3 Days in Lake Como: A Complete 3-Day Lake Como Itinerary (2026)

Are you planning a getaway to Lake Como but need a little help piecing together your perfect trip? My comprehensive itinerary for 3 days in Lake Como will guide you through Lake Como’s charming lakeside towns, elegant villas, and some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Italy. With its romantic atmosphere, dreamy gardens, and dramatic mountain backdrop, Lake Como is one of my favorite lakes in northern Italy and honestly, one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. It’s the kind of destination that feels every bit as special as you imagine it will.

This travel guide will provide you with the perfect 3-day Lake Como itinerary, including the best places to visit around the lake, memorable things to do, and practical tips to help you make the most of your Lake Como trip. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable 3-day escape to one of Italy’s most iconic lake destinations.

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3 Days in Lake Como – Quick Tips

Dive right into my top picks for hotels, tours, places to visit, insider tips, and more, and make the most of your 3 days in Lake Como. Your journey starts here!

Keep reading for my complete Lake Como travel guide!

How to Get to Lake Como

The easiest way to get to Lake Como is by flying into Milan, which offers the most convenient access to the lake. From there, you can continue your journey by car, train, or bus depending on where you’re staying and how much flexibility you want during your trip.

We chose to drive to Lake Como by car because it gave us the freedom to explore different towns around the lake at our own pace and discover a few hidden gems along the way.

➡️ Looking for a rental car in Milan? Click here to find the best deal.

If you prefer not to drive, Lake Como is also easy to reach by train or bus from Milan. It usually takes around 1 to 2 hours to get to Lake Como from Milan, depending on your final destination around the lake, traffic conditions, and the transportation option you choose.

How to Get Around Lake Como

Once you’ve arrived in Lake Como, there are several ways to get around. As mentioned, we explored Lake Como by car, which gave us the best flexibility, comfort, and freedom to visit different towns and see all the highlights scattered around the lake.

That said, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend driving during peak season in July and August, when traffic can get very busy and parking is limited in many places. If you do decide to rent a car during the high season, it’s best to start your day early before the roads get crowded.

One of the most popular ways to get around Lake Como is the local ferries. The local ferries connect the main towns around the lake and run regularly throughout the day. To check the daily Lake Como ferry timetable, it’s best to stop by a ferry terminal once you arrive, as schedules can vary. Keep in mind that ferries can also get very crowded in summer.

Another option is the local bus network, which runs along the lake’s perimeter and connects both larger towns and smaller villages. It’s a budget-friendly way to travel shorter distances or reach places that aren’t served by ferry. However, buses can be slow during the high season because of heavy traffic and the narrow lakeside roads, so some patience is definitely helpful in summer.

Depending on where you want to go, you can also use the train, especially for towns on the eastern side of the lake, which are connected by rail.

If you enjoy being active, Lake Como also has scenic walking paths and cycling routes, making it easy to explore certain areas on foot or by bike.

You might also be interested in: Where to Stay in Lake Como Without a Car

Best Time to Visit Lake Como

Lake Como is a popular destination throughout the year, but if you want to enjoy pleasant weather without the busiest crowds, I’d recommend visiting in spring or early summer from April to June, like we did, or in early fall during September and October. During these months, the lake tends to feel a little calmer compared to the peak summer season in July and August, which makes it much more enjoyable for exploring the towns, visiting the beautiful lakeside villas, and spending time by the water.

Where to Stay in Lake Como

When visiting Lake Como, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options for your 3-day trip. Each town has its own unique vibe, so it ultimately depends on what you are looking for. From luxurious hotels to beautiful villas to charming B&Bs – Lake Como has it all.

If you want a more detailed breakdown of the best towns, hotel options, and what each base is like, you can also read my full guide on where to stay in Lake Como for a closer look at which town might suit you best.

One of the most popular places to stay is Como itself, which offers a lively atmosphere, historic charm, plenty of shops and restaurants, and convenient access to many of the lake’s main attractions. Here’s a selection of hotels in Bellagio that combine comfort and good value:

• Hotel Borgo Antico – elegant hotel with classic Italian-style rooms close to Como’s center
• Posta Design Hotel – charming hotel set in a historic palace in the center of Como
• Plinius Lifestyle Hotel Lake Como – modern hotel in a central location

Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” is another fantastic choice thanks to its picturesque streets, central location, and stunning views. Personally, I prefer Bellagio over Como. Below is a list of recommended stays in Bellagio that offer great value for money. If you’re in the mood to splurge, you’ll find my luxury recommendations at the end of this section.

