Episode 1 of 5: Lake Como Italy: Best Towns, Activities and Travel Tips

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Welcome to the Immersion Travel Podcast. I’m Katerina Ferrara and in this five-part series, we’re heading to one of Italy’s most enchanting destinations—Lake Como. Known for its dramatic alpine setting, elegant villas, and charming lakeside towns, Lake Como has captivated travelers, artists, and aristocrats for centuries.

Part 1: A Brief History of Lake Como

Lake Como, known to the Romans as Larius, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Its natural beauty and sheltered location made it an ideal site for Roman villas.

One of the most famous residents was Pliny the Younger, a Roman author and magistrate. He owned two villas here—Villa Commedia, believed to have been in Lenno (near modern-day Villa del Balbianello), and Villa Tragedia, likely located near Bellagio. Sadly, neither survives, but the spirit of lakeside retreat lives on.

During the medieval and Renaissance periods, the lake was a vital route between northern Italy and central Europe, contributing to its wealth and strategic importance. It passed through periods of rule by the Visconti and Sforza of Milan, the Spanish, and later the Austrians before becoming part of unified Italy in the 19th century.

By the 1800s and early 1900s, Lake Como became a retreat for writers like Stendhal and musicians like Verdi. Today, it remains a haven for celebrities and travelers seeking elegance and tranquility.

Part 2: The Shape and Spirit of the Lake

Lake Como has a distinctive upside-down “Y” shape, creating three main branches:

🌲 Northern Arm–Alpine Gateway

Anchored by Colico, the northern tip of the lake opens toward the Alps and the Valtellina Valley. This area is ideal for hiking, windsurfing, and serene lake views. It’s less touristy and feels closer to nature.

Towns to explore along the northern branch:

1. Colico – Watersports, mountain views, and access to Abbey of Piona
2. Piona – Peaceful area with a Romanesque abbey
3. Gera Lario – Small harbor town with mountain vistas
4. Domaso – Windsurfing, sailing, and excellent local wine
5. Gravedona ed Uniti – Historic churches and lakefront promenade
6. Dongo – WWII history site where Mussolini was captured
7. Musso – Small town with a medieval castle ruin
8. Cremia – Quiet beaches and lakefront bike paths
9. Pianello del Lario – Nautical museum and camping options
10. San Siro (Rezzonico) – Beautiful 14th-century castle and beaches

This area is ideal for biking along the northern shoreline and relaxing in quieter lakeside villages.

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⛰ Eastern Arm – Lecco and Beyond

The eastern shore runs from Lecco up to Varenna, offering dramatic cliffs, hiking routes, and literary history. This side is perfect for those seeking quieter towns, hiking, and a more local atmosphere.

Towns to explore along the eastern branch:

1. Lecco – Dramatic cliffs, lively center, and literary history (The Betrothed)
2. Malgrate – Just across from Lecco, lovely promenade
3. Valmadrera – Views, small beaches, and quiet coves
4. Abbadia Lariana – Great base for hikers; start of the Sentiero del Viandante
5. Mandello del Lario – Home to the Moto Guzzi motorcycle museum
6. Lierna – Lakeside charm and a castle ruin
7. Fiumelatte – Named after Italy’s shortest and foamiest river
8. Varenna – Romantic village with Villa Monastero and waterfront cafes
9. Perledo – Above Varenna, offers great views and hiking access
10. Esino Lario – Set in the hills, gateway to the Grigna mountains

Don’t miss the Sentiero del Viandante, a panoramic hiking trail that passes many of these towns.

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🌅 Western Arm–Glamour and Grandeur

From Como town to Bellagio, the western shore is filled with grand villas, luxurious hotels, and postcard-perfect towns. This is the most visited arm and home to several historic and stylish destinations.

🧭 Western Arm–Como, Villas, and Glamour

• Como town is the cultural and transportation hub with its Gothic cathedral, lively piazzas, and the Brunate funicular.
• As you travel north, you’ll find Cernobbio (home to the luxury Villa d’Este), Tremezzo (with Villa Carlotta), and the picture-perfect Menaggio.
• At the center of it all is Bellagio, the “Pearl of the Lake,” perched at the intersection of all three branches.

