3 Days in Lake Como: The Perfect Lake Como Itinerary

Planning how to spend 3 days in Lake Como and not sure where to start? I get it. There are so many towns in Lake Como, and each one feels completely different, so picking where to focus your time can be tricky.

Lake Como sits in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, surrounded by mountains and dotted with small lakeside towns, historic villas, and ferry-connected villages that are easy to explore in one trip. I’ve been here multiple times, and every visit makes me want to stay longer.

This Lake Como itinerary is designed to help you see some of the most beautiful towns and key sights without trying to cram in everything. If you only have 3 days in Lake Como, this route is a really solid way to experience the area while still leaving time to enjoy it.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.

Overview of Your 3 Day Lake Como Itinerary

Breakdown of your 3 days in Lake Como

• Day 1: Bellagio and Varenna (Bellagio Old Town, Villa Serbelloni Gardens, Villa Melzi Gardens, Basilica di San Giacomo, The Walk of Lovers, Church of San Giorgio, Villa Monastero, Villa Cipressi, Castello di Vezio)
• Day 2: Lake Como Villas and Menaggio (Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Waterfront Promenade in Menaggio, Piazza Garibaldi, Church of Santa Marta)
• Day 3: Como (Como Cathedral, Life Electric, Villa Olmo, Tempio Voltiano, Como-Brunate Funicular)

Map for your Lake Como 3 day itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Lake Como itinerary.

I marked your 3 days in Lake Como with different colors – I used blue for the first, green for the second, and red for the third day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1: Bellagio & Varenna

Bellagio

Start your first day of your 3 days in Lake Como in Bellagio, one of the most famous towns in Lake Como and a place that really lives up to the hype. Sitting right where the lake splits into two branches, the views here are incredible in almost every direction.

If you’re not staying in Bellagio, try to catch an early ferry, especially in high season when the streets fill up quickly. The town itself is quite compact, so you don’t need a full day here unless you plan to visit multiple villas.

If you want more ideas for your visit, you can check out my guide to the best things to do in Bellagio!

Once you arrive, spend some time wandering through the old town. Walk around the main piazza, then head up through the narrow stone streets toward Salita Serbelloni and Salita Antonio Mella. This is where you’ll find some of the most iconic Bellagio viewpoints and plenty of small shops and cafes along the way.

While you’re exploring this area, make sure to step inside Basilica di San Giacomo, which dates back to the 12th century and has beautiful exposed brick and decorative details inside. After that, head down toward the waterfront promenade for lake views and a slower pace.

If you enjoy gardens, this is a great place to visit either Parco di Villa Serbelloni or Villa Melzi Gardens.

Parco di Villa Serbelloni can only be visited on guided tours, which typically run twice a day at 11 am and 3:30 pm, so the 11 am tour can fit nicely into a morning itinerary if you plan ahead.

That said, if you want something easier to fit into your day, Villa Melzi Gardens is usually the better choice since you can explore at your own pace and it sits right along the water.

By late morning or early afternoon, it’s a good time to grab lunch before heading to Varenna. Ristorante La Punta is a great sit down option with views over the lake, or if you want something quicker, Bar Pasticceria Rossi is perfect for coffee or an aperitivo near the ferry terminal.

And if you want gelato before catching your ferry, Gelateria del Borgo is always a solid stop!

Varenna

After spending the morning in Bellagio, hop on the ferry to Varenna. The ride only takes about 15 minutes and gives you beautiful views back toward Bellagio and the mountains.

Compared to Bellagio, Varenna feels smaller, quieter, and a bit more relaxed, but it’s just as beautiful. If you want more ideas for your time here, you can check out my guide to the best things to do in Varenna.

Start near the ferry terminal and walk straight onto the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, also known as the Walk of Lovers. This short waterfront path hugs the shoreline and is one of the prettiest first impressions you can get of Varenna.

From here, head up into the old town and wander toward the main square. While you’re exploring, step inside the Church of San Giorgio and take a look at the black marble flooring that comes from right here in Varenna.

After exploring the old town, plan to visit either Villa Monastero or Villa Cipressi, depending on how much time and energy you have left for the day.

Villa Monastero is usually the top pick if it’s your first time in Varenna. The long lakeside botanical gardens stretch right along the water and are one of the most recognizable spots in town. You can also visit the museum inside if you want to learn more about the villa’s history.

Villa Cipressi is a great alternative if you want something slightly quieter. The terraced gardens are spread across multiple levels with different lake viewpoints as you move through the property.

If you really want to see both villas, there is a combi ticket available that includes entry to both, but for a relaxed afternoon, most people prefer choosing just one.

If you still have time and don’t mind a bit of a workout, you can finish the day with the hike up to Castello di Vezio.

The trail from town is short but steep, and most people reach the top in about 30 minutes. From the 1,000-year-old castle, you’ll get wide views over Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.

