Lake Como
The villas, the towns, and the boat I’d love you to be on.
G
THE TRIP
Visited
Travelled in Italy, May 2025
Basis
Updated
27 Oct 2026
The short answer
Here’s the one thing that makes or breaks a trip to Lake Como: it’s a place you cross by water, not one you drive around. As for where I’d base you, it’s Bellagio for the evening passeggiata, Varenna for that late-afternoon light, Tremezzina for the grand western shore, and Menaggio if you want the practical choice.
At a glance
Setting
The dreamiest of Lake Como, all gathered up — the prettiest towns, the villa gardens, those long lazy lakeside hours
Best for
Anyone planning Como who wants the greatest hits without the guesswork
Standout
The most beautiful villa gardens, the prettiest towns to base yourself in, and exactly where to catch that sunset
Consider
Distances by road are deceptive — the ferries are usually faster and so much more fun
Stayed
Lake Como, May 2025
Hotels here can be booked through Coco Tran Travel. How we review.
Lake Como is an upside-down Y, four hundred and ten metres deep at its deepest – the deepest lake in Italy – with the mountains falling straight into it and a century and a half of other people’s villas along the shore. I love it, completely and unreservedly.
And here’s the thing that makes or breaks your trip: it isn’t a place you drive around, it’s a place you cross by water. Plan it that way and the whole holiday opens up for you.
You’ve reached the quiet door.
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