With its upside-down “Y” shape and nestled between the Lombard Pre-Alps, Lake Como is a true scenic gem, capable of capturing the heart of every visitor.
Famous for its historic villas, lush gardens and breathtaking views, the lake offers a wide variety of experiences for all tastes: from nature lovers to art and culture enthusiasts, through to gourmets and lovers of relaxation.
In this article, we will take you on a virtual journey to discover Lake Como, providing you with useful information on how to get there, what to see, what to eat and tips for making the most of your holiday.
Pack your bags, Lake Como awaits you!
How to get there:
- By car: Lake Como is easily reachable by car from Milan and the main cities of Northern Italy. The A9 motorway connects Milan to Como in about an hour. If you are coming from other regions of Italy or abroad, you can take the A4 Turin-Milan motorway and then the A9.
- By train: Trenitalia offers frequent train connections from Milan to Como and Lecco. The journey takes about 45 minutes from Milan and 1 hour from Lecco.
- By bus: Several bus companies offer connections from Milan, Bergamo and other nearby cities to Lake Como.
- By plane: The nearest airport is Malpensa, about 50 km from the lake. From Malpensa you can take a bus or taxi to Como or Lecco.
What to see:
- Villas and gardens: Lake Como is famous for its historic villas and lush gardens. Among the most beautiful villas to visit are Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta and Villa Serbelloni.
- Landscapes: Lake Como offers breathtaking scenery, with green mountains reflected in the crystal-clear waters. You can take a boat trip on the lake to admire the views or go hiking in the mountains to enjoy even more spectacular views.
- Towns and villages: Lake Como is also home to picturesque towns and villages, such as Como, Lecco, Bellagio and Varenna. These towns are worth visiting for their history, culture and gastronomy.
Typical products to eat:
- Polenta: Polenta is a typical Lombard dish made from cornmeal. It is often served with cheese, mushrooms or salami.
- Missoltino: Missoltino is a dried and salted perch, typical of Lake Como. It is usually grilled and served with polenta or a salad.
- Cheeses: Lake Como is famous for its cheeses, such as Taleggio, Quartirolo and Valtellina Casera.
- Desserts: Among the typical desserts of Lake Como are Cremona tortelli, torta paesana and sbrisolona.
Getting around Como:
Como offers various options for getting around the city and the lake, depending on your needs:
On foot: Como’s historic center is relatively small and easily explored on foot. You can stroll along the pedestrian streets, admire the monuments, and soak up the city’s atmosphere.
By bus: Como has a network of city buses operated by ASF Autolinee that connects the city center with the suburbs and some neighboring municipalities. You can purchase tickets in advance at authorized resellers or directly on board.
By bike: Como has become increasingly bike-friendly in recent years. You can rent a bike at various points in the city or use the city’s bike-sharing service “Como in Bici”. A network of cycle paths is also available to allow you to move around safely.
By boat or ferry: Navigazione Laghi operates public transport services on Lake Como with boats and ferries. Boats are slower and more panoramic, ideal for enjoying the scenery, while ferries are faster and connect the main towns and villages on the lake.
Taxi: Como has an efficient taxi service. You can book one by phone or hail one on the street if you see one available.
Funicular: The Como Funicular connects the city center with the village of Brunate, located on the hills above. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake and the city.
Tips:
- The best time to visit Lake Como is from April to October, when the weather is mild and sunny.
- If you have limited time, you can focus on the southern branches of the lake, where the main tourist attractions are located.
- If you love nature, you can go hiking on the Sentiero del Viandante, a panoramic path that winds along the shores of the lake.
- If you are traveling by car, remember that parking is often expensive and limited. It is advisable to use public transport or taxis to get around the towns and villages.
