Italy has a habit of stealing your heart, but Lake Como has managed to keep a piece of mine. Every time I return, I’m reminded why it’s my favourite of Italy’s lakes. The elegant villas, charming lakeside towns and dramatic mountain backdrop make it one of those destinations that feels just as special on your fifth visit as it does on your first. It’s even somewhere my husband and I have talked about retiring to one day.
While many visitors come for the famous names like Bellagio and Como, I think the real magic lies in slowing down and exploring beyond the obvious. Whether you’re hopping between villages by ferry, lingering over a long Italian lunch or hiking above the lake for spectacular views, Lake Como is the kind of place that rewards those who give it the time it deserves.
In this guide, I’ll share the ten reasons I fell in love with Lake Como, along with practical tips to help you plan your own visit.
Table of Contents
✈️ Quick Resources
- 📱 Stay connected: Airalo — new users get 15% off. I came to eSIMs late and wish I hadn’t — it’s saved me hundreds of dollars since.
- 🚗 Car hire: DiscoverCars — useful if you’re planning day trips into the Dolomites. All mandatory fees included upfront, no hidden surprises at the counter.
- 🛡️ Travel insurance: SafetyWing — affordable, reliable, and easy to set up. Choose your dates and coverage; that’s it.
- 🛂 Visa: iVisa — check whether you need a Schengen visa and sort it in a few clicks before you fly.
- 🎟️ Tours & experiences: GetYourGuide — browse experiences and use code trulyexpattravel10 for 10% off via the app.
How to Get to Lake Como
Reaching Lake Como is surprisingly straightforward, whether you’re flying into Milan, travelling by train or planning a northern Italy road trip.
✈️ Fly into Milan
Milan is the main gateway to Lake Como, with three airports serving the region.
- Milan Linate Airport – approximately 50 minutes from Como
- Milan Malpensa Airport – around 1½ hours from Como
- Milan Bergamo Airport – approximately 1 hour 40 minutes away
The original article notes that there are direct flights from Singapore to Milan with Singapore Airlines in under 12 hours, making it an easy long-haul destination for travellers from Southeast Asia.
🚗 Hire a Car
Hiring a car is one of the easiest ways to explore Lake Como and the surrounding Lombardy region, particularly if you plan to visit some of the smaller lakeside villages or continue your journey through northern Italy.
Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to discover places that many day-trippers never reach.
🚆 Travel by Train
If you don’t want to drive, the train is an excellent option.
Trenitalia operates frequent direct services between Milan and Como, with trains departing from both Milano Centrale and Milano Porta Garibaldi. Journey times are around 36 minutes, making Lake Como an easy day trip or weekend escape from Milan.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning to explore several lakeside towns, travelling by train to Como before continuing by ferry is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to experience the lake.
🏨 Where to Stay in Lake Como
Choosing where to stay can completely change your experience of Lake Como. If it’s your first visit, I’d recommend spending at least a couple of nights here rather than trying to squeeze everything into a day trip. The slower pace is part of what makes this destination so special.
🌟 Luxury Stay – Vista Palazzo
If you’re looking to treat yourself, Vista Palazzo is worth every penny.
Overlooking Lake Como, this elegant five-star hotel combines beautifully designed rooms, exceptional service and stunning lake views. It’s an ideal choice for couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting a luxurious stay in the heart of Como.
💼 Mid-Range Stay – Hotel Plinius
For travellers looking for a more affordable base without sacrificing location, Hotel Plinius is a great choice.
The rooms are comfortable and clean, the staff are welcoming, and many rooms include an en-suite bathroom and private balcony. It’s within easy walking distance of Como’s main attractions, making it a convenient option for first-time visitors.
One thing worth noting is that the beds are on the firmer side, so if you prefer a softer mattress, this may not be the best fit. Otherwise, it offers excellent value in a destination where accommodation can be relatively expensive.
❤️ 10 Reasons I Fell in Love with Lake Com
1. Explore the Lake by Ferry, Hydrofoil or Boat
One of the things I love most about Lake Como is that the journey is just as memorable as the destination. Instead of driving from village to village, you can hop aboard one of the ferries and admire the colourful towns, elegant villas and dramatic mountains from the water. Every trip feels like a sightseeing cruise.
