Where to stay on Lake Como: areas and hotels

If you're visiting Lake Como for the first time and want a base with easy access to trains and ferries, Como town at the southern end of the lake is the most convenient option, as it's directly connected to Milan and has the largest number of hotels across all categories. If you're travelling as a couple and want that picture you've seen a thousand times, with the villas, gardens, and mountain views, Bellagio and Varenna offer the most cinematic version of the lake. Families with children fare better in Menaggio or Cernobbio, where there are more relaxed beaches, parks, and less crowded streets. For travellers on a more limited budget, Varenna and Menaggio have family-friendly hotels with much better prices than Bellagio.

Lake Como is shaped like an inverted Y, which means your location dictates how easily you can get around. Bellagio is located where the three branches of the lake meet, and almost all ferries pass through it, making it a convenient hub but also the busiest and most expensive. Tremezzo and Varenna are opposite each other and connected by a frequent ferry, while Como and Cernobbio are closer to the airport and Milan.

If you plan to stay only two to three days, it's better to choose one base and take day trips by ferry to the other villages, rather than changing accommodation every night. The ferry is almost always a more pleasant option than driving, especially in summer when the roads around the lake get busy.

Practical information for Lake Como

Lake Como is located in Lombardy, about an hour north of Milan, and is one of Europe's deepest lakes, with the Alpine mountains plunging almost vertically into the water in its northern parts. Access is usually via Milan's airports, with Bergamo (Orio al Serio) being the closest in terms of travel time, around forty-five minutes by car to Como, while Malpensa and Linate are a little further, around an hour and fifteen minutes (see a detailed guide on transfers from Malpensa to the city centre). From Milan city centre, a train from Cadorna or Garibaldi station reaches Como town in about an hour, with several services per day.

Within the lake, the best solution for getting around without a car is the Navigazione Laghi ferries, which connect all major villages with regular services and offer a day pass for unlimited journeys. High-speed 'skimmer' boats cover the same routes in less time but with a surcharge on the ticket. If you plan to stay in Milan before or after the lake, you'll find a detailed area guide there. If you prefer to drive, be aware that the lakeside roads are narrow and get congested in summer, especially around Bellagio, where parking is difficult and expensive. Many hotels in the historic centres do not have their own parking.

The best time to visit is from late April to June and again in September and October, when the garden vegetation is at its best and temperatures remain pleasant, around twenty to twenty-five degrees. July and August bring a large influx of visitors, especially to Bellagio, and significantly higher hotel prices. Winter is quiet, and some small hotels and restaurants close seasonally, so Como and Cernobbio, which operate all year round, are safer options during the winter months.

Distances between villages are short in kilometres but can take a while due to the roads. From Como to Bellagio, it's about an hour by car or seventy minutes by ferry, while from Bellagio to Varenna or Tremezzo, the ferry ride takes just fifteen to twenty minutes. If you have only a few days, it's worth first deciding which villages you want to visit and then choosing a base that offers the easiest routes. For those who want to combine the lake with a trip to Milan, an overnight stay in Como before or after the lake makes the transition more comfortable.

Bellagio: the most photogenic corner of the lake

Bellagio is located where the three branches of the lake meet and is considered the most picturesque village in the area, with cobbled alleys, gardens in nineteenth-century villas, and views that change depending on where you stand. It's ideal for couples and for those who want most ferry services within easy reach, but in summer, it fills up with day-trippers and accommodation prices are among the highest on the lake.

1. Hotel Excelsior Splendide

A hotel next to Bellagio's promenade, with balconies overlooking the lake and the mountains beyond. A good choice for those who want to be at the heart of the action without straying far from the ferry pier.

• Average cost: 140 to 220 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

2. Hotel Centrale Bellagio

A small hotel in the heart of the historic centre, a few steps from shops and restaurants. Suits those who want to explore the village on foot without a car.

• Average cost: 100 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and solo travellers

3. Hotel Il Perlo Panorama

Located just outside the centre of Bellagio, at an elevated position, offering panoramic lake views and a quiet environment surrounded by vineyards. A car or a short taxi ride is needed to reach the centre.

• Average cost: 130 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking tranquillity

Varenna: picturesque village with better prices

Varenna is on the eastern shore, opposite Bellagio, and combines the same picturesque charm with a calmer atmosphere and lower prices. It has its own train station on the Milan-Tirano line, which makes it significantly easier to access if you're travelling without a car. For those who want a bit of shopping before the lake, there's a related guide for shopping in Milan. If you enjoy romantic, picturesque places, also see our guide for accommodation in Lefkada as a Greek alternative. The lakeside walk Passeggiata degli Innamorati and the gardens of Villa Monastero are among its most popular spots.