• Hotel Don Ferrante – family-run hotel overlooking Lake Como, 15 minutes’ walk from the town’s center
• Domus Bellagio – charming hotel in a quieter location with lovely views
• Borgo Le Terrazze – panoramic hotel close to Bellagio with an infinity pool overlooking the lake

If you’re looking for something quieter, the dreamy town of Varenna is a great option. It’s one of my favorite places in Lake Como, and we’d definitely consider staying there next time.

Other lovely places to stay include Menaggio, known for its scenic lakeside promenade, and Tremezzo, home to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

In general, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the lakeside towns because all of them are lovely and have their own unique charm. If you stay in one of the smaller, lesser-known towns, you can often find better accommodation deals compared to the main tourist hubs.

Tip: Whichever town you choose, I highly recommend booking a hotel with lake views because there’s nothing like waking up to the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.

I’ve listed some of the best hotels with lake views below.

• Grand Hotel Villa Serbeloni – historic 5-star hotel in Bellagio with classic interiors and a prime lakeside location
• Grand Hotel Tremezzo – iconic lakefront luxury hotel with beautiful gardens & stunning views
• Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como – elegant lakeside resort with a large spa and refined dining
• Palazzo Venezia – boutique luxury stay in Como with an intimate feel and lakefront views
• Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa – stylish 5-star hotel in Menaggio with a modern spa and direct lake views
• Il Sereno Lago Di Como – contemporary design hotel with minimalist interiors
• MUSA Lago di Como – a small luxury hotel with a modern design and direct lake views

3 Days in Lake Como Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Bellagio & Como

• Explore the quaint lakeside town of Bellagio
• Stroll through the Villa Melzi Gardens
• Visit the imposing Villa Olmo
• Discover Como town
• Take the Como-Brunate funicular

Day 2: Varenna & its Charming Villas

• Visit the beautiful Villa Monastero
• Walk around Villa Cipressi
• Discover the lovely town of Varenna
• Bonus Tip: Bellano

Day 3: Tremezzo, Menaggio & Lake Como by Boat

• Visit Villa del Balbianello
• Discover Villa Carlotta & Tremezzo
• Explore Menaggio
• Experience Lake Como by Boat

For us, spending three days in Lake Como was the ideal trip length and allowed us to see the highlights of Lake Como in a relaxed way. But ultimately the time needed for this itinerary depends on your travel style and how much time you spend in each place, so I recommend tailoring our itinerary to your own preferences and needs.

If you only have 2 days in Lake Como:

If you only have two days in Lake Como, I’d recommend starting your days early so you can still cover most of the places included in this itinerary. With an early start, it’s possible to fit many of the highlights into two days instead of three. Alternatively, you can skip a few stops depending on what interests you most.

If you have 4 days in Lake Como:

With four days in Lake Como, you can explore at a slower pace and leave more room to enjoy la dolce vita along the way. It also gives you time to add a few special experiences to your itinerary, whether that’s another boat trip, a long lakeside lunch, or visiting another villa. Here are some top-rated tours and experiences worth considering:

• 🍷 Winery Tour with Wine Tasting
• 🍝 Como Food Walking Tour
• 🛵 Vespa Tour Along Lake Como
• 🚲 Electric Bike Tour
• 🛶 Small-Group Kayak Tour
• 🛥️ Lugano & Bellagio Day Trip & Scenic Lake Cruise

In the following, you can find our complete travel itinerary including the top places to visit and what to do in Lake Como in 3 days.

Complete Lake Como 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Bellagio & Como

Day 1 of this 3-day Lake Como itinerary will take you to two popular towns in Lake Como. You will visit Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como, and Como, the capital of the province.

Explore the quaint lakeside town of Bellagio

Start your first day in Lake Como by exploring the charming town of Bellagio. With its stunning lake views, mountain backdrop, and picturesque colorful buildings, Bellagio is probably the most popular town in Lake Como. Because of that, I’d recommend visiting Bellagio as early as possible.

We started our day just after sunrise and loved strolling through Bellagio’s narrow cobbled streets before the crowds arrived. Make sure to stop by Salita Serbelloni to capture the iconic postcard view of Bellagio. It has become Bellagio’s most photographed spot for good reason.

