Lake Como: The Most Picturesque Towns Around the Lake

Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna

Lake Como is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations, known for its serene waters, dramatic mountains and colorful lakeside villages. If you’re planning a short trip, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay and what to see. On our recent trip, we focused on three towns that offered the perfect balance of charm, scenery and convenience: Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna.

Day 1: Menaggio – A Tranquil Lakeside Gem

We started our trip in Menaggio, which turned out to be a real hidden gem. This town is quieter than Bellagio or Varenna but has a relaxed vibe and excellent ferry connections to explore the rest of Lake Como.

Our first stop was the lakefront promenade, Viale Benedetto Castelli, where we enjoyed the views of the water and small local stands. Along the way, we popped into a local bar for a cappuccino and tiramisu: the perfect Italian pick-me-up.

Walking through Menaggio’s cobblestone streets and the historic Piazza Garibaldi, we felt like we were discovering a quieter side of Lake Como. We also stopped by Santa Marta Church to admire its simple charm.

View of the Santa Marta Church in Menaggio

For lunch, we went to a small family-run pizzeria near the port and the pizza was as authentic as it gets. If you have time, I’d also recommend a visit to Villa Mylius-Vigoni for its gardens and historic interiors or a stroll along Lido di Menaggio for a relaxing lakeside break.

Pro Tip: Menaggio is ideal for travelers who want a calm base without missing access to the main attractions on the lake.

Day 2: Bellagio – The Jewel of Lake Como

From Menaggio, we took the ferry to Bellagio, about 15 minutes away. The ride offers some of the most stunning views of the lake and mountains so make sure your camera is ready!

Bellagio is famous for its cobblestone streets, colorful homes and charming shops. We wandered through Salita Serbelloni, stopping at cozy cafés and boutiques along the way. One highlight was Parco dei Martiri della Libertà, a green park with lakeside views where we watched boats drift by.

We also made sure to visit Villa Melzi Gardens, a lakeside garden with sculptures, walking paths and beautiful flowers. For those with extra time, Villa Serbelloni Park is worth a hike for panoramic views and the Basilica di San Giacomo is a must-see for history buffs.

Before heading back to Menaggio, we stopped in the small village of Tremezzo for a coffee and enjoyed the peaceful lakeside scenery.

Travel Tip: Bellagio is very popular in summer, so visiting in the morning or off-season makes for a more relaxed experience.

Day 3: Varenna – A Fairytale Village with Scenic Walks

Varenna is instantly recognizable from the ferry, with its colorful houses cascading down the mountainside. The lake promenade from the port to the town center is perfect for photos and a leisurely stroll.

We explored the small streets of the historic center before visiting Villa Cipressi Gardens, which are stunning even outside the high season. The views from the gardens are breathtaking from every angle. For a short uphill adventure, Castello di Vezio offers panoramic views and a bit of history, while Villa Monastero Botanical Gardens is another peaceful lakeside stop.

Before taking the ferry back to Menaggio, we grabbed gelato in the main square and enjoyed watching local life unfold around the lake.

Insider Tip: Varenna is ideal for travelers who love photography, gardens, and romantic lakeside walks. Don’t miss the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Walk) along the water which is perfect for sunset.

Why Lake Como Captivates Every Traveler

From the quiet charm of Menaggio to the iconic beauty of Bellagio and the fairytale streets of Varenna, Lake Como offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring gardens, walking historic streets, or hopping ferries between towns, the lake is a magical combination of scenery, history, and local life.

If you’re planning a short trip, focusing on these three towns gives you the perfect mix of hidden gems, iconic sights, and lakeside serenity. Trust me, once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why Lake Como captures hearts so easily.

Recommended Tours & Tickets for Lake Como

Book your ticket to Villa Cipressi Gardens in Varenna– Explore the famous terraced gardens and enjoy some of the best views over Lake Como.

Book a Shared Lake Como Boat Tour from Bellagio – Scenic shared cruise around the lake with panoramic views of lakeside villas, gardens and towns.

Private Boat Tour Around Lake Como – A customizable private boat experience with stops at your favorite spots like Bellagio and Varenna.

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