One day in Lake Como: best itinerary for first-timers
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Planning one day in Lake Como and not sure where to start? I get it!
With its charming villages, grand villas, and dreamy lake views, choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve done all the testing for you.
I live in Milan and have taken countless day trips to Lake Como, making every mistake possible so you don’t have to. I’ve crammed too much into one day so I had to skip meals, bought overpriced tickets, and even tested every ferry and boat with my dog (spoiler: it’s doable!).
Over time, I’ve perfected the best itinerary to see the highlights in a day without feeling rushed. You will be able to visit Bellagio, Villa Balbianello, Varenna and Villa Monastero. Many guides suggest Como city, but in my opinion you can skip it if you’re short on time: this itinerary focuses on the real highlights.
Visiting Lake Como in one day is absolutely worth it, let’s make your trip unforgettable!
What to do in Lake Como for a day
The day kicks off in Bellagio so depending on where you’re starting, you might need to hop on a ferry to get there. If you’re coming from Milan, the easiest option is to arrive in Varenna and catch a quick ferry over to Bellagio.
Bellagio
Bellagio is often called “The Pearl of Lake Como” and while it’s not my personal favorite (sorry, it’s Varenna!), it’s amazing and definitely worth exploring: the town is packed with charm!
Take your time strolling the narrow streets and browsing the shops. Via Garibaldi is the main street, but the little cobbled alleys leading to the lake are the real gems.
Salita Serbelloni is the most famous one and probably one of the most photographed spots on the entire lake.
A heads-up for anyone visiting in winter 2024: it is currently undergoing renovations, so most of the buildings are covered. The rest of Bellagio is gorgeous, but if you were hoping for that iconic photo, it’s not the best time unfortunately.
If you’re after a special souvenir, silk is a Lake Como specialty. It’s not cheap, but absolutely worth it if you want to bring home something unique.
If you’re not in the mood for shopping, opt for a short walk to Punta Spartivento, where the two branches of the lake meet. The view here is breathtaking.
Lunch
When it’s time for lunch, why not go all out?
La Goletta at the 5-star Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni offers incredible lake views and dishes that cater to everyone, including vegans and vegetarians. It’s not so easy to find good vegan food (except pizza) around these towns so it’s worth checking out.
It’s a splurge, sure, but the setting and experience make it totally worth it.
After lunch head to Bellagio’s ferry station and hop on a traghetto to Lenno. Your next stop is the stunning Villa Balbianello.
Villa del Balbianello
Villa Balbianello is one of my favorite villas on Lake Como and one of the most beautiful. It’s renowned worldwide for good reason, I promise you, you’ll be amazed by the gardens and the lake views.
It’s an elegant villa that sits on a promontory overlooking the lake. The setting is so romantic and walking in the dreamy garden feels like an experience from another time.
No surprise it’s so popular for both weddings and proposals! ❤️
If it looks familiar, it’s probably because it has starred in movies like Star Wars and 007 Casino Royale.
Do you remember Anakin and Padme in this scene? Here’s a real life version: these are my boyfriend and Balù, our dog 😂.
You can choose to visit the gardens only or tour both the villa and the gardens. If you’re short on time I’d stick to the gardens, they’re the best part.
We spent about 1 hour and 15 minutes exploring (with plenty of photo stops!), but you could do it in under an hour if needed. During high season, budget extra time if you want some photos, there might be lines in some spots!
Get your Villa Balbianello gardens tickets here!
Make sure to book your tickets in advance, same-day tickets are almost impossible to get. They cost 13€ and have free cancellation up to 24 hours before the date.
How to get to Villa Balbianello
From Bellagio you have to take a ferry to Lenno, then you’ve got two options: walk or take a taxi boat.
We walked to the Villa and took the taxi boat back. If you’re like us and stop for a million photos, the walk takes about 30 minutes from the ferry station to the villa entrance.
The taxi boat costs €9 for a return ticket or €6 one way and takes just 5 minutes, but you might have to wait if there are queues, plan some extra time just in case. They run every 20ish minutes.