Another one of my favorite places in Bellagio is the beautiful Lungolago Promenade, the scenic lakeside walkway running along the waterfront. It’s the perfect spot to soak in those classic Lake Como views. Even after visiting many beautiful places around the world, this scenery genuinely impressed me

While Bellagio is relatively small, there’s plenty to do here, and you can easily spend half a day exploring during your 3 days in Lake Como. After wandering through the charming streets lined with colorful historic buildings, I recommend stopping at one of the cafés or restaurants for an Italian coffee or gelato. Bellagio is also a lovely place for a bit of shopping, with many small boutiques tucked away throughout town.

For a taste of history and culture, you can visit the Basilica di San Giacomo, a beautiful church located in the center of Bellagio. Moreover, I recommend visiting the impressive gardens of the historic villas in Bellagio. The most popular ones are the Villa Melzi Gardens and the Parco di Villa Serbelloni.

If you decide to include Parco di Villa Serbelloni in your 3-day Lake Como itinerary, keep in mind that access is only possible through a guided tour, so it’s worth checking the available tour times in advance.

You might also be interested in: 4 Days in Cinque Terre

Stroll through the Villa Melzi Gardens

We decided to visit the Villa Melzi Gardens, and it honestly felt like stepping into a fairytale. I especially loved how peaceful this place felt compared to the busier parts of Bellagio. As you wander through the beautifully maintained gardens, you’ll come across ancient statues, colorful flowers, ornate fountains, and charming little pavilions, all set against the backdrop of Lake Como. If you’re looking for a quieter spot to slow down for a while, Villa Melzi Gardens is well worth visiting. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, and the entrance fee is 10 euros per person.

Visit the imposing Villa Olmo

After visiting Bellagio and the Villa Melzi Gardens in the morning, we drove to Como to explore Villa Olmo and Como town during the second half of the day. Located right on the shores of Lake Como, Villa Olmo is one of the most impressive villas in Lake Como. The villa is a neoclassical masterpiece with an impressive façade and beautifully manicured gardens. Exploring Villa Olmo feels like a captivating journey through art, nature, and architecture.

The gardens are open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM, but the villa itself can only be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Entry is free, which makes Villa Olmo one of the best free things to do during your 3 days in Lake Como.

Discover Como Town

After visiting some of Lake Como’s beautiful villas, it’s time to explore Como Town. Although Como is the biggest town in Lake Como, you can easily see the main highlights in just a few hours.

To be honest, Como was probably my least favorite town around the lake because it feels noticeably busier and more urban compared to the smaller, more romantic towns nearby. Still, I think it’s worth visiting at least once during your 3 days in Lake Como.

Como is especially known for its historic landmarks. My favorite spot here was the Como Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta), also known as the Duomo di Como, a beautiful Gothic church with particularly impressive architecture.

Right next to the cathedral, you’ll also find the Old Town Hall, known as Broletto di Como. If you enjoy history, the Tempio Voltiano museum is another interesting stop. Como also has several art galleries and temporary exhibitions if you have extra time.

Take some time to wander through the historic streets, admire the elegant architecture, browse artisan boutiques, and stop at one of the cafés, trattorias, or restaurants to sample some authentic local dishes. Before heading to the last stop of the day, the village of Brunate, make sure to stroll along the waterfront promenade as well.

Take the Como-Brunate funicular

From Como, you can take the scenic funicular up to the picturesque hill town of Brunate. The Como-Brunate funicular dates back to 1894 and is one of the most popular attractions in Como. It operates daily from 6 AM to midnight, and a return ticket costs 7.20 euros.

Once you arrive in Brunate, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. After enjoying the panorama, I recommend taking some time to stroll through the village itself before heading back down. If you have time, staying until sunset is also worth considering because the views become even more beautiful in the evening.

Taking the Como-Brunate funicular is definitely one of the must-do experiences when visiting Lake Como, so I wouldn’t skip it when planning your 3-day itinerary.

Day 2: Varenna & its Charming Villas

On your second day in Lake Como, you’ll explore the romantic town of Varenna, including two stunning villas located in this beautiful lakeside town. In the afternoon, continue to Bellano, a lesser-known village that feels like one of Lake Como’s hidden gems.

Visit the beautiful Villa Monastero

Villa Monastero was my favorite villa in Lake Como. We visited the gardens of Villa Monastero right after opening time at 9:30 AM, which made it possible to explore this beautiful place before it got busy.