The lake stretches for around 46 kilometres, connecting charming towns such as Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna and Como. Whether you choose a regular ferry, a faster hydrofoil or a slower passenger boat, travelling by water is one of the best ways to experience the region.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning to visit several towns in one day, check the ferry timetable in advance and consider purchasing a day pass. It gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace without worrying about parking.
👩 Solo travel note: Ferry travel is safe, straightforward and a fantastic option if you’re travelling alone. You’ll often find yourself chatting with other travellers while enjoying the spectacular scenery.
2. Ride the Como–Brunate Funicular for Some of the Best Views
If you’ve never ridden a funicular before, Lake Como is the perfect place to experience one.
The historic Como–Brunate Funicular has been carrying visitors up the hillside for more than a century. As the carriage climbs, the rooftops of Como gradually give way to breathtaking views across the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s one of those experiences that’s worth every minute.
Once you reach Brunate, take your time exploring the quiet streets, stopping at one of the cafés or simply soaking up the panoramic views. It’s easy to understand why this became one of my favourite spots around the lake.
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, especially during the summer months.
3. Discover the Charm of the Smaller Lakeside Villages
Bellagio and Menaggio may be the names everyone recognises, but some of my favourite moments around Lake Como have happened in the quieter villages.
Places like Carate Urio, Lenno and Argegno offer a slower pace of life. You’ll find peaceful waterfront promenades, family-run cafés, colourful boats bobbing in the harbour and locals going about their daily routines. These villages remind me that the real beauty of Lake Como isn’t just in its famous landmarks—it’s in everyday Italian life.
Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, give yourself permission to wander. Sit in the piazza with a coffee, browse the local shops or simply watch life unfold beside the water.
💡 Tip: The smaller villages are easily reached by ferry, making them ideal additions to your itinerary without needing a car.
4. Split Your Stay Between Como and Menaggio or Bellagio
One of the biggest mistakes I see visitors make is staying in just one town for their entire trip.
If you have several days, I’d recommend splitting your stay. Spend a couple of nights in Como, where you’ll have excellent transport connections and plenty of restaurants, before moving further up the lake to somewhere like Menaggio or Bellagio for a completely different atmosphere.
Menaggio has always been my personal favourite. The first time I wandered its cobbled streets, I immediately felt at home. It has enough cafés, restaurants and shops to keep you entertained while still feeling wonderfully relaxed compared with some of the busier destinations.
Giving yourself two different bases allows you to experience both the vibrant lakeside towns and the quieter side of Lake Como.
💡 Tip: If you’re relying on public transport, Como and Menaggio both make excellent bases for exploring the rest of the lake.
5. Enjoy Authentic Italian Food Away from the Crowds
Italy is famous for its food, but one of the things I appreciate most about Lake Como is how the dining experience changes as you travel further north.
Move beyond the busiest tourist areas and you’ll discover family-run trattorias where locals gather for long lunches and relaxed evening meals. The menus often focus on regional ingredients, seasonal produce and traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Some of my favourite meals have been in small villages where there wasn’t an English menu in sight. Those are often the places that serve the most memorable food.
💡 Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your hotel owner or local café for restaurant recommendations. Some of the best places around Lake Como aren’t the ones you’ll find at the top of every travel guide.
👩 Solo travel note: Dining alone is perfectly normal in Italy. Bring a book, order a glass of local wine and enjoy the slower pace—it’s one of the best ways to experience Italian culture.
6. Hike the Mountains Surrounding Lake Como
Lake Como isn’t just about elegant villas and sparkling water. The mountains that frame the lake are just as spectacular and offer some of the best hiking in northern Italy.
If you enjoy getting outdoors as much as I do, you’ll quickly discover that there are countless walking trails to choose from. Some are gentle lakeside walks, while others climb high into the mountains, rewarding you with incredible views over the lake and surrounding valleys. It’s the perfect way to see a different side of the region.
One of the things I love is that no two hikes feel the same. You could spend several days exploring the area and still find new trails to discover.
💡 Tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes, carry plenty of water during the warmer months and check trail conditions before setting out. Even shorter walks can involve steep sections.
👩 Solo travel note: Many of the popular hiking routes are well-marked and regularly used during the day, making them a great option for confident solo travellers. If you’re planning a longer hike, let someone know your route and start early to avoid the afternoon heat.
7. Experience Lake Como from the Water on a Private Boat
While the ferries are a fantastic way to explore, there’s something incredibly special about seeing Lake Como from your own boat.
