Top Lake Como Towns to Explore

Lake Como offers a string of villages each with its own character. Below is a short list of the towns that most travelers enjoy, and a note on who each place suits best.

Table of Contents

• 1. Villino Rubini (Our Top Pick)
• 2. Bellagio - Romantic lakeside village with garden villas
• 3. Varenna - Picturesque fishing village and Villa Monastero
• 4. Tremezzo - Garden town home to Villa Carlotta
• 5. Lenno - Secluded spot famous for Villa del Balbianello
• 6. Menaggio - Lively town with lakeside promenade
• 7. Nesso - Hidden-gem village with Orrido waterfall
• 8. Cernobbio - Upscale town near Villa d’Este
• 9. Bellano - Small town with dramatic Orrido gorge
• 10. Lecco - Northern gateway with mountain backdrop
• Comparison of Lake Como towns

1. Villino Rubini (Our Top Pick)

Villino Rubini is a private Art Nouveau estate built in 1892 and set within four acres of beech forest in Brunate, the hillside village above Lake Como. The estate has ten rooms across three buildings and can host up to nineteen guests. It includes a heated pool, spa, sauna, gym and a studio, all surrounded by original period details.

It is best for affluent families, large friend groups or small corporate retreats that want privacy and space. The private shuttle to the historic Como-Brunate funicular makes day trips to Como easy, and the on-site garden can seat up to one hundred guests for outdoor dinner under a tent.

Because the villa does not offer lake-front rooms, guests who seek a view of the water should plan to visit the lake towns separately. For more details about the estate, see the Villino Rubini estate page.

2. Bellagio - Romantic lakeside village with garden villas

Bellagio sits at the point where Lake Como splits into three branches, giving it easy ferry connections to most other towns. The village feels like a quiet retreat with narrow cobblestone lanes, boutique shops and several garden-side villas.

It is ideal for couples or travelers who enjoy strolling through historic streets and visiting the gardens of Villa Melzi. The ferry is the primary way to reach Bellagio, as noted by travel guides that list the town’s transport option as a ferry source.

Visitors should be aware that the village can become busy in summer, but the narrow streets keep the atmosphere intimate.

3. Varenna - Picturesque fishing village and Villa Monastero

Varenna lies on the eastern shore and is known for its colorful houses that climb the hillside. The town’s most famous attraction is Villa Monastero, a former monastery turned museum with extensive botanical gardens.

It is perfect for photographers and nature lovers who enjoy garden walks and lake views. The primary transport to Varenna is a ferry, which runs frequently from Como, Bellagio and Menaggio source.

A small limitation is the steep climb to the historic center, which can be challenging for visitors with limited mobility.

4. Tremezzo - Garden town home to Villa Carlotta

Tremezzo forms part of the Tremezzina commune and is famed for Villa Carlotta, a neoclassical villa surrounded by botanical gardens. The town offers a relaxed lakeside promenade and several boutique hotels.

It suits art-focused travelers who want to explore the villa’s art collection and gardens. Ferry service connects Tremezzo to Bellagio, Menaggio and other central lake towns source.

One drawback is that parking can be limited during peak season, so arriving by ferry is often easier.

5. Lenno - Secluded spot famous for Villa del Balbianello

Lenno sits on a small bay and is best known for Villa del Balbianello, a historic villa with terraced gardens that frequently serves as a wedding venue. The venue can accommodate up to forty guests for a ceremony under its loggia.

It is the top recommendation for couples planning a wedding on Lake Como, as highlighted by wedding specialists source.

Because the villa is reached by a short walk from the waterfront, visitors with mobility issues should allow extra time.

6. Menaggio - Lively town with lakeside promenade

Menaggio lies on the western shore and offers a spacious lakeside promenade, a historic piazza and easy ferry links to Varenna and Bellagio. The town is family-friendly, with playgrounds and green spaces nearby.

It is great for families who want a central base with good transport options. The primary transport for Menaggio is also a ferry source.

Travelers should note that the town’s main square can become crowded during peak holiday periods.

7. Nesso - Hidden-gem village with Orrido waterfall

Nesso is a quiet village famous for the Orrido di Nesso, a dramatic gorge and waterfall that drops directly into the lake. The historic stone bridge and narrow alleys give the town an authentic feel.

It is ideal for hikers and those who prefer a quieter atmosphere away from the main tourist hubs. Ferries stop at Nesso, providing connections to Como and Bellagio source.

The steep stairways around the gorge may be difficult for some visitors.

8. Cernobbio - Upscale town near Villa d’Este

Cernobbio lies just north of Como and is known for its elegant boutiques and proximity to the famous Villa d’Este hotel. The town has a pleasant promenade and several high-end restaurants.

It works well for travelers who enjoy upscale dining and easy access to Como’s train station. The main transport option is a scheduled service that runs along the western lakeshore.

Because the town is popular with day-trippers, it can feel busy during midday.

9. Bellano - Small town with dramatic Orrido gorge

Bellano is a small settlement on the eastern branch of the lake, noted for the Orrido di Bellano, a rocky gorge cut by the river. The town has a modest harbor and a few traditional cafés.

It appeals to visitors who like off-the-beaten-path scenery and short hiking routes. Train service from Milan reaches Bellano in about an hour, and a ferry also links the town to nearby villages.

Parking can be limited, so using alternative transport is recommended.

10. Lecco - Northern gateway with mountain backdrop

Lecco sits at the southeastern tip of the lake, backed by the Alpine peaks of the Orobie range. The town’s historic center includes the Basilica of San Nicolò and the medieval Torre Viscontea.

It is a good base for mountain hikers and for visitors interested in Alessandro Manzoni’s novel "The Betrothed". Train connections run frequently from Milan to Lecco, and a seasonal ferry links Lecco to Bellagio source.

While the town has a lively waterfront, the ferry route to Bellagio does not operate in winter, so check the schedule in advance.

Comparison of Lake Como towns

Below is a quick overview that matches each town to its strongest appeal and its main transport link.

Key Takeaway: Ferry towns excel for day trips, while Brunate offers a private estate experience.

What is the best way to travel between the towns?

The fastest and most scenic option is the ferry service, which connects most of the central towns every 20-30 minutes during the high season.

Which town is most family-friendly?

Both Como and Menaggio are marked as good for families, with playgrounds and easy ferry links.

Where should I plan a wedding ceremony?

Lenno stands out because Villa del Balbianello is highlighted as a wedding venue in multiple sources.

Is there any town that lacks regular ferry service?

Lecco’s ferry to Bellagio runs only from late March to early November; travelers should verify the schedule before planning.

Can I stay in a private estate instead of a hotel?

Villino Rubini provides ten rooms across three historic buildings, a heated pool and private garden, making it a distinct alternative to conventional hotels.

Pro Tip: Consider a multi-town travel pass if you plan to hop between three or more towns; it can save both time and money.

For a deeper look at how to design a custom itinerary for Lake Como, on arranging multi-town trips.

We recommend starting your Lake Como adventure with Villino Rubini for a private, historic base, then using the ferry network to explore the surrounding towns at your own pace.