7 Amazing Day Trips from Lake Como to Add to Your Itinerary
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Day trips from Lake Como are a great way to explore beyond the lake’s towns. This guide includes all the best options nearby—city adventures, relaxing spa days, and scenic hikes.
If you’re in the mood for a city, Milan is my top pick. Already been there? Bergamo, an old town with a beautiful medieval center, is another fantastic choice.
If you’re after a hidden gem and some relax, San Pellegrino Terme is the place to go, with the most beautiful spa in an art nouveau town.
You can even cross into Switzerland to visit Lugano or take the Bernina Express to St. Moritz.
And for hikers, Monte San Primo offers the best view of the lake with an easy day hike.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your perfect day out!
1. Milan
Distance from Lake Como: about 1 hour by direct train or by car
Looking to add a famous Italian city to your Lake Como trip? Milan is the perfect choice.
It’s not your typical Italian postcard town (you’ve seen plenty of those in Lake Como by now).
Milan is one of those places people either love or hate. It’s a big, modern city with its own unique vibe: fast-paced, stylish, full of history, and packed with jaw-dropping architecture. And here’s a bonus—it’s less touristy than Florence or Venice, so you won’t feel crushed by crowds.
You can easily cover Milan’s highlights in a day. Two things you absolutely can’t miss: the Duomo terraces (the views are incredible, you can even see the Alps on a clear day!) and Leonardo’s Last Supper.
Start in Piazza del Duomo and head straight to the rooftop terraces. Then stroll through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, visit Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione, and grab a panzerotto from Luini for lunch. Afterward, explore the cobblestone streets of Brera and reach Piazza Gae Aulenti for Milan’s sleek, modern side. Finish with a visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see The Last Supper.
End your day with aperitivo along Navigli canals. It’s the perfect way to soak up Milan’s energy before heading back to Lake Como.
If you decide to take this day trip, follow this detailed itinerary for the perfect one-day visit to Milan.
🚊 How to get from Lake Como to Milan
Driving to Milan? Don’t even think about it. Traffic is crazy, parking’s impossible, and the city center has restricted zones. Trust me, just take the train—it’s cheap, fast, and stress-free.
Once, it took me two hours instead of one to drive back to Milan from Lake Como because of traffic, and that wasn’t even during rush hour!
Direct trains run to Milan from Varenna-Esino, Lecco, and Como about every hour.
2. Bergamo
Distance from Lake Como: 1–2 hours by train or 1–1.5 hours by car
If you’ve already visited Milan and want something completely different, Bergamo is an amazing choice. It’s quieter, full of medieval charm, and feels like stepping into another time.
The city is split into two parts: Città Alta (Upper Town) and Città Bassa (Lower Town).
My favorite by far is Città Alta—it’s the oldest part of the town and it’s perched on a hill, surrounded by ancient Venetian walls (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Città Bassa is modern and where the train station is, but honestly, I wouldn’t spend much time there.
Getting to Città Alta is half the fun! Take the funicular for a quick, effortless ride with stunning views along the way. Once you’re at the top, head straight to Piazza Vecchia, the heart of Città Alta. It’s surrounded by gorgeous Renaissance buildings like Palazzo della Ragione and Torre Civica.
The best way to explore? Just wander. Last time I went with my sister and we had the most beautiful morning walking in the narrow cobblestone streets, exploring local shops and cute cafes. It’s magical and, honestly, one of those places you’ll never want to leave.
🚊 How to get from Lake Como to Bergamo
The train takes about 2 hours from Como or Varenna (1 hour if you’re in Lecco), but you’ll need to change trains along the way.
If you’ve rented a car, it’s much quicker—just 1–1.5 hours, and you’re there.
3. San Pellegrino Terme
Distance from Lake Como: 1–1.5 hours by car
San Pellegrino Terme is one of the best hidden gems in the area in my opinion.
Tucked away in the Lombardy mountains, it’s famous for its thermal waters and breathtaking Art Nouveau architecture.