Originally a Cistercian convent, Villa Monastero later became a private villa and is now known for its romantic gardens, botanical variety, and beautiful lakeside setting. I especially loved wandering through the lush gardens while enjoying the lake views at the same time. It really felt like a peaceful little escape.

Besides the gardens, you can also visit the museum inside Villa Monastero, where you get a glimpse into more than eight centuries of history. The opening hours of both the botanical gardens and the house museum vary depending on the month, so it’s best to check the official website before your visit. A combined ticket for the gardens and museum costs 13 euros.

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Walk around Villa Cipressi

If you enjoy botanical gardens, it’s worth stopping by the beautiful terraced gardens of Villa Cipressi as well. Since Villa Cipressi is located right next to Villa Monastero, it’s very easy to combine both visits and experience how different the two gardens feel.

The entrance ticket for the Villa Cipressi Botanical Garden costs 13 euros per person. If you’re planning to visit both Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero, you can also buy a combined ticket for 25 euros.

Discover the lovely town of Varenna

Varenna is probably my favorite place in Lake Como. I completely fell in love with this charming town, with its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and stunning lake views.

One of the best things to do in Varenna is simply getting lost in the picturesque streets of the historic center, where narrow alleyways lead to quaint cafés, small boutiques, and lovely corners that seem made for photos.

Make sure to stop by the Church of San Giorgio, a beautiful historic church on Piazza San Giorgio, the main square of Varenna. On the opposite side of the square, you’ll also find another lovely church, Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista.

If you feel adventurous, you can hike up to the Castello di Vezio for panoramic views over Lake Como, Varenna, and the surrounding mountains. The hike only takes 30 minutes and is clearly marked. The 1000-year-old castle certainly is one of the best viewpoints in Lake Como.

Another must-visit place in Varenna is the lakeside promenade, where you’ll find lovely trattorias, gelaterias, bars, and restaurants. It’s a great spot for lunch or dinner during your 3 days in Lake Como.

Make sure to also stroll along the Walk of Lovers, a short red-fenced pedestrian path with beautiful views over Lake Como and Varenna.

Bonus Tip: Bellano

Only a few kilometers from Varenna, you can find the small lakeside town of Bellano. Compared to the popular towns around the lake that are filled with tourists, Bellano is still a hidden gem.

One of the main attractions of Bellano is the magnificent Orrido di Bellano, a natural gorge with cascading waterfalls and intriguing rock formations. The entrance costs 8 euros.

Also, the quaint town itself is worth visiting. I recommend strolling through the charming historic center to admire the medieval architecture of the old town. Make sure to stop by the Chiesa Prepositurale dei Santi Nazaro e Celso, a lovely little chapel with beautiful frescoes located in the center of Bellano.

Bellano is also a great place to indulge in authentic Italian dishes in one of the local trattorias.

Day 3: Tremezzo, Menaggio & Lake Como by Boat

On your last full day in Lake Como, you’ll explore two more beautiful lakeside villas, along with the picturesque towns of Tremezzo and Menaggio. Afterward, you will cruise around Lake Como by boat – a once in a lifetime experience!

Visit Villa del Balbianello

Start your third day in Lake Como with a visit to the famous Villa del Balbianello. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the shimmering waters of the lake, this historic villa is easily one of the most beautiful villas in Lake Como.

Villa del Balbianello is also well known for appearing in several films, including Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.

To reach the villa, you’ll need to walk about 15 to 25 minutes from the parking area or from the nearest ferry terminal in Lenno. Alternatively, you can take a taxi boat shuttle to the villa for 6 euros, although waiting times can be long during busy periods.

Exploring the elegant 18th-century villa and its terraced gardens lined with statues is one of the highlights of Lake Como. The views over the lake are spectacular, and you can easily spend 1 to 2 hours walking through the gardens alone. The entrance fee for the gardens is 15 euros.

That said, the interior is also worth seeing. The villa can only be visited as part of a guided tour, which takes around 45 minutes and costs 25 euros, including garden access. Tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s best to book well in advance. Also keep in mind that Villa del Balbianello is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

This article may also pique your interest: 10 Best Things to Do in Tuscany

Discover Villa Carlotta & Tremezzo

From the parking area or ferry terminal near Villa del Balbianello, it’s only a short five-minute ferry ride or drive to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. Villa Carlotta is another one of the most visited villas in Lake Como.

