores (check the locations and opening times here and timetables for the buses here) because you can save up to 2 euros per trip. If you’re making many stops in a day or traveling as a group, these could add up to a couple of gelatos or pizzas!
– By ferry: It allows you to travel “quickly” between the cities it stops at. Although it is more expensive, it offers great flexibility. There are two important things to keep in mind when using the ferry:
Fares vary by time of day: If you catch the ferry in the morning, it will be cheaper, emptier (on high season be at least 15 minutes before the boat parts because there will be a que) and you will have more daylight to travel.
Be sure to buy tickets as soon as you arrive to every pier, that way you are going to know the departure time, and you are going to skip last minute lines (that are a hell).
Daily ticket for the central trifecta: When you reach the area that connects the three main cities in the center of Lake Como (known as the trifecta: Varenna, Menaggio, and Bellagio), you can buy a daily ticket for 15 euros. This ticket allows unlimited ferry rides between these and nearby cities without additional cost. Many people take day trips to this area starting from Varenna’s station, which is directly accessible by train from Milan in about an hour.
WHICH CITIES SHOULD I VISIT?
I have been traveling during the end of winter and beginning of spring, so the weather conditions were not always ideal.
Will I let some rain ruin my exploration days? No.
Will I catch a cold and suffer because of it? Maybe.
The landscapes were magnificent and even though I guided myself by the multiple internet websites, I also made many random stops to look around, even going by foot between towns when the weather was bearable, which let me see some amazing places between cities.
If you are going through the western side of the lake and parting from Como Cita, I suggest you stop in: Cernobio, Agregno, Lenno, Tremezzo and Menaggio.
If you are going through the eastern side: Nesso and Bellagio.
Whichever side you choose you have to take the ferry from the last cities (Menaggio or Bellagio) and go to Varenna, and afterwards connect your trip with the other side.
THE NO CAR ROUTE
It’s likely that you will start your trip by arriving to Como or Varenna, both are accessible directly by train from Milan, we are going to be covering the trip from there.
COMO CITY
Como is a very nice city with a lot to offer.
If you arrive at ‘Como Lago’ station, you will find yourself right in front of the lake and one of its emblematic monuments, “Life Electric”, a homage to the voltaic pile by Daniel Libeskind.
On the other hand, if you arrive at ‘San Giovani’ station, you will need to walk straight through a park and a couple of blocks to reach the city center, which is right next to the lake.
From there, you can choose to:
Walk around the pier: Here, you can find the Volta Museum and war memorials. If you have some time to spare, please take a moment to read the messages at the memorials. Setting aside the questions of who was right or wrong during a war, it’s important to recognize that people gave their lives hoping to give others a chance to live, which is truly admirable.
Take the funicular to Brunate: Enjoy an amazing view of the city and the lake from the top of a hill. You can check the timetables and buy tickets from Trenord to avoid lines.
Head to the historic center: Visit the Duomo (Cathedral), Piazza San Fedele, Piazza Volta, and Piazza Mazzini. Around these areas, you’ll find the best restaurants and the liveliest nightlife the city has to offer.
Be cautious of potential scams at certain establishments, as some may attempt to overcharge tourists or those who don’t speak Italian.
CERNOBBIO
One of the prettiest cities around Lago di Como. During the last months of the year, it’s fully packed with Christmas lights and an incredible vibe. It’s also home to the restaurant I’m currently working at, “Il Gatto Nero,” which attracts a lot of celebrities and famous people.
In Cernobbio, you can relax on the benches near the lake or go up the hill for amazing views! If you’re up for a little walk, there’s “Il Giardino della Valle,” where you can stroll around wood-carved statues and a small but very cozy river.
ARGEGNO
My home base and first stop in Como. I am really grateful for the opportunities I had in Argegno because it helped me get my life on track during the first months of 2024. This was my starting point for traveling around the different cities in Como. There’s not much to see besides the colorful houses and the views of the lake, but for me, it’s a must-stop. The views are amazing, and the people are really nice there!
LENNO
A stop you should make on your way around Como is right after Argegno and just a little before Lenno. There’s a park called ‘Greenway del Lago di Como,’ where you’ll get amazing views of beautiful statues, plants, and animals. It’s a great place to rest a little, where you can also enjoy some cocktails and gelato while you admire the beauty of the lake.
TREMEZZO
Right after Tremezzo, you will find ‘Villa Carlotta,’ by far the biggest garden I have seen (If I’m not mistaken the ticket was 15 euros, I wasn’t expecting the price but it was fair). If you love plants and nature, THIS STOP IS A MUST. They ensure the trip is worth it by closing the garden during winter, so any time you arrive during spring and summer, you’ll find great views in a very relaxing and calm garden. I thought it would be a fast stop, but be ready to spend at least 50 minutes to an hour because it’s huge, and every corner has some beautiful plants to see.
MENAGGIO
If you decide to walk a little outside the city of Menaggio, you’ll find beautiful sights of the lake with lots of flowers and stairs that disappear into the water. There are also many street musicians who certainly know how to entertain people with their amazing performances. In Menaggio, you’ll find very nice restaurants and a lavender store right next to the lake. But for me, the most impressive attraction was a church near the historic center. If you don’t randomly go inside, you’ll miss one of the coolest things: a ‘nacimiento’ made from crochet. The exhibition is set up all year long, so don’t miss it!
VARENNA
So far, my favorite spot in tutto il Lago di Como is Varenna. There’s a LOT to do and see here! Start with the passageway surrounding the lake known as ‘La Passeggiata Degli Innamorati,’ or ‘The Walk of Lovers,’ perfect for a romantic escapade. After the beautiful stroll, you’ll find an array of lovely stores, restaurants, and gelato shops. You can also visit the town’s church, which is very nice and located right next to ‘Villa Cipressi’ and ‘Villa Monastero,’ a hotel and a museum that let you explore their impressive gardens and exhibitions.
But for me, the most fun part of Varenna was visiting ‘Il Castello Di Vezio,’ a Templar castle with a lot of stories (even some about the Lariosaur, a dinosaur related to the ‘monster of Loch Ness’), statues of lost souls, and the BEST view of the lake. The adventure really starts with the small hike (about 40 minutes) to get up there, but it’s totally worth it!
BELLAGIO
Bellagio has some truly amazing shops if you are into quality glass and food products. You can find wine shops, gelaterias, and probably the best hot chocolate I’ve had right in front of the pier. One interesting thing to see in Bellagio is a park with seats that seem taken out of a medieval movie, all covered in leaves and moss. It surely seems magical and is a very nice resting spot if you want to take a break from all the people or walking.
NESSO
Nesso is famous for a picturesque wall full of blooming flowers (sadly, this happens only during summer, so I wasn’t able to appreciate it) next to a waterfall, which is called ‘Il Orrido Di Nesso.’ But Nesso holds much more than just the (beautiful) wall of flowers. The city is very small, but you need some stamina and strength in your legs to discover its hidden gems. A good place to start is the bar ‘La Cascata’ (the one right next to the bus stop and before you start climbing down the stairs to Nesso). The people working there are very welcoming and cheerful, so if you go early, you can have a ‘colazione’ (breakfast) and enjoy the chitchat to start your day or an ‘aperitivo’ and enjoy the afternoon sights!
Exploring Lago di Como is truly a magical adventure, with each city offering its unique charm and countless activities to enjoy. Whether you’re soaking in the serene views, indulging in delicious local cuisine, or uncovering hidden gems in all the small towns, every moment feels magical.
So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes (I’m not kidding), and get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations.
Adventure awaits, and Lago di Como is calling your name. Happy travels!
urban beets 
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