Post by Jane
Discover the ultimate 3-day Lake Como itinerary for an unforgettable trip. From luxurious stays in Como to scenic boat tours, lakeside dining, and breathtaking drives, this guide covers everything you need to plan your perfect Lake Como vacation in Northern Italy.🗺️
Table of Contents
Why Visit Lake Como? A Stunning Destination in Northern Italy
Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and luxurious villas, Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps is high on most bucket lists! Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, this iconic lake offers something for every traveler.
Our 3-day Lake Como itinerary focuses on the highlights, including where to stay in Como, top boat tours, and must-visit spots like Bellagio and Varenna. Perfect for first-time visitors, this guide ensures you make the most of your time with practical tips on transportation, dining, and activities.🌄
Practical Tips for Your Lake Como Vacation 💡
- Transportation: Renting a car is essential for the scenic drive, we recommend using Discover Cars; public ferries are great for boat-focused days. 🚤
- Best Time to Visit: Early season (spring) offers quieter lakes and milder weather. 🌸
- Lake Como Map: Pick up a detailed map from the Lake Como Tourism Office for navigation. 🗺️ and find our interactive Google Map below!
- Budget Tips: Look for affordable house wines and local eateries to keep costs down. 💰
Ready to plan your trip? This 3-day Lake Como itinerary ensures you hit the best spots for visiting, eating, staying, and drinking. For more travel inspiration, subscribe to Live to See and explore our full archive. 📩
Day 1: Arrival in Como – Best Places to Stay & Eat in the City Center ✈️
Start your Lake Como adventure by arriving in Como, the gateway to the lake. If you’re flying into Milan Malpensa Airport, renting a car is the most convenient option for the approximately 45 km drive to Como. This allows flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas. 🚗
Convenient Parking and Check-In in Como 🅿️
Upon arrival, park at the Autosilo Comunale, a secure and affordable option just a 5-7 minute walk from the city center. This central location makes it easy to access your hotel and begin exploring.
Top Hotel Recommendation: Palazzo Albricci Peregrini in Como 🏨
For the best places to stay in Como Italy, we highly recommend Hotel Palazzo Albricci Peregrini. This beautifully restored 15th-century Bishop’s Palace combines historic charm with modern luxury. Located in the heart of Como’s medieval city center, it offers elegant rooms, curated breakfasts, and exceptional service. The staff can assist with bookings, parking recommendations, and local insights, making it an ideal base for your 3-day Lake Como itinerary. ✨
Lunch and Afternoon Exploration in Como’s Historic Center 🍴
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Piazza del Duomo, where options like Da Pietro Pop Up serve excellent pizza with views of the stunning Como Cathedral. To get oriented, book a walking tour of Como. We suggest this Como: Small-Group 2 Hours Walking Tour, with the highest reviews and recommendations of all walking-tours in Como! It is likely to sell-out each day so try to book a little in advance. Request Svetlana as your guide – her expertise provides unique access to hidden areas and fascinating historical details not found in standard tours. 🚶♀️
Dinner at the Best Restaurant in Como: Osteria del Gallo 🍷
End your first day with dinner at Osteria del Gallo, one of the top restaurants in Como for authentic Italian cuisine. Savor traditional dishes paired with affordable house wine (starting at 3 Euros). This cozy spot captures the essence of lakeside dining in Northern Italy.
