Lake Como, Italy
Tourism Offices/Information:
Lake Como Tourism
Lake Como Tourism serves as the official tourist portal for the Lake Como area, providing guides to attractions, events, accommodations, local food, tours and boat experiences throughout the region.
Additional local offices include the Bellagio Tourist Office and the Varenna Tourism Office, both offering maps, itineraries and visitor information for their respective areas.
Public Transportation:
Lake Como is served by ferries, buses and trains. Navigazione Laghi operates ferry services on the lake with routes including Como to Colico, Bellagio to Lecco and Bellagio to Cadenabbia to Varenna to Menaggio. Tickets are available online or at ticket offices, and passengers are advised to arrive 20 minutes before departure.
Trenord operates regional trains connecting Milan to Como with a journey time of approximately 40 minutes. Bus lines including the C10 and C30 connect villages along the western and eastern shores. The Como to Brunate funicular connects Como city to the mountain hamlet of Brunate with panoramic lake views.
Emergency Information:
European emergency number: 112
The number 112 can be used to request police, fire or emergency medical assistance.
Additional numbers: Ambulance 118, Fire 115
Hospital: Ospedale Sant’Anna, Via Napoleona 60, 22100 Como, the main hospital of Como province with emergency services.
Public Restrooms:
Public restrooms are available in town centers around Lake Como, including at Piazza Mazzini in Bellagio, where a small fee applies. Most restaurants have restrooms available for customers, and paid public facilities are available at major transportation points and popular visitor areas.
Currency:
Euro
Points of Interest:
Como Town and Cathedral
Como is the gateway to Lake Como, located at the southern tip of the lake. The city is known for its Renaissance and Gothic architecture, silk production dating to the 15th century and the Como Cathedral, begun in 1396 and completed over more than three centuries.
Bellagio
Bellagio is known as the Pearl of Lake Como and sits at the junction of the lake’s two branches. The picturesque village features cobblestone streets, a waterfront promenade, the central Piazza San Giacomo and elegant hotels and restaurants. Guided tours are available Tuesday through Sunday.
Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is an elegant villa overlooking Lake Como on a small green peninsula in Tremezzina. Originally a 13th-century Franciscan convent, the villa features beautiful gardens and lake views and has appeared in several films. The villa is accessible by ferry.
Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is a 19th-century villa in Tremezzina featuring botanical gardens with rare plant species and an art museum with paintings and sculptures. The villa hosts family workshops and art exhibitions and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the main season.
Varenna
Varenna is a lakeside village with a romantic waterfront walk called the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, colorful houses and easy ferry connections. Visitors often explore Villa Monastero and its gardens, the village center and nearby hiking viewpoints.
Villa Olmo
Villa Olmo is a neoclassical villa in Como with lakeside gardens and rotating cultural exhibitions. The grounds are a pleasant stop on a walk along the waterfront, especially for travelers looking for a quieter break from the busy ferry hubs.
Monuments and Sculptures/Statues:
Statues and Reliefs at Como Cathedral
Como Cathedral features notable exterior statues and decorative relief work that reflect centuries of construction and artistic styles. The façade details make it a good stop for visitors interested in architecture and sacred art.
Monumento ai Caduti (Como)
Como’s Monumento ai Caduti is a large war memorial near the lakefront, built in the 1930s and designed by architect Giuseppe Terragni. It is an easy landmark to include while walking along the Como waterfront.
Unusual Activities:
Ferry-Hopping Between Villages
One of the best ways to experience Lake Como is to use the public ferries to move between villages such as Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Tremezzina. Travelers can build a flexible day itinerary around ferry timetables and lakeside stops.
Como to Brunate Funicular
The Como-Brunate funicular offers a classic ride up the mountain for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Alps. Brunate also has walking paths and lookout points for travelers who want an easy half-day excursion.
Unusual Attractions:
Castello di Vezio
Above Varenna, Castello di Vezio is a medieval castle known for lake views and its hilltop setting. It is a fun option for travelers who want a scenic walk with a historic destination at the end.
Shopping:
Shopping around Lake Como includes local food items, crafts and high-end boutiques in larger towns. Como has shops connected to its silk tradition, while Bellagio and Menaggio offer lake-themed souvenirs, Italian fashion and artisan goods. Markets and specialty food shops are good places to look for olive oil, cheeses, honey and local preserves.
Foods to Try:
Lake Como cuisine reflects Lombardy traditions and local lake ingredients. Here are a few specialties to look for:
Risotto con Pesce Persico – Risotto made with perch from the lake, often served in restaurants around Como and Bellagio.
Polenta Uncia – A rich dish of polenta mixed with butter and cheese, traditionally served warm and hearty.
Missoltini – Sun-dried and salted shad, typically served grilled with polenta. This is one of the lake’s most traditional foods.
Brasato – Slow-braised beef, often prepared with wine and served with polenta or potatoes.
Torta Miascia – A rustic local cake made with bread, fruit and nuts, often associated with the Lake Como area.
Walking Routes:
Como Old Town and Waterfront Walk
Start at the Como Cathedral, walk through the historic streets of the old town, then continue to the lakefront promenade for views across the water. This route can be adjusted depending on time and can include a stop near the war memorial and gardens.
Lake Como Greenway
The Greenway is a well-known walking route on the western shore that links villages and scenic viewpoints through a mix of lakeside paths and small streets. It is a good choice for travelers who want a longer walk with varied scenery.
Varenna to Castello di Vezio Walk
From Varenna’s center, follow signs uphill to Castello di Vezio. The route passes through village lanes and provides views over the lake as you climb. It is a manageable hike for many travelers and a rewarding viewpoint walk.