After the visit to Villa Balbianello, go back to Lenno’s ferry station to catch the ferry to Varenna.
Varenna
By now, it’ll probably be mid to late afternoon so it’s time for the final stop of the day, Varenna: my absolute favorite town on Lake Como!
Take some time to explore it. It’s not a big town but it’s so charming. The most famous viewpoint is near the old port, right on the beach.
Nearby, you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants overlooking the water. Yes, they’re a bit touristy, but the views make up for it. Whether you stop for a drink or dinner, it’s worth reserving a table if you’re visiting during peak season.
Villa Monastero
The highlight of Varenna is Villa Monastero. Like Villa del Balbianello, you can choose to visit just the botanical garden or the garden and villa.
I’ve been to the gardens many times and never felt the need to visit the interiors, so with only one day, I highly recommend skipping the villa itself and focusing on the gardens. It’s big, stunning, and much more worth your time.
Tickets for the garden cost 10€ per person and can be bought from the official website.
If you’re here in the late afternoon, you’re in for a treat: sunset at Villa Monastero is magical. The lighting is perfect for photos and it’s usually less crowded, so you can enjoy it in peace.
Plan to spend about an hour here, but if you’re into photography or plants (or both, like me!), you might want to stay longer.
If you’re ahead of schedule, you can also pop into Villa Cipressi, another villa with a gorgeous botanical garden right next to Villa Monastero.
When you’re done exploring, wrap up your day at Il Molo, a lakeside bar with romantic views over the water. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine after this long day exploring.
Important ferry note: if you need to catch a ferry to another town at the end of the day, plan ahead. Summer queues can be long and if the last ferry fills up you could be stuck in Varenna with no other choice than calling a pricey taxi!
Save yourself the stress and get to the dock early to secure your spot.
Seasonal tips for your Lake Como itinerary
Spring and Summer
These are the best seasons for sunny weather and long daylight hours. You might be able to squeeze in a stop at the beach for a swim in the lake!
But keep in mind that this is peak season, and crowds will be everywhere. Boarding ferries will take longer, and navigating through the towns can feel a bit hectic.
Summer is beautiful season, but plan extra time for basically everything.
Autumn
Autumn is my favorite time to visit!
The crowds quickly disappear and the atmosphere is peaceful, so it’s the perfect season to explore without stress. All the photos in this post were taken during my last trip in mid November.
That said, there are a few downsides: daylight hours are shorter and villa opening times are limited so to make the most of your day, I’d recommend skipping a long lunch, just grab a sandwich or something quick to go instead.
Many hotels and restaurants also close between November and March, so the towns might feel quieter, but that’s not always a bad thing, I personally enjoy the towns more!
Winter
To be honest, winter isn’t ideal for visiting Lake Como. Most villas, restaurants, and hotels are closed, and the weather can be unpredictable. If you’re planning a winter trip to Italy, I’d recommend visiting somewhere else during this season.
Cruising Lake Como with a boat tour
If you’re looking for a stress-free way to explore Lake Como, consider following this same itinerary with a private boat tour. It’s more expensive, but totally worth it: no ferry schedules, no crowds and full flexibility to make the best of your day.
A private tour allows you to stop where you want, when you want.
For example, instead of waiting for a taxi boat or walking to Villa del Balbianello, your boat can dock directly at the villa, giving you extra time to explore.
And if you really want to channel those Lake Como vibes, opt for a classic wooden boat. It’s as stylish and romantic as it gets.
For photographers, a private boat is unbeatable. While you can snap photos from the ferry, a private tour lets you explore hidden corners of the lake and get up close to the villas, most of which look their best from the water.
Plus, you’ll skip the summer chaos. No crowded ferries or strict timetables, just a relaxing day at your own pace.
This is also one of the most romantic ways to experience Lake Como. Whether you’re celebrating your honeymoon or a special occasion, a private boat tour adds a magical touch to your trip.
If it’s in your budget, go for it. Trust me, it’ll be one of your favorite memories of Italy!
