Colorful houses of Varenna on the shore of Lake Como

Where to stay on Lake Como

Five good bases, each with a different rhythm. Pick by how you arrive and how you want your evenings to feel.

Photo: Ray in Manila, CC BY 2.0

By ItalianSuites editors · Updated

Side by side

Base Views Getting there Evenings Price
Bellagio Lake on both sides Ferry, road Lively, many restaurants High
Varenna Romantic waterfront Train from Milan + ferries Quiet High
Menaggio Wide lake views Bus from Como, ferries Relaxed Mid
Tremezzo Villas and gardens Ferries Very quiet High
Como town City and lake Train under 1 hour from Milan Busy, city life Most choice

Villas worth crossing the lake for

  • Villa del Balbianello (Lenno): the loggia on a wooded point, one of the most photographed places on the lake.
  • Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): famous gardens, best in spring for the azaleas and rhododendrons.
  • Villa Melzi (Bellagio): lakeside gardens a short walk from the center.
BellagioClassicCentral lakeFirst visitRead guide VarennaRomanticTrain accessNo carRead guide MenaggioMid-rangeWest shoreFamiliesRead guide

Arriving by train? Stay in Varenna or take the ferry over from Varenna’s dock: it saves carrying luggage on a bus along the narrow lake road.

Check Lake Como prices

Frequently asked questions

Is Bellagio or Varenna better?

Bellagio has more hotels, shops and the famous lakefront; Varenna is smaller, quieter and has a train station with direct trains from Milan. Both are linked by a short ferry ride.

How many nights should I spend on Lake Como?

Two to three nights is enough to visit Bellagio, Varenna, a villa garden or two and take a boat trip.

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Keep planning

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. Read guide Lake Como Lake Como hotels on the lake: Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Como town compared, lake-view rooms and suites, ferries, getting there from Milan and live prices. Read guide Portofino Hotels in Portofino, Italy: staying in the village or in Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli, boat tours from Genoa, San Fruttuoso and how to get there. Read guide Suites explained Junior suite vs suite vs superior room in Italian hotels: size, terraces, views and when the upgrade is worth it on the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como. Read guide Cinque Terre Cinque Terre hotels and accommodation: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola or Riomaggiore? Rooms with sea views, steps, the train and live prices. Read guide