Top Things to do in Lake Como
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Lake Como, Lombardy
A gorgeous spot that’s a convenient day trip from Milan, Lake Como recently earned fame as home to Hollywood star George Clooney. But celeb-spotting aside, it’s known for jaw-dropping natural beauty, elegant old villas—and the scenic towns surrounding the lake. Check out Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, which offer great views, historic churches, and water-based activities such as ferries and passenger-only boats.
Restaurants in Lake Como
1. Monte Grona
2. Villa del Balbianello
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,348 reviews
Built in the late 16th century, this magnificent Villa is known for its picturesque gardens, which exclusively feature flowers and trees the colors of the Italian flag: green, white and red. ATTENTION ALL VISITORS In implementation of the Decree issued by the Ministry of Health on 8th March 2020, we would like to inform you that Villa del Balbianello shall remain closed to the public until April 3rd, in order to contain the diffusion of COVID-19 virus. Updates shall be published on Social Media and on the FAI's Official Website.
Reviewed By Mairwen1
This was absolutely our best day at Lake Como. The area is not short of beautiful historic villas and gardens so you will have probably find yourself having to choose which one to visit. For my money, this is the one. HIGHLIGHTS * James Bond Casino Royale & Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones chose this villa for filming – that alone tells you how outstanding it is * gardens and lake views are breathtaking – it’s a paradise for photographs * unlike some villas, both the gardens and the house are open to the public (house tour is included in ticket price) * It has the best story of any of the grand villas. The villa passed into the hands of Guido Monzino, heir to a vast fortune who knew how to burn through the family money. Monzino funded explorations to Everest, the North Pole, Greenland & the Sahara and amassed huge collections of artefacts, antiquities, books, maps etc. They all ended up here. * it is crammed with books, maps and collections and everything is exactly the same as when the owner died so it feels like a ‘living history’. * There are secret passages, hidden panel and escape routes in the house (he was a bit paranoid) TIPS * It is closed on Mon & Wed. Closed over winter & opens mid-March – mid-Nov. * Make sure to do both the gardens and villa (€10 for gardens only, €20 for both). It is a little pricier than some other villas but so worth it * Villa tours are also offered in English. The ticket desk can tell you what time the English tours start. * Afterwards, we walked back Lenno and had lunch at Hotel Plinio, on the waterfront. A great finish to a magical day. GETTING THERE Take the ferry to Lenno. We walked from the ferry. Most people do so it’s easy to follow others. It’s a 20 min walk along the lake, across a park and up the long driveway. There’s also a taxi boat if you don’t want to walk.
3. La Ca Di Radio Vecc
4. I Giardini di Villa Melzi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,327 reviews
National Monument and Private Gardens This magnificent villa, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, assistant to General Napoleon, is one of the most emblematic examples of neo-classicism in Lombardy.....The Gardens Are visitable March to October every day 9.30 am to' 6.30 pm
Reviewed By armankun - Athens, Greece
A definitely place to visit if you like gardens, trees, nature and walking, beautiful garden, very well cared.
5. Parco di Villa Serbelloni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
This beautiful villa was built in 1873 surrounded by elegant gardens and park-like grounds with sweeping views of Lake Como.
Reviewed By magnoliatrees - Canada, null
We started off trying to find this place on our own without knowing it was a privately owned property. With our persistence we did find it. In the Upper part of Bellagio in the main square near the St. Giacomo church. There is a tourist office in the Old Medieval tower on the bottom floor.We bought tickets for 9 euros each and joined a guided group tour.This tour offers one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen as we walked uphill. The views of the lake and the Italian Alps along with the lake and its towns is stunning. Bring your camera!Our tour guide was excellent explaining the history of this remarkable property which has been in the hands of the Rockefeller foundation since 1959.The history dates back to the Sfondrati family in 1566 and then passed on to the Serbelloni family who poured his heart into the property.Exotic plants and trees were imported to this property and is quite an expansive park with at least 53 acres of land.The Villa is private and not opened to the public but has hosted some famous people over the years including Leonardo Da Vinci. At one point an American princess owned it and donated it to the Rockefeller foundation. Today it is used as a meeting place for scholars and conferences.Very peaceful and serene place amongst the trees.At the very top are the remains of a Roman garrison that was used to protect them against invaders.I found this tour simply amazing and the view both going up and down the hill is one I will always remember.Make sure you take good walking shoes!You can book this online ahead of time and kids are welcomed between the ages of 7-13. 5 euros.The tours are twice a day 11 am.and 3.30 pm.except Mondays and some holidays.This tour was one of the most memorable tours we have taken in Italy and we recommend it!