If you’re visiting in the summer, keep an eye out for the handmade ghost statues placed around the castle grounds!

Day 2: Lake Como Villas & Menaggio

Villa del Balbianello

Start your second day at Villa del Balbianello, without a doubt one of the most beautiful villas in Lake Como. This 18th-century villa sits on a wooded peninsula near Lenno and has become one of the most recognizable spots on the lake.

You might recognize it from movies like Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

Visiting Villa del Balbianello is a really special experience because of how remote and peaceful the setting feels. Surrounded by trees and water on almost all sides, it’s easy to forget how busy Lake Como can be once you’re inside the grounds!

When visiting, you can choose between exploring just the gardens or visiting the villa interiors as well. The gardens can be visited on a self-guided basis, while the inside of the villa is only accessible as part of a guided tour, which usually lasts around 45 minutes and also includes garden access.

If seeing the interiors is important to you, it’s worth planning your morning around one of the scheduled tour times but make sure to book your tickets well in advance because they tend to sell out.

Getting here takes a little extra planning compared to towns around the lake. Villa del Balbianello is only accessible on foot or by taxi boat.

The closest parking area is about a 20-minute walk away, and if you arrive in Lenno by ferry, expect roughly a 30-minute walk along the waterfront and uphill paths. If you want to skip the walk, you can also take a taxi boat directly to the villa entrance.

Villa Carlotta

After visiting Villa del Balbianello, continue to nearby Tremezzo, where you’ll find Villa Carlotta. You can get here by taxi, ferry, or local bus, and the journey is fairly quick depending on your route around the lake.

Villa Carlotta is one of the most popular villas to visit on Lake Como and is especially known for its large botanical gardens.

The villa was originally built in the 17th century for a Milanese marquis, and later expanded by Giovanni Battista Sommariva, who added art collections and helped shape the gardens you see today.

Most visitors come for the gardens, which are filled with seasonal flowers like camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons, along with shaded walking paths and lake viewpoints. It’s a really nice contrast to Villa del Balbianello, since the gardens here feel larger and more botanical garden-like rather than landscaped around a single peninsula.

Inside the villa, you’ll also find an art museum with sculptures, paintings, and tapestries. If you enjoy art or want a break from being outside, it’s definitely worth stepping inside as well!

One of the big advantages of Villa Carlotta is how easy it is to reach. The ferry stop is right next to the entrance, and there are several parking areas nearby, which makes it much simpler to access than Villa del Balbianello.

Menaggio

Finish the second day of your 3 day Lake Como itinerary in Menaggio, one of the larger towns on Lake Como but still very easy to explore on foot.

From Villa Carlotta, you can either take a short bus ride of about 15 minutes or hop on a ferry, which takes closer to 30 minutes and gives you more lake views along the way.

After two villa visits, Menaggio is a nice place to slow the pace a bit. Start with a walk along the waterfront promenade, which is lined with greenery, stone details, and wide open views across the lake. It’s a great place to just wander for a bit and take in the scenery.

From there, head toward Piazza Garibaldi, the main square in town and the center of local life. The piazza is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, hotels, and gelato shops, and it’s a really easy place to sit down and take a break.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Gelateria Edo is a great stop while you’re in the area. Before leaving the square, take a look at the stonework under your feet, it’s one of those small details that’s easy to miss.

If you still feel like doing a little more exploring, you can stop by the Church of Santa Marta, just a short walk from the lake. The church has a long history, even though much of what you see today was rebuilt around a century ago.

Inside, you can still spot older historical elements, including marble slabs that are believed to come from Roman era tombstones.

Day 3: Como

For your final day in Lake Como, head to the city of Como. It’s a great place to end your trip, especially if you’re planning to travel back to Milan afterward since Como has some of the best transport connections on the lake.

If you’re staying in the central part of Lake Como, expect a ferry ride of around 1 to 2 hours depending on your departure point. Compared to the smaller villages, Como feels much more like a city, with more shops, restaurants, and historic sights packed into one area.

There are many amazing things to do in Como, and here are the ones you won’t want to miss.

Brunch at Babi Como

After arriving in Como, head straight to Babi Como for an amazing brunch. This lovely cafe is located in the center of the town and serves the most delicious and aesthetic dishes ever!

If you’re in the mood for a proper sit down brunch in a stylish but relaxed space, this is a great pick before heading toward the historic center and lakefront.

Como Cathedral

Como Cathedral is easily one of the most impressive churches you’ll see during your 3 days in Lake Como. Construction started in the late 14th century and continued for centuries, which is why you’ll notice a mix of architectural styles throughout the building.

Inside, look out for the detailed ceiling artwork, stained glass windows, and the statues of Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. Even if you’ve already visited churches around the lake, this one still feels very different in scale and detail!

