What to Do in Lake Como? Best Things to Do in Lake Como, Italy

1. Explore Varenna 

Varenna is an Italian village located along the eastern shoreline of Lake Como and is one of the prettiest towns in the country. It reminded me of the Cinque Terre coastline, but with a lot fewer people. In the summer, locals say the town gets highly crowded, but it is the perfect place to soak in everything Italy offers in the off-season. 

Varenna is also a perfect place to stay along Lake Como because of its central location. You can easily take the ferry to other destinations such as Bellagio and Menaggio from town, and it is located a short 1 hour and a 40-minute drive from Milano airport. 

Our Airbnb with the incredible view (pictured above left)  was hosted by Carlo & Sarah & can be booked here.

2. Take the ferry around the lake 

Multiple ferries make their way around the ports of Lake Como. If you stay in the central region (Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna), the primary car ferry costs a reasonable 4 euro for a day pass between the three cities. The views from the ferry offer some unique perspectives of the lake and the topography surrounding it. 

On the route between Mennagio and Bellagio, make sure to search the cliff along the western shoreline to spot a remote church perched on top of a rocky outcrop. 

3. Hike to Refugio Rosalba 

I am an avid hiker, and when I knew we were going to Lake Como, I scoured Google Maps and various hiking topographic maps of the surrounding area to try somewhere higher in elevation to explore. 

I did not realize that until we arrived, the mountains above Lake Como closely resemble the Dolomites in many ways, but are more remote and hidden. The hike to Refugio Rosalba is steep and strenuous, but the rewards are grand. Throughout the summer, you can rent bunkspace at the Refugio for an overnight stay. If you’d instead make it a day trip, the restaurant is open for all visitors. 

During the slower season, the Refugio is open on weekends. We hiked it on a Thursday, which meant the building was closed. However, the perk was that we had the entire area to ourselves. If you love the outdoors and don't mind 2100 ft of elevation gain, this might be my biggest recommendation on the best thing to do in Lake Como. 

4. Explore Como 

Como is the main city located on the far southwestern edge of Lake Como. It is modern and stylish, with the quintessential European city vibe. The main square branches off into a series of narrow alleys lined with restaurants and shops ready to be endlessly explored. If you have time, make a reservation at the Lopez - Gioielleria Team Room. You may also stop by without a reservation if you would like to try some tea without the full tasting. No matter what, it is one of the coolest spots I’ve ever found while traveling. Oh, and don’t forget to order the chocolate cake!

5. Drink & Eat Everything in Sight 

If I could go to Italy every year solely to eat my body weight in carbs, I would. Out of all the places I’ve been to in Italy, Lake Como has the best food and coffee. Here are some of the top places to try: 

Albergo del Sole (Varenna) - Incredible pasta & seafood options. Make sure to order the limoncello as a post-dinner treat. The recipe and lemons are a secret family recipe. 

Cafe Varenna (Varenna) - Waterfront cafe & restaurant with unparalleled charm and outrageously good pasta. We ate here on three separate occasions during our one-week stay. 

GROM (Lecco) - This is a chain, but one is located in Lecco and offers some seriously delicious hot chocolate. 

Mamma Ciccia Cafe (Mendello del Lario) - Quaint eatery with delicious homemade pasta. Keep an eye out for the pet duck that roams the street just down the way. 

Nando (Bellagio) - A bit touristy and less authentic- offers four cute tables along with one of the prettiest alleyways in all of Lake Como.