5 Lake Como towns everyone should visit in 2026
5 Best Lake Como Towns
5 Must-visit towns on Lake Como Italy
Lake Como is famous for its dramatic yet serene landscape. The pristine turquoise waters of the lake are surrounded by lush vegetation with the mountain peaks of the Alps as the backdrop. Dotted along its shores are numerous charming Lake Como towns and villages, each worthy of a visit. While they all share historical and cultural influences, each one has its own unique flavor. In this blog, we will provide an overview of some of the key Lake Como towns that everyone should visit.
1. Town of Como
Begin your exploration of Lake Como towns in the place that gave the famous lake its name. The town of Como was a popular destination for European aristocrats and monarchs for centuries. For example, Queen Victoria used it as a royal retreat, as well as Tsar Nicholas II of Russia! They enjoyed spending time near the serenity of Lago di Como, surrounded by mountain peaks and lush vegetation. The architectural legacy of aristocracy can still be seen as the town hosts plenty of lavish palaces and villas. The famous Villa d’Este is a prime example, as it has lured the wealthy elite and celebrities ever since it was converted into a luxury hotel in 1873. The list of famous guests who visited Lake Como and spent their holidays in Villa d’Este includes Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Alfred Hitchcock, and Kate Moss, just to name a few.
As you walk the narrow streets of the historic center of Como we suggest you visit the cathedral of Santa Maria. The cathedral is commonly known as the Duomo di Como and boasts a richly decorated facade. Inside you can see vibrantly painted frescoes and centuries-old tapestries. The town of Como is an ancient settlement and dates back to Roman times when it was known as Comum. It has been the most prominent town of this region since antiquity. If you’re interested, you can get a glimpse into its ancient past by visiting the Roman Baths. They are located a little further away from the historic center beneath a multi-level public garage. The site itself requires a ticket, but you can see a part of the baths on the ground level for free!
2. Villa Carlotta & botanical gardens of Tremezzo
Tremezzo is an incredibly charming town located on the western shores of Lake Como. As with other Lake Como towns, Tremezzo also has beautiful lakeside promenades perfect for taking walks and enjoying the sights. The most prominent feature of this charming town is the Villa Carlotta, an 18th-century mansion surrounded by a botanical garden. This terraced garden spans an area of 8 hectares (20 acres) and reaches the shores of Lake Como. The Villa Carlotta was built and initially owned by the Clerici family, local aristocrats, who made their money on silk trade during the 17th century.
Today this marvelous example of Neoclassical architecture is a museum that hosts a magnificent collection of paintings and sculpture. For example, here you will be able to admire works of Bertel Thorvaldsen and Antonio Canova, among others. Probably the most famous artwork on display is “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez, which depicts Romeo and Juliet. After appreciating the displays of the permanent exhibition, feel free to take a walk through the botanical garden. Within the garden, there are hundreds of plant species, including rhododendron, palms, orange trees, cedars, and bamboo. The botanical garden is adorned by an incredible variety of flowers that blossom in different seasons throughout the year. In case you’re wondering, the visit to the botanical garden is included in the price of the Villa Carlotta entrance ticket.
Discover Lake Como with our bestselling tour deals!
T&T Certified and selected for you!
Transportation by train
Lake Como Full Day Tour from Milan
Take a relaxing day trip from Milan to the scenic Lake Como and beyond. Cruise past movie-star homes and breathtaking landscapes, then zip by train to Lugano for Swiss vibes and the world's best chocolate. Your friendly guide will spill all the secrets of these glamorous spots, making every moment an adventure!
Customizable itinerary
Lake Como Private Tour from Milan
Capture the essence of Northern Italy on a Lake Como Private Tour From Milan. Glide across Lake Como, stroll through Bellagio, and touch the charm of Lugano in Switzerland. It's a day of picturesque views and easygoing adventure, just a ride away from Milan!