Hiring a speedboat or joining a private boat tour allows you to experience the lake at a slower pace. You can admire grand lakeside villas, discover quiet bays and appreciate just how dramatic the scenery is from the water. Whether you choose to captain your own boat or join a guided excursion, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left Italy.
For me, spending time on the lake itself is one of the highlights of every visit. Looking back towards the colourful villages from the water gives you a completely different perspective.
💡 Tip: Morning departures often offer calmer water and softer light for photographs. If you’re travelling during peak season, it’s worth booking your boat hire or guided tour in advance.
8. Slow Down and Listen to the Church Bells
One of the things I associate most with Italy is the sound of church bells echoing across the town. It’s a simple moment, but one that instantly reminds me I’m back in one of my favourite countries.
Rather than simply admiring the churches from the outside, take the time to step inside if they’re open. Each church has its own history, beautiful architecture and unique atmosphere. Sitting quietly for a few minutes offers a welcome break from sightseeing and gives you a chance to appreciate the heritage that makes these lakeside communities so special.
These are often the moments I remember most—not the busiest attractions, but the quieter experiences that allow you to connect with a destination.
💡 Tip: Dress respectfully if you plan to visit churches, particularly during religious services, and always check whether photography is permitted.
9. Experience Italy’s Coffee Culture Like a Local
One of my favourite parts of travelling in Italy has nothing to do with famous landmarks. It’s simply stopping for a coffee.
When Italians talk about going to the bar, they’re usually referring to a café rather than somewhere to enjoy an evening drink. Order an espresso or a macchiato, stand at the counter or find a seat outside, and you’ll quickly notice that coffee here is as much about conversation as it is about caffeine.
I love watching friends catch up, neighbours greet one another and visitors slow down enough to enjoy the moment. It’s a wonderful reminder that travel isn’t always about ticking attractions off a list—sometimes it’s about embracing the local way of life.
💡 Tip: Ordering your coffee at the counter is often cheaper than table service, especially in the more popular tourist towns around Lake Como.
👩 Solo travel note: Cafés are one of the easiest places to relax if you’re travelling alone. Bring a journal, people-watch from the terrace or strike up a conversation with the friendly staff.
10. Savour Local Produce with a Picnic by the Lake
Some of my favourite travel memories don’t involve expensive restaurants or organised tours. Instead, they’re the simple afternoons spent enjoying good food with an incredible view.
Rather than eating every meal out, visit one of the local delicatessens or markets and put together your own picnic. Fresh bread, local cheeses, cured meats, seasonal fruit and a bottle of Italian wine are all you need before finding a peaceful spot beside the water.
It’s a wonderfully relaxed way to spend an afternoon and one that allows you to slow down and appreciate everything that makes Lake Como so special. Sometimes the simplest experiences become the most memorable.
💡 Tip: Pick up your picnic supplies in the morning before exploring the lake, then stop whenever you find a scenic waterfront bench or quiet park. Just remember to dispose of your rubbish responsibly and leave the area exactly as you found it.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts on Lake Como
There are plenty of beautiful lakes in Italy, but for me, Lake Como is the one I keep coming back to. It’s not just the dramatic scenery or the elegant villas that make it special—it’s the slower pace of life, the welcoming lakeside towns and those simple moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Whether you’re gliding across the lake on a ferry, enjoying a long lunch in a family-run trattoria, hiking to panoramic viewpoints or simply sitting with an espresso as the church bells echo through the town, Lake Como has a way of making you slow down and appreciate where you are.
If it’s your first visit, don’t rush it. Give yourself a few days to explore beyond the famous towns, wander through the smaller villages and embrace the relaxed rhythm of life that makes this corner of northern Italy so memorable. It’s worth every minute.
Go on—book the trip. Lake Como is waiting.
✈️ Plan Your Lake Como Trip
Ready to start planning? Here are a few resources I use when travelling:
→ Book tours and experiences with GetYourGuide (Use code trulyexpattravel10 in the app for 10% off.)
→ Stay connected with an Airalo eSIM before you arrive.
→ Compare car hire prices with DiscoverCars for the best deals.
→ Don’t forget travel insurance with SafetyWing before your trip.
📲 Follow Along
Follow along on Instagram where I share real-time travel updates, behind-the-scenes moments from tours, and daily life in Singapore. Join the Truly Expat Facebook community — a supportive space for women travellers to ask questions, share tips, and connect before trips.
- Instagram: @trulyexpattravel
- Facebook: Truly Expat
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