Lake Como. Quite rightly this destination is often called ‘Paradise on Earth’. It is home to some of the most beautiful views in Italy, many historic villas, and a long list of stunning waterfront villages that offer the perfect decorum for a holiday to never forget. In this itinerary, you will find all the information to see and experience the best of Lake Como in 3 days!
This Lake Como Italy itinerary focusses on the 3 most popular Lake Como destinations, Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. These are amongst the top Lake Towns in Northern Italy, You can reach Como from Milan via a train (either a Trenitalia or Trenord train). You can also drive to any of these cities from Milan or arrange a private car transfer.
Disclaimer: This helpful post contains some Affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (AND make a purchase), I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. As such I thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy.
Page Contents
Lake Como Italy Itinerary for 3 days
Lake Como is the 3rd largest lake in Italy. There are so many beautiful spots in Italy that planning a 2-week Italy itinerary becomes difficult. So is it visiting Lake Como in Italy? Sure, if you want gorgeous scenery and stunning lakeside towns to explore. It is fun to take ferry rides and explore the small towns located around this inverted Y-shape lake.
Travel Resources for Italy
Omio is my favourite platform to book train and ferry tickets
Use Kiwitaxi for airport transfers.
Rent a car to drive around. Get the best car deals here!
Get an eSim for your trip for effortless and cheap data connection from Airalo.
Day 1: Beautiful Bellagio And Blissful Boat Tours
At the heart of the lake, you find the village of Bellagio. Bellagio is often referred to as ‘the Pearl of Lake Como’, because of its beautiful and charming ambiance. It is centrally located at the intersection of the Y-shaped lake. It is a great place to stay and to easily make your way to other towns and villages by boat. Generally, if you decide to travel to Lake Como by car, park and leave it there for the entirety of your stay as the roads around the lake are always busy!
When you spend a day in Bellagio these are some of the things you will definitely want to do:
Walk the waterfront promenade
Right along the lake, you can find one of the most scenic promenades of Lake Como. Wander along the shops, and terraces and enjoy the stunning views.
Visit the old city center
Bellagio is located against one of the mountains surrounding the lake. The many cobblestone streets will lead you further into the village on the hill. Here you will have lovely views and many local shops.
Visit the silk shops
Interestingly, silk has been the main industry of the Como region for centuries. People from all over the world visit the Como region to learn about the process and printing of their colourful designs. Any of the shops offering you an endless array of scarves, clothes, and accessories will make it hard to choose!
Have lunch or a drink on one of the terraces facing the waterfront
My personal favourite has always been Hotel Florence. The colourful hotel has a terrace covered in pergolas. They protect you from the sun during hot summer days and their food has always been simply fantastic.
Boat tours from Bellagio
Due to its location, Bellagio has many options for boat tours to every part of the Lake. There are ferries, tours, and private options available for anyone who wants to experience Lake Como from the water:
If you opt for the regular ferries that frequently depart from Bellagio it is most convenient to purchase a Circular Ticket. These can be used to hop on and hop off in any of the villages en route. You can explore all destinations at your own pace without having to worry about tickets.
Of course, you can choose private tours and customized itineraries as well. Make sure to book in advance.
Visit Villa del Balbianello
Only a half hour from Bellagio you will find this very well-kept mansion, which you might recognize from its appearance in (among others) James Bond’s Casino Royal and Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones. You can visit the 17th-century villa and its perfectly maintained gardens that will take you back in time. You can wander through the enchanting gardens of Villa del Balbianello by booking this entrance ticket with roundtrip ferry tickets.
Day 2: Classic Como
Como is one of the larger cities on Lake Como (second after Lecco) and is located on the south end of the left branch of the lake. The city is known for its rich history as people have inhabited this place since the Iron Age! Wandering the picturesque city center you will be surrounded by historic buildings.
Some highlights of Como you do not want to miss out on:
Como Cathedral
One of the oldest buildings is the Como Cathedral, locally known as the ‘Cattedrale Di Santa Maria Assunta’. It took nearly 300 years to complete the Gothic building for which construction started in 1396. Its marble floors and highly decorated ceilings make it well worth a visit. You can access the cathedral is free. Make sure to dress modestly as you will not be allowed to enter the church in beach wear.
Explore the old town
As highlighted above the best thing to do in Como is to simply wander the ancient city center. The Cathedral is located at the heart of it. The Porta Torre Area in Como is the nicest part to explore and the best place to visit local shops. You can discover Como on this guided walking tour with an included boat tour.
The Brunate funicular
Since 1894 you can take the funicular from Como up the hill to Brunate; the next village! It is only a short 7-minute ride but will offer some stunning panoramic views over the lake. On bright days, you might even be able to see the skyscrapers in Milan.
You can book a tour to enjoy a 3-hour private walking tour of Como with a cable car ride to Brunate.
Como also makes for a good base to explore nearby areas with several tour options:
Lunch and dinner options at Como
Of course, there is an endless list of places for local Italian food dishes in Como. From the basics to high-end Michelin dining. Some nice places for a good Italian meal in Como include:
Crianza: Walk a little bit further away from the heart of Como and you will arrive at Crianza restaurant, known for great local cuisine, seafood, and a funky ambiance. Recognized as Travelers Choice on Tripadvisor this is a great shout for lunch or dinner.
