3 Days in Lake Como: A Complete 3-Day Lake Como Itinerary (2024) (2024)

Are you planning a getaway to Lake Como but need some help piecing together your perfect vacation? My comprehensive itinerary for 3 days in Lake Como will guide you through Lake Como’s charming lakeside towns, imposing villas, and stunning scenery. With its romantic atmosphere, dreamy gardens, and dramatic mountain backdrop, Lake Como belongs to my favorite lakes in northern Italy. It’s the epitome of a picturesque Italian lake escape!

This travel guide will provide you with the perfect 3-day Lake Como itinerary, including the best places to visit around the lake, amazing things to do, as well as advice on how to make the most of your Lake Como trip. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable 3-day getaway to this enchanting destination!

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3 Days in Lake Como – Quick Tips

Keep reading for my full Lake Como travel guide!

How to Get to Lake Como

The easiest way to reach Lake Como, when traveling from another country, is to fly to Milan. Once in Milan, you can choose from various transportation options to get to Lake Como. We drove to Lake Como by car because we wanted to have more flexibility to explore all the different places around the lake at our own pace and be able to discover some places off the beaten path.

Looking for a rental car in Milan? Click here to find the best deal.

However, you can also easily reach Lake Como by taking a train or a bus from Milan to Lake Como. Depending on the transportation option you choose, the traffic, and the place you’re staying in Lake Como, it usually takes around 1 – 2 hours to get to Lake Como from Milan.

How to Get Around Lake Como

Once you have arrived in Lake Como, there are different ways to get around. As mentioned, we visited Lake Como by car, which gave us the best flexibility, comfort, and freedom to see all the highlights scattered around the lake.

However, I wouldn’t recommend this option if you are visiting Lake Como during the peak season (July and August) because the traffic can get very busy during this time and parking can be limited in some places. But if you still want to explore Lake Como by car during the high season, I definitely recommend starting your day early.

One of the most popular modes of transport in Lake Como is the local ferries, which connect the most important towns around the lake and operate on a regular schedule. To check the daily Lake Como ferry timetable, it’s best to visit the local ferry terminal to make sure you have the correct times. Keep in mind that the ferries can also get very crowded in summer.

Another way to get around Lake Come is by taking the local buses, which run along the lake’s perimeter, serving both larger towns and smaller villages. They offer a budget-friendly option for traveling shorter distances or reaching areas inaccessible by ferry. However, taking a bus is probably not the best transportation option during the high season due to the heavy traffic and narrow roads. You will definitely need a lot of patience when traveling by bus during summertime.

Alternatively, depending on where you want to go, you can also take the train to get around Lake Como, as the towns on the Eastern side of the lake are connected by rail.

Finally, Lake Como boasts numerous scenic walking paths and cycling routes. So, you could also consider exploring parts of Lake Como by walking or cycling.

Best Time to Visit Lake Como

Lake Como is a popular destination all year round. If you want to experience Lake Como with fewer crowds but still want to enjoy pleasant weather, the best time to visit Lake Como is during the spring and early summer months from April to June (like we did) or, alternatively, in early fall (September, October). During this time, the lake is a little less crowded compared to the peak tourist months (July and August), allowing you to explore the charming towns and beautiful lake-side villas in a more peaceful and enjoyable way.

Where to Stay in Lake Como

When visiting Lake Como, you’ll find several accommodation options worth considering for your 3 days in Lake Como. Each town has its own unique vibe, so it ultimately depends on what you are looking for. From luxurious hotels to beautiful villas to charming B&Bs – Lake Como has it all.

One popular option to stay is the town of Como itself, which offers a vibrant atmosphere (and nightlife), historic charm, many shops & restaurants, and easy access to the lake’s attractions.

Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” is another fantastic choice with its picturesque streets, convenient location, and stunning views. I personally prefer Bellagio over Como.

For a more secluded and tranquil experience, the dreamy town of Varenna is a great option. It’s one of my favorite places in Lake Como and we definitely consider staying there next time.

