Lake Como, an hour from Milan, is one of Italy’s most beautiful settings: villas, colourful villages at the foot of the mountains and boats linking the shores. I went in April 2024, May 2026 and October 2026, each time for a packed day.
Como and Brunate
The town of Como deserves a stroll through its historic centre, between lake and mountains. Then the Como-Brunate funicular climbs up in a few minutes in a little wooden car. At the top, breakfast with a view, then the Voltiano lighthouse: the panorama over the lake is spectacular.
Bellagio, the pearl of the lake
The ferry from Como to Bellagio is an excursion in itself: you pass villas and villages all the way. Bellagio, at the tip of the lake, charms with its stepped lanes and waterfront.
Varenna, my favourite
Varenna, on the east shore, is easy to reach by train from Milan. For me it is even prettier than Bellagio: colourful houses, a lakeside walk and beautiful light. At Bar Giardino I had the best octopus of my life.
Practical info
- From Milan: train to Como or Varenna, about an hour.
- Between villages: lake ferries and boats. A shared private boat trip of about 1.5 hours shows the lake differently.
- Arrive early: the villages get busy quickly, especially at weekends.
- Combine with my Milan guide.
My travel diaries
October 17, 2026🇮🇹 Milan - From Como to Varenna, octopus by the lake and San Siro street art
May 23, 2026🇮🇹 Lake Como - Brunate, the Voltiano lighthouse and a boat trip
February 1, 2025🇮🇹 San Siro - Portello (Milan)
April 21, 2024🇮🇹 Italy - Lake Como - Brunate - Bellagio
February 25, 2024🇮🇹 San Siro and Match Milan - Atalanta