Is Lake Como Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

On By saar.decosterIn Europe, Italy

100,000 percent.

Okay, maybe I should explain that a little more.

Lake Como is honestly one of my favourite places in Italy. And I’ve been to quite a few places around the country, so I don’t say that lightly.

Yes, Lake Como is touristy. Yes, you will see plenty of people taking the exact same photos you’ve seen on Pinterest. And yes, some places can get very busy.

But is Lake Como still worth visiting? Absolutely.

I was there in September and, somehow, it rained on four out of the five days I was there.

And you know what?

It was still ridiculously beautiful.

The lake, the mountains, the little villages, the ferries, the villas… even when the weather wasn’t cooperating, I kept looking around thinking, how is this place actually real?

So if you’re wondering whether Lake Como is worth adding to your Italy itinerary, here’s my completely honest answer.

If you’re planning a bigger trip around the region, my Northern Italy Travel Guide covers the main cities, lakes and destinations I visited.

Giardini di Villa Melzi in Bellagio Lake Como

So, Is Lake Como Worth Visiting?

Yes. 100%.

Lake Como is one of those places where I understand the hype.

You know when somewhere is all over Instagram and Pinterest and then you finally visit and think, oh… that’s it?

I did not have that experience here.

If anything, I kept thinking that the photos don’t really do it justice.

The lake is huge, the mountains surrounding it are beautiful, the little villages are ridiculously pretty and there are so many different places to explore that you can easily spend several days here without getting bored.

And that’s probably one of the biggest things I didn’t realise before visiting:

Lake Como is not just one place.

It’s an entire lake surrounded by towns and villages, with different areas that all feel slightly different.

Want to know where to stay in Lake Como?

Here are 3 accommodation options I’d recommend checking out in Bellagio:

→ For more areas, tips and accommodation advice, check my full Where to Stay in Lake Como guide.

Why I Think Lake Como Is Worth Visiting

1. It Is Actually as Beautiful as You Think

Let’s start with the obvious one.

Lake Como is beautiful.

Like… stupidly beautiful.

You have mountains dropping straight into the lake, colourful little villages built into the hillsides, old villas, gardens, tiny streets and water everywhere you look.

My favourite part was honestly just moving around the lake.

You get these completely different views depending on whether you’re standing in Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio or somewhere on the western side of the lake.

And then you take a ferry and suddenly the view changes again.

It feels like you’re constantly looking at a postcard.

2. Yes, It Is Touristy, But I Still Think It’s Worth It

I’m not going to lie to you and say Lake Como is some secret hidden gem.

It isn’t.

Places like Bellagio and Varenna are popular for a reason, and during busy periods you will definitely notice the crowds.

But I don’t think being touristy automatically makes somewhere bad.

Sometimes a place is touristy because it is genuinely spectacular.

And Lake Como is one of those places for me.

I would rather visit somewhere beautiful with other tourists than skip it completely just because it has become popular on TikTok.

If you want a quieter experience, you can also get away from the busiest streets and visit smaller places around the lake.

3. It’s Surprisingly Easy to Reach From Milan

This is another huge reason I think Lake Como is worth visiting.

You can literally take a train from Milan and be at the lake in about an hour.

The direct train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino takes around 64 minutes, with tickets currently starting at around €7.40 one way.

So if you’re staying in Milan, Lake Como is an incredibly easy day trip.

And this is what I love about it: you don’t need to rent a car, figure out some complicated transport route or spend half your day travelling.

Get on the train in Milan.

Get off in Varenna.

And suddenly you’re standing next to Lake Como.

That’s pretty hard to beat.

I actually have a full guide on [how to spend one day in Lake Como from Milan] if you’re short on time.

4. The Ferries Make Exploring So Much Fun

Honestly, I think the ferries are one of the best things about Lake Como.

You can use them to move between many of the main villages around the central lake, including Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia.

And it’s not just practical transport.

The journey itself is beautiful.

You’re sitting on a boat, surrounded by mountains and tiny villages, and every time you turn around the view looks different.

It also means you can see a lot in a relatively short amount of time.

You could spend the morning in Varenna, take the ferry to Bellagio for lunch, continue towards Tremezzo in the afternoon and then head somewhere else for dinner.

Obviously, you should check the ferry timetable for your exact dates because schedules change seasonally. The official operator also warns that services can be affected by bad weather or rough water.

But when everything lines up?

It’s such a fun way to explore.

Street in Varenna, Lake Como, Italy

5. There Are So Many Different Places to See

Another thing I really like about Lake Como is that you don’t just visit once and think, okay, I’ve seen Lake Como.