3. Lenno – where Lake Como meets Star Wars
Continuing your journey along the western shores of Lake Como, you will arrive in Lenno, which is only 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) away from Tremezzo. Situated in a lovely gulf aptly named the Gulf of Venus, this charming town features some incredible historic buildings. Your sightseeing of Lenno should definitely include the Church of St. Stefano and Baptistery of St. John, which is a prime example of Romanesque architecture and dates to the 11th century. Another landmark worthy of mentioning is the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Succor. There are some intriguing myths and legends connected with this religious site, as it was built around a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus. The statue was discovered in a cave in the 15th century by a deaf-mute shepherd girl. Today the statue is the centerpiece of the sanctuary, which you will easily find as it is prominently displayed. The interior is richly decorated by terracotta sculptures, and the walls feature Renaissance frescoes as well.
Although Lenno is less visited than some other towns on Lake Como, Italy, and the vibe is definitely more relaxed than the town of Como, there is one landmark that draws a lot of attention – Villa del Balbianello! If you’re a fan of the Star Wars franchise, Villa del Balbianello may look familiar. Often described as the most beautiful mansion on the shores of Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello features in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. You can see it in the wedding scene of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.
4. Bellagio – the pearl of Lake Como
The gorgeous town of Bellagio is situated where two branches of the lake meet. Due to its picturesque location, the Bellagio is often nicknamed the “Pearl of Lake Como”. Take a stroll through the cobble-stone narrow streets and explore the town center. On the main street Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, you will find dozens of artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants. There’s nothing better than sipping a richly flavored cup of espresso when you feel the need to slow down and relax. Among the highlights of Bellagio is the Basilica of San Giacomo, a Romanesque church almost a thousand years old. Throughout the centuries, San Giacomo was adorned with artwork and sculptures from various historical periods but managed to preserve its robust and sturdy appearance. One notable artwork is the “Deposition of Christ” painting, which is attributed to the artists of the Renaissance era Perugino school.
Villa Melzi is another highlight of this part of Lake Como. Although it is situated a bit further from the town of Bellagio, you can easily reach it on foot. Villa Melzi is a mansion built in Neoclassical style during the period of the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. Its symmetrical and rectangular shape, a monochrome façade, and monumentality make this building stand out among the tastefully decorated botanical gardens. The villa was commissioned by Francesco Melzi d’Eril, who was the vice president of the short-lived Napoleon’s Italian Republic. Today Villa Melzi is a museum that exhibits memorabilia and artwork of the Napoleonic era. The ticket you purchase also covers the entrance to the botanical garden, which is famous for its stunning azaleas and rhododendron plants. One last amazing highlight of Bellagio is the most spectacular viewpoint of the entire region – the Punta Spartivento. From this scenic lookout point, you’ll have panoramic views of both eastern shores and western shores of Lake Como! The strategic location of Bellagio makes it an ideal base for exploring Lake Como towns, as it serves as a transportation hub. A direct ferry line connects Bellagio to Menaggio, allowing you to continue exploration of the lake’s western shores.
5. Varenna & Villa Monastero
As you take a tour around the eastern shore of Lago di Como, you will arrive at the picturesque village of Varenna. Stroll through its narrow streets as well as broad pedestrian walkways right along the waterfront. Pick a seat at one of the cafes and enjoy the view of the town of Menaggio right across on the western shores of Lake Como. From here, you can also see the Punta Spartivento viewpoint, which marks the divide between two branches of the lake. Varenna is also home to two elegant villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, so make sure you include them in your sightseeing.
Villa Monastero, situated at the shores of Lake Como, has a botanical garden that sprawls for almost 2 kilometers (1.2 mi)! This opulent mansion was initially built during medieval times but has undergone multiple renovations since. The result is an architectural mix of styles with an emphasis on Renaissance and Baroque elements. Today Villa Monastero is a museum and a popular venue for wedding ceremonies. It also hosts a special yearly event focused on Valentine’s Day where couples can enjoy a romantic day in the botanical gardens.
Get ready for your Lake Como visit!
Now that you know which Lake Como towns to visit, it’s time to plan your trip! Check out our best Lake Como tours and find out everything you need to know before visiting!