Lake Como in a Weekend: Como, Bellagio and Varenna

Lake Como (Lago di Como) is the deepest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe, with a surface area of 146 km² and a maximum depth of 410 metres. Its Y-shaped form, framed by the pre-Alps to the north and the Lombardy plain to the south, creates a microclimate mild enough for lemon trees and camellias to grow on the shores. The combination of Alpine drama, Belle Époque villas, and efficient transport connections to Milan makes it the most visited of the Italian lakes.

Como City

Como city, at the southern tip of the western branch, is the natural entry point from Milan (45 minutes by fast train). The Duomo — started in the 14th century and completed in the 18th — is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles notable for its sculptural decoration and the quality of its light. The lakefront promenade leads to the Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, who was born in Como and invented the electric battery here. The funicolare from Brunate runs up to a hilltop village 720 metres above the lake, with views extending on clear days to Milan and the Alps.

Bellagio

Bellagio occupies the tip of the promontory separating the lake’s two southern arms — the most coveted position on the water, with views in three directions. The stepped cobblestone streets, the arcaded lakefront, and the gardens of Villa Serbelloni (guided tours April–October) make it the most photogenic village on the lake. Ferries cross from Como to Bellagio in about 1 hour 20 minutes; a faster car-ferry service from Cadenabbia on the opposite shore takes 10 minutes. Bellagio is best visited in the afternoon, returning to Como for dinner — the crowds thin considerably after 5pm.

Varenna

Varenna sits on the eastern branch of the lake, quieter and less visited than Bellagio. Villa Monastero, a former Cistercian convent with one of the most beautiful lakeside botanical gardens in Italy, is the main attraction — the two-hour garden walk follows the shore for several hundred metres. The Castello di Vezio, a medieval tower above the village, is a 40-minute uphill walk from the centre (or reachable by car) and hosts regular falconry displays. Varenna is reached by train from Como (1 hour) or by ferry from Bellagio (15 minutes).

Getting Around

Lake Como is best explored by ferry rather than by car — the roads are narrow, winding and congested in summer. The Navigazione Lago di Como ferry service connects all the major villages with regular departures from April through October. A day-pass covers unlimited ferry travel. If you are basing yourself in Como city for a weekend, a car is not necessary: the funicolare, ferries and local buses reach everything worth seeing.