1. Bellagio — The Pearl of the Lake

Bellagio sits at the point where Lake Como’s three arms meet, earning it the title “the pearl of the lake.” Its steep, cobbled lanes climb from the ferry dock through a maze of boutiques, gelaterias, and flower-bedecked alleyways. The views from the Punta Spartivento (the tip of the peninsula) are extraordinary — Lake Como in three directions, framed by the surrounding alpine peaks. Yes, Bellagio is touristy in summer, but its beauty is undeniable.

Location: The point where Lake Como’s three arms converge.

History: Bellagio has been a resort since Roman times. Pliny the Younger had two villas here. In the 19th century, it became a favourite destination of European aristocracy and artists.

Highlights:

• Punta Spartivento — the viewpoint at the tip of the peninsula
• Villa Melzi d’Eril — neoclassical villa with stunning botanical gardens
• La Punta — the panoramic walking path along the waterfront
• Strolling Via Garibaldi and the winding alleyways of the old town

2. Varenna — The Most Charming Village

Varenna is smaller, quieter, and arguably more charming than Bellagio. Its pastel-coloured houses climb the hillside from the lakefront, connected by a network of stairs and narrow alleys lined with flowers, tiny piazzas, and romantic views. The short walk from the train station to the lakefront is one of the most beautiful village approaches in Italy. The Fiumelatte river — Italy’s shortest river (250 metres) — flows into the lake nearby.

Location: Eastern shore, directly across from Bellagio.

Highlights:

• Villa Monastero — a former convent turned villa with botanical gardens along the lake
• Villa Cipressi — terraced gardens cascading down to the water
• The lakeside promenade — strung with lights, perfect for evening walks
• Castello di Vezio — a medieval castle above the village with lake views

3. Grand Villas — Gardens & Glamour

Lake Como’s villas and their gardens are a highlight of any visit. Villa del Balbianello (near Lenno) is arguably the most beautiful — perched on a wooded promontory, its terraced gardens and loggia have featured in Star Wars: Episode II and Casino Royale. Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) is famous for its rhododendron and azalea gardens, Villa Monastero (Varenna) for its botanical collection, and Villa Olmo (Como) for its neoclassical elegance.

Which to choose:

• Villa del Balbianello — the most photogenic, terrace overlooking the lake
• Villa Carlotta — best gardens, especially April–June for rhododendron bloom
• Villa Monastero — best value, beautiful gardens, on the ferry route
• Villa Melzi — Bellagio’s villa, lovely neoclassical garden with Japanese touches

4. The Western Shore & Menaggio

The western shore of Lake Como (from Como town up to Menaggio) is less crowded and more affordable than the Bellagio-Varenna circuit. Menaggio is a charming resort town with a beautiful lakeside promenade, a lovely old town, and excellent hiking in the hills behind it. The Greenway del Lago di Como walking path runs along the western shore, past villas, olive groves, and villages — a beautiful day walk with constant lake views.

Location: Western shore of the central lake.

Highlights:

• Greenway del Lago — a 10 km walking path from Colonno to Menaggio
• Menaggio — lakeside promenade, gelato, and a lovely main square
• Lenno — quiet village with access to Villa del Balbianello
• Tremezzo — grand villas and the best lakefront hotels

5. The Northern Arm — The Lake’s Alpine Face

Beyond Bellagio, most visitors turn back — but the northern arm of Lake Como (toward Colico) is spectacularly beautiful and far quieter. Here the lake narrows and the mountains close in, creating a dramatic alpine fjord. The town of Gravedona has a beautiful lakeside charm, and the nearby Pian di Spagna nature reserve offers wonderful flat walking trails with mountain views. The ride from Colico back to Varenna along the eastern shore is one of the most scenic ferry journeys in Italy.

Location: The northern third of Lake Como, from Dongo to Colico.

Highlights:

• Gravedona — historic centre with a Romanesque baptistery
• Pian di Spagna — a protected wetland nature reserve at the lake’s northern tip
• Dongo — where Mussolini was captured in 1945, now a quiet ferry stop
• Fort Montecchio-Lombard — a perfectly preserved WWI fortress

6. Active Adventures — Hiking & Cycling

Lake Como isn’t just about lounging by the water. The mountains rising directly from the lakeshore offer excellent hiking, mountain biking, and even paragliding. The Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path) runs along the eastern shore from Lierna to Colico — an ancient mule track with jaw-dropping lake views, Roman roads, medieval villages, and chestnut forests. For a shorter but rewarding hike, the trail up Monte Grona above Menaggio offers panoramic views of the entire lake.

Best hikes:

• Sentiero del Viandante — 30 km trail along the eastern shore (pick any section)
• Monte Grona — 1,730 m, 4–5 hours return from Menaggio, lake panorama
• Monte Legnone — the highest peak on the lake at 2,609 m (for experienced hikers)
• Greenway del Lago — easy 10 km lakeside walk along the western shore