This post was last updated on 2024 September 20
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Many travelers bypass Milan and surrounds and make a beeline toward the more touristy parts of Italy. But to do so is to miss out on one of the most brilliant regions in all of Europe.
The stunning Lake Como is easily doable as a day trip from Milan, but I would strongly recommend spending at least 2 full days here to relax and fully soak up the atmosphere and 5-star lake views.
Either way, here’s how to craft the perfect Lake Como one day itinerary:
Planning a trip to Lake Como?
These are the sites I use and recommend for booking travel:
HOTELS IN LAKE COMO: I always search on Booking.com for accommodation, as their Genius loyalty program offers 10-20% discounts and free breakfast/upgrades for certain hotels.
FLIGHTS TO ITALY: When researching flights, I always check Skyscanner first because it pulls in flight options across all airlines and saves you the trouble of searching each airline individually. When booking flights via Skyscanner, I always book directly with the airline rather than one of the third party options.
CAR RENTALS IN ITALY: When renting a car on your travels, check DiscoverCars.com for the best deals.
TRAIN TICKETS IN ITALY: Europe is best travelled by train, and you’ll want to book your tickets in advance via Rail Europe (especially for summer travel). Their multi-day/multi-country rail passes can save you lots of money.
ACTIVITIES IN LAKE COMO: If you’re looking to book tours or other organized activities on your travels, GetYourGuide and Viator both offer myriad options for fun things to do all around the world (think: sailing trips, cooking classes, city walking tours, and more).
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR ITALY: Unless you can easily afford to pay for huge unexpected medical bills, DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE! These days, I usually buy the Safety Wing nomad insurance, as it’s very affordable and caters to digital nomads with a monthly subscription option. I’ve also been a longtime World Nomads user, and will still use them if I need more comprehensive insurance (e.g. for adventure activities) or if I am visiting the US (Americans aren’t eligible for Safety Wing’s US add-on option).
ESIM / SIM CARDS FOR ITALY: When traveling overseas, I always purchase an eSIM from Sims Direct for the country I’m going to, activate it before I depart, and as soon as I arrive I am automatically connected to the local network and can easily find my way to my accommodation. No need to to buy a local SIM card at the airport; eSIMs are fully electronic and don’t require you to take out your old SIM.
LUGGAGE: I am currently a July luggage girl (July Australia / July US). They offer a lifetime warranty, which I have used multiple times now – and every time, they have sent me a brand new replacement suitcase without hassle. I recommend their Checked Plus if traveling with 32kg/70lb of luggage (note: many airlines do not allow bags this heavy!), the Checked if traveling with 23kg/50lb of luggage, and the Carry On Light (Expanded) which is super lightweight and really helps you stay within the 7kg carry-on limit that many Aussie airlines enforce. Click to read my full review of July luggage.
Getting to Lake Como
From Milan, you can catch a direct train north to Como, which takes about an hour. However, I’d advise spending an extra 15 minutes on the train and heading to the town of Varenna instead. Varenna is much more charming than Como, and it’s aptly positioned halfway up the eastern side of the lake which makes it an ideal base for exploring.
CLICK TO BOOK A TRAIN TO LAKE COMO
If you heed my advice and stay at least one night at Lake Como, then you’ll want to head across the lake to Menaggio. Either way, purchase a ferry day pass in Varenna because you’re definitely going to need it to explore the villages around the lake.
View from La Primula hostel.
Budget Accommodation on Lake Como
If you’re not jetting back to Milan right away, book yourself a bed at La Primula Hostel in Menaggio. Not only is it the cheapest accommodation option on the lake, but it boasts the best value views anywhere on Lake Como. The photo above was taken from the hostel’s outdoor patio – not bad for 20 euros a night!
La Primula offers a myriad of activities including hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, and Italian cooking classes.
CLICK TO BOOK A HOSTEL AT LAKE COMO
SEARCH FOR ACCOMMODATION ON LAKE COMO:
Exploring Lake Como
If all you have is one day in Lake Como, stick to the holy trinity of Varenna – Menaggio – Bellagio. These three towns in the heart of the lake are all connected via a 15 minute ferry ride with routes that form a triangle (see map above).