6. Menaggio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
This attractive resort, located on the western shore of Lake Como, is a joy for outdoor enthusiasts who may be tempted by wind surfing and water-skiing on the lake, as well as golf and horseback riding in the countryside.
Reviewed By lakecomolakeview - Acquaseria, Italy
From our apartment in Acquaseria we took the beautiful walk along the lake to Menaggio (3.5 km). In the charming town of Menaggio we visited some nice shops, went to the tourist office and sat on a terrace overlooking the lake where we saw the Ferry arrive and depart. We really like that Menaggio is so close to Acquaseria.
7. La Punta Spartivento
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 553 reviews
This is what Italy is all about when you visit this scenic park on Lake Como, as you gaze upon the magnificent views of the distant Swiss Alps that seem to touch the waters of the lake.
Reviewed By Brun066 - Florence, Italy
After many decades, I went back to Punta Spartivento (= "cape of split wind") on a cold but clear winter day. The walk on foot from the pier is short, but it is closed between the fences of the villas, so that the unsuspecting traveler is suddenly displaced in the exciting view on this extreme northern end of Bellagio, overlooking the center of the lake, at the widest point - almost "on maritime way" wide - of the lake itself. Here is the peculiarity of Bellagio, which founded its fame, as it makes it so different from other, albeit beautiful, coastal locations: looking out over the three "horns" that make up the lake itself. Certainly going up on the hills behind the town you will discover other even more fascinating views; but this can be reached with an almost flat path, therefore within everyone's reach. Reading the geological history of the lake, I found that the straight ideal line that connects Bellagio to Varenna (on Eastern shore) was in the remote period occupied by a mountainous relief, and that the once huge glacier giving rise to Lake Como had to carry out excavation work and destruction of this relief, to continue its furrow towards the Lecco branch. This phenomenon - now readable only by an expert eye - helps to explain what the viewer may seem to be an "indecision" of the glacier: digging west towards Como, or south towards Lecco? In reality - as far as I understand - it isn't indecision, but erosive actions that have unfolded in consecutive periods. And this founds the exceptional shape of Lake Como among the Italian lakes (and not only them).
8. Moltrasio
9. Villa Carlotta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,254 reviews
Villa Carlotta welcomes you with its magnificent botanic garden and art masterpieces in over 70.000 square metres of gardens and museum. The beautiful villa was built at the end of XVII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in a natural basin between lake and mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio.
Reviewed By 53Upp - East Midlands, United Kingdom
Beautifully maintained gardens. Plenty of plant details. Slightly hilly paths, but easily accessible. Signage good, different routes depending on how much time visitors have, which gives times to completion of visit. Toilets round site and good cafe. House visit also included in the entrance fee. Villa entrance opposite the ferry service.
10. Cathedral of Como (Duomo)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,125 reviews
Diocesi's chief Church, Bishop Cathedral, was erected since 1396 and works ended in 1740. Many famous artist, during 300 years operated in it harmonizing their own typical age's styles.
Reviewed By ClaudeB516 - Atlanta, United States
The Como Cathedral's facade is a shining example of smooth marble and decorative elements that harmoniously fit together. One unique feature is Porta della Rana, a door depicting a frog carved on the left jamb of the door. According to popular legend, water is believed to have reached precisely this point during the flooding of the lake. The interior of the Como Cathedral is adorned with 16th-century tapestries, frescoes and paintings, works of art that confirm the church's magnificence and beauty.
