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 traveller 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 is every bit as magical as you’ve imagined.
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.
Why Lake Como Is Perfect for Women Travelling Over 40
👉 Browse Lake Como Tours & Day Trips on Viator
Book in advance — popular tours sell out fast!
Lake Como is not 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-travelled 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 centre, 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 travellers 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 travellers 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 Books for Lake Como:
Travel Guides:
• 🗺️ Lake Como Travel Guide 2025 (Mick B. Gibson) — top attractions, local tips, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• 🗺️ Rick Steves Italy — the most trusted English-language Italy guide. Covers Lake Como, Milan, and beyond.
• 🗺️ Lonely Planet Italy 2025–2026 — includes Milan & the Lakes with detailed maps and insider tips.
Photography & Coffee Table Books:
• 📷 Lake Como Idyll (Massimo Nava) — stunning photography of the lake, villas, and villages. A beautiful keepsake.
• 📷 Lake Como: The Coffee Table Book — 485 pages of breathtaking Lake Como imagery.
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.
From Milan City Centre
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.
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
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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.
👗 What to Wear at Lake Como:
• ✨ GRACE KARIN Elegant Resort Maxi Dress — sleeveless, V-neck, perfect for lakeside dinners and villa visits.
• ✨ Fashionme Spaghetti Strap Vacation Sundress — elegant and sophisticated, ideal for the upscale Como atmosphere.
• 🧣 100% Italian Silk Chiffon Scarf (Made in Como!) — woven along the shores of Lake Como, where silk has been produced for centuries. A perfect souvenir-quality accessory.
• 🧣 Elizabetta Italian Silk Shawl Wrap (Ombre Navy) — doubles as an evening wrap and a light cover-up for breezy lake evenings.
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.
🛒 Top picks for Lake Como:
• 👡 Birkenstock Arizona Sandals — cork footbed, perfect for cobblestones.
• 👡 ECCO Flowt Cross Strap Sandal — butter-soft leather, elegant enough for dinner.
• 👡 Vionic Women’s Walking Sandals — orthopedic arch support, all-day comfort.
🧳 What to Pack for Lake Como:
• 🧥 Lightweight Waterproof Windbreaker (Navy) — ideal for breezy ferry crossings and evening strolls by the lake.
• 🌧️ Packable Rain Jacket — Lake Como gets afternoon showers; this folds into its own pocket.
• 👒 Wide Brim Packable Sun Hat (UPF 50+) — essential for sunny days exploring lakeside villages.
• 🕶️ Polarized Sunglasses (CARFIA) — polarized lenses cut glare on the water beautifully.
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 travellers?
Extremely safe. Lake Como is one of the most relaxed, well-managed tourist areas in Italy. Solo women will feel very comfortable here.
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, and our Italy June packing guide for exactly what to bring.
👗 Dress for the Italian Lakes
Browse Art Nouveau-inspired dresses perfect for a Lake Como getaway:
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