While there are other towns and villages around Lake Como, these three are close together, easy to travel between, and exceedingly pretty. You’ll be able to amble down cobblestone streets and glimpse views of the lake and surrounding mountains no matter which village you’re in. By devoting a full day to explore them, you’ll have plenty of time to slow down and savor the proverbial dolce vita without feeling like a tourist.
Bellagio
Of the three villages, Bellagio is the runaway favorite amongst visitors to Lake Como. With near-360 degree views from the headland at the center of the lake, there’s a pretty decent chance it’ll be your favorite, too.
Villa Serbelloni hosts the best panoramic view of Lake Como: if you’re a guest at this five star resort, you get a literal front row seat. The rest of us can sneak a peek through the gates or opt to take a guided tour of the grounds and gardens, which costs 9 euros for a 1.5 hour tour.
Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio.
But you don’t have to splash out on a fancy hotel to enjoy the best of Bellagio. All you need is two feet and a sense of adventure as you meander through the maze of cobblestone streets and wander to nearby villages and hamlets along the lake.
Pescallo is an extremely picturesque little fishing hamlet near Bellagio. There’s an excellent chance you’ll be able to soak in the vistas of terraced hills and sailboats without another person in sight.
This exact view was pictured in a calendar I once owned; I found it in Pescallo, a fishing hamlet near Bellagio.
And of course, should your wallet be burning a hole through your pocket or bag, there are plenty of boutiques and restaurants in Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio that would be happy to take your money. Whatever you do, make sure you indulge at Panna e Cioccolata in Menaggio, which Lonely Planet once deemed to have the best gelato in all of Italy, largely due to its use of fresh, all natural ingredients.
Planning a trip to Lake Como?
These are the sites I use and recommend for booking travel:
HOTELS IN LAKE COMO: I always search on Booking.com for accommodation, as their Genius loyalty program offers 10-20% discounts and free breakfast/upgrades for certain hotels.
FLIGHTS TO ITALY: When researching flights, I always check Skyscanner first because it pulls in flight options across all airlines and saves you the trouble of searching each airline individually. When booking flights via Skyscanner, I always book directly with the airline rather than one of the third party options.
CAR RENTALS IN ITALY: When renting a car on your travels, check DiscoverCars.com for the best deals.
TRAIN TICKETS IN ITALY: Europe is best travelled by train, and you’ll want to book your tickets in advance via Rail Europe (especially for summer travel). Their multi-day/multi-country rail passes can save you lots of money.
ACTIVITIES IN LAKE COMO: If you’re looking to book tours or other organized activities on your travels, GetYourGuide and Viator both offer myriad options for fun things to do all around the world (think: sailing trips, cooking classes, city walking tours, and more).
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR ITALY: Unless you can easily afford to pay for huge unexpected medical bills, DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE! These days, I usually buy the Safety Wing nomad insurance, as it’s very affordable and caters to digital nomads with a monthly subscription option. I’ve also been a longtime World Nomads user, and will still use them if I need more comprehensive insurance (e.g. for adventure activities) or if I am visiting the US (Americans aren’t eligible for Safety Wing’s US add-on option).
ESIM / SIM CARDS FOR ITALY: When traveling overseas, I always purchase an eSIM from Sims Direct for the country I’m going to, activate it before I depart, and as soon as I arrive I am automatically connected to the local network and can easily find my way to my accommodation. No need to to buy a local SIM card at the airport; eSIMs are fully electronic and don’t require you to take out your old SIM.
LUGGAGE: I am currently a July luggage girl (July Australia / July US). They offer a lifetime warranty, which I have used multiple times now – and every time, they have sent me a brand new replacement suitcase without hassle. I recommend their Checked Plus if traveling with 32kg/70lb of luggage (note: many airlines do not allow bags this heavy!), the Checked if traveling with 23kg/50lb of luggage, and the Carry On Light (Expanded) which is super lightweight and really helps you stay within the 7kg carry-on limit that many Aussie airlines enforce. Click to read my full review of July luggage.
