Lake Como is one of the most beautiful destinations in Northern Italy. In fact, there you will find the nature of the woods, the colors of the towns, and the atmosphere surrounding lakeside villages. The towns are unique, some are among the most beautiful ones on the Italian peninsula.

The main town is obviously Como, which also gives the name to the lake. There are also other towns, such as Lecco, Bellagio, Varenna, and Cernobbio, which are equally beautiful.

In this article, you will find a guide on what to see in Lake Como, the best destinations, and the best things to do.

Como: the main center

The biggest center is surely Como, which also gives the lake its name. The city hosts many historical attractions as well, which highlight its central role in the area over the years.

Duomo is surely one of the main monuments in the city, a peculiar architecture that mixes Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The central door is also very peculiar, as it is flanked by two aedicules, which are dedicated to Pliny the Younger and Pliny the Elder.

Another important attraction in Como is Broletto Palace, also known as the Palace of Reason. In the past, it was the place where all the city assemblies were held. It is right next to the Duomo, and it includes a body with two levels, ending with a tower.

The Volta Temple (Tempio Voltiano in Italian) is another important architecture in Como. It is dedicated to Alessandro Volta, who was born in Como. It is a neoclassical building, which is inspired by the Pantheon and has the function of a temple that stores the invention and the research of the scientist.

Lastly, it is also worth mentioning Villa Olmo, in a neoclassical style, and it represents one of the most important villas in Lake Como. Since 1982, it hosts Centro Volta, which organizes international events and celebrations.

Lecco: the most picturesque side

On the other side of the lake, there is Lecco, which is a little gem in Lombardy. The fame of the city is linked to "The Betrothed", the novel by Alessandro Manzoni, which is considered one of the most important literary works of Italian Romanticism. The landscape of the city is surely one of the best in the area, and walking along the lake will be a unique experience.

In Lecco, many places point to Manzoni's novel: the area of Acquate and Olate, Pescarenico, and the church of Don Abbondio. There is also a monument dedicated to the author, in the homonym square.

Lastly, there is Ponte Azzone Visconti, one of the symbols of the city that was built to link Lecco to the Duchy of Milan. Nowadays, it is still the main entryway to the city for those coming from Milan or Como.

Bellagio

The Pearl of Lake Como is surely Bellagio, a city that is located between the two branches of the lake. The city is a famous tourist destination, where many celebrities have bought their own villa, like George Clooney. Every corner of Bellagio is honed to perfection, from the gardens to the beautiful villas facing the lake.

Villa Serbelloni is one of the symbols of Bellagio, as it hosts a luxury hotel. Tourists can visit only the park and the Italian garden.

The other is Villa Melzi, which hosts a small archaeological museum, where many artifacts have been found. Its garden hides beautiful Egyptian statues and even a Venetian gondola.

Menaggio

In the province of Como, there is Menaggio, a small town that is no bigger than 3000 inhabitants, but one of the most beautiful. It offers wonderful views of Lake Como, and it has been named "terrace on the lake" for this reason. In Menaggio, you will find "La Crocetta", an amazing panoramic point from which you can admire the whole lake from above.

The historical center of Menaggio is also a popular attraction, as it hosts many churches and squares. Furthermore, the town is also the starting point of many excursions, especially among the surrounding nature.

Cernobbio

Another town worth visiting in Lake Como is Cernobbio, which is famous for its historical center and beautiful and prestigious villas.

Villa Erba is the ancient residence of Luchino Visconti, a XIX-century villa, which nowadays hosts mainly events.

The crown jewel is surely Villa d'Este, a XVI-century residence that nowadays hosts a luxury hotel. The Hotel Villa d'Este hosts many international banquets and congresses, which involve Ministers, heads of State, and important figures.

Cernobbio is another important destination for nature. In fact, near the town, there is Via dei Monti Lariani, which is particularly appreciated by trekking lovers.

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Isola Comacina

In Lake Como, there is also a small island called Isola Comacina, which can be reached by taxi boat from Ossuccio. On this island, you will find history, art, and nature, between the ruins of a fortification and churches. In the past, it was given to the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in order to support artists living there.

Varenna

A little village in the province of Lecco, Varenna is one of the most beautiful towns in Lombardy. It was born as a small fishing village, which went through a flourishing period thanks to Sforza and Visconti families.

In Varenna, you should absolutely visit the main square, which is dominated by the beautiful Church of San Giorgio, the central part of the town. Furthermore, there is also the Church of San Giovanni Battista, which dates back to the XI century and it's one of the oldest in the area.

Walk of lovers

In Varenna, you will also find the walk of lovers. A bridge that follows the lakefront, surrounded by villas and climbing plants, stretches to the town center. During the walk, you can come across the Castle of Vezio, which is located on a rock.

Como Brunate Funicular railway

The Como Brunate Funicular railway links Como with Brunate, and it was inaugurated in 1894. It offers a beautiful view of Lake Como. The journey lasts less than 10 minutes until Brunate, which is 720mt high. A calm journey that will help you enjoy the view.

Brunate is famous for being balcony on the lake, with its beautiful liberty-style villas.

Tremezzina

Tremezzina is a town in the province of Como, where, especially in the XVIII century, aristocratic tourism developed. It is a town rich in history, culture, and art.

In Tremezzina, you will also find Villa Carlotta, an important neoclassical residence that faces the lake. Its position offers a beautiful view of Bellagio, which is located on the opposite side of the Lake. Villa Carlotta's gardens are particularly important, as they are part of Grandi Giardini Italiani.

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November 20th, 2022