EXPLORING LAKE COMO

Whether you have a spare morning or a whole day, here are some lovely ways to enjoy the area. A boat trip is the highlight for most visitors!

BY BOAT

Public ferries (Navigazione Laghi) connect all the main towns. A day pass lets you hop on and off wherever you fancy.

Como to Bellagio: ~2hrs slow boat or 45 mins hydrofoil

Mid-lake triangle (Bellagio–Varenna–Menaggio): boats every 20–30 mins

Top tip: buy hydrofoil tickets at the pier or online — not onboard! Regular ferries accept contactless tap.

Fares (guide): Como–Bellagio ~€12.40 (slow) / €18.80 (fast). Full-lake day pass ~€28.40.

Guided tours & private boats are also available — great if a group of you want to go together. Book online in advance as small groups fill up!

COMO TOWN IN JULY

Como is walkable, elegant, and right on the lake. July is warm (~29°C) so mornings and late afternoons are loveliest, with a lakeside spritz in between!

Don't miss:

• Duomo di Como — stunning Gothic-Renaissance cathedral
• Brunate funicular — 7 min ride up for incredible lake views
• Villa Olmo — free gardens, lovely lakefront stroll
• Museo della Seta — Como's silk heritage
• Aperitivo hour from ~5pm — grab a spritz by the water!

DAY TRIPS

• Bellagio — the 'Pearl of the Lake', cobbled lanes & Villa Melzi gardens
• Varenna — quieter, romantic, with Villa Monastero
• Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) — botanical gardens in full summer bloom
• Villa del Balbianello (Lenno) — the cinematic one, best reached by boat
• Greenway del Lago — gentle 10km walk through olive groves & villages