4. Hotel Royal Victoria

A historic hotel on Varenna's promenade, with a garden and lakeside pool. It has been operating since the nineteenth century and maintains a classic aesthetic in its common areas.

• Average cost: 150 to 230 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

5. Albergo Milano

A small family-run hotel perched on the alley above the lake, with a restaurant known for its views and local cuisine. The rooms are simple but distinctly stylish.

• Average cost: 110 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: couples wanting an authentic experience

6. Hotel Villa Cipressi

A sixteenth-century villa converted into a hotel, with a vast garden of cypress trees by the lake. A tranquil choice for those who desire space and nature.

• Average cost: 120 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

7. Villa Varenna

Apartments and suites in a building on the shore, suitable for those wanting more space and a kitchen. A good option for comfortable stays of a few days.

• Average cost: 130 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: families and small groups

Como: the city with the most options

The city of Como is located at the southern end of the lake and is the natural entry point for those arriving from Milan by train. It boasts the largest number of hotels in every category, a cathedral, a lakeside promenade, and a funicular railway ascending to Brunate for panoramic views. Before you leave, take a look at the top attractions in Milan, as many people combine the two trips. It is the most practical base for a first visit, especially if you don't have a car, as most ferry services to the other villages start from here.

8. Hotel Tre Re

A hotel in Como's historic centre, a few minutes' walk from the cathedral and the promenade. Good value for money as a base for exploring the city.

• Average cost: 90 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and solo travellers

9. Albergo Terminus

A hotel in a liberty-style building on the promenade, with lake views from several rooms. Located next to the ferry pier, ideal for excursions to the villages.

• Average cost: 110 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

10. Posta Design Hotel

A contemporary hotel with modern design, close to Como's main square. Suits those who want a modern aesthetic and easy access to shops and restaurants.

• Average cost: 95 to 150 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and business trips

Menaggio: a family-friendly option on the western shore

Menaggio is located on the western shore, opposite Varenna and Bellagio, and has a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with a sandy beach and less crowded streets. It's also a good starting point for those wanting to continue to Switzerland, as it's a few kilometres from the border with Lugano.

11. Hotel Du Lac Menaggio

A hotel on Menaggio's promenade, with a restaurant and terrace overlooking the lake. Serves as a good base for family holidays at a relaxed pace.

• Average cost: 100 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: families

12. Hotel Garni Corona

A small, budget-friendly hotel in the centre of Menaggio, close to the beach and shops. A good choice for travellers on a moderate budget.

• Average cost: 70 to 110 € per night
• Ideal for: families on a moderate budget

Tremezzo: near Villa Carlotta

Tremezzo is on the western shore, opposite Bellagio, and is mainly known for Villa Carlotta with its botanical gardens. It's a quiet option with direct access to the ferry for Bellagio and Varenna, without the crowds of the more popular villages.

13. Hotel Bazzoni

A hotel with a pool and terrace overlooking the lake, next to Villa Carlotta. A good choice for those seeking tranquillity and views without being far from the attractions.

• Average cost: 110 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

14. Hotel Villa Marie

A small hotel in an old villa with a garden, a few minutes from the centre of Tremezzo. A quiet atmosphere, suitable for relaxing holidays.

• Average cost: 90 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

Cernobbio: luxury near Como town

Cernobbio is just five kilometres north of Como town and is famous for Villa d'Este, one of the lake's most renowned luxury villas. It's a good choice for those who want easy access to Como town but prefer a quieter environment in the evenings.

15. Hotel Asnigo

A hotel in a quiet part of Cernobbio, with a terrace and views of the lake and mountains. A good base for those who want to combine city and tranquillity.

• Average cost: 100 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best area for a first visit to Lake Como?

Como town is the most practical option, as it's directly connected to Milan by train and most ferry services to the other lake villages depart from there.

Do I need a car to visit Lake Como?

Not necessarily. The Navigazione Laghi ferries connect all major villages regularly, and combined with the train to Como or Varenna, you can cover most areas without a vehicle.

Which airport is closest to Lake Como?

Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio) is the closest in terms of travel time, about forty-five minutes by car to Como (see transfers from Bergamo to Milan). Malpensa and Linate are a little further.

What is the best time to stay on Lake Como?

Spring (late April to June) and autumn (September, October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer, when accommodation prices rise significantly, especially in Bellagio.

Is Bellagio too expensive for accommodation?

It is one of the more expensive options on the lake due to its central location and reputation, but Varenna and Tremezzo opposite offer similar views and atmosphere at lower prices.

Which area is best suited for families with children?

Menaggio and Cernobbio have a more relaxed atmosphere, sandy beaches, and fewer crowded streets, making them more convenient for families compared to bustling Bellagio.

How many days are needed to see Lake Como?

Three to four days are sufficient to visit the main villages by boat, staying in one base and taking day trips rather than changing accommodation every night.