Exactly Where to Stay in Lake Como in 2024: 6 Best Towns & Hotels

Deciding on where to stay in Lake Como is no easy feat, especially if this will be your first visit to this stunning destination.

Trust me, I know – I’ve been to Lake Como three times and it took me a while to figure out the best towns and hotels for my needs. For the first two times, I didn’t pick the most suitable location for my interests and ended up spending a lot of time traveling between towns.

To help you avoid the same mistakes that I made, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Lake Como. We’ll go over the best towns to stay in, the top hotels in each town, and what each area has to offer so you can find the perfect spot for your trip to Lake Como.

*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 Where to Stay in Lake Como

Located in Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down Y and surrounded by charming towns and picturesque villages.

You have Como and Lecco on the southern two branches, Colico on the northern end, Bellagio on the tip of the Y, and a few other smaller towns in the middle of the lake such as Varenna and Menaggio.

One of the best ways to explore the lake is by taking a ferry from town to town, which makes choosing where to stay even more important. You want to be close enough to all the main attractions but also have easy access to the ferry ports.

You’ll also want to consider what kind of experience you’re looking for. Are you seeking a luxurious stay with stunning lake views, or are you more interested in a budget-friendly option that allows for easy exploration of the surrounding towns?

Before diving into the specifics of each town, here’s a quick overview of the best towns to stay in Lake Como.

Area	Recommended Hotel
Bellagio (luxury, central location, sightseeing, restaurants, shopping)	Hotel du Lac & SPA
Varenna (romantic, lakeside charm, central location)	Hotel Olivedo
Menaggio (family-friendly, outdoor activities, central location)	Hotel Du Lac Menaggio
Tremezzo (luxury, grand villas, gardens)	Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Bellano (hidden gem, affordable accommodations)	Hotel Meridiana
Como (largest town, sightseeing, easy to reach)	Hilton Lake Como

Map of the Best Towns and Hotels to Stay in Lake Como

Below you can find a customized map that includes the best places to stay in Lake Como, including our recommended hotels for each town for every budget.

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.

Best Places to Stay in Lake Como

1. Bellagio

Bellagio is one of my all-time favorite towns in Lake Como and I think it’s also one of the best places to stay. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is located on the tip of the peninsula and offers stunning views from every angle.

The town is filled with charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and beautiful gardens. Here is where you’ll find the most famous street of Lake Como, Salita Serbelloni – you probably recognize it from many Instagram photos.

Although it’s a small town, there are endless things to do in Bellagio. You can spend hours wandering through the town, stopping at cafes and shops along the way.

Bellagio is home to two gorgeous villas – I Giardini di Villa Melzi and Parco di Villa Serbelloni, both offering stunning gardens to explore. And if you want to take a dip in the lake, head to Lido di Bellagio – a public beach and pool area with beautiful views.

The town has a really great location for exploring the rest of the lake as it’s right in the middle and has a very good ferry connection to other towns.

Bellagio is also part of the “Golden Triangle” of Lake Como along with Menaggio and Varenna, which are all connected by regular ferry services.

Actually, there are two ferry ports in Bellagio, the one called “Traghetto” connects it with the other Golden Triangle towns, while the other one is used for all other routes.

Therefore it’s really important to check where your ferry is departing from and arriving to! The two ferry ports are only a 5-minute walk from each other but if you’re in a rush, it can make a big difference (yes, I’m talking from experience).

One of the not-so-good things about Bellagio is that it’s not so easy to get there by public transport.

The best option is to take a train from Milan to Varenna and then catch a ferry to Bellagio. You also need to factor in some walking from the ferry port to your hotel, which can be a bit daunting with big suitcases, especially if you’re chosen accommodation is located on top of the hill.

This was one of the reasons why we ended up renting a car last minute during our last trip to Lake Como as we had a lot of luggage and didn’t want to deal with the hassle.

Another downside of Bellagio is that since it’s such a popular town, it can get crazy busy during the day with tourists coming in on ferries. But if you stay overnight, you’ll get to experience the quieter, more peaceful side of Bellagio.

When it comes to accommodation, Bellagio has plenty of options to suit all budgets. You can choose from many amazing luxury hotels with stunning lake views but you can also find cute and affordable B&Bs or apartments.

The restaurant scene in Bellagio is also top-notch, with a variety of delicious options to choose from. Some of my favorites are La Lanterna Bellagio, Ristoro Forma e Gusto, and dai Viga pasta fresca. Also, don’t forget to try the gelato at Gelateria del Borgo – it’s a must!

Pros and cons of staying in Bellagio

Best places to stay in Bellagio

• Ultimate luxury hotel | Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
• Affordable luxury hotel | Hotel Belvedere
• Mid-range hotel | Hotel du Lac & SPA
• Budget-friendly hotel | Hotel Bellagio
• One-bedroom apartment | Diamond Apartments
• Two-bedroom apartment | Bellagio Apartment

2. Varenna

Varenna is another charming town located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, just a 15-minute ferry ride from Bellagio.

