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Day Trips from Lago Di Como

Day Trips from Lago Di Como

Lago Di Como Lombardy And The Lakes, Italy Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Accessible locations near Lake Como include Milan, Lugano in Switzerland, Stresa on Lake Maggiore, and the Valtellina Valley.

Explore Milan's Duomo, "The Last Supper," and La Scala. Visit Lugano for Swiss-Italian culture and mountain vistas. Discover Stresa's grand hotels and the Borromean Islands. Journey to Valtellina Valley for terraced vineyards and local cuisine.

Travel Considerations

  • Milan is reachable by direct and frequent trains from Como S. Giovanni or Como Nord Lago.
  • Lugano is accessible by bus (C12) or train from Como. A car offers more flexibility.
  • Switzerland uses Swiss Francs and has separate mobile roaming charges.
  • Driving is a good option for Stresa and the Valtellina Valley to visit specific sites.

Natural Escapes

The surrounding region has many opportunities for further natural exploration beyond the lake.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Explore regional parks like Parco Regionale Grigna Settentrionale for challenging trails and Alpine landscapes. Discover Val Codera, a remote, car-free valley for rugged hiking. Climb Monte San Primo for panoramic Lake Como views.

Areas

  • Parco Regionale Grigna Settentrionale.
  • Val Codera, accessible from Novate Mezzola.
  • Monte San Primo, the highest peak overlooking Lake Como.

Scenic Landscapes

Drive along the lake's western (SS340) or eastern (SP583) shore for continuous vistas. Explore mountain passes like Passo San Marco or Passo del Maloja for cycling or driving adventure. Venture into valleys behind the lake for new perspectives.

Options

  • Panoramic drives along Lake Como's shores.
  • Mountain passes for avid cyclists or drivers.
  • Valleys behind the lake for varied views.

Beaches, Mountains, and Rural Areas

Northern Lake & Valleys

  • Domaso and Colico (northern lake) popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
  • Quieter beaches at the northern end of Lake Como.
  • Valsassina Valley features traditional villages and agricultural landscapes.
  • Winter brings snow-capped mountains creating a serene backdrop.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

  • Spring (April-May) is ideal for spectacular blooms in villa gardens.
  • Snow-capped mountains create a beautiful winter backdrop.
  • Summer is best for water activities and long daylight.
  • Autumn has foliage around the lake.

Suggested Itineraries for Day Trips

  • Milan Day Trip (Morning)Explore Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
  • Milan Day Trip (Lunch)Enjoy traditional Milanese food.
  • Milan Day Trip (Afternoon)Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie (The Last Supper) or Castello Sforzesco.
  • Time RequiredA full day for Milan highlights.
  • Lugano Day Trip (Morning)Stroll lakeside promenade and Parco Ciani.
  • Lugano Day Trip (Lunch)Savor Swiss-Italian food.
  • Lugano Day Trip (Afternoon)Funicular up Monte San Salvatore or explore Old Town.
  • Time RequiredA full day for Lugano exploration.

Booking Tip

For structured day trips, GetYourGuide offers various options.

Cultural Excursions

Extend your cultural exploration to sites just beyond Lake Como's immediate vicinity.

Historical Sites

Explore Como City's historical center and Duomo. Discover the ruins of Fort Fuentes in Colico. Visit the Civic Archaeological Museum in Lecco for local history.

Rural Villages

Visit smaller villages above the lake, like those on the Greenway del Lago di Como, for local life away from crowds. Explore Valsassina Valley for traditional farming and cheese making.

Pilgrimage Sites

Madonna del Ghisallo near Bellagio is a pilgrimage site for cyclists. Sacro Monte di Ossuccio is an UNESCO World Heritage site with spiritual and cultural significance.

Multi-Day Extensions

Combine Lake Como with other iconic Italian or Swiss destinations. Add 1-3 days to your itinerary for broader exploration.

Recommendations

  • Italian Lakes Tour: Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda.
  • Swiss Alps: Lucerne or Interlaken for dramatic Alpine landscapes.
  • Dolomites: Eastward extension for unique rock formations and hiking.

Logical Next Destinations

Consider Milan for city life and international flights. Verona or Venice for iconic Italian cities. Swiss cities like Zurich or Lucerne present a contrasting cultural experience.

Transportation Connections

  • Italy's efficient train network links major cities quickly.
  • A car offers flexibility for remote areas and cross-border trips.
  • Long-distance bus services connect major Italian cities.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Lakes & CultureMilan → Lake Como → Lake Maggiore → Turin.
North Italian Grand TourMilan → Lake Como → Verona → Venice → Florence.
Alps & LakesLake Como → Swiss Alps (Jungfrau region or Zermatt) → Zurich.
Central Italy ExplorationFlorence → Rome → Naples and Amalfi Coast.
Northern Italy Wine & FoodLake Como → Piedmont (Barolo) → Emilia-Romagna (Bologna).
Mediterranean CoastsLake Como → Cinque Terre → Italian Riviera.

Your Journey Continues

  • Lake Como functions as a superb gateway to a diverse range of experiences.
  • Urban pulse of Milan to tranquil beauty of neighboring lakes.
  • Majestic grandeur of the Alps awaits.
  • Numerous day trips and multi-day extensions exist.
  • Plan your route to maximize discovery.

Itinerary Suggestions

These itineraries provide a framework for various trip durations, to maximize your time on Lake Como.

-Hour Layover Highlights

A quick visit allows a taste of Como city and a glimpse of the lake's beauty from Milan.

Focus & Activities

  • Morning: Explore Como's historic center and Duomo.
  • Lunch: Traditional local food in Como.
  • Afternoon: Funicular to Brunate for panoramic views.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

This itinerary focuses on the picturesque central lake area, balancing iconic towns and serene beauty.

Focus & Activities

  • Day 1: Arrive and explore Varenna's alleys and gardens.
  • Day 2: Ferry hop between Bellagio and Tremezzina, visit villas.
  • Day 3: Relax in Varenna or enjoy water activities.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

This itinerary has an in-depth exploration, moving between different bases and seeing more of the lake.

Overview

  • Days 1-2: Central Lake immersion (Varenna/Bellagio base).
  • Days 3-4: Western Shore villas & Greenway (Lenno/Tremezzo base).
  • Days 5-6: Como City & Southern Lake (Como base), with day trip options.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Combine the one-week itinerary with extended stays, allowing for slower travel, more activities, and dives into particular interests.

Extended Activities

  • Add more hiking days (e.g., Sentiero del Viandante sections).
  • Visit northern lake towns for water sports or the Valtellina wine region for tasting.
  • Take a cooking class or explore hidden local villages.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays exceeding two weeks, consider renting an apartment or villa for a more authentic experience.

Value & Authenticity

Renting offers better value and a more local experience.

Choose a Less Touristy Base

Argegno, Domaso, or a Lecco branch village. Enjoy lower costs.

Well-Connected

These locations maintain good public transport access for exploration.

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Lake Como offers endless possibilities for creating a memorable itinerary. Whether you prefer a quick highlights tour, a romantic escape, an active adventure, or a luxurious retreat, these suggestions provide a framework for your Italian journey.
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