Lake Como Road Trip from Milan Airport

This 7-day Lake Como road trip takes you on a complete circuit of the lake, allowing you to experience its many facets – from the sophisticated city of Como to the “pearl of the lake” Bellagio, from celebrity-dotted western shores to the more rugged and authentic eastern side, including the Orrido di Bellano gorge.

The driving distances are manageable, with no day requiring more than 1-2 hours of actual driving time. This gives you ample opportunity to stop at viewpoints, explore villages, and enjoy long lunches at lakeside restaurants. The route is designed as a loop, starting and ending at Milano Malpensa Airport, and it can be adapted to 5 days if needed (see timeline tables at the end of this guide).

My personal tip: Although you can visit Lake Como just by driving around, I highly suggest taking the ferry (with your car) to go from the east to the west coast (and viceversa) to enjoy the amazing views you can get from the centre of the lake. This is how I have built this road trip of Lake Como.

DAY 1: MILANO MALPENSA TO COMO – Gateway to the Lake

After arriving at Milano Malpensa Airport and picking up your rental car, you’ll begin your journey to Como, the largest city on the lake and your gateway to this magnificent region. The drive from the airport takes about 45 minutes on well-maintained highways, making for an easy introduction to driving in Italy.

Como is the perfect starting point for your Lake Como exploration – a sophisticated city that beautifully blends history, culture, and lakeside charm. Begin your visit at the impressive Cathedral (Duomo), which dominates the centre of the old town.

This magnificent Gothic-Renaissance church took nearly 400 years to complete, and its façade features stunning statues and intricate marble work. Step inside to admire the tapestries, paintings, and the beautiful stained glass windows that cast colorful light across the interior.

From the cathedral, wander through Como’s charming historic centre with its medieval streets, elegant shops, and lively piazzas. The area is largely pedestrianised, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Make your way to Piazza Cavour along the lakefront, where you’ll get your first proper view of Lake Como stretching northward, with mountains rising dramatically on either side.

For a fascinating glimpse into the scientific history of the area, visit the Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical temple-like museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery, who was born in Como. The museum houses Volta’s original instruments and offers an interesting perspective on early electrical experiments.

In the late afternoon, take the funicular railway from Como to Brunate, a small village perched 715 meters above the lake. The journey takes just 7 minutes but transports you to a completely different atmosphere with spectacular panoramic views. On clear days, you can see not only all of Lake Como’s southern basin but also the Alps and even Milan in the distance. There are several cafés in Brunate where you can enjoy a coffee or an aperitivo while soaking in the views.

Return to Como for dinner. The city offers excellent dining options ranging from traditional trattorias to more upscale restaurants. For an authentic experience, try Osteria del Gallo, tucked away on a side street near the cathedral. Their risotto with perch is a local speciality that perfectly combines the flavours of the lake and mountains.

After dinner, take a leisurely evening stroll along Como’s lakefront promenade, which is beautifully illuminated at night. The combination of the twinkling lights of the city, the dark silhouette of the mountains, and the moon reflecting on the lake creates a magical atmosphere for the perfect end to your first day.

My suggested accommodation in Como: Albergo del Duca

My personal tip: If you arrive early enough in the day, consider taking a quick boat trip from Como to Cernobbio or Torno before dinner. These short 15-20 minute rides give you a wonderful introduction to the lake from the water perspective, which is completely different from the road view. The regular ferry service (not the car ferry) runs frequently from Como’s central dock, and no reservations are needed for these short hops.

DAY 2: COMO TO ARGEGNO – Villas and Villages of the Western Shore

Today you’ll begin your exploration of Lake Como’s famous western shore, known for its elegant villas, celebrity residents, and picturesque villages. After breakfast in Como, start with a visit to Villa Olmo, one of the most magnificent villas on the lake, located just a short drive or a pleasant 15-minute walk from Como’s centre.

While the villa itself (which dates from the late 18th century) is often used for exhibitions and events, the beautiful neoclassical gardens are open to the public and offer lovely views of the lake.

From Como, drive north along the western shore toward Cernobbio, your first stop of the day. This elegant small town has long been a favourite with aristocrats and celebrities. The highlight is Villa d’Este, now an ultra-luxury hotel but originally built in the 16th century as a summer residence for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio.

While the hotel and its immediate grounds are private, you can admire the impressive façade from the public lakefront promenade and get a sense of its grandeur.

Continue north along the scenic lakeside road (SS340) toward Laglio. This stretch of road offers beautiful views but can be narrow and winding in places, so drive carefully and be prepared for the occasional tight passage. Laglio gained international fame as the location of George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra.

While the villa itself is private, you can see it from the road or the water. The village is charming in its own right, with stone houses climbing up the hillside and a peaceful atmosphere that explains why it attracts privacy-seeking celebrities.

For lunch, stop in the village of Brienno or continue to Argegno, both offering authentic trattorias where you can enjoy local specialties. I particularly recommend Ristorante La Piazzetta in Argegno, where you can dine on their terrace overlooking the small harbour.

After lunch, explore Argegno, a charming village located where the Val d’Intelvi meets Lake Como. The village is built around a small square and harbour, with narrow streets leading up the hillside. The highlight here is the cable car that connects Argegno with Pigra, a small village 881 meters above sea level. The ride takes just 5 minutes but offers spectacular views as you ascend almost vertically up the mountainside.

From Pigra, there are several hiking trails with panoramic viewpoints overlooking the lake. Even if you’re not up for a long hike, a short walk from the cable car station rewards you with breathtaking vistas that few tourists ever see. On clear days, you can see all the way from Como to Bellagio and beyond.

Return to Argegno in the late afternoon and check into your accommodation. For dinner, try Ristorante La P’Osteria, known for its excellent lake fish and warm hospitality. After dinner, take a stroll along Argegno’s small but charming lakefront, where you might catch local residents playing bocce (Italian lawn bowling) in the evening hours.

My suggested accommodation in Argegno: Dream Holiday

My personal tip: Between Laglio and Argegno, watch for signs to the “Greenway del Lago” – a 10 km walking path that connects several villages along the western shore. While you won’t have time to walk the entire route, consider parking in Colonno and walking a small section to experience the lake from a different perspective, away from the road traffic. The path takes you through olive groves, past historic villas, and offers some stunning viewpoints that you can’t see from the main road.

DAY 3: ARGEGNO TO MENAGGIO – Mid