Back in the early 1900s, it was the place for Europe’s elite to unwind, and walking through the town now is like stepping into a Belle Époque postcard. The beautifully decorated buildings and cute little cafés are just magical.
The reason why you should spend a day here, though, is QC Terme.
It’s a big spa inside the town’s old Casino, with a modern wing that still manages to keep that old-world charm. This place is enormous, and honestly, I can’t overstate how stunning it is.
Relaxing in the outdoor hot pools with mountain views and the majestic Art Nouveau building in the background? Pure bliss.
The interiors are just as grand, with marble staircases and luxurious details that make you feel like royalty (just pay attention walking with the flip flops on the staircase—it’s a bit slippery, I speak from experience 🥲).
This is hands-down my favorite spa in Italy (and my boyfriend is a hardcore spa fan, so we’ve tried plenty!).
Make sure you stay for the aperitivo—it’s served in your robe, and there’s nothing more relaxing. Tickets are around €60–70, depending on how long you stay, and trust me, it’s so worth it.
👉 QC Terme San Pellegrino tickets
Make sure to book in advance, especially during the weekend!
Check prices and book your tickets here
🚊 How to get from Lake Como to San Pellegrino Terme
Public transport is always an option, but it’s not ideal. You’d need a mix of trains and buses, and the trip takes over 2.5 hours each way. If you have a car, though, it’s a quick 1–1.5 hour drive, depending on where you’re staying.
4. Switzerland with the Bernina Express
Distance from Lake Como: 1.5 hours by direct train to Tirano (Bernina Express start)
The Bernina Express is a fantastic day trip from Lake Como.
It’s a famous red train that runs from Tirano, Italy, to St. Moritz, Switzerland, and is one of the most scenic train rides in the Alps. It’s also the highest railway in the region, at 2,256 meters, and a UNESCO World Heritage route.
The ride takes you past glaciers, small alpine towns and depending on the season, foliage or snowy mountains, with panoramic windows offering great views the entire way.
Once in St. Moritz, you’ll also have time to explore the town before heading back to Tirano.
This is a straightforward day trip that’s all about the scenery. If you enjoy unique train rides and mountain landscapes without hiking, it’s a perfect choice.
👉 You can get your Bernina express tickets here!
Winter weather can be unpredictable, I get it. These tickets let you reserve now and pay later—and the best part? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.
🚊 How to get from Lake Como to St Moritz
The Bernina Express leaves from Tirano, which you can reach with a direct train from Varenna-Esino in 1.5 hours.
5. Lake Maggiore (Borromean Islands)
Distance from Lake Como: 1–2 hours by car
If you’re up for exploring another lake, Lake Maggiore and its Borromean Islands are a fantastic day trip.
These islands are a group of five located on the lake, with three open to visitors: Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori. Most of them are owned by the noble Borromeo family, except for Isola dei Pescatori.
They’re not open all year, so make sure to check before you go. My favorite time to visit is spring, when the gardens are in full bloom!
Each island has its own unique vibe:
- Isola Bella: Home to Palazzo Borromeo, a Baroque palace with incredible Italian-style gardens spread over ten terraces. It feels like stepping into a fairytale. I love the view from the ferry as you approach the gardens—it’s stunning.
- Isola Madre: Perfect if you’re into nature, with lush botanical gardens and peacocks wandering around like they own the place.
- Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island): The only inhabited island, with narrow streets, old houses, and a quaint village vibe. It’s perfect for a stroll, and there are plenty of restaurants serving fresh fish right by the lake.
The islands are connected by battelli (ferries), so you can easily visit all three in one day.
🚊 How to get from Lake Como to Lake Maggiore
To get to the Borromean Islands, you’ll need to first reach Stresa. The fastest way is by car—it takes about 1 or 2 hours depending on where you’re staying on Lake Como.
Parking in Stresa can be tricky, especially in summer, so leave yourself some extra time. Boats to the islands leave from Piazza Marconi, and I’d recommend getting a Hop-On Hop-Off boat ticket to explore.
Just remember you’ll also need separate tickets for the island entrances, so it’s best to buy them online in advance.
