If you’ve been dreaming of a destination that combines breathtaking natural beauty, old-world glamour, and a relaxed pace that suits the over-40 traveler perfectly — Lake Como is it. Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps just an hour north of Milan, this stunning glacial lake has been seducing discerning visitors for centuries. And trust me: it’s every bit as magical as you’ve imagined.
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This guide covers everything you need to know for your first visit to Lake Como — the best towns, how to get there, getting around, where to stay, what to eat, and the practical tips that will make your trip run smoothly.
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Why Lake Como Is Perfect for Women Traveling Over 40
👉 Browse Lake Como Tours & Day Trips on Viator
Book in advance — popular tours sell out fast!
Lake Como isn’t a party destination. It’s a place for lingering over long lunches, strolling along lakeside promenades, taking slow ferry rides between pastel-painted villages, and sitting on a hotel terrace watching the light change on the mountains. In other words: it was made for us.
The lake attracts a sophisticated, well-traveled crowd. You’ll find excellent restaurants, beautiful boutique hotels, world-class gardens, and — particularly outside of peak July and August — a genuinely calm, unhurried atmosphere.
The Four Towns You Need to Know
The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three arms branching off from the central basin. Each of the main towns has its own distinct character.
Como Town
Best for: Arrivals, day trips from Milan, shopping, city culture
Sitting at the southern tip of the western arm, Como is the largest town on the lake and the main transport hub. It has a beautiful medieval cathedral (the Duomo), a charming historic center, and excellent shopping. Most visitors use Como as their entry point before heading further north. Take the funicular up to Brunate for spectacular views over the lake.
Bellagio
Best for: Classic Como atmosphere, gardens, boutique shopping, romance
Perched on the promontory where the lake’s two lower arms meet, Bellagio is the jewel of Lake Como. With its steep cobblestone lanes, pastel facades, and spectacular gardens (Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni are both outstanding), it’s the postcard image of the lake. Try to arrive early morning or in the evening to appreciate it at its most magical.
Varenna
Best for: Authentic village atmosphere, gardens, a quieter base
Many travelers consider Varenna, on the eastern shore, the most beautiful village on the lake. It has romantic lanes, a lakeside promenade, and stunning views across to Bellagio — but with fewer tourist crowds. The gardens of Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi are worth the ferry trip alone. Varenna is also the stop for travelers arriving by train from Milan (a 1-hour direct service).
Menaggio
Best for: A relaxed base, families, access to Swiss day trips
Menaggio is a lovely working town that feels less touristy than Bellagio. It has a beautiful lakefront piazza, good restaurants, and easy ferry connections to the rest of the lake. It’s also the starting point for the Greenway del Lago walking path.
🛍️ Recommended for Lake Como:
• 🗺️ Lake Como Travel Guide 2025 (Mick B. Gibson) — top attractions, local tips, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• 📷 Lake Como Idyll (Massimo Nava) — stunning photography of the lake, villas, and villages. A beautiful keepsake.
• 🧣 Silk scarves on Amazon — a scarf is the classic Lake Como souvenir, because Como has been Europe’s silk-weaving town for centuries. If you want genuine Como silk, buy it there — look for “seta di Como” and a Como address on the label. The listings here are ordinary silk scarves, not Como-made, but they are a good stand-in if you are shopping before you go.
Getting to Lake Como
From Milan Malpensa Airport
Malpensa is the main international airport for Milan and Lake Como. Take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale, then a Trenitalia train to Como San Giovanni or Varenna-Esino (approximately 2.5 hours total). A taxi or private transfer from Malpensa to Como takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately 80 to 120 euros.
Traveling with a suitcase? See our Lake Como packing list, which includes a first-hand account of the easiest Malpensa-to-Bellagio route by bus.
From Milan City Center
The fastest option is the Trenord train from Milan Cadorna to Como Nord Lago — just 45 minutes, and it arrives right at the lake. For Varenna, take the Lecco line from Milano Centrale (1 hour — more scenic, and it arrives directly at the ferry pier).
Getting Around the Lake
The best and most enjoyable way to get around Lake Como is by ferry (battello). The ferry network connects all the main villages with regular services throughout the day. There are three types of vessel — the slow battello (passenger ferry), the traghetto (car ferry), and the fast hydrofoil aliscafo. See our dedicated Lake Como Ferry Guide for full details on routes, timetables, and 2026 prices.
By bus: ASF Autolinee runs regular buses along the western shore. Buses are cheap but can be slow and crowded in summer.