Towns to explore along the western branch:

1. Como–Duomo, shopping, lakefront, and funicular to Brunate
2. Cernobbio–Chic and elegant, home to Villa d’Este
3. Moltrasio–Hilltown charm and home of famous composer Vincenzo Bellini
4. Carate Urio–Quiet, upscale village with beautiful villas
5. Laglio–George Clooney’s villa and lakeside tranquility
6. Brienno–Medieval alleyways and stone houses
7. Argegno–Hub for cable car to Pigra and ferry stop
8. Colonno–Starting point of the Greenway del Lago walking trail
9. Sala Comacina–Across from Isola Comacina, the lake’s only island
10. Tremezzina (includes Tremezzo)–Home to Villa Carlotta and the Greenway
11. Griante–Near Tremezzo, great ferry connection to Bellagio
12. Menaggio–One of the lake’s most charming towns, perfect for strolling
13. Bellagio–At the center of the “Y”, known for stair-stepped streets, shopping, and gardens

Part 3: Key Things to See and Do

🏛️ Villa del Balbianello

• Located in Lenno, this elegant 18th-century villa was once a monastery.
• Later owned by explorer Guido Monzino, it’s filled with mountaineering artifacts.
• You may recognize it from Star Wars: Episode II or James Bond: Casino Royale.
• Accessible by foot or boat, its gardens and lake views are unforgettable.

🏛️ Villa Carlotta

• Built in the 17th century and named for Princess Carlotta of Prussia.
• Located in Tremezzo, it houses Neoclassical artworks, including sculptures by Canova.
• Its botanical garden features azaleas, rhododendrons, and a tropical greenhouse.

⛴️ Ferry-Hopping Across the Lake

• The Navigazione Laghi ferries connect towns like Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia.
• You can purchase tickets at docks or online at navigazionelaghi.it.
• Ferries run frequently in spring to fall; car ferries and high-speed options are available too.
• This is one of the best ways to experience the lake’s beauty and reach smaller towns without driving.

🚶‍♀️ Hiking & Walking Trails

• Try the Greenway del Lago, a 10 km path from Colonno to Griante, passing through charming towns and olive groves.
• The Sentiero del Viandante follows the eastern shore with dramatic lake views and historical stops.
• Light lakeside walks are perfect in Varenna, Bellagio, and Cernobbio.

🚴‍♂️ Biking Lake Como

• The Ciclovia della Valtellina runs along the Adda River near Colico.
• Rent e-bikes in towns like Bellagio or Menaggio for a fun ride through hills and lakefronts.

🌊 Water Sports & Outdoor Activities

• Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular in the northern lake around Colico.
• You’ll find kayaking, paddleboarding, and even parasailing available in high season.
• Consider renting a private boat (with or without a skipper) to explore hidden coves and villas. Many companies offer 2-4 hour tours.

🍷 Cuisine & Local Wine

• Dishes include risotto al pesce persico (perch), missoltini (dried lake fish), and hearty polenta with wild mushrooms.
• Pair meals with Domaso DOC wines, produced in the northern lake, or Nebbiolo-based reds from nearby Valtellina.
• Lakeview restaurants in Varenna, Tremezzo, and Bellagio offer stunning backdrops for a sunset meal.

Part 4: Getting to Lake Como – Train, Bus, and Car Travel Tips

🚆 By Train

• From Milan: Trenord regional trains run from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi to Como S. Giovanni (west) or Varenna-Esino (east).
• Varenna station is a 5-minute walk to the ferry dock.
• Trains are frequent, efficient, and scenic—especially the eastern route hugging the lake.

🚌 By Bus

• Regional buses connect Como with Bellagio, Menaggio, and Tremezzo.
• Check the ASF Autolinee website for timetables.
• Be patient—buses wind along narrow roads and may run late in high season.

🚗 By Car

• From Milan, drive north via the A9 or SS36.
• Driving is best for visiting secluded mountain towns or agriturismo stays.
• However, roads are narrow, parking is limited in towns like Bellagio, and ZTL zones are enforced—park just outside historic centers when possible.

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Closing Segment

That’s it for today’s episode! You now have the background and essentials to understand Lake Como’s rich history, landscape, and top experiences. In our next episode, we’ll zoom in on the Western Branch towns such as Como town, and explore Bellagio and Menaggio —covering sites, shopping, walking tours, and cultural gems.

Until then, subscribe to the Immersion Travel Podcast, and don’t forget to download our free Lake Como guide at https://katerinaferrara.com. Grazie for listening—and remember, the journey is just beginning.