10 Best Things to do in Lake Como, Italy (Villages, Boats & Villas)

There’s a reason Lake Como has long captured the hearts of travelers, artists, and dreamers alike. Framed by dramatic mountains and dotted with pastel-hued villages, this iconic Italian lake blends natural beauty with timeless elegance. Whether you’re gliding across the water by boat, wandering cobblestone streets, or pausing in manicured villa gardens, Lake Como invites you to slow down and savor every view. Here are our top 10 experiences that make this destination truly unforgettable.

For more information on this dreamy destination checkout our other blog posts in our Lake Como Travel Series: “4-Day Itinerary for Lake Como, Savouring Italy’s Most Romantic Lake” (coming Feb. 24^th) “Tips and Recommendations, Your Travel Guide to Lake Como, Italy” (Coming March 3^rd). As well you can explore our “Travel Guide and 1-Day Itinerary for Milan, Italy” as it makes a great day trip, when staying on Lake Como.

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Table of Contents:

1. A Brief Historical Rundown on Lake Como
2. 10 Best Things to do in Lake Como, Italy
3. References
4. The Wrap up

1. A Brief Historical Rundown:

Lake Como’s history is as layered as its landscape. Formed by retreating glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age, the lake has attracted settlers since ancient times, including Celtic tribes before becoming an important Roman outpost. The Romans recognized both its strategic position and its beauty, building villas along its shores, and establishing it as an early lakeside retreat.

In the centuries that followed, Lake Como grew through trade, silk production, and agriculture, gradually transforming into a destination favored by nobility and wealthy families who constructed the elegant villas and gardens still admired today. By the 1800s, Lake Como had become a favorite stop on the Grand Tour, attracting writers, artists, and aristocrats. Today, it’s still known for that same mix of history, scenery, and effortless Italian charm.

Two Historical Fun Facts:

1. The Ponte della Civera in Nesso is said to have Roman origins, but at this point only the foundations of the bridge are possibly Roman, what you see today is largely medieval in age, said to have been built in the 1300’s, making it 600 to 700 years old, which is still very impressive.
2. The oldest Villa on Lake Como is said to be Villa Monastero in Varenna. Its origins date back to the 12th century when it was founded as a Cistercian convent. In the 16th century, it was transformed from a monastery into a private residence, and over the centuries it evolved into the elegant lakeside villa you see today. Most of the older villas on Lake Como were built between the 16^th and the 19^th centuries.

 2. 10 Best Things to do in Lake Como, Italy:

1. Rent a Boat and Spend the Day on Lake Como:

One of the best things to do in Lake Como is to get out on the water. Renting a boat—either self-drive or with a local captain—allows you to experience the lake at your own pace and see it from its most flattering angle. From the water, grand villas peek out from behind cypress trees, quiet swimming spots reveal themselves along the shoreline, and the villages feel even more dreamy. Whether you’re cruising past historic estates or stopping for a swim on a warm afternoon, a day on the lake quickly becomes a highlight of any Lake Como itinerary. We rented a boat and did a self-drive day on the water, and it was amazing, so relaxing and the views were outstanding. We rented our boat from Hotel Villa Aurora in Lezzeno, where we were staying. We were able to go south as far as Villa Oleandra (George Clooney’s place) in Laglio, saw the ancient Roman bridge in Nesso, floated by Lenno and the Villa del Balbianello (where parts of both Star Wars and James Bond movies were filmed), passed Tremezzo and its famous Grand Hotel, had a picnic lunch out on the water, while floating past Menaggio, Varenna and Bellagio, so many amazing and historical sights, a day we will not soon forget!

2. Explore Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como:

Bellagio is often the first village people visit, and it’s easy to see why. Sitting at the meeting point of the lake’s three branches, Bellagio is known for its steep stone staircases, elegant buildings, and lively atmosphere. Wandering through the old town feels like stepping into a postcard, with boutiques, cafés, and lake views appearing around every corner. While it can be busy, spending a few hours exploring Bellagio—especially early in the morning or later in the day—is an essential Lake Como experience. Make sure you stroll down Salita Serbelloni, that’s the famous pedestrian staircase street, well worth a look, we showed up here early to capture a few shots before it filled up with tourist. While in Bellagio you can also visit I Giardini di Villa Melzi, walkable from the old town/ferry area. Bellagio would make a good base, as it’s well connected by ferry, but not the train, so if you didn’t want to rent a car, you’d have to take the train to either Varenna or Como, then take the ferry to Bellagio.

3. Wander Through the Romantic Village of Varenna:

Varenna offers a quieter, more intimate side of Lake Como. This charming village is defined by its pastel-coloured houses, narrow lanes, and relaxed pace. Walking along the lakeside promenade in Varenna is particularly memorable, with gentle waves lapping at the shore and mountains rising behind the town. It’s a place that encourages slow exploration, whether that means lingering over a coffee, photographing reflections on the water, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. If you’re arriving by ferry, make sure to take photos of the town, Varenna is particularly photogenic from the water, once you get off the ferry turn to your right and follow the waterfront walkway. While here you can visit Villa Monastero and Hotel Villa Cipressi, with its beautiful gate opening onto the water. Varenna would make a great base also, as it’s well connected by ferry and trains, you can get to Milan in as little as an hour, so if you’re not wanting to rent a car, this could be a great place to stay, be aware that in the high season, trains and ferries here become very congested.