Other beautiful places to stay include Menaggio, known for its scenic promenade, and Tremezzo, where you can find the magnificent Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

In general, you cannot go wrong with staying in any of the lakeside towns as all of them are lovely and have their own charm. When staying in one of the smaller and lesser-known towns, you can often get better accommodation deals compared to the main tourist towns.

Tip: Whichever location you choose, I highly recommend going for a hotel with lake views because there’s nothing like waking up to the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. I have compiled a list of some of the best hotels with lake view below:

• Grand Hotel Villa Serbeloni
• Grand Hotel Tremezzo
• Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como
• Vista Palazzo – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
• Il Sereno Lago Di Como
• MUSA Lago di Como

3 Days in Lake Como Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Bellagio & Como

• Explore the quaint lakeside town of Bellagio
• Stroll through the Villa Melzi Gardens
• Visit the imposing Villa Olmo
• Discover Como town
• Take the Como-Brunate funicular

Day 2: Varenna & its Charming Villas

• Visit the beautiful Villa Monastero
• Walk around Villa Cipressi
• Discover the lovely town of Varenna
• Bonus Tip: Bellano

Day 3: Tremezzo, Menaggio & Lake Como by Boat

• Visit Villa del Balbianello
• Discover Villa Carlotta & Tremezzo
• Explore Menaggio
• Experience Lake Como by Boat

For us, spending three days in Lake Como was the ideal trip length and allowed us to see the highlights of Lake Como in a relaxed way. But ultimately the time needed for this itinerary depends on your travel style and how much time you spend in each place, so I recommend tailoring our itinerary to your own preferences and needs.

If you had only 2 days in Lake Como:

If you only had two days in Lake Como but still want to see all the places mentioned in our itinerary, I recommend starting your days early. This way, you will be able to squeeze all the places and activities into two days instead of three. Alternatively, you can just skip some of the places that you are not interested in.

If you had 4 days in Lake Como:

If you had four days in Lake Como, you can explore Lake Como in a relaxed way and indulge in la dolce vita by including some fun activities into your itinerary. Make sure to check out these top-rated experiences and tours in Lake Como:

• 🍷 Winery Tour with Wine Tasting
• 🍝 Como Food Walking Tour
• 🛵 Vintage Vespa Tour Along Lake Como
• 🚲 Electric Bike Tour
• 🚁 Scenic Helicopter Tour
• 🛶 Small-Group Kayak Tour
• 🛥️

In the following, you can find our complete travel itinerary including the top places to visit and what to do in Lake Como in 3 days.

Complete Lake Como 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Bellagio & Como

Day 1 of this 3-day Lake Como itinerary will take you to two popular towns in Lake Como. You will visit Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como, and Como, the capital of the province.

Explore the quaint lakeside town of Bellagio

Start your first day in Lake Como by exploring the charming town of Bellagio. With its stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps and its picturesque colorful buildings, Bellagio is probably the most popular town in Lake Como. Therefore, I recommend visiting Bellagio as early as possible.

We started our day just after sunrise and loved strolling through the narrow, cobbled streets of Bellagio without the crowds. Make sure to stop by Salita Serbelloni to capture the iconic postcard view of Bellagio.

Another one of my favorite spots in Bellagio is the beautiful lakeside promenade. It’s the perfect place to soak in those quintessential Lake Como views!

While Bellagio is relatively small in size, there’s no shortage of things to do in this quaint lakeside haven. You can easily spend half a day in this lovely town during your 3 days in Lake Como.

After getting lost in the charming streets lined with colorful historic buildings, I recommend stopping at one of the charming cafes and restaurants for an Italian coffee or gelato. Additionally, Bellagio is a great place for some shopping. You can find many small boutique shops in the streets of Bellagio.

For a taste of history and culture, you can visit the Basilica di San Giacomo, a beautiful church located in the center of Bellagio. Moreover, I recommend visiting the impressive gardens of the historic villas in Bellagio. The most popular ones are the Villa Melzi Gardens and the Parco di Villa Serbelloni.

If you decide to include Parco di Villa Serbelloni in your 3-day Lake Como itinerary, please note that it can only be visited on a guided tour.

