Travel guide · Italy
Lake Como: what to see and when to go
Lake Como is a deep glacial lake in the foothills of the Alps, lined with grand villas, terraced gardens and small villages. It is about an hour from Milan, and the ferries crisscrossing the water are the best way to explore it.
What to see and do on Lake Como
Bellagio
The 'pearl of the lake', on the point where its three branches meet.
Villa del Balbianello
A villa on a wooded promontory, a film set for Star Wars and Casino Royale.
Villa Carlotta
Gardens of azaleas and rhododendrons at Tremezzo, at their best in April and May.
Varenna
A quiet village of colourful houses, with the lakeside gardens of Villa Monastero.
Como and Brunate
The lakeside town and its cathedral, and the funicular up to Brunate for the view.
Best time to go
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 1 hr, 45 min | ≈ €110 · See flights |
| New York | 8 hr, 45 min | ≈ €500 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 13 hr | ≈ €600 · See flights |
| Dubai | 6 hr, 30 min | ≈ €390 · See flights |
| Singapore | 13 hr, 45 min | ≈ €620 · See flights |
| Sydney | 21 hr, 45 min | ≈ €810 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €450 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Italy
- Currency
- Euro
- Good for
- calm · nature · food · mountains
- How long to stay
- 2–4 days
- Where to stay
- Varenna or Bellagio for the heart of the lake; Como town for trains and lower prices.Find a place to stay on Lake Como
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Lake Como, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €110 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments on Lake Como (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
Links open a sample search (Fri, Dec 4 – Sun, Dec 6, 2 people): change it on each site. If you book through these links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep improving diceando. Legal notice
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like on Lake Como and when should you go?
Average highs range from 10° in January to 28° in July.
How many days do you need on Lake Como?
2 to 4 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days on Lake Como cost?
Accommodation runs at around €110 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €450 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 1 hr, 45 min.
Where should you stay on Lake Como?
Varenna or Bellagio for the heart of the lake; Como town for trains and lower prices.