4. Experience Everyday Life in Menaggio:

Menaggio feels refreshingly laid-back compared to some of the lake’s more famous villages. With its open piazzas and long lakeside promenade, it’s an ideal place to experience everyday life in Lake Como. Menaggio is perfect for a relaxed walk by the water or a leisurely lunch with a view, and it also serves as a convenient ferry hub for exploring other parts of the lake. Its understated charm makes it a rewarding stop on any visit. The Lakeside Promenade and the small inner harbour are particularly pretty and a definite must see. They are both north of the ferry docks. Menaggio would make a good base as well, it’s well connected to the ferry’s, a 45 mins drive to Como and a 40 mins drive to Lugano, Switzerland, which is a great day trip too. If you made this your base, it would be best to have a car.

5. Visit Nesso and the Ponte della Civera:

For something a little different, head to the small village of Nesso. Tucked between steep cliffs, Nesso is home to the Ponte della Civera, this striking stone bridge spanning a narrow gorge where a waterfall flows directly into the lake, is 600 to 700 years old. If you’re driving, reaching the bridge involves a descent of stone steps, but the dramatic scenery at the bottom is well worth the effort, you will have to walk back up, which is a little more challenging, but with great views along the way. Or arrive by ferry and you’ll avoid the stairs all together. Nesso offers a glimpse of a more rugged and less polished side of Lake Como. When we were there, some of the locals were swimming, including their dog, was a fun experience.

6. Use the Lake Como Ferry System to Explore the Villages:

The Lake Como ferry system is not only practical but also one of the most enjoyable ways to get around. Ferries connect many of the lake’s main towns, including Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, making it easy to explore without a car. The journey itself is part of the experience, with beautiful views of the shoreline and surrounding mountains. Traveling by ferry allows you to move slowly and take in the scenery along the way. We drove into Bellagio from Lezzeno, a 15-minute easy drive and easy parking. We were able to explore 3 towns in one day by taking the ferry, but we were there at the end of September, so in the middle of the summer waiting for a ferry might take longer, the shoulder season is generally a better time to go, if possible, less people and more relaxing.

7. Visit Villa Cipressi in Varenna:

Villa Cipressi is a peaceful escape located in Varenna, offering terraced gardens that gently slope down toward the lake. The gardens are filled with Mediterranean plants, shaded pathways, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the water. Visiting Villa Cipressi provides a quieter, more contemplative experience and is a wonderful way to balance the busier villages with moments of calm and natural beauty. If you go right down to the water here, you’ll find a beautiful, romantic gate leading out onto the water, amazing for photos, but make sure you get here early, as later in the day there will likely be a line up to get or take photos, it’s also nice to be able to walk around the tranquil grounds when it’s less crowded. We got there at about 9:30am after taking the ferry over from Bellagio and having breakfast, and there were only a few people taking photos, which was great. There is a 10-euro entrance fee, it’s located at Via IV Novembre 22 Varenna, and is a 10-minute walk from the ferry dock. This is a functioning hotel and they do have events, so there is a chance that it might be closed to the public during these times.

8. Stroll Through I Giardini di Villa Melzi:

The gardens of Villa Melzi are one of Bellagio’s most beautiful attractions. I Giardini di Villa Melzi are thoughtfully designed to blend nature, art, and architecture, creating a serene environment that feels both elegant and inviting. Shaded paths wind through the gardens, opening onto panoramic lake views that encourage you to slow down and linger. The pond with the curved bridge is a very romantic spot, great for photos. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely walk and a welcome contrast to the bustling streets nearby. Located at Lungo Lario Manzoni 22021 Bellagio and open 10:00am to 6:30pm every day.

9. Photograph Lake Como from the Water:

Lake Como is incredibly photogenic, but some of its most beautiful views are found from the water itself. Whether you’re on a rented boat or a ferry crossing the lake, photographing the villages from this perspective reveals their true scale and beauty. We took advantage of both our day on the water with our rental boat and being on the ferry, seeing the villas and being able to photograph them from the water makes a big difference. Reflections on calm days, changing light on the mountains, and layers of colour along the shoreline make Lake Como a dream destination for photography lovers.

10. Slow Down and Embrace the Lake Como Lifestyle:

More than anything, Lake Como is about embracing a slower pace of travel. Taking time for long meals, spontaneous stops, and unplanned moments is part of what makes this destination so special. Whether you’re exploring famous villages like Bellagio and Varenna, discovering hidden corners like Nesso, or simply watching the ferries glide across the water. We made a point of being back at our accommodation’s late afternoon for a drink and a snack out on our terrace, the views from here were spectacular! We stayed in Lezzeno, which is a very quiet, less touristy town that we just loved. Having an apartment with full kitchen is great, as it allows you to be able to eat some meals in, or make a picnic lunch, and visiting the local grocery store can also be a fun thing to do. Lake Como seems to reward those who take their time.

3. References:

For our Lake Como travel planning, I leaned on a mix of trusted guidebooks, including DK Eyewitness Travel Italy, DK Eyewitness Milan and the Lakes, and Rick Steves Italy, which helped shape our itinerary, village selections, and must-see sights. In addition to the books, it’s helpful to reference official tourism website (lakecomotourism.it) and attraction sites, public transportation resources (like the trains and ferries), and a few local food or culture blogs. Travel forums, Google Maps for driving and walking distances, and tour apps for the activities. We hope you enjoy our top 10 things to do in Lake Como as much as we did.

4. The Wrap up:

Lake Como is a destination best experienced slowly — wandering the storybook streets of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, cruising across the water by ferry or private boat, and stepping into the timeless beauty of Villa Cipressi and the gardens of Villa Melzi. From discovering hidden gems like Nesso and its ancient Roman bridge to simply relaxing lakeside and soaking in the views, every moment here feels like a dream. Whether you’re exploring from the water or capturing it through your lens, Lake Como has a way of staying with you long after you leave. Thank you for taking this journey with us, we hope this helps you plan your own amazing adventure!

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Thank you,

Beth de Verteuil

Wild Meadow Studio

Plan. Travel. Capture.

www.wildmeadowstudio.com