You might also be interested in: 4 Days in Cinque Terre

Stroll through the Villa Melzi Gardens

We decided to visit the Villa Melzi Gardens and it felt like stepping into a fairytale where history and nature intertwine. I really loved the serene ambience of this place. When strolling along the pathways of the meticulously landscaped gardens, you can discover ancient statues, colorful blooms, ornate fountains, and charming pavilions with stunning lake views as a backdrop. If you are looking for a tranquil oasis, Villa Melzi Gardens is a great place to visit. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and the entrance fee is 8 euros per person.

Visit the imposing Villa Olmo

After visiting Bellagio and the gardens of Villa Melzi in the morning, we drove to Como to explore Villa Olmo and Como town for the second half of the day. Located on the shores of Lake Como, Villa Olmo belongs to the most imposing villas in Lake Como. The villa is a neoclassical masterpiece with an impressive façade and beautifully manicured gardens. Exploring Villa Olmo feels like a captivating journey through art, nature, and architecture.

The gardens are open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, but the villa itself can only be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. The entrance is free. Therefore, visiting Villa Olmo is one of the best free things to do during your 3 days in Lake Como.

Discover Como Town

After visiting some beautiful villas, it’s time to explore Como town. Although Como is the biggest town in Lake Como, it can easily be explored in just a few hours.

To be honest, Como was my least favorite town in Lake Como because of its “big city vibe”, if you compare it to the smaller, more romantic towns around the lake. Nevertheless, it’s worth exploring Como town at least once during your three days in Lake Como.

Como town is known for its historic landmarks. My favorite spot in Como was the Como Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, also known as Duomo di Como), which is a beautiful Gothic church with an impressive architecture.

Right next to the cathedral, you can also find the Old Town Hall (Broletto di Como). If you are a history enthusiast, make sure to visit the Tempio Voltiano Museum as well. In addition, Como boasts many art galleries and exhibitions.

Take some time to explore the historic streets where you can admire the amazing architecture, shop in artisan boutiques, and sample authentic local dishes in the lovely cafes, trattorias, and restaurants. Make sure to also stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade before moving on to the last stop of the day: the village of Brunate.

Take the Como-Brunate funicular

From Como, you can take a scenic funicular ride up to the picturesque hill town of Brunate. The Como-Brunate funicular was built in 1894 and belongs to the main attractions of Como. It operates from 6 AM to 10:30 PM every day and costs around 6 euros for a return ticket.

Once you reach Brunate, you can enjoy spectacular views of Lake Como from the top. After taking in the unparalleled views, I recommend strolling through the cute village itself before taking the funicular back down. Alternatively, you can also stay in Brunate until sunset if you want to watch the sunset from this jaw-dropping viewpoint.

Taking a ride with the Como-Brunate funicular is definitely a must-do when visiting Lake Como! So, make sure not to miss it when planning your 3-day itinerary for Lake Como.

Day 2: Varenna & its Charming Villas

On your second day in Lake Como, you will explore the romantic town of Varenna, including two stunning villas situated in this lovely lakeside town. In the afternoon, you will discover the village of Bellano, a true hidden gem in Lake Como.

Visit the beautiful Villa Monastero

Villa Monastero is my favorite villa in Lake Como. We visited the gardens of Villa Monastero right after the opening time (9:30 AM) to explore this enchanting place without the crowds.

Steeped in centuries-old heritage, this former Cistercian convent-turned-villa boasts romantic gardens, vibrant botanical collections, and architectural wonders on the scenic shores of Lake Como. I absolutely loved wandering around the lush gardens while admiring the stunning views of the lake at the same time. It’s a true oasis!

Next to the gardens, you can also visit the museum of Villa Monastero, where you can get a taste of eight centuries of history.

The opening hours of the Botanical Gardens and the House Museum vary depending on the month you visit, so make sure to confirm the opening times on their website. The entrance ticket costs 10 euros for the gardens and 13 euros for a combined ticket with the museum.

