Lake Como is the kind of place that doesn’t feel real until you’re standing there. Nestled between the Alps in northern Italy, this glacial lake has been drawing artists, writers, and royalty for centuries — and the moment I saw its turquoise waters surrounded by towering green mountains and pastel-colored villages, I understood exactly why 🇮🇹💎.

I arrived at Lake Como from Milan, taking a regional train from Milano Centrale to the town of Varenna. The journey took about an hour and wound through increasingly dramatic scenery — flat Lombardy plains giving way to foothills and then suddenly, mountains everywhere. When the train pulled into Varenna’s tiny station perched above the lake, I stepped out onto the platform and literally gasped. The view down to the water was unlike anything I’d ever seen 🏔️.

Getting There & First Impressions

Varenna became my home base and it was the perfect choice. This tiny fishing village clings to the hillside like something from a fairy tale — narrow cobblestone paths called passarelle wind between colorful houses draped in bougainvillea, and every turn reveals another jaw-dropping view of the lake. I spent my first evening just wandering along the lakefront promenade, watching the sunset paint the mountains pink and gold while ferries glided silently across the water ✨.

The Villa Monastero in Varenna is an absolute must. Once a Cistercian monastery dating back to 1208, it’s now a botanical garden stretching along the lakeshore with exotic plants from every continent, Roman-style statues, and terraces that offer some of the most photographed views of the lake. I sat on one of the stone benches overlooking the water for so long that I lost track of time completely 🌿.

Top Highlights & Must-See Spots

The next day, I took the ferry across to Bellagio, often called the Pearl of Lake Como. The ferry ride itself was magical — gliding across crystal-clear water with mountains rising on every side, tiny villages dotting the shores, and the occasional historic villa peeking through cypress trees. Bellagio lives up to its reputation: the stepped lanes of the old town are lined with silk shops, artisan boutiques, and cafes spilling onto terraces with lake views. I had the most perfect risotto al pesce persico (perch risotto, a local specialty) at a trattoria overlooking the water 🍽️.

The Gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio were hauntingly beautiful — manicured lawns, Japanese water gardens, centuries-old sequoia trees, and everywhere, that impossible blue lake. It was here that Franz Liszt composed some of his most famous works, and honestly, I could understand the inspiration completely 🎵.

I also visited Como town at the southern tip of the lake, where the gorgeous Cathedral of Como (Duomo di Como) sits right near the waterfront. Built over 300 years from 1396 to 1740, it blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles in a way that somehow works beautifully. The funicular railway up to Brunate was another highlight — a seven-minute ride that climbs steeply to a hilltop village with panoramic views so vast you can supposedly see all the way to Milan on a clear day 🚡.

More Things to See & Do

One thing that surprised me about Lake Como was how peaceful it felt despite being one of Italy’s most famous destinations. Maybe it’s the water, or the mountains, or the impossibly clean air, but everything moves at a different pace here. I found myself putting my phone away more often than anywhere else on my trip, just wanting to be present in the moment 🤍.

George Clooney famously has a villa here (Villa Oleandra in Laglio), and while you can’t visit it, cruising past on a private boat tour gave me serious main character energy. Speaking of boat tours — renting a private boat for a few hours is absolutely worth every euro. Seeing the lake from the water, pulling up to hidden swimming spots, and passing grand villas that have stood for centuries is an experience I’ll never forget ⛵.

Final Thoughts

Lake Como didn’t just meet my expectations — it completely shattered them. It’s the kind of destination that makes you rethink what’s possible in terms of natural beauty, and leaving felt like saying goodbye to a dream I wasn’t ready to wake up from ❤️.

Planning a trip to Lake Como? 👉 Check out my full Lake Como travel page for all the details and tips!