Walk along the waterfront

After exploring the historic center, head toward the lake and walk along the waterfront. One of the most recognizable landmarks here is the Life Electric monument, a modern sculpture sitting right on the water.

If you’re interested in learning about the history of Como, make sure to visit Tempio Voltiano. This museum is located in an old church, and it’s dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the man who created the world’s first electrical battery and was born in Como.

The museum has a number of exhibits about Volta’s life and work, and it’s definitely worth taking a look around. It was opened in the 20th century and is filled with old batteries and science experiments that provide a unique last spot to explore before heading home from your 3 days in Lake Como.

Villa Olmo

A little further along the lake, you’ll find Villa Olmo, one of the most impressive historic villas near Como. The neoclassical building is beautiful from the outside, but most people come to walk through the lakeside gardens and enjoy the views along this stretch of shoreline.

The building was created by a Swiss architect and somewhat resembles Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. Now, Villa Olmo is home to a museum, and it’s possible to visit the grounds and some of the rooms inside.

The whole complex is free to visit, so it’s definitely a must-visit place on every Lake Como itinerary.

Como-Brunate Funicular

Before finishing your trip, ride the Como-Brunate Funicular, one of the most famous experiences in Como. The historic funicular climbs up the mountainside to the small town of Brunate in just a few minutes.

At the top, you’ll get wide views over Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. If you have time, it’s worth walking around Brunate a little or staying up there for sunset before heading back down to Como.

Useful Info for Spending 3 Days in Lake Como

Where to stay in Lake Como

Lake Como is made up of many small lakeside towns, which means you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, from simple guesthouses to luxury lakefront hotels and historic villas.

Bellagio is often considered the most iconic place to stay and is very convenient if you want easy ferry access to other towns. That said, Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo are all great bases depending on the type of trip you’re planning and how you want to get around the lake.

If you want a deeper breakdown of each area, you can check out my full guide to the best places to stay in Lake Como, where I cover multiple towns along with pros and cons and hotel recommendations.

If you’re in a hurry, here are my top recommendations for the best hotels in the most popular towns.

Best places to stay in Bellagio:

• Luxury: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
• Mid-range: Hotel du Lac & SPA
• Budget: Hotel Bellagio

Best places to stay in Varenna:

• Luxury: Hotel Royal Victoria
• Mid-range: Hotel Olivedo
• Budget: Hotel Montecodeno

How to get to Lake Como

Most trips to Lake Como start in Milan, since it’s the closest major transport hub. The easiest way to reach Milan is either by flying into Milan Malpensa Airport or arriving by train into Milano Centrale.

From Milan, getting to Lake Como by train is usually the simplest option. Depending on your plans, you can take a train to either Como or Varenna, and both routes take a little over an hour.

I usually recommend heading to Varenna instead of Como if your goal is to explore multiple Lake Como towns, since it’s much closer to places like Bellagio and Menaggio.

From Varenna, you can reach Bellagio or Menaggio by ferry in about 15 to 20 minutes. From Como, reaching those same towns can take around 2.5 hours by ferry, and departures are less frequent.

Driving is another option, and many people visit Lake Como as part of a Northern Italy road trip. Depending on which town you choose as your base, the drive from Milan usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.

That said, I don’t usually recommend relying on a car to get around Lake Como, especially in peak season. Roads are narrow, parking can be difficult, and traffic can get heavy. Even if you arrive by car, it’s often easier to park once and use the ferry network to move between towns.

Best time to visit Lake Como

Summer in Lake Como is beautiful, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Ferries, attractions, and restaurants often need to be booked in advance, and hotel prices can climb quickly during peak season.

For a more relaxed experience, late spring and early fall are usually much better. You still get great weather, but with fewer crowds and slightly more reasonable accommodation prices.

The first two times, we visited Lake Como were in August, and honestly, it felt very crowded and hectic. The third time, we visited at the end of June, and the difference was huge. It still felt lively, but much more manageable!

If I had to pick another time to visit, I’d love to go in April when the wisteria is blooming around the lake. If you love flowers, spring can be a really special time to see Lake Como.

How to get around Lake Como

Lake Como has a really good ferry network that connects most of the main towns you’ll likely want to visit. Ferries are usually the easiest and most scenic way to move around the lake, especially if you’re planning to visit places like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

You can check the ferry timetables and book your tickets on the official Navigazione Laghi website.

If you’re traveling between towns on the eastern side of the lake, trains can also be a great option. It’s often faster than taking the ferry and very easy to use. Buses are another option and can be useful if you’re trying to reach smaller towns or save a bit on transport costs.

Even if you arrive at Lake Como by car, I usually recommend parking it once and relying on ferries, trains, and buses after that. Roads around the lake are narrow, traffic can get heavy, and parking can be difficult to find, especially in peak season.