Discover the 5 must-see towns along the stunning lake como. I have also included a bonus town at the end.
We traveled along lake como by car and with the ferry, so to report back on the villages that you absolutely shouldn't miss!
Here are our top 5 Lake Como towns, and several reminded us of Solitano in Emily in Paris. You will find the bonus view point and map at the end.
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Bellagio
Located at the tip of the forking Como lake, lies the unmissable and beautiful Bellagio.
The name alone entices most visitors to make a stop in this charming village, but this is not the only reason why I highly recommend that you visit Bellagio.
Mountain backdrops and a 180 view of the lake landscape, combined with a picturesque northern Italian village, make it one of the top places on the lake.
Small winding cobbled streets and staircases with the classic elegant Lake Como view await you here. Besides, the village serves as the main ferry port to visit other quaint towns along the lake.
The town is also known for its artisanal handcraft tradition. Here you will find luxurious silk scarfs, hand blown and painted glass, leather accessories and pottery.
One of the highlights is the Villa Melzi, where you should head to if you want to collect picture-perfect como lake memories.
Menaggio
Originally, Menaggio came highly recommended by a family member (thank you, Leo!) and of course we had to see it for ourselves if it met the hype.
Well, we were pleasantly surprised that it was probably the most chill town on lake como.
You see, most villages are loaded with tourists, also in october, but Menaggio was still easily accessible via Bellagio ferries, and was everything and much more.
A small village center and a main passage with interesting boutiques made it easily one of our top destinations.
People were enjoying an Aperol in the typical smallish pathways or taking a stroll along the scenic promenade, and we gratefully joined in the town's ambiance.
Bellano
Bellano is the underdog and I blame its location for it. The historic village, on the eastern side of the lake, consists of a maze of winding pathways and a lovely tourist-free promenade.
While it's a bit further away from most popular places, Bellano can still be easily accessed via the local ferry network from Bellagio.
Here you will find the authentic lake como experience and also a natural wonder, the Orrido di Bellano gorge. The entry point for a small hike across the gorge is just behind the village, which is a plus point!
We felt that Bellano had a lot to offer for all those who want to escape the tourist masses and other popular towns.
Besides the villages, hotels, and restaurants are much more affordable in general vs. the other towns on the lakes.
Varenna
Varenna is the cool kid in the block and yes, it is most probably the most picturesque village from the ferry and on the ground.
You most definitely can't miss visiting Varenna any time of the year, but it will be more pleasant outside the main tourist season.
We visited in mid-October on two consecutive days at different times of the day, and Varenna was swamped with tourists. It also appears that this is where people come to get married or to make marriage photoshoots.
While it was nice to walk along the blossom filled promenade from the ferry to the old town, it was difficult to enjoy the experience with all the other people in front and behind you.
This is amplified, as the village isn't that big, but YES Varenna is eye candy, no doubt, and you will fully soak in the atmosphere.
My top tip: don't skip the waterfront Villa Monastero. If you come early, you don't have to wait in a queue, and you will have the gardens to yourself.
Mandello del Lario
Mandello del Lario is that forgotten town south to Varenna.
Originally, we stopped here on our road trip because Mandello is the home of Gucci Moto, a world-famous classic motorbike manufacturer.
The museum and area is a pilgrimage point for all motorbike riders and groups passing by the area, yet you will find so much more in Mandello.
We felt more at home here, with the community welcoming one with open arms. Here you will actually be around locals, while enjoying the priceless, quiet and enchanting lake como view.
This town is great for all budget-minded travelers and roadtrippers.
You won't compromise on the lake como experience because the part of the commune along the lake is as lovely, with the church and houses, as any other lake como town.
Bonus: Ghisallo
I'm adding a bonus to this list of 5 towns because Ghisallo is located on the mountain between the two lake como parts.
We stumbled upon Ghisallo as we took the winding road up the mountain. The idea was to find out if there was anything worthwhile up there.
What we found was a sleepy village and an unforgettable view of lake como.
Interestingly, we came across a cyclist museum and a bizarre church dedicated to all cyclists.
So, if you are traveling by car, and you want to see more of the lake come, head to Ghisallo because the vibe up there is very different from what you get in the lakeside towns.
Map of Lake Como Towns
I drew a map with the towns mentioned here. They are marked with the red cross and the bonus is a light red cross.
This will help you get oriented.
If you have a car, and you are coming from Milano on a day trip, start with Bellagio, take the ferry to Menaggio and visit the other towns by car.
Of course, the all towns can be accessed by ferry or public transport, but you'd have to plan in more days to visit them all.
If you are coming from Switzerland, start with Bellano on your road trip and end with Bellagio and a ferry trip to Menaggio.
Lake Como also has great beaches where you can go swimming.
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