As a travel blogger passionate about uncovering unique experiences, I’ve revamped this guide to share the top 6 must-do things in Lake Como for 2025
1. Stroll the Charming Towns of Lake Como
Why It’s a Must: Iconic villages with unique vibes
Exploring Lake Como’s towns is like stepping into a painting, each with its own flavor of history and beauty.
These villages are perfect for travelers seeking culture and hikers needing a scenic base. Here are the best towns to visit in Lake Como:
- Bellagio: Dubbed the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio dazzles with pastel villas, narrow lanes, and lakefront cafes. Wander the steep alleys, snap photos at Punta Spartivento, and visit Villa Melzi’s lush gardens, blooming with azaleas and Japanese maples.
- Varenna: This quieter fishing village is a romantic gem. Walk the Passeggiata degli Innamorati at sunset for dreamy lake views, then hike to Castello di Vezio for falconry shows and 360-degree panoramas.
- Como: The lake’s namesake city blends urban energy with charm. Explore the Gothic Como Cathedral, ride the funicular to Brunate for hillside views, and browse artisanal shops for silk souvenirs.
Why It’s Special:
Each town offers a unique lens on Lake Como’s magic, from Bellagio’s buzz to Varenna’s calm.
They’re walkable, photogenic, and perfect for nomads journaling stories or hikers refueling post-trail.
Insider Tip: Start early to beat crowds—search “Lake Como towns itinerary” for multi-village day plans.
2. Tour Lake Como’s Iconic Villas
Why It’s a Must: Historic estates with cinematic garden
Lake Como’s villas are architectural jewels, blending history, art, and nature. Open to the public, these estates are must-sees for travelers and culture buffs. Here are the top villas in Lake Como:
- Villa del Balbianello: Perched on a Lenno peninsula, this villa starred in Star Wars and James Bond. Its terraced gardens, draped in wisteria, frame jaw-dropping lake views. Guided tours reveal 18th-century secrets.
- Villa Carlotta: In Tremezzo, this villa is a springtime stunner with 70,000 square meters of gardens bursting with rhododendrons and camellias. Inside, admire Canova sculptures and Hayez paintings.
- Villa Monastero: Varenna’s gem boasts a long lakeside garden with citrus trees and exotic plants, plus a museum of historic decor. It’s a quieter pick for a reflective visit.
Why It’s Special:
These villas aren’t just pretty—they’re time capsules, perfect for nomads seeking inspiration or hikers wanting a cultural break. Their gardens double as serene trails with lake vistas.
Insider Tip: Book tickets online—check “Lake Como villa tours” to skip lines, especially for Balbianello.
3. Cruise Lake Como by Boat
Why It’s a Must: Unrivaled lake views from the water
No trip to Lake Como is complete without a boat ride to soak in its shimmering shores and villa-lined cliffs. Whether you’re a traveler chasing views or a nomad working lakeside, here are the best ways to cruise Lake Como:
- Public Ferries: Affordable and flexible, ferries connect Bellagio, Varenna, Como, and more. Grab a day pass for unlimited town-hopping, ideal for budget travelers.
- Private Boat Tours: Splurge on a private tour for a luxe experience—many include prosecco, local guides, and stops at hidden coves. Some captains share
4. Hike Lake Como’s Scenic Trails
Why It’s a Must: Alpine vistas for every skill level
Surrounded by mountains, Lake Como is a hiker’s haven with trails blending lake views and village charm. Here are the top hiking trails in Lake Como for adventurers:
- Greenway del Lago di Como: This 10km path from Colonno to Griante is beginner-friendly, weaving through olive groves and hamlets like Sala Comacina. Expect gentle slopes and photo ops galore.
- Sentiero del Viandante: A historic 45km trail along the eastern shore, perfect for day hikes. Try the Varenna-to-Lierna stretch for moderate climbs and sparkling lake panoramas.
- Monte Barro: Near Lecco, this 4-hour round-trip hike rewards with views stretching to the Swiss Alps on clear days. It’s a moderate challenge for seasoned hikers.
Why It’s Special:
These trails offer nature and culture, ideal for hikers craving vistas and nomads seeking offline resets. Paths range from easy strolls to summit treks, suiting all levels.
Insider Tip: Pack water and check trail maps—look up “Lake Como hiking guide” for seasonal trail updates.
5. Savor Lakeside Dining in Lake Como
Why It’s a Must: Fresh Italian flavors with stunning views
Lake Como’s dining scene pairs local ingredients with postcard-worthy settings, perfect for foodie travelers and nomads unwinding after a day’s work. Here are the best restaurants in Lake Como:
- Ristorante La Punta (Bellagio): At Bellagio’s tip, this spot serves lake perch risotto and homemade tiramisu with unbeatable views of three lake branches.
- Crotto dei Platani (Brienno): A rustic gem near Como, known for lake fish dishes like lavarello and polenta, set in a cave-like dining room by the water.
- La Fagurida (Tremezzo): A hillside trattoria offering hearty polenta uncia and venison, with panoramic terraces perfect for sunset dinners.
Why It’s Special:
These spots blend Como’s freshwater bounty with Italian classics, creating meals as memorable as the scenery. They’re great for hikers refueling or nomads pairing wine with emails.
Insider Tip: Reserve tables ahead—search “Lake Como restaurant reservations” for peak season availability.
6. Take a Lake Como Cooking Class
Why It’s a Must: Hands-on Italian culinary magic
Dive into Italy’s food culture with a Lake Como cooking class, a fun way to bring home Como’s flavors. Offered in towns like Bellagio and Como, these classes are perfect for travelers and nomads craving authentic experiences.
- What You’ll Learn: Roll fresh pasta, stir creamy risotto, or layer a perfect tiramisu under local chefs’ guidance.
- Unique Twist: Some classes start with market visits to pick ingredients like lake fish or Lombardy cheeses, adding a cultural layer.
- Where to Book: Try Crotto del Sergente in Como for intimate sessions or Villa Cipressi in Varenna for garden-side classes.
Why It’s Special:
Cooking classes are immersive, letting you eat your creations while bonding with fellow travelers. They’re a nomad’s chance to slow down and a hiker’s reward for trail days.
Insider Tip: Book small-group classes—check “Lake Como cooking class reviews” for top-rated options.
Tips for Visiting Lake Como
- Best Time to Visit: May-June or September-October for mild weather and fewer tourists—search “best time to visit Lake Como” for crowd updates.
- Getting Around: Ferries are budget-friendly; rent a Vespa or car for remote villages—look up “Lake Como transportation guide.”
- Pack Smart: Bring comfy shoes for cobblestones and layers for chilly evenings, especially on hikes.
- Stay Connected: Nomads, grab a local SIM or portable Wi-Fi—check “Italy travel apps” for options.
- Budget Tip: Mix ferry days with dining at local trattorias to save—search “Lake Como travel budget tips.”
Why Lake Como Is a Must-Visit
From wandering Bellagio’s alleys to hiking Monte Barro’s peaks, Lake Como offers adventures that ignite the soul.
Its villas, trails, and flavors create a perfect spot for all types of travelers craving nature, travelers chasing culture, and nomads seeking inspiration.
These must-do things in Lake Como aren’t just activities—they’re stories to tell.