Walk around Villa Cipressi

If you enjoy visiting botanical gardens, make sure to also stop by the magnificent terraced gardens of Villa Cipressi. Villa Cipressi is located right next to Villa Monastero. Thus, you can easily combine visiting both gardens and enjoy the unique beauty each place offers.

The entrance ticket for the Villa Cipressi Botanical Garden costs 10 euros per person, but you can also buy a combi ticket for 19 euros if you plan to visit both Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero.

Discover the lovely town of Varenna

Varenna is probably my favorite place in Lake Como. I truly fell in love with this charming town and its cobble-stoned streets, colorful houses, and stunning lake views.

The best thing to do in Varenna is to get lost in the picturesque streets of the historic center, where narrow alleyways lead to quaint cafes, small boutiques, and lovely, picture-worthy corners.

Make sure to stop by the Church of San Giorgio, a beautiful historic church located at the Piazza San Giorgio, the main square of Varenna. On the opposite side of the square, you can find another lovely church: the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista.

If you feel adventurous, you can embark on a hike up to the Castello di Vezio, offering panoramic views over Lake Como, Varenna, and the surrounding mountains. The hike only takes 30 minutes and is clearly marked. The 1000-year-old castle certainly is one of the best viewpoints in Lake Como.

Another must-visit place in Varenna is the lakeside promenade, where you can find some lovely trattorias, gelaterias, bars, and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for savoring the delectable Italian cuisine. I highly recommend coming here for lunch or dinner during your 3 days in Lake Como.

Make sure to also stroll along the Walk of Lovers, which is a short red-fenced pedestrian path offering romantic views of Lake Como and Varenna.

Bonus Tip: Bellano

Only a few kilometers from Varenna, you can find the small lakeside town of Bellano. Compared to the popular towns around the lake that are filled with tourists, Bellano is still a hidden gem.

One of the main attractions of Bellano is the magnificent Orrido di Bellano, a natural gorge with cascading waterfalls and intriguing rock formations. The entrance costs 5 euros.

Also, the quaint town itself is worth visiting. I recommend strolling through the charming historic center to admire the medieval architecture of the old town. Make sure to stop by the Chiesa Prepositurale dei Santi Nazaro e Celso, a lovely little chapel with beautiful frescoes located in the center of Bellano.

Bellano is also a great place to indulge in authentic Italian dishes in one of the local trattorias.

Day 3: Tremezzo, Menaggio & Lake Como by Boat

On your last full day in Lake Como, you will explore two more beautiful lakeside villas, as well as the picturesque towns of Tremezzo and Menaggio. Afterward, you will cruise around Lake Como by boat – a once in a lifetime experience!

Visit Villa del Balbianello

Start your third day in Lake Como by visiting the famous Villa del Balbianello. Nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking the glistening waters, this historic villa exudes elegance and charm. It’s one of the most beautiful villas in Lake Como.

Villa del Balbianello is also famous for its prominent appearance in several films, such as Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.

To reach the villa you must walk around 15 – 25 minutes from the parking lot or the nearest ferry terminal (Lenno).

Exploring the magnificent 18th-century structure adorned with terraced gardens and statues, is an enchanting experience that transports you back in time. It’s a truly magical place with magnificent views of Lake Como. You can easily spend 1 – 2 hours exploring the beautiful gardens. The entrance ticket is 13 euros.

However, not only the gardens but also the villa itself is worth visiting. The opulent interiors narrate tales of a rich past. The villa can be visited on a guided tour, which takes around 45 minutes and costs 24 euros (including access to the gardens).

Please note that Villa del Balbianello is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

This article may also pique your interest: 10 Best Things to Do in Tuscany

Discover Villa Carlotta & Tremezzo

From the parking lot or the ferry terminal close to Villa Balbianello, it’s only a short 5-minute ferry ride or drive to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo.

Villa Carlotta is also one of the most visited villas in Lake Como. The 17th-century villa is a botanical paradise offering beautiful gardens decorated with vibrant flowers and ancient statues, and an awe-inspiring art museum inside the villa, showcasing an impressive art collection and unique masterpieces.