There is actually a lot to explore.

If you’re wondering how much time you actually need to see the lake, I’ve broken down different trip lengths in my guide to how many days to spend in Lake Como.

Some of my favourites include:

Bellagio

The famous one.

Yes, it’s busy, but it’s also beautiful.

Walk through the little streets, explore the waterfront and visit Giardini di Villa Melzi.

And maybe accept that you’re going to take approximately 400 photos.

Varenna

A little more romantic and, in my opinion, one of the prettiest places around the lake.

Visit Villa Monastero, walk around the waterfront and stop for a drink at Bar Il Molo.

Bar Il Molo overlooking Lake Como in Varenna Italy

Tremezzo

Go here for Villa Carlotta and its beautiful gardens.

It’s also a great place to see another side of the lake rather than spending your entire trip around Bellagio.

Menaggio

A lovely town on the western side of the lake with a beautiful waterfront and a slightly different atmosphere from Bellagio and Varenna.

Nesso

Much smaller and quieter.

Come here for the famous Orrido di Nesso and Ponte della Civera. If the weather is warm, it’s also a nice place to swim.

Bellano

Another great option if you want something a little different.

The main attraction here is Orrido di Bellano, a natural gorge where the river cuts through the rocks.

Como

And then, of course, there’s Como itself.

It’s the biggest city on the lake and a convenient place to finish your trip, especially if you’re continuing your journey by train.

6. You Can Actually Swim in Lake Como

This was something I really liked.

Because Lake Como is obviously gorgeous to look at, but you’re not limited to just walking around and taking photos.

In summer, you can actually swim in the lake.

There are different swimming spots around the lake, and some towns have lidos or lakeside areas where you can get into the water.

And honestly, swimming in Lake Como with those mountains around you is a pretty good way to spend an afternoon.

Just check local conditions and signage before swimming, especially if you’re somewhere without an official swimming area.

7. There Are So Many Cute Places to Eat and Drink

Lake Como isn’t just about the views either.

There are loads of little restaurants, cafés, bars and terraces where you can sit outside and enjoy the lake.

One of my favourite things to do was honestly just find somewhere with a view, order a drink and sit there for a while.

Bar Il Molo in Varenna is a good example.

It’s right on the water, so yes, it’s popular and can get busy. But sometimes the touristy place really does have the best view.

And that’s kind of my approach to Lake Como in general:

I’m not going to pretend the popular places don’t exist just to sound like a cooler travel blogger.

If something is beautiful and I enjoy it, I’ll tell you.

But Is Lake Como Overrated?

I don’t think so.

I think Lake Como is over-photographed, but not overrated.

There’s a difference.

You’ve probably already seen Bellagio approximately 5,000 times on your Instagram feed before you arrive.

But then you actually stand there.

And you’re like:

Oh. Okay. I get it now.

The photos aren’t necessarily exaggerating it.

If anything, they can’t capture how nice it feels to actually be surrounded by the lake and mountains.

What About the Rain?

This is actually one of the reasons I feel quite strongly about Lake Como.

I was there for five days in September.

It rained for four of them.

Four.

Out of five.

And I still absolutely loved it.

Obviously, I would have preferred five sunny days and a golden sunset every evening.

But even with grey skies and rain, Lake Como was beautiful.

In some ways, the clouds actually made the mountains look even more dramatic.

So if you’re travelling outside peak summer and the forecast isn’t perfect, I wouldn’t automatically cancel your Lake Como plans.

Of course, weather can affect ferry services and some activities, so always check conditions and the current ferry schedule.

But don’t assume that Lake Como is only worth visiting when the sun is shining.

Is Lake Como Expensive?

It definitely can be.

This is not the cheapest destination in Italy, especially if you’re staying in the most popular villages and booking lake-view accommodation during high season.

But I don’t think you need to spend crazy amounts of money to enjoy it.

One of the things I liked most was that some of the best experiences are actually quite simple:

  • Walking through the villages
  • Taking the ferry
  • Swimming in the lake
  • Sitting by the water
  • Exploring the gardens
  • Getting a coffee or aperitivo
  • Taking the train from Milan

So yes, you can absolutely spend a lot of money here.

But you don’t have to.

Is Lake Como Worth Visiting as a Day Trip?

Yes.

If you’re staying in Milan and don’t have enough time for an overnight stay, I would still go.

The direct Milan–Varenna train takes around an hour and currently starts at about €7.40 one way, which makes it one of the easiest ways to get to Lake Como without a car.