Day 2: Lake Como Boat Tours and a Visit to Bellagio ⛴️
No trip to Lake Como is complete without experiencing the lake by boat. Day 2 of our 3-day Lake Como itinerary focuses on scenic cruises and exploring the picturesque town of Bellagio. 🌊
Recommended Lake Como Boat Tour from Como: Carlo Barassi Charter
Book a 5-hour private boat tour with Carlo Barassi Charter, departing at 11:00 am from Como. Cruise past iconic villas, the dramatic Nesso Falls, and along the stunning shoreline. Your skipper, Carlo, ensures a personalized experience, highlighting must-see sights. As a boating enthusiast, this was a highlight of our Lake Como vacation – peaceful waters and breathtaking views make it one of the best Lake Como boat tours available. 🌅
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Lunch in Tremezzo: Lakeside Dining at La Darsena 🍽️
During your visit to Tremezzo, dine on the patio at La Darsena Restaurant. Try the local specialties like risotto and fresh lake perch for a spectacular meal with panoramic views. This is one of the best places to eat, offering authentic flavors in a serene setting. 🐟
Evening in Como: Museums and Aperitivo 🏛️
Return to Como and wander the old city streets and boardwalk. Visit the Volta Museum to learn about the inventor of the battery, Alessandro Volta. Cap off the day with an aperitivo at Piazza Volta, enjoying light bites and drinks while soaking in the lakeside atmosphere. 🍹
Day 3: Scenic Drive Around Lake Como – Must-See Stops and Views 🛣️
Dedicate your final day to a full scenic drive around Lake Como, covering approximately 170 km in about 7 hours with stops. Alternate between the main highway and lakeside roads for the best views, especially from Varenna to Tremezzo and Laglio to Cernobbio. This route showcases why Lake Como is one of the most beautiful drives in Italy. 🚙
First Stop: Varenna – Charming Village and Scenic Tunnels
Begin in Varenna for a relaxed wander through its colorful streets and waterfront. The drive through the tunnels between Varenna and Bellano features exposed cut stone, adding a unique element to your journey. 🛤️
Second Stop: Bellano – Explore the Orrido di Bellano Gorge
Next, head to Bellano and walk the Orrido di Bellano, a stunning gorge with suspended walkways, waterfalls, and natural beauty. This short hike is perfect for stretching your legs and immersing in Lake Como’s dramatic landscapes. 💦
Third Stop: Piona Abbey – Historic Serenity on the Lake ⛪
Continue to Piona to visit the historic Piona Abbey, a peaceful 12th-century site with cloisters and lake views. It’s an ideal spot for reflection during your scenic drive around Lake Como. 🕊️
Fourth Stop: Castello di Corenno Plinio – Medieval Charm 🏰
Stop at Castello di Corenno Plinio, a well-preserved medieval village with a castle overlooking the lake. Explore the cobblestone paths and ancient architecture for a step back in time. 🏞️
Fifth Stop: Tremezzo – Lunch at Grand Hotel Tremezzo 🍲
In Tremezzo, enjoy a late lunch on the patio of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. With stunning views and the iconic floating pool, this is one of the best places to eat in Tremezzo. The ambiance and cuisine make it a standout experience. 🏊♂️
Final Stop: Cernobbio – Aperitivo and Farewell 🍸
End in Cernobbio with an aperitivo. Note that Harry’s Bar is closed from 3 to 6 p.m., so opt for Enoteca Con Cucina nearby for wines and small plates in a charming waterfront setting. 🌇
Jane’s Full Experience
Jane: We had an unforgettable three days around Lake Como, with the highlight being the hotel we stayed at and our day spent on the water.
We always appreciate being in a central location, allowing us to easily explore and enjoy the charm of whichever city we’re in.
The Hotel Palazzo Albricci Peregrini was the perfect choice. This beautifully restored 15th-century Bishop’s Palace oozes charm and character, from its elegant surroundings to the carefully curated and delicious breakfasts. The impeccable service made it hard to imagine a better place to stay in Como. The gracious staff were invaluable, assisting with everything from booking our day cruise to finding safe parking. The hotel’s location in the heart of the medieval city center was ideal, making it easy to wander through its small plazas, explore boutique shops, enjoy the newly renovated waterfront, and visit the stunning Duomo.
Our day on the lake was truly a dream as a boating family. We were fortunate to have Carlo from Carlo Barassi Charters as our skipper. This incredible young man guided us around the lake and ensured we saw all the sights we were eager to experience, including Nesso Falls, Bellagio, and the historic villas that line the shores. For lunch, Carlo arranged a table at La Darsena, where he recommended we try the local lake perch and parmesan risotto. Both dishes were delightful. Since we visited early in the season, the lake was peaceful and quiet, though the water was too cold to swim in.
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Exploring more of Northern Italy? Check out our Bergamo, Lake Maggiore and Isola Bella post!
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