Hosteriette Ristorante: Located on vibrant Piazza a Valta this is a great spot for people watching. Their pasta is so tasty, the terrace is lovely and the location is great.
L’Ideale: For the best pizza in town pay a visit to this restaurant. Classic or with a twist, L’Ideale is dedicated to giving you the best pizza you have had in a long time.
Day 3: Visit Varenna And Villa Monastero
Take a boat to Varenna today. This picturesque small village is located on the east side of the lake.
The Lovers Promenade
Varenna should be high on your list as it is home to the most romantic walk in the region. The locals call it The ‘Passeggiata degli Innamorati’ which translates as ‘The Lovers Promenade’. Because of its romantic views, arches, and pathways covered in flowers, all along the waterfront, it is a stunning experience. Make sure you stop off at one of the terraces on the side of the pathway for a coffee or a drink to absorb the views.
As you walk further past the city center a great lunch spot is Hotel du Lac. I am not exaggerating when stating you can enjoy Italian food here at its very best. The hotel has an accompanying terrace which offers a unique view over the Lake. Once you are sat down you will not want to leave!
Villa Monastero
From here you can continue the walk all the way to Villa Monastero. The Villa is located amid a botanical garden that is part of the estate and is nearly 2 kilometers long! You can visit the gardens and the villa which has become a museum and is open to the public. Book this entrance ticket to Villa Monastero with an aperitif.
You can also book Villa Monastero garden + museum entry ticket with ferries.
Other Things to do in Lake Como
The above Lake Como in 3 days itinerary provides an outline of the best places to visit around Como. Of course, there are some other activities you can add to your list, although you might be able to do so from various locations:
Have a swim in the lake
What is a holiday in Lake Como without dipping your toes in the water? There are various beaches you can explore to enjoy the real summer experience:
San Giovanni Beach: Only a 15-minute walk away from Bellagio city center you find this pebblestone beach that is open to the public and free of charge to access.
Blevio Beach: Not far from Como City you find the village of Blevio with many prestigious villas. It is a good place if you would like to enjoy water sports on the lake such as kayaking and wakeboarding which you can rent locally.
Join a cooking workshop
While enjoying the best Italy has to offer why not sign up for a local cooking class where you can make some of the Italian classics yourself, guided by a local specialist?
So many options to choose from:
Experience Lake Como by e-bike
Feeling sporty? A guided e-bike tour is a great way to experience unique views and get more information about Lake Como. Browse through these e-bile tour options:
Best Time To Visit Lake Como
The setting of the lake and its surroundings is stunning all year round. Depending on the type of holiday you are planning the following months might be best to visit.
Spring: Temperatures are still slightly lower and therefore April, May, and early June are great times of the year for a visit. As this is before the peak season starts, you might be able to choose from more accommodations available. Additionally, the prices might still be lower as well.
Summer break: The warmest time of the year in Lake Como, northern Italy is June until September. This is the midst of the high season, so bear in mind to book accommodation, activities, and beach clubs well in advance. Aside from tourists visiting, Lake Como is a welcome escape for many people in Milan so it can get busy. Take an umbrella as well, as you are surrounded by mountains the occasional showers do occur!
Autumn and Winter: For an out-of-season experience, October through to March is the best time to visit Como. It is a LOT quieter and prices are lower. You can enjoy Italy’s amazing cuisine and seasonal specialties and you will have many of the most scenic spots to yourself. Bear in mind not all facilities may be open, or operate the regular timetables, so this is worth checking in advance. Though it usually only snows further up in the mountains make sure to bring some warm clothes!
Where to stay in Lake Como
You can make one of the towns: Como, Bellagio, or Varenna as your base to explore Lake Como in 3 days. Take ferries to explore the other areas around Lake Como.
Explore stay options in Como:
Conclusion: Best Things to do in Lake Como
Based on the above there is a lot to do in and around Como! Using the ferries to cross the lake, everything is within close proximity. So spending 3 days in Lake Como should be plenty. It will be enough time to have the full experience without having to miss out on any of the highlights. Every village or city you decide to visit will have its own unique views, restaurants, and ambiance. Have a wonderful time on your next trip to Lake Como!
Planning a trip to Italy? Check out these posts:
For a 2-week Itinerary: The classic two-week Italy Itinerary.
Italy has show-stopper cities: 4 days in Rome, Tips for Vatican City visit, One day in Florence, 2 days in Venice
Don’t forget Tuscany. Day trip from Florence soaking the beautiful Tuscan landscape. Also the Best places to stay in Tuscany.
Spend time doing the Amalfi coast itinerary, take a day trip to Capri, or experience Lake Towns in Northern Italy, or Cinque Terre.
Complete guide on Italian Souvenirs: Good Souvenirs from Italy
_________________________________________
Pin it for later!
_________________________________________
This is a guest post by Faye. She is from the Netherlands and an avid traveler across Europe. Faye loves spending time to really get to know the places and to share with her readers any information they need to have an unforgettable trip to Europe!
___________________________________________
Have you visited Lake Como? Which is your favourite area? Share with us in the comments below.
Join me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook as I share my travel experiences.
Wow, this looked like an incredible trip! I can’t wait to visit the Lake Como area one day soon! The food, oh my gosh looks sooo good also! Heaven on earth!
I have not visited this section of Italy, but have heard so much about it. I liked your take on the place. It helped confirm that I need to visit and I know i would take a cooking class while there.Thanks for the info