For one day, I’d do:

Milan → Varenna → Bellagio → Tremezzo → Milan

You’ll have a busy day, but you can see several beautiful places.

If you have more time, though, stay longer.

Lake Como is not tiny, and I think giving yourself several days makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.

I actually have a full guide on how to spend one day in Lake Como from Milan if you’re short on time.

How Many Days Do You Need in Lake Como?

I would say:

1 day: Great for a taste of Lake Como
2 days: Good for the main highlights
3 days: Enough for a really nice first trip
4 days: My sweet spot
5+ days: Perfect if you want to slow down

If you want to know exactly how I’d plan it, I have a full 1 to 5 day Lake Como itinerary with different options depending on how much time you have.

Where Should You Stay in Lake Como?

Personally, I would stay in Bellagio if you’re spending several days around the lake.

It’s right in the middle of the lake and works really well as a base because you can use the ferries to explore different towns without constantly packing your bags and changing hotels.

You can also stay in Como, especially if you’re arriving or leaving by train.

But if your main goal is exploring Lake Como, I’d personally choose Bellagio.

I wrote a full guide on where to stay in Lake Como if you want my accommodation recommendations.

So, Is Lake Como Worth Visiting?

100,000 percent yes.

Yes, it’s touristy.

Yes, Bellagio gets busy.

Yes, some accommodation and restaurants can be expensive.

And yes, you might arrive and realise that half of Instagram has apparently had the exact same idea.

I still don’t care.

Because Lake Como is one of my favourite places in Italy.

It’s ridiculously beautiful, it’s surprisingly easy to reach from Milan, the ferries make getting around genuinely fun, there are so many villages and places to explore, you can swim in the lake, eat good food, sit by the water and just… breathe.

And after spending five days there with rain on four of them, I can still say that I absolutely loved it.

So if you’re wondering whether you should add Lake Como to your Italy itinerary?

Just go.

Bring a rain jacket just in case.

And maybe leave some space on your phone.

You’re going to take a lot of photos.

Planning Your Trip to Italy?

Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.

That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.

→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides

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START BY AREA

→ Northern Italy Travel guide
→ Rome Travel guide
→ Sicily Travel guide

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FAQ

Is Lake Como worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. Lake Como is one of my favourite places in Italy. It is touristy and can be expensive, but the beautiful scenery, charming villages, ferries, villas, swimming spots and relaxed atmosphere make it completely worth visiting.

Is Lake Como too touristy?

Lake Como is definitely touristy, especially in popular places like Bellagio and Varenna. However, I don’t think that makes it overrated. You can escape some of the crowds by visiting smaller towns and villages around the lake, especially if you stay for several days.

How many days do you need in Lake Como?

I recommend four days as the sweet spot for Lake Como. This gives you enough time to visit places such as Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Menaggio, Bellano, Nesso and Como without having to rush everywhere. One or two days can work if you’re short on time, while five days gives you more time to relax.

Can you visit Lake Como as a day trip from Milan?

Yes. Lake Como is one of the easiest day trips from Milan. A direct train from Milano Centrale to Varenna takes around an hour, after which you can use the ferries to explore other parts of the lake.

How much does it cost to get from Milan to Lake Como?

A train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino can cost around €7–8 one way, depending on the ticket and current fares. This makes Lake Como a relatively easy and affordable day trip from Milan.

Can you explore Lake Como without a car?

Yes. You don’t need a car to explore Lake Como. Trains can get you to places such as Varenna and Bellano, while ferries connect many of the main villages around the central lake. I personally prefer exploring Lake Como this way because taking the ferry is part of the experience.

Is Bellagio worth visiting?

Yes. Bellagio is one of the most famous villages on Lake Como and is definitely worth visiting despite being busy. Explore the historic streets, walk along the lake and visit the beautiful Giardini di Villa Melzi.

Can you swim in Lake Como?

Yes, you can swim in Lake Como, and swimming can be a great way to spend a warm summer afternoon. There are different swimming areas around the lake, including lidos and more informal spots. Always check local signage and conditions before getting into the water.

Is Lake Como worth visiting if it rains?

Yes! I visited Lake Como for five days in September and it rained during four of them, but I still thought it was incredibly beautiful. The weather can affect outdoor activities and ferry services, but I wouldn’t cancel a Lake Como trip simply because the forecast isn’t completely sunny.

Is Lake Como expensive?

Lake Como can be expensive, especially in popular villages and during high season. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Walking around the villages, taking ferries, swimming and enjoying the views are some of the best things to do and don’t require expensive activities.

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