How to get to Lake Como
By train
The best train station for this itinerary is Varenna-Esino. There are other stations, for example in Como and Lecco, but I wouldn’t recommend staying there as they’re farther from the destinations in this itinerary.
👉 You can use Trainline to buy tickets. It costs exactly the same as the official website but it’s much easier to use.
By car
Parking can be tricky, especially in Bellagio during high season. If you’re following this itinerary, Varenna is your best bet. There’s a large multi-story parking lot (it’s paid, but you’re more likely to find a spot there).
By plane
If you’re flying in, Milan’s airports are the most convenient:
- Orio al Serio: About 1h 20m by car or about 2h with public transport: take a bus to Milan Centrale, then a direct train to Varenna-Esino.
- Malpensa: About 1h 30m by car or 2h 15m by train: you will have to change in Milano Centrale and then head to Varenna-Esino (total journey about 2h 15m).
- Linate: About 1h 15m by car or 2h by public transport: take the metro to Milan Centrale (you’ll need to change lines), then the train to Varenna-Esino.
How to get around Lake Como
The ferry is by far the easiest and most convenient way to get around Lake Como, trust me on this one. If you’re visiting as a day trip from Milan or another city, you won’t need a car at all.
In fact, driving can be a nightmare here.
The roads are often narrow, many town centers are ZTL (limited traffic zones) where cars aren’t allowed and if you accidentally drive into one, you’ll get fined.
Parking is another headache, especially in high season. So, do yourself a favor and follow the locals’ lead: use the ferry!
Anyway, if Lake Como is just a stop in a longer itinerary and you’ve rented a car, no problem. Just park it when you arrive (Varenna has a large multi-story car park near Villa Cipressi) and leave it there while you explore on foot or by ferry.
How to use the ferry
Lake Como ferries are super convenient and knowing how they work will make your trip much smoother.
There are different types of ferries:
- Battello: pedestrian only ferries
- Traghetto: these can transport cars and pedestrians
These two types of ferries have separate boarding areas in most towns, make sure you’re in the right one!
Look for the ramp that cars use to get on board, if yours is a battello (very very likely) you’re in the wrong spot, that dock is for the traghetto. Pedestrian ferries leave close to the ticket office and only have a pedestrian access.
Another difference:
- The fast ferry saves time but has no outdoor seating, so it’s not ideal for photos or enjoying panoramic views. It will also cost a bit more.
- The standard ferry is slower but offers open-air spaces for amazing views and photo ops.
A fast ferry A standard ferry
Tickets and Passes
You can buy single tickets or a pass. If you’re sticking to this itinerary, you will not need a day pass. Don’t make the same mistake I did last time!
The Pass Centro Lago covers the Golden Triangle (Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio) and nearby spots like Lenno and Tremezzo. It costs €15 per day and includes unlimited ferry rides, but you’ll need to pay a small supplement for the fast ferry service (e.g., €2.50 per person from Lenno to Varenna).
If you follow this itinerary and get single tickets, the total will be 13,80€, so no need for the day ticket.
Timing tips
In the low season, arriving 15 minutes before departure is usually fine. But in spring and summer, queues can get very long. To avoid stress:
- Book your tickets online in advance if possible
- Even if you have tickets, arrive early, as boarding queues can still delay you. If the ferry is full, you’ll have to wait for the next one!
How to get ferry tickets and check timetables
Here’s the link to the official Lake Como ferry website: Navigazione Laghi. Make sure to select Lake Como when browsing.
Booking tickets online can be tricky.
If the website says no ferries are available, it’s often just an issue with the time you’re searching for. For example, if you check for a ferry at 1 PM but the next one isn’t until 2:30 PM, it simply won’t show up.
To avoid this frustration, I recommend downloading the PDF timetable from the website:
- Go to the menu: Lake Como > Download Timetables PDF.
- Use the PDF to find the exact ferry you want.
- Then, return to the website to see if tickets are available.
