Lake Como Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Lake Como

Planning a Lake Como 3-day itinerary, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place! In this article you will find everything you need to know to spend three incredible days in Lake Como!

Including how to get around the lake, where to stay, what to pack, the most beautiful places to visit and all the nitty gritty details to make sure your Lake Como trip is as smooth as possible.

Nestled at the foot of the Alps in Northern Italy, Lake Como (or Lago di Como in Italian) is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and for good reason.

With its sweeping views, cute lakeside towns, beautiful villas and stunning nature, there’s no other place quite like it.

I have to admit that, despite growing up in Milan, I only visited Lake Como for the first time very recently.

I made up for lost time though, and thoroughly explored the main sights of Lake Como, as well as the smaller villages and the stunning hiking trails.

In this Lake Como itinerary I have captured all of my knowledge, both as a local and a tourist, and want to share it with you.

So what are you waiting for, want to know what to do in Lake Como for 3 days? Read on for my ultimate itinerary!

Logistical tips for your Lake Como itinerary

Before we dive into my step-by-step Lake Como itinerary and the best things to do there, I wanted to go over some logistical tips.

These are the details you might otherwise forget to think about, but which are actually pretty important to ensure a smooth trip.

How many days in Lake Como?

Well, it depends! The amount of days you want to spend in Lake Como totally depends on the kind of holiday you want.

If your Italy itinerary is already packed with visits to the main cities, like Milan, Rome and Florence, then you might be better off visiting Lake Como on a day trip. 

While it might not be enough to see the whole lake, I would say a day trip is enough to whizz through the main towns, see the highlights and get a feel for the unique vibe of this charming Italian lake.

If you have longer, then you could equally easily spend a week (or more!) in the Lake Como area, travelling all over the Y shaped lake, discovering small villages and soaking up the beautiful atmosphere of this part of Italy.

In my opinion, to see it properly, the bare minimum amount of time for a good Lake Como itinerary is three days, or a long weekend.

That’s enough time to see the main towns, discover the main attractions, visit some of the historic villas – and, of course, take your time while doing it all, relaxing and lapping up the dolce vita vibes!

How to get around Lake Como

The best way to get around Lake Como is by ferry.

All the main towns are connected by a reliable ferry service, which is cheap and convenient – and a good way to enjoy all those beautiful lake views while going from one town to another.

The ferries are easily the most popular and cheapest way to get around the lake. The services are regular, and particularly frequent during peak tourist season (i.e. summer in Italy). 

They’re also very scenic, allowing you to enjoy some pretty beautiful views over the towns and green hills from the lake.

Unless you’re planning on staying for longer than a week, and want to explore beyond the main towns (eg. for hikes), or want to go to spots that aren’t on the ferry or public transport system, then I’d say don’t go by car. 

Parking and traffic during the high season is horrendous. If you only have three days in Lake Como, you don’t want to waste them sat in your car looking for parking. 

I would recommend travelling to Como by train from Milano Centrale train station, and then from there exploring Lake Como by ferry.

Both train tickets and ferry tickets are very affordable, which makes this both the cheapest and easiest way to explore Lake Como.

Where to stay for this Lake Como 3-day itinerary

The best place to stay in Lake Como ultimately depends on your travel style. Each town in Lake Como has its distinctive vibe, and is best suited for different types of travellers.

For example Como is a bigger town, with a more buzzing nightlife for young travellers, whilst Bellagio, with its iconic Lake Como sights, is the typical luxury stay for couples.

If you have a car, you could also venture out of the main tourist towns and stay in more local and off the beaten track towns.

For example, on my last Lake Como trip, I stayed at Essentia Guest House, a lovely guest house in Faggetto Lario, an unknown town on the shores of Lake Como.

Essentia Guest House has stunning views over Lake Como, a friendly host, a huge outdoors area and even a hot tub where you can sit, relax and enjoy the views.

Click here to see prices and availability at Essentia Guest House!

If you don’t plan on having a car, and want to stay in the main towns of Lake Como, I have listed below some options for all budgets in different towns.

In Como

Budget: Spazio 77 – By House Of Travellers – This budget-friendly option is a great place to stay for groups of friends or families. It’s right in the town centre of Como with bars, restaurants, and public transport in easy walking distance. 

Click here to see prices and availability at Spazio 77 in Como!

Mid-range: The Kitchen Gallery – This is the perfect place for a couple or a solo traveler who wants to unwind during their trip. Amenities include a well-equipped kitchen, comfy lounge, and a romantic balcony. 

Check out prices and availability at The Kitchen Gallery in Como here!

Luxury: Sweet Cannoli – If you want to treat yourself, this central Como apartment is the place to do so. Located in the historic city centre, the property has been designed with the utmost style.

Click here to book your stay at Sweet Cannoli in Como!

In Bellagio

Budget: Bellagio Holiday Home – Bellagio doesn’t have to break the bank! This vacation apartment is the ideal place to stay in Lake Como if you’re looking for a budget friendly option.

Check out the prices and availability at Bellagio Holiday Home here!

Mid-range: Hotel Florence – Sit back and relax in style at this beautiful Bellagio hotel. Located steps from the shores of Lake Como, the ferry dock for transport around the lake is merely moments away.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Florence in Bellagio!