By car: Driving is scenic but frustrating in peak season. Roads are narrow, parking is limited, and summer weekend traffic is notorious. Rely on the ferry between the main towns.
By boat tour: a guided boat trip does something the ferry cannot — commentary, sunset timing, and access to landings like Villa del Balbianello. I have compared the shared, private, and Milan day-trip options in our guide to the best Lake Como boat tours for solo travelers, and if you only visit one villa, make it Villa del Balbianello.
Best Time to Visit Lake Como
May and September are the sweet spots. The weather is warm (20 to 25 degrees), the lake is at its most photogenic, the gardens are blooming, and the crowds are significantly lighter than in peak summer.
June and early July are also excellent — weather is warm, all services are running, and the long light evenings make for wonderful days. It gets busy, particularly at weekends.
July and August are peak season — hot, crowded, and expensive. Book accommodation well in advance and plan sightseeing for early mornings.
Where to Stay
👉 🏨 Browse Lake Como Tours & Experiences on Viator — Combine your stay with an unforgettable boat tour, villa visit, or day trip.
Lake Como has accommodation across all budgets, though it leans towards the luxury end:
- Luxury splurge: The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Villa d’Este (Cernobbio), and Passalacqua (Moltrasio) are among the finest hotels in Italy.
- Mid-range boutique: Hotel Royal Victoria (Varenna) and Grand Hotel Menaggio are both excellent choices. Expect to pay 150 to 300 euros per night in high season.
- Budget options: Como town has the most affordable choices, and there are charming family-run guesthouses throughout the smaller villages.
Pro tip: Stay at least 2 to 3 nights on the lake. The magic of Lake Como is in the slow mornings, the ferry rides at dusk, and the lakeside dinners that stretch well past midnight.
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What to Eat and Drink
- Missoltino: Dried, salted shad — the signature dish of the lake. Served grilled with polenta and vinegar.
- Lavarello: Freshwater whitefish, typically grilled or baked. Delicate and delicious.
- Risotto al pesce persico: Perch risotto — creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying.
- Polenta uncia: Soft polenta layered with cheese and butter, baked until golden. Absolute comfort food.
- Aperol Spritz at aperitivo hour: Sit on a lakeside terrace and watch the mountains turn pink in the evening light.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book accommodation early — especially May through September. The best hotels sell out months in advance.
- Buy ferry tickets in advance for popular routes in summer. Or get a day pass — see our ferry guide for current 2026 prices.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The lake villages are hilly and many streets are cobbled.
- Cover up for churches. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter — bring a lightweight scarf or cardigan.
- Eat where the locals eat. Walk one or two streets back from the waterfront for better food at half the price.
- Carry cash. Many smaller restaurants and market stalls are cash-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need at Lake Como?
A minimum of 2 to 3 nights allows you to visit the main villages by ferry. Four to five days is ideal for a more relaxed visit that includes walks, gardens, and day trips.
Is Lake Como expensive?
Yes, by Italian standards — it’s one of the most upmarket destinations in the country. However, you can still visit on a moderate budget by staying in Como town or the smaller villages and eating at local restaurants.
Is Lake Como safe for solo female travelers?
Extremely safe. Lake Como is one of the most relaxed, well-managed tourist areas in Italy. Solo women will feel very comfortable here.
One more layer of peace of mind: travel insurance. It’s inexpensive and turns a mishap into a mere inconvenience. World Nomads is a solid pick for international travelers. Get a quick travel-insurance quote with World Nomads →
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We don’t represent World Nomads. This isn’t a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Ready to Plan Your Lake Como Trip?
Lake Como is one of those rare places that exceeds expectations — and that’s saying something, given how high those expectations tend to be. Whether you spend four nights or two weeks, you’ll leave wondering when you can come back.
Next steps: read our Lake Como Ferry Guide for everything you need to know about getting around by boat, our Lake Como packing list for exactly what to bring, and our Italy June packing guide for seasonal outfit ideas.
More Lake Como Guides
- Best Lake Como Boat Tours for Solo Travelers
- Villa del Balbianello: Tickets, Boats and Best Time to Go
- Lake Como Ferry Guide: Routes, Tickets and Times
- Lake Como Packing List (and Getting There from Malpensa)
- The Devil Wears Prada 2 Filming Locations in Italy
🧭 Prefer to explore with a local guide?
GoWithGuide connects solo travelers with vetted local guides in Lake Como. Every tour is private, fully customizable, plus you can message your guide before you book.
👗 Packing for warm weather? See what to wear in Italy in June for a tested capsule wardrobe.