Lake Como is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places to visit in Italy.
The idyllic landscape around Lake Como is beautiful in all seasons. It covers an area of 146 square kilometres and is the third largest lake in Italy after Lakes Garda and Maggiore.
Lake Como has a maximum depth of more than 400 metres and is one of the deepest lakes in Europe.
Lake Como may have a reputation for being an expensive destination – and it’s true – but it is not a prohibitive destination, as you don’t have to spend the night there. You can organize a day trip from Milan.
But what can you see in a day at Lake Como? Read the guide below.
The ultimate guide to a day trip to Lake Como
First stop: Varenna
From Milan you’ll take the train that leaves at 7:30am and heads to the village of Varenna.
Varenna is built on the eastern shores of Lake Como and the ticket from Milan costs just 7€ and the journey is about an hour. Varenna is one of the best places to visit on Lake Como.
In Varenna you can’t miss a visit to Villa Cipressi, one of the most beautiful hotels on Lake Como that is open to the public. Entrance to the beautiful gardens costs €10 (or €5 if you’re under 25) and you can stay as long as you like to stroll around and take photos.
A few metres away from Villa Cipressi is Villa Monastero, another lakeside villa with multi-level gardens decorated with statues and an elaborately decorated 1800s villa.
Entrance to both the gardens at Villa Monastero is €10 (or €5 if you’re under 25) and is definitely worth a visit.
In the garden one can admire the various types of flowers and plants that are found throughout the grounds alongside Lake Como.
Second stop: Bellagio
From Varenna you will take the boat and go to Bellagio.
Bellagio is located on the shores of Lake Como, on the edge of the peninsula that separates the two southern arms of the lake.
At Bellagio you’ll find dozens of cafes and restaurants along Lake Como to sit and enjoy the view while eating. You’ll also find plenty of tourist shops to buy your souvenirs.
Of course Bellagio is not lacking in grand villas either, but if you have to pay an entrance fee to visit some I recommend those in Varenna.
Third stop: Como
After you’ve made your way to Bellagio, you’ll take the ferry again and head to your final destination, Como.
Como is built at the southwestern end of Lake Como, at an altitude of 200 meters, on the banks of the Cozia River and is about 40 kilometers from Milan.
In Como one of the must-see attractions is the Duomo di Como, the imposing cathedral that took over three centuries to complete, with its weavings, artwork and frescoes.
And if you’re hungry from the long tour, then you should definitely eat at Passion, a little shop that makes Italy’s famous panini sandwiches.
They cost just €5 and you choose the ingredients you want. We tried several, with prosciutto, mortadella and no cold cuts and all were delicious.
Finally, in the afternoon when you want to return from Como to Milan, you will take the train for 5€ and in about half an hour you’ll be back.