Important Notes
- Fast service tickets (marked in red on the PDF) cannot be purchased online. You’ll need to buy them at the ticket office and even if you have a day ticket you’ll have to pay an extra for each ride. For example, the supplement from Varenna to Lenno is €2.50 per person.
- There’s a day ticket for unlimited travel between Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Lenno, but unfortunately, I’ve never been able to buy it online. You’ll need to get this pass at the ticket office as well.
Are dogs allowed on Lake Como ferries?
Yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
They must be on a leash and some staff might ask you to have your dog wear a muzzle, so it’s a good idea to bring one.
As for tickets, it really depends on who you meet at the counter.
Dogs up to 50cm usually ride for free, but for larger dogs, it’s a bit more subjective. For example our dog Balù, who’s slightly bigger, wasn’t charged for a ticket when we last visited.
FAQs
Can Lake Como be done in one day?
Yes, you can see a good part of the Golden Triangle in a single day if you follow this itinerary. It’ll be a long day, but totally worth it!
I often visit Lake Como as a day trip from Milan and that’s the itinerary I usually follow.
If you can stay at least one night, even better: you’ll save on travel time and get to enjoy the lake in the early morning or evening when it’s quieter, even during peak season.
How much time is needed to visit Lake Como?
As this itinerary shows, one day is enough to see the best highlights if you don’t mind moving quickly.
That said, I think a 2 or 3 day trip to Lake Como is the perfect amount of time.
This gives you two full days to explore at a relaxed pace, making the trip much more enjoyable! You’ll have time to visit other towns like Menaggio and Tremezzo or explore more villas, like Villa Carlotta or Villa Melzi.
If you have extra time, even better! Use Lake Como as a base and add some hikes (Monte San Primo is my favorite) or day trips. There’s so many amazing options nearby.
Is Lake Como worth a day trip from Milan?
Definitely! Visiting Lake Como from Milan is one of the best day trips you can do. It’s easy and absolutely worth it.
I often hop on the train for a quick day trip, especially in spring and autumn.
Even if you only have one day, you can easily visit the highlights: Varenna, Villa Monastero, Bellagio and Villa del Balbianello, all in one day using this itinerary.
While it won’t be as peaceful as staying overnight, you’ll still get a fantastic taste of Lake Como.
How do you get from Milan to Lake Como?
Take a direct train from Milan Centrale to Varenna-Esino. It’s quick (about an hour) and super affordable: return train tickets cost around €15 per person. From the Varenna-Esino station, it’s just a short walk to the ferry terminal, where you can catch a boat to explore the lake.
Is there a ferry from Como to Bellagio?
Yes, there is! But if you only have one day, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Como. The ferry from Como to Bellagio takes about an hour and costs €20 for a return ticket.
Instead, focus on the Golden Triangle (Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio) or follow the itinerary in this post, which is prettier and much easier in a single day. Trust me, I tried doing both!
What are the best months to visit Lake Como?
The best months to visit Lake Como are April – June and September – October.
April, May and June offer mild weather and blooming gardens, while September is warm and less crowded. October is peaceful with stunning fall colors, but many villas and hotels close from mid-November.
July and August are busy and hot, so consider a private boat tour for a quieter experience.
Winter isn’t ideal due to the cold and limited attractions; nearby destinations like Venice or the Alps are better options.
Is there a Luggage storage service in lake como?
Yes! Essenza Bag offers convenient storage options with lockers in various towns like Bellagio (inside the ferry ticket office) and Varenna (in the multi-story parking lot near Villa Monastero). You can book online or pay directly at the storage locations with a card.
So, is one day in Lake Como worth it?
If you’ve made it this far you will probably guess my answer: absolutely yes!
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places in northern Italy. You might be doing it as a day trip, or maybe you’re staying for one night but only have a day to explore around. Anyway, I can guarantee you’ll enjoy it.
All you have to do is decide if you prefer to follow this itinerary in a budget friendly version with public ferries, or if you prefer to book a private boat tour to visit Lake Como in one day.
Both options are amazing and you will be able to see the main highlights and have a taste of Lake Como. Have fun!
