This glacial lake at the foot of the Alps has drawn wealthy villa builders since Roman times, its shoreline dotted with elegant towns and lush botanical gardens.
Why Visit Lake Como
Lake Como’s shoreline is lined with grand villas built by aristocrats and, more recently, celebrities, many with gardens open to the public showcasing centuries of landscape design. Bellagio, often called the pearl of the lake, sits where its three branches meet, its steep, flower draped alleys forming one of Italy’s most photographed lakeside towns. Ferries connecting Como’s towns make it easy to combine several villages, from the elegant gardens of Villa del Balbianello to the lively waterfront of Como town itself, in a single day.
Top Experiences
- Villa del Balbianello: A stunning lakeside villa and garden, a popular filming location including for Star Wars and James Bond.
- Bellagio: Known as the pearl of Lake Como, with steep flowered alleys and lakefront promenades.
- Lake Como Ferries: Regular boat services connecting the lake’s towns, offering scenic views along the way.
- Como Town and Funicular: The lake’s main city, with a historic cathedral and a funicular climbing to mountain views.
Book these experiences and more through guided tours from Lake Como.
Lake Como Private Boat Tour from Bellagio with a Local
Private Cruise on Lake Como with Luxury Motorboat from 1H to 4H
Lake Como Motorbike – Motorcycle tour around Lake Como and the Alps
Lake Como Boat Tour – Villas, Bellagio & Scenic Highlights
Practical Tips
- Ferries are the most scenic and often fastest way to move between towns around the lake.
- Villa del Balbianello’s gardens require advance ticket booking and limited daily visitor numbers.
- Bellagio gets very crowded in peak summer, visiting in shoulder season offers a calmer experience.
FAQ
How do you get around Lake Como?
Regular ferries connect the main towns, offering the most scenic and often most practical way to explore multiple villages in a day.
What is Bellagio known for?
Nicknamed the pearl of Lake Como, it sits at the point where the lake’s three branches meet, known for its steep, flower lined alleys and elegant lakefront.
Has Lake Como been used in movies?
Yes, several villas around the lake, including Villa del Balbianello, have appeared in films such as Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.
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