Luxury – Fade into You: If your Italy trip budget allows for it, go for this stunning high-end villa! Perched on a hill above the lake, the house is surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and has its own private pool.

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Fade into You here!

What to pack for three days in Lake Como

Beyond your usual travel essentials and whatever is already on your Italy packing list, you don’t really need anything terribly spefici for three days in Lake Como. That said, here are a few things you shouldn’t forget!

Camera – Given how beautiful Lake Como is, you want to make sure you capture it in all its beauty!

Reusable water bottle – There are water fountains in all the main towns in Lake Como, so you can easily refill your water bottle throughout the day. Even if you’re visiting Italy at Christmas time, or just generally in winter, it’s important to stay hydrated!

Walking shoes – You will end up walking a lot, so make sure you have comfortable shoes!

Do you need travel insurance for three days in Lake Como?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your Italy travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Lake Como itinerary: Day 1

So, here’s the start of my Lake Como 3-day itinerary. Of course, the exact order of the activities I’ve listed below totally depends on where you’re staying in Lake Como.

To maximise your travel times and to make sure you don’t waste time going back and forth, you should adapt this Lake Como itinerary to suit your travel arrangements.

To give you a general idea, I’d say it’s possible to see one or two towns per day, so the itinerary below is really more of an indication of what you can do in a day, rather than the order you should do it in.

Feel free to adapt it as you wish!

Arrive in Como by train

Many people’s first entrance to the Como area is by train into Como San Giovanni train station. This small station gets surprisingly busy, welcoming around 1.5 million passengers a year.

It’s connected to the centre of Como and other towns around the lake via a bus station and several different bus routes. 

Discover the city of Como

This is probably the best time to start looking around Como. Situated a stone’s throw from the Italian-Swiss border, the town of Como is on the southwest shores of the lake.

Although this isn’t the most beautiful town in Lake Como, there are still a handful of sights to see here that you can spend a few hours discovering.

Some of the main sights that you can discover in Como include the Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral – built in 1396 on the site of an older Romanesque church, and the often bustling Piazza Cavour, set along the water’s edge.

There’s also Villa Olmo (1797), which has housed a long list of notable figures from Napoleon to Garibaldi and Franz Ferdinand, or Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to electricity pioneer Alessandro Volta.

 

Take the Como-Brunate funicular

After seeing all those sights, it’s time to head up to the neighbouring village of Brunate.

The funicular is an attraction in itself; opening in 1894, the Como-Brunate funicular has been a tourist draw for more than a century.

It had a makeover in 2011, with new air-conditioned cars and more space for passengers.

After soaking in views as you go up, you get to see yet more views from the “balcony” of Brunate. There’s a lovely relaxed atmosphere up here; I’d recommend sitting for a coffee or lunch with a view.

Back down to Como & take a ferry to Bellagio

Your next step is heading back down to Como on the funicular and taking a ferry to Bellagio. There’s a couple of options for boats.

The hydrofoil (the fast boat) takes around an hour, which is probably better if you’re pressed for time; the slower boat takes 2-3 hours.

Discover Bellagio

The town of Bellagio is a charmer. Simply wandering around the narrow streets of this cute town feels like a dream.

Situated on a promontory of land between the “Y” of the lake, it’s well known for its luxurious villas and elegant architecture.

One of the main sights here is the Punta Spartivento, the exact spot where the three branches of Lake Como meet. It’s an attractive part of town with lawns, benches and beautiful views.

A short walk away there’s also the Basilica di San Giacomo, an 11th century structure with a Romanesque-Lombard design; the interior hosts artwork from across the centuries.

Elsewhere there’s the stunning Giardini di Villa Melzi, built between 1808 and 1815, and famed for its lakeside landscapes.

Lake Como itinerary: Day 2

It’s the second day of your long weekend in Lake Como. And what better way to enjoy a relaxing day than jetting around the glistening waters of the beautiful lake itself by boat!

There are a number of different Lake Como boat tours you can take, but here’s what I recommend…

Start the day with a boat tour around the lake

A boat tour such as this two-hour jaunt around the lake will give you a great insight into the highlights of this sumptuous region.

On this tour, you’ll be able to see some of the most famous villas and other attractions that dot the lake.

The tour leaves from Como, so it’s a plus if you’re staying in this main town. It’s a private tour, and there’s enough room for five people to enjoy the trip.

There’ll be a captain on board to cruise you around, who’ll also act as your guide and tell you interesting information and anecdotes to help you learn about the region.

In the summer months you can even stop for a refreshing dip in the waters of the lake. Nothing better on a hot day!

Click here to book your private boat tour in Lake Como!

Or check out prices & availability below!

 

Ferry to Villa Carlotta & Villa del Balbianello

After the above tour, which loops you back to Como, you can then embark on your very own independent ferry tour. First of all, you’ll take the ferry around 15 minutes from Como to Villa Carlotta.

The approach to this grand building from the water is the best way to see it.

This villa was originally built for the wealthy Clerici family in 1745, and has passed through the hands of various aristocratic families through the ages.

