Top 10 Towns on Lake Como
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Lake Como is one of Italy’s most famous lakes, known for its dramatic Alpine setting, deep blue waters and picturesque waterfront towns. Its Y-shape creates three distinct branches, each lined with villages, scenic roads and elegant villas.
Bellagio and Como tend to draw the most attention, but there are plenty of lesser-known towns that are just as beautiful — and often more relaxing. Some have quiet harbours, others have mountain trails, while many are ideal for boat trips. This guide picks out ten of the best towns around the lake — perfect for planning a visit or choosing where to stay. |
Lake Como, Lombardy
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Varenna
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Varenna sits on the eastern shore of Lake Como and is often described as the most beautiful town on the lake. With steep lanes, colourful houses and a peaceful harbour, it has a quiet charm that sets it apart from the busier towns nearby.
A lakeside walkway links the ferry terminal with the heart of the town, passing waterfront cafés and stone buildings. Villa Monastero, with its formal gardens and lake views, is one of the main sights, alongside a small castle above the village. Varenna also has a train station with direct connections to Milan, making it an easy and scenic place to visit or stay. |
Varenna, Lake Como
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Como
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Como is the largest town on the lake and the main entry point for most visitors arriving from Milan. It has a walkable old town with historic buildings, a cathedral, covered arcades and a lively waterfront lined with cafés and shops.
The lakeside promenade runs from the harbour to the Tempio Voltiano and the green spaces around Villa Olmo. One of the best views in the area comes from the funicular railway, which climbs the hillside to the village of Brunate. With its train connections, ferry port and wide range of services, Como is a practical and interesting base for exploring the lake. |
Como, Lake Como
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Bellagio
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Bellagio sits at the tip of the promontory where the lake splits into three branches, giving it panoramic views in every direction. It’s one of the most visited towns on Lake Como, with narrow lanes, elegant hotels and grand lakefront villas.
The centre of Bellagio is full of shops, restaurants and stepped alleyways that lead up from the harbour. From there, you can visit Villa Melzi’s gardens or take boat trips across the lake to nearby towns. Although it’s popular and often busy, Bellagio’s setting and historic charm make it a highlight of any Lake Como itinerary. |
Bellagio, Lake Como
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Menaggio
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Menaggio is located directly opposite Varenna and Bellagio, forming the third point of the central lake triangle.
It has a more spacious feel than its neighbours, with a long waterfront promenade, a pleasant town square and plenty of lake-facing cafés. The town is a good choice for those wanting a base with easy access to other destinations. Ferries connect regularly to Bellagio and Varenna, and buses run north and south along the lakeside. Menaggio also offers walking trails, lakeside parks and a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the larger resort towns. |
Menaggio, Lake Como
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Tremezzo
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Tremezzo is known for its grand villas and elegant lakefront, located just south of Menaggio on the western shore. Its most famous landmark is Villa Carlotta, a neoclassical villa with botanical gardens and impressive lake views.
The town itself stretches along the water with a mix of hotels, cafés and access points for boat trips. The lakeside path links Tremezzo with nearby Cadenabbia, offering beautiful views across to Bellagio and Varenna. Tremezzo is a popular place to stay for those wanting classic Lake Como scenery and easy access to the central ferry routes. |
Tremezzo, Lake Como
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Lenno
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Lenno is a peaceful lakeside town on the western shore of Lake Como, just south of Tremezzo. It faces a small bay known as the Gulf of Venus, with a tree-lined promenade and a relaxed waterfront ideal for strolling or swimming.
Its main attraction is Villa del Balbianello, one of the most photographed villas in Italy. The villa sits on a wooded peninsula and can be reached by footpath or boat. It’s been used in several films and is a popular spot for weddings and tours. Lenno also has a weekly market, cafés by the harbour, and regular ferry connections — making it a quiet but well-connected base. |
Villa del Balbianello, Lenno
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Argegno
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Argegno is a compact town on the western shore, located between Como and the central lake. Built along a narrow stretch of shoreline, it has a small harbour, stone houses and a pretty main square with cafés beside the water.
One of Argegno’s most distinctive features is the cable car that climbs up to Pigra, a small village with views over the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s a great starting point for hikes or a short scenic trip. Argegno also has ferry access and road links to both the southern and central parts of the lake, making it easy to explore further. |
Argegno, Lake Como
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Cernobbio
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Cernobbio lies just a few kilometres north of the city of Como and is one of the most elegant towns on the lake. It’s known for its historic villas, stylish hotels and quiet lakeside promenade lined with restaurants and trees.
The town’s most famous landmark is Villa d’Este, a grand 16th-century villa that now operates as a luxury hotel. The public ferry stops at the town’s small harbour, and Como is just a short drive or walk away along the lakefront. Cernobbio is a good option for short stays, day trips from Como, or anyone looking for a refined and accessible place to visit. |
Cernobbio, Lake Como
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Bellano
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Bellano is a lesser-known town on the eastern shore of Lake Como, just north of Varenna. It has a small harbour, a pleasant promenade and a more authentic, lived-in feel compared to some of the busier towns.
One of its most interesting features is the Orrido di Bellano — a deep natural gorge with walkways and dramatic waterfalls cutting through the rock. The old town centre also has several churches, narrow lanes and lake views. Bellano has a train station and ferry stop, making it easy to reach while offering a quieter alternative to its famous neighbour. |
Bellano, Lake Como
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Colico
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Colico sits at the northern tip of Lake Como and has a different feel from the towns further south. It’s more open and spacious, with a large harbour, a long waterfront promenade and a wide beach area that’s popular for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
The town is backed by mountains and offers access to walking and cycling routes, including paths around nearby Monte Legnone. There are also two historic forts nearby: Forte Montecchio and Forte di Fuentes. Colico is well connected by train and road and works well as a base for outdoor activities or a longer, more relaxed stay. |
Colico, Lake Como
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If you're planning a trip to Lake Como and trying to decide where to go, these ten towns are a great place to start. Each has something different to offer, whether you're looking for views, atmosphere, history or lakeside walks.
You can find full guides to every town listed here on Italy Review, along with hotel suggestions, restaurant picks and travel advice to help you plan the perfect visit.
👉 Explore Lake Como on Italy Review
You can find full guides to every town listed here on Italy Review, along with hotel suggestions, restaurant picks and travel advice to help you plan the perfect visit.
👉 Explore Lake Como on Italy Review
