Best places visit como lake italy travel guide

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Como Travel Guide 11 2026

Como Travel Guide

Como

Lake, mountains and a city worth slowing down for

Panoramic aerial view of Lake Como in Italy surrounded by the Alps mountains and charming lakeside villages, with deep blue-green waters stretching between dramatic green mountain slopes
view of Lake Como in Italy. Photo by Authril Woodland on Pexels

Como is a city in Italy. It is an hour north of Milan and near the border. Many people visit Lake Como. They want to see if the pictures are real. They are.

The Lake

Lake Como is deep. It is shaped like an upside-down Y. The water is blue-green and clear. The mountains come down to the shore. This makes a landscape.

On a morning with cloud Lake Como is one of the best views in Europe.

Calm blue-green waters of Lake Como surrounded by towering Alpine mountains on both sides, creating one of the most stunning panoramic landscapes in northern Italy and the Italian Lake District
The calm waters of Lake Como. Photo by C1 Superstar on Pexels

The shoreline has old villas. They were built by people in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some are open to visitors. Villa del Balbianello is famous. You can reach it by boat or on foot from Lenno. The gardens are amazing.

Elegant historic villa on the shores of Lake Como with lush green gardens, cypress trees, and Mediterranean architecture — one of the iconic lakeside estates that have attracted aristocracy and visitors for centuries
A historic villa on Lake Como. Photo by Emmanuel HENAFF on Pexels

The way to see Lake Como is by ferry or boat. The ferry is cheap. Runs often. You can see the villas from the water.

Boat navigating the deep blue-green waters of Lake Como with stunning views of Alpine mountains and charming Italian villages along the shoreline — the best way to explore Italy's most famous lake
Boat on Lake Como. Photo by Michelle Chadwick on Pexels

The City Centre

Como is more than a base for exploring the lake. The historic centre is small and easy to walk. You can still see the Roman streets. There are bars, markets and locals. This makes Como feel like a city.

Historic streets of Como city centre in Italy with traditional Italian architecture, charming storefronts, and a walkable Roman-era street grid — a vibrant lakeside city in Lombardy
Historic streets of Como. Photo by Eleni Pechlivani on Pexels

The cathedral in Como was built from 1396 to the century. It has Renaissance styles. Inside there are tapestries and paintings. It is free to enter.

Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como) in Italy featuring a striking mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture with ornate stone carvings, rose windows, and detailed spires — built from 1396 to the 18th century
Como Cathedral. Photo by Babak Habibi on Pexels

The Funicular to Brunate

You can walk to the station from Como. The ride takes you to Brunate in seven minutes. It runs often. Is cheap. From the top you see views of Lake Como and the city.

The Como–Brunate funicular railway climbing the steep hillside above Lake Como, offering passengers spectacular panoramic views of the lake, mountains, and the city of Como during the seven-minute ride
The funicular from Como to Brunate. Photo by Sabrina Martins on Pexels

Villa Olmo

Villa Olmo is a house on the lakefront. The park is open to the public. The gardens are lovely for walking. There are sometimes exhibitions inside.

Villa Olmo in Como, a grand neoclassical lakefront estate surrounded by a large public park with shaded pathways and manicured gardens, set on the scenic western shore of Lake Como
Villa Olmo on the lakefront. Photo by Atlantic Ambience on Pexels

Walking & Eating

The walk along the lakefront is one of the things to do in Como. It is flat and shaded.

Scenic lakeside walking path along Lake Como with lush trees, mountain views, and calm waters — a peaceful promenade connecting the city of Como to Villa Olmo along the picturesque shoreline
The lakefront promenade in Como. Photo by Earth PhotArt on Pexels

The food in Como is hearty and rich. You can eat risotto, polenta and lake fish.

Traditional Italian Lombard cuisine served at a lakeside restaurant near Lake Como, featuring creamy risotto, polenta, and fresh lake fish — authentic northern Italian dishes from the Como region
Traditional Lombard cuisine. Photo by Adriano Bragi on Pexels

Getting & Practical Notes

Take the train from Milan Centrale. It takes 40 minutes. You don't need a car to explore Como. The ferry is easy to use.

When to Visit

Spring and early autumn are best. July and August are busy. Some restaurants close in winter.

How Long to Stay

A day covers the lake, city centre and funicular. If you want to explore more stay longer.

Peaceful atmosphere on the shores of Lake Como at golden hour with calm reflective waters, silhouetted mountains, and soft light creating a serene Italian lakeside scene perfect for relaxation
A peaceful moment on Lake Como. Photo by Andrea Prochilo on Pexels

Como is a city that doesn't demand much. You can fill a day with the lake, town and funicular.. If you stay longer the quieter villages are where it comes alive.

All photos sourced from Pexels.

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