Compared to Bellagio, Varenna is smaller and quieter but equally as picturesque. In fact, I think I ended up liking Varenna even more than Bellagio!

It’s a great option for those looking for a more peaceful stay, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. Don’t get me wrong, the town is still quite crowded during the day but in the morning and after the day-trippers leave, it becomes a tranquil paradise.

Varenna offers all the charms of Lake Como – colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning views.

It’s also home to two of the most famous villas in Lake Como – Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Both villas are open to the public and have beautiful gardens to explore. Villa Monastero is my absolute favorite!

If you’re looking for a place to relax and take a dip in the lake, head to Lido di Varenna, a public beach area with sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. And if you’re up for a workout, hike up to Castello di Vezio for stunning views of the town and the lake.

One of the main things that makes Varenna one of the best places to stay in Lake Como is its location. It has a direct train connection to Milan, making it easily accessible by public transport. Plus, from Varenna, you can easily reach other towns around the lake by ferry.

However, one of the downsides is that due to its size, there are fewer accommodation options in Varenna compared to Bellagio and generally they tend to be on the more expensive side.

Mostly you will find apartments and self-catering options, but there are also a few hotels to choose from. One thing is for sure, if you want to stay in Varenna, you need to book well in advance as accommodations fill up quickly!

Pros and cons of staying in Varenna

Best places to stay in Varenna

• Ultimate luxury hotel | Hotel Royal Victoria
• Affordable luxury hotel | Hotel Villa Cipressi
• Mid-range hotel | Hotel Olivedo
• Budget-friendly hotel | Hotel Montecodeno
• One-bedroom apartment | Divina Vita Apartments
• Two-bedroom apartment | Casa Posta

3. Menaggio

The third and last town of the “Golden Triangle” is Menaggio, located on the western shore of Lake Como. Menaggio may not be as well-known as its neighboring towns but it definitely has its own charm.

If you’re thinking about where to stay in Lake Como for a quiet and relaxing vacation, Menaggio might be the perfect choice for you. The town is much less crowded than Bellagio and Varenna, making it a great option for those seeking a more low-key experience.

One of the highlights of Menaggio is its lovely lakeside promenade lined with colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants. I really loved walking along the promenade and taking in the views of the lake!

Menaggio also has a beautiful central square, Piazza Garibaldi, where you can find a weekly market selling fresh produce and local goods. You also can’t miss visiting the beautiful St. Stephen’s Church located just a few minutes walk from the square.

To be honest, there are not many major attractions in Menaggio, but if you love hiking and outdoor activities, this town is a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains.

Another thing that makes Menaggio one of the best places to stay in Lake Como is its central location. It’s well-connected by ferry, making it easy to explore other towns around the lake.

Plus, it has a direct bus connection to Lugano, Switzerland – perfect for a day trip!

However, since it’s located on the western side of the lake, it’s not as easily accessible by public transport. You can either take a train to Como and then a bus to Menaggio, or you can take the train to Varenna and then a ferry to Menaggio.

Similar to Varenna, accommodations in Menaggio can be limited and you will mostly find apartments. But there are also a few hotels to choose from, including some with stunning lake views.

Pros and cons of staying in Menaggio

Best places to stay in Menaggio

• Ultimate luxury hotel | Grand Hotel Victoria concept & spa
• Affordable luxury hotel | Grand Hotel Menaggio
• Mid-range hotel | Hotel Du Lac Menaggio
• Budget-friendly hotel | Hotel Sonenga
• One-bedroom apartment | Suites Menaggio
• Two-bedroom apartment | Casa Maria Menaggio

4. Tremezzo

Tremezzo is a tiny town located on the western shore of Lake Como. Honestly, it doesn’t have much to offer in terms of attractions or activities.

However, one of the reasons it made the list the of best places to stay in Lake Como is that it’s home to one of the most iconic hotels in the lake – Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

If you’re looking for a luxurious and extravagant stay, this is the place to be! The hotel has a prime location right on the lake with stunning views of Bellagio and the mountains. It also has a private beach, multiple pools, and a luxurious spa.

Another highlight of Tremezzo is Villa Carlotta, a stunning neoclassical villa with beautiful gardens open to the public. It’s one of my favorite villas in Lake Como and definitely a must-visit!

Tremezzo is also a really convenient option for exploring other towns around the lake as it has its own ferry port and a direct bus connection to both Como and Menaggio.

Aside from Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the town also has a few other accommodations to choose from, although not many.

It also doesn’t have many restaurants or cafes, so I would really only recommend staying here if you’re planning to spend the majority of your time at the hotel or exploring other towns.

