Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down Y, with the most beautiful stretch in the middle where Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio face each other across the water. The lake’s grand villas, many now hotels, line the shore with gardens down to private jetties.
Our top pick: Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: Como, Bellagio, Varenna
Choose your town
More detail: where to stay on Lake Como.
Lake view or garden view?
On Lake Como the lake-view balcony is what you came for. In the historic villa hotels, suites often occupy the best corners with windows on two sides of the lake. Ask about the floor too: higher floors see over the lakeside road and trees.
Check the road: some lakeside hotels have a busy road between the building and the water. Look at the map and the photos, or ask whether the hotel’s garden reaches the lake directly.
On the water
Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: Como, Bellagio, Varenna
The three classic stops in one trip. 4.7/5 from over 540 reviews.
Como Shared Boat Tour
A shorter cruise from Como town. 4.9/5 from over 150 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
Frequently asked questions
What is the best town to stay in on Lake Como?
Bellagio is the most famous and central, Varenna is the easiest by train from Milan, Menaggio is good for families and hiking, and Como town is the most practical but not in the 'central lake' triangle.
How do I get to Lake Como from Milan?
Trains from Milan reach Como town in under an hour and Varenna on the line toward Tirano in about an hour. From Varenna, ferries cross to Bellagio and Menaggio.
Do I need a car at Lake Como?
No. Ferries connect the lake towns, and many lakeside roads are narrow with limited parking.
Bellagio
Hotels in Bellagio on Lake Como: lakefront vs old-town stays, lake-view rooms and suites, ferries to Varenna and Menaggio, and live prices.
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Things to do in Lake Como
The best things to do in Lake Como: ferries between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, villa gardens, Brunate by funicular, and how to plan boat tours and day trips.
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Varenna
Hotels in Varenna on Lake Como: lakefront rooms, the train from Milan, ferries to Bellagio and Menaggio, Villa Monastero and Castello di Vezio. Live prices.
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Where to stay (Como)
Where to stay on Lake Como: Bellagio vs Varenna vs Menaggio vs Como town vs Tremezzo, compared for views, transport, villas, quiet and price.
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