This 17th-century villa is known for its beautiful botanical gardens, colorful seasonal flowers, ancient statues, and the art museum inside the villa, which displays an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings.

Take your time walking through the garden paths, stopping by the fountains, and enjoying the lake views along the way. With more than 70 varieties of rhododendrons, a citrus garden, and beautifully maintained hedges, Villa Carlotta’s gardens are among the most impressive in Lake Como.

I really think Villa Carlotta is worth including in your Lake Como itinerary because it combines art, history, and beautiful scenery in one place. The entrance fee for both the villa and the gardens is 17.50 euros per person. After your visit, I recommend taking some time to stroll through the charming little town of Tremezzo before continuing to the next stop.

Explore Menaggio

Menaggio is another lovely town to include during your 3 days in Lake Como. Its historic center is pleasant to explore, with cobbled streets, small shops, and inviting cafés. Make sure to stop by Piazza Garibaldi, the town’s main square, as well as the Church of Santa Marta (Chiesa di Santa Marta) while wandering through the center.

Like many places around Lake Como, one of Menaggio’s highlights is its beautiful lakeside setting, so it’s definitely worth spending some time along the lakeside promenade and enjoying the views. Along the waterfront, you’ll also find plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants.

💡 If you have extra time, you can also follow the walking trail leading uphill to the older part of Menaggio. Just follow the signs leading to the Chiesa di San Carlo.

Experience Lake Como by Boat

Doing a boat tour on Lake Como was easily one of the highlights of our trip. We decided to rent a motorboat for two hours so we could explore the lake at our own pace. You don’t need a boat license to rent a small motorboat on Lake Como, which makes it a great option if you want the freedom to choose your own route.

We really loved being out on the water and seeing the lake from a completely different perspective. It was also fun spotting some of the villas we had already visited during our 3 days in Lake Como from the boat.

Tip: If you have time, make sure to stop by Orrido di Nesso, a beautiful photo spot where a Roman bridge hides a narrow gorge with a stunning waterfall below.

If you’d rather not drive the boat yourself, you can check out these amazing Lake Como boat tours below:

• 4-hour Private Luxury Vintage Speedboat Tour (my personal recommendation!!)
• 3-hour Lake Como Boat Tour with Snacks (private or shared)
• 2-hour Lake Como Scenic Boat Tour (private or shared)

When visiting Lake Como, embarking on a boat tour is definitely an essential experience you don’t want to miss! Believe me, when I say that it should be on everyone’s Italy bucket list!

I hope this 3-day Lake Como itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip. For me, Lake Como remains one of my absolute highlights in Italy, and it’s definitely one of those places I’d return to without hesitation.

FAQ – 3-Day Itinerary Lake Como

Is Lake Como worth visiting?

Yes, Lake Como is definitely worth visiting! Its breathtaking natural beauty, picturesque towns, and beautiful villas and gardens, paired with its cultural heritage and the delicious Italian cuisine, make it a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

How many days do you need in Lake Como?

The number of days you should spend in Lake Como depends on your personal preferences, the activities you want to engage in, and the places you wish to explore. In general, I recommend a minimum of two to three days to experience the highlights of Lake Como.

Is a day trip to Lake Como enough?

Lake Como is a magical destination that deserves more than just a day trip. With its stunning scenery and the many charming lakeside towns, one day is not enough time to explore all the highlights of this picturesque corner of Italy.

Is 3 days enough in Lake Como?

From our experience, three days is enough to see many of Lake Como’s main highlights and get a good feel for the area. That said, we enjoyed our time there so much that we easily could have stayed longer to explore at a slower pace and spend more time simply enjoying the atmosphere.

Is 4 days in Lake Como too much?

Not at all. If you have four days or more, Lake Como becomes even more enjoyable because you can slow down a little and leave room for longer lunches, boat trips, or extra stops in smaller towns. We actually would have loved having more time ourselves, especially to explore some of the quieter villages beyond the main tourist spots.

Want to explore more of Italy? Check out my other Italy travel guides for more travel tips below!

• Where to Stay in Lake Como Without a Car
• Tuscany Highlights – Travel Guide & Best Things to Do
• 10 Best Tuscany Day Trips from Florence
• Amalfi Coast Highlights – Travel Guide & Best Things to Do
• Puglia Highlights – Travel Guide & Best Places to Visit
• Cinque Terre Guide – A Complete 4-Day Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Cinque Terre: Best Towns & Hotels

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