Pros and cons of staying in Tremezzo

Best places to stay in Tremezzo

• Luxury hotel | Grand Hotel Tremezzo
• Mid-range hotel | Villa Lina
• Budget-friendly hotel | La Darsena Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
• One-bedroom apartment | Da Sid

5. Bellano

If you’re looking to get away from the more touristy towns around Lake Como, Bellano is a great option. Located on the eastern shore of the lake, this town is much less crowded and offers a more authentic Italian experience.

One of the main attractions of the town is Orrido di Bellano, a natural wonder with spectacular views and hiking trails. Despite its beauty, it’s still one of the hidden gems of Lake Como and not so well-known among tourists.

It took me three visits to Lake Como to finally discover this hidden gem and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary!

Bellano also has a beautiful lakeside promenade and a charming old town with narrow streets lined with local shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to stroll around, grab a gelato, and take in the laid-back atmosphere.

The location of Bellano is a bit tricky. On one side, it has a direct train connection to Milan, which makes it easily accessible. On the other hand, although it has a ferry station, the ferry routes are not as frequent or extensive compared to other towns on the lake.

For example, it took us nearly 1.5 hours to get to Bellagio from Bellano with the ferry! It was an amazing sightseeing trip, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to explore other towns by ferry.

In this case, I think it might be better to take a 5-minute train to Varenna and then use the ferry to get around.

You won’t find many luxury options in Bellano and it mostly offers B&Bs and apartments. However, accommodations tend to be more affordable here compared to other towns on the lake which can be a big advantage.

Pros and cons of staying in Bellano

Best places to stay in Bellano

• Luxury hotel | Villa Marina
• Mid-range hotel | Hotel Meridiana
• Budget-friendly hotel | B&B Villa Anita
• One-bedroom apartment | Rosa dei Venti
• Two-bedroom apartment | Fall In Love with Como Lake

6. Como

Como is one of the largest and most developed towns on Lake Como. It’s also the capital of the lake, and thanks to the direct train connection to Milan, it’s one of the easiest towns to reach.

There is an abundance of things to do in Como, from exploring its charming old town and iconic landmarks such as the Como Cathedral to taking a funicular ride up to Brunate for stunning panoramic views.

You also can’t miss Villa Olmo, a late 18th-century neoclassical villa with beautiful gardens and lake views. Unlike the other villas in Lake Como, it’s completely free to visit!

Como is also known for its great shopping opportunities with a mix of designer stores and local boutiques. And of course, being in Italy, you can’t leave without trying the delicious gelato in one of the many gelaterias scattered around town.

If you’re looking for nightlife, Como has a decent selection of bars and restaurants, especially around the lakefront area.

The downside of staying in Como is that it’s quite far away from the middle of the lake, where most of the popular and picturesque towns and attractions are located. This means longer travel times as it can take 1.5-2 hours by ferry to reach some of these places.

This was one of the things I found really annoying when I stayed in Como. While it’s a beautiful town, I felt like I was spending too much time traveling to other places instead of actually enjoying the lake.

I still think that Como is very much worth visiting, but if you’re planning to explore more of the lake especially if this is your first visit, I would recommend staying closer to the middle part.

Another drawback is that Como is not as picturesque as some of the other towns and it doesn’t have that typical lakeside small town vibe. It’s more of a bustling city, which can be a pro or con depending on your preferences.

Thanks to its size, Como has by far the most accommodation options in Lake Como, ranging from budget-friendly hotels and B&Bs to luxurious villas and apartments.

Pros and cons of staying in Como

Best places to stay in Como

• Ultimate luxury hotel | Vista Palazzo – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
• Affordable luxury hotel | Hilton Lake Como
• Mid-range hotel | Hotel Como
• Budget-friendly hotel | Residence Diaz
• One-bedroom apartment | AcquaTerraFuoco – City apartments
• Two-bedroom apartment | Art of living [Luxury House in Como]

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Planning a trip to Lake Como?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Lake Como. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Lake Como hotel guides:

• Where to Stay in Lake Como: 6 Best Towns & Hotels
• 23 Stunning Lake Como Hotels with Lake Views
• 22 Incredible Lake Como Hotels with Pools

Lake Como travel guides:

• 7 Gorgeous Lake Como Villas & Gardens You Have to Visit
• Top 10 Best Towns in Lake Como You Can’t Miss
• 18 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lake Como, Italy
• 17 Best Things to Do in Bellagio, Italy (+ Practical Tips for Visiting)
• 15 Best Things to Do in Varenna (+ Practical Tips for Visiting)
• 18 Best Things to Do in Como, Italy (+ Practical Tips for Visiting)

Lake Como itineraries:

• Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan: The Best Lake Como One Day Itinerary
• How to Spend 2 Days in Lake Como, Italy
• 3 Days in Lake Como: The Perfect Lake Como Itinerary
• The Ultimate 4 Days in Lake Como Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal

Other Amazing Destinations in Italy: Cinque Terre | Dolomites | Florence | Lake Garda | Rome | Venice

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