6. Lugano, Switzerland
Distance from Lake Como: 45 minutes by direct train or by car
If you’re looking to cross Switzerland off your travel bucket list, Lugano is another great choice since it’s so close to Lake Como.
Located on Lake Lugano, this Swiss-Italian town offers beautiful views of the lake and mountains and a relaxing lakeside promenade. You can visit Parco Ciani, browse shops on Via Nassa, or take a funicular to enjoy panoramic views from Monte Brè.
Don’t forget to try Swiss chocolate while you’re there—it’s a must!
🚊 How to get from Lake Como to Lugano
The easiest way to get there is from Como, just 45 minutes by direct train or car.
If you’re staying in Varenna or Bellagio, it takes about 2 hours by train so the fastest option is driving (about 1 hour 15 minutes). You’ll need to take the ferry first with your car, and the total travel time is about 1 hour 15 minutes.
7. Hike Monte San Primo
Distance from Lake Como: 30 minutes by car from Bellagio
If you’re into hiking and incredible views, Monte San Primo is a must.
It’s the tallest mountain in the Bellagio area, standing at 1,685 meters, and the panorama from the top is absolutely breathtaking. In my opinion, it’s the best view of Lake Como you’ll find anywhere. On clear days, you can also see the Alps!
The hike is easy to moderate, making it perfect for most fitness levels. It’s a 10km round trip with a 600m elevation gain, and it takes about 2 hours to reach the summit (though I’ll admit I’m not the fastest hiker because I stop a million times for photos).
The trail is scenic the whole way up, so you’ll be stopping to snap pictures of the views constantly.
A highlight of this hike is Rifugio Martina, a cozy mountain hut that’s super popular with locals. Food is fantastic, especially the polenta, and the views while you eat? Next level.
Just a heads-up: the rifugio is close to a parking lot, so it can get crowded on weekends. If you plan to eat there, definitely book a table in advance.
🚊 How to get to Monte San Primo
To reach Monte San Primo, having a car is your best option. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Bellagio, and the trailhead is easy to access from the car park.
FAQs
Do I need to rent a car?
Not necessarily—it depends on where you want to go. If you plan to stick to places like Milan, Bergamo, or St. Moritz with the Bernina Express, you won’t need a car. However, for more remote spots like San Pellegrino Terme, hiking areas around the lake, or to reach farther places like Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands, having a car is much more convenient. If you need one, you can rent a car in Lecco or Como, I recommend checking prices and booking on rentalcars.com
Can you take a day trip from Lake Como to Switzerland?
Sure! The best and easiest places to visit from Lake Como are Lugano, just 45 minutes away if you’re staying in Como, and St. Moritz with the Bernina Express. The Bernina Express is a scenic train ride from Tirano to St. Moritz with amazing views of the alps.
How many days should you do in Lake Como?
If you want to include at least one day trip, I’d recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in Lake Como. Use the first two days to explore the lake’s towns, then add a day or more for the day trips that interest you most.
Ready to plan your day trip from Lake Como?
Now you know all about my favorite day trips from Lake Como! Spending more than just a day or two in the area is a great idea—it gives you time to soak in the lake’s charm while discovering some incredible nearby spots.
If you’re into cities, Milan, Bergamo, and Lugano are fantastic options. For nature, hiking Monte San Primo or taking the Bernina Express to St. Moritz are unforgettable experiences. And if you’re after something unique, San Pellegrino Terme or Lake Maggiore and its Borromean Islands are musts.
If you’re still planning your days around the lake, check out my guides for the best tips on itineraries and choosing the right time to visit Lake Como.
Wherever you go, you’ll love exploring this stunning region!
Read more about Lake Como here:
- One day in Lake Como: best itinerary for first-timers
- 2 or 3 day Lake Como itinerary: a complete travel guide
- How to visit Villa Balbianello (Star Wars Lake Como villa)
- Best Time to Visit Lake Como: Find the Perfect Season for Your Trip
- The Best Boat Tours to Explore Lake Como (for Any Budget!)
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