Situated on the shores of the lake, the beautiful garden here is terraced and dotted with fountains and sculptures.

Villa Carlotta also hosts an art museum in its walls. The entrance fee for the villa and gardens is €12 for adults. From here, you can catch the ferry to Villa del Balbianello – another elegant Lake Como abode.

Built at the end of the 18th century, on the grounds of an earlier 13th-century Franciscan monastery, it’s been in a number of films including Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.

It costs €22 for entrance to the villa and gardens (€11 for just the gardens).

Discover Menaggio

Feel like some time at the beach? Then spend your late afternoon lounging around on the beach at Menaggio; Spiaggia Lerai. It’s great for a swim to cool down and enjoy some lake views.

There’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular beaches near Milan!

Menaggio itself is a charming little town, surrounded by mountains on the west shores of the lake, and definitely worth a wander. It can be reached via water taxi, or by bus from Villa Carlotta.

 

Lake Como itinerary: Day 3

It’s the final day of your Lake Como itinerary, and a good time to explore further afield and tick off some lesser-visited attractions.

Ferry to Varenna

The ferry to Varenna from Como takes about an hour and costs just a few euros per person. The town of Varenna was founded by local fishermen, and dates back to around 769.

Historically, it has been a rival with Como, which attacked and destroyed Varenna in 1126. 

Today, though, it’s another beautiful town on the shores of this sparkling lake – and you can spend time wandering around its pretty streets and taking in some of its must-see sights.

A good place to start is Lover’s Walk. This lakeside promenade begins at Varenna Pier and runs for a few hundred metres over the water’s edge itself.

It’s perfect for soaking up views across the lake and the surrounding mountains. Here you can stroll under cypress trees and enjoy vistas of colourful houses along the lake shore.

The main square, Piazza San Giorgio, is overlooked by the Chiesa San Giorgio.

This sun-soaked spot is the ideal place to sit for a while and soak up the ambience of the town, people-watching and having a coffee or a refreshing drink.

There’s also Villa Monastero. Set in the south of the village, this gorgeous villa is known for its botanical gardens and boasts eight centuries of history.

It was first constructed in the 12th century as a convent, but was renovated in the late 19th century and donated to the public by its aristocratic owners in 1936.

It features beautiful gardens and a museum showcasing the interiors (garden admission €8; €10 for gardens and museum).

Enjoy the view from Castello di Vezio

If you’re up for a hike, then you might want to visit the ruins of Castello di Vezio.

It takes around 30-45 minutes or so to walk here, but it’s worth visiting it for the amazing panoramic view. From here you can see the lake, mountains in the distance, the town below and the headland of Bellagio.

You can also explore the exhibition inside the castle, as well as the olive groves surrounding it. The view from Castello di Vezio was one of the highlights of my three days in Lake Como.

Sentiero del Viandante

Speaking of hiking, if you want to get out and enjoy the landscape even more, then you can hit the Sentiero del Viandante.

Typical Lake Como weekend breaks don’t usually include hiking – for many people it’s more about the boat trips and the villas – so heading out to see the lake from a different perspective is a worthwhile experience, for sure.

This ancient route actually connects Milan with Switzerland, running across the eastern coast of Lake Como on its course, pointing towards the region’s historic significance in terms of trade. 

As you walk along it, you can see the changing landscapes, learn about the history and gasp at views around every corner. It’s a great option if you’re feeling adventurous, and is well signposted.

From Varenna, the Sentiero del Viandante runs across an old bridge before rising to the famous Lake Como town of Regalo.

Cool off at Spiaggia di Lierna

If all that hiking sounds like a bit much for you, or if you have been hiking and you need to cool off, it’s time to take a break.

The ideal place for this is Spiaggia di Lierna, a beach near Varenna in the hamlet of Castello di Lierna.

Also known as River Bianca Beach – named after its fine white sand – this is one of the most well known beaches in the area. 

For when you want to take a refreshing dip, the water is clear and calm, and there’s a designated swimming area for safety. There’s even the option to kayak if you feel like a paddle!

The 500-ish-metres-long beach itself isn’t equipped with many facilities, but there are public toilets and trees for shade, plus a bar and a pizzeria along its edge, so you won’t have to worry too much if you get hungry.

It can get very crowded on the weekends and on public holidays, but otherwise this is a very local spot where you won’t find many other tourists other than Italian ones. 

Final thoughts on how to spend three days in Lake Como

There you have it, the ultimate Lake Como itinerary! Have you visited Lake Como before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

When it comes to Italian lakes, there’s no denying that Lake Como is possibly the most famous.

Some people compare it to Lake Garda or Lake Maggiore, or the cute towns to Cinque Terre, but I personally think you can’t compare Lake Como to anywhere else in the world.

Like many Italian quotes say, Lake Como is a place that makes people fall in love with Italy, amongst which the famous actor George Clooney, who owns one of the many neoclassical villas in Lake Como.

It’s a place that features on every Italy bucket list and Italy itinerary, and rightly so. I hope you will find my Lake Como itinerary useful in planning your three days in Lake Como!

If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below.

Click here to see the web story of my Lake Como itinerary!

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