Stroll through the winding pathways, pause to admire the majestic fountains, and take in the views of the serene lake. With over 70 varieties of rhododendrons, a vast citrus garden, and meticulously trimmed hedges and topiary, Villa Carlotta’s gardens belong to the most breathtaking gardens in Lake Como.

Visiting Villa Carlotta is a harmonious blend of art, nature, and history. I highly recommend including it in your Lake Como itinerary. The entrance fee for the villa and the gardens is 15 euros per person. After exploring Villa Carlotta, I recommend taking some time to stroll through the charming little town of Tremezzo before continuing to our next stop.

Explore Menaggio

Menaggio is a charming town that cannot be missed during your 3 days in Lake Como. Steeped in history, you can explore the picturesque old town with its cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and delightful cafes. Make sure to stop at Piazza Garibaldi, the central square, and the Church of Santa Marta (Chiesa di Santa Marta) during your stroll through the town.

Of course, just like in all the towns in Lake Como, one of the main draws is undoubtedly the stunning lake itself, so you should definitely check out the extensive lakeside promenade of Menaggio and take in the breathtaking views. At the waterfront promenade, you can also find many cafes, bars, and restaurants.

If you like, you can also follow a walking trail from the shore up to the medieval part of Menaggio. Just follow the signs leading to the Chiesa di San Carlo.

Experience Lake Como by Boat

Doing a boat tour in Lake Como was definitely the highlight of our trip. We decided to rent a motor boat for 2 hours to explore the lake on our own. You don’t need a boat license to drive a motor boat in Lake Como, so renting a boat is the perfect option if you want to pick the pace and route of the tour yourself.

We absolutely loved cruising around the lake and becoming captain for one day while soaking in the beautiful scenery of Lake Como. We also checked out some of the villas we visited during our 3 days in Lake Como from the water.

Tip: Make sure to also stop by the Orrido di Nesso, a beautiful photo spot where a Roman bridge hides a natural canyon and a stunning waterfall.

If you prefer having a boat driver over driving yourself, you can check out these amazing Lake Como boat tours below:

• 2-hour Lake Como Scenic Boat Tour (private or shared)
• 3-hour Lake Como Boat Tour with Snacks (private or shared)
• 2-hour Private Luxury Vintage Speedboat Tour (my personal recommendation!!)

When visiting Lake Como, embarking on a boat tour is definitely an essential experience you don’t want to miss! Believe me, when I say that it should be on everyone’s Italy bucket list!

I hope you enjoyed reading our 3-day Lake Como itinerary. For me, visiting Lake Como ranks among my top Italy highlights and I seriously cannot wait to return to this beautiful place.

FAQ – 3-Day Itinerary Lake Como

Is Lake Como worth visiting?

Yes, Lake Como is definitely worth visiting! Its breathtaking natural beauty, picturesque towns, and beautiful villas and gardens, paired with its cultural heritage and the delicious Italian cuisine, make it a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

How many days do you need in Lake Como?

The number of days you should spend in Lake Como depends on your personal preferences, the activities you want to engage in, and the places you wish to explore. In general, I recommend a minimum of two to three days to experience the essence of Lake Como.

Is a day trip to Lake Como enough?

Lake Como is a magical destination that deserves more than just a day trip. With its stunning scenery and the many charming lakeside towns, one day is not enough time to explore all the highlights of this picturesque corner of Italy.

Is 3 days enough in Lake Como?

From our experience, you can easily see the highlights of Lake Como in 3 days. However, as we really fell in love with this charming region, we would have loved to stay longer to soak in the beauty of Lake Como for some more days.

Is 4 days in Lake Como too much?

If you have the time to stay in Lake Como for 4 days or longer, I cannot recommend enough to do it. There are so many beautiful places to explore and so many things to do. Staying longer than 4 days gives you the opportunity to fully appreciate the region’s beauty, indulge in its cuisine, and partake in various activities. Next time, we would also love to spend some additional time exploring some of the smaller villages off the beaten path.

Looking for more Italy travel guides? Check out my other Italy articles below!

• 10 Best Tuscany Day Trips from Florence
• Cinque Terre Guide – A Complete 4-Day Itinerary

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