The Italian Lakes Italy Travel Guide
A charming, colorful fishing village situated directly across the lake from Bellagio on the eastern shore. It is known for its picturesque waterfront, narrow alleys, and two famous villas.
Fast and regular ferry service connects Bellagio and Varenna in just 5-15 minutes, depending on the type of ferry. This makes for a very easy and convenient day trip.
Expand your cultural exploration beyond Bellagio with enriching day trips to ancient sites and quaint villages.
A UNESCO World Heritage site positioned on the western shore of Lake Como, near Lenno. This pilgrimage route features 14 Baroque chapels, each containing elaborate statues and frescoes, leading up a hillside to a sanctuary.
Lario's only island, with a rich plus striking history dating back to Roman times. Today, it has an archaeological park, a charming restaurant, and several modern artists' houses.
Beyond the villas, Lake Como has lovely natural escapes, providing opportunities to do things outside and scenic landscapes.
For extensive hiking and mountain exploration, reflect on this regional park situated in mountainous areas east of Lario, accessible from Lecco. It comprises a system of trails leading to challenging peaks and stunning alpine scenery.
A valley stretching north from Lake Como, known for its terraced vineyards, production of bresaola (cured beef), plus outstanding opportunities for hiking in the Alpine mountain range. Accessible by train from Varenna (connecting from Bellagio by ferry).
This gorge and waterfall is located in the village of Nesso, a short ferry or bus ride south of Bellagio. The waterfall plunges into the lake, visible from an roman-era bridge. It offers a stunning a chance for a photo and a brief, interesting natural detour.
One of the "three pearls" of Lake Como's central triangle, positioned on the western side shore. Menaggio features a lovely promenade, a more spacious town center, and connections to Lake Lugano.
The runner-up largest city on Lake Como, situated on the southeastern branch. Lecco has a different feel from Como, often considered less crowded with tourists and more wild, with direct access to mountains for hiking.
Bellagio may serve as a starting point for longer explorations, combining your lake experience with other iconic Italian or Swiss destinations.
Expand your journey with these appealing regional extensions:
From Lake Como, connect easily to further Italian highlights:
Effective transport system networks connect Lario to diverse destinations:
Bellagio serves as an ideal base for broader Italian as well as Swiss adventures. From ancient municipalities to alpine escapes, your onward journey awaits.
Travel north to the Dolomites or Swiss Alps for breathtaking mountain panoramas and hiking. These regions offer a dramatic contrast to the lakeside setting.
High-speed trains from Milan connect to Florence, Rome, and Venice, cities rich in art, history, and culture. A world of experiences from Milan's hub.
The Italian language Riviera, including Portofino and Cinque Terre, has colorful coastal fishing villages and stunning sea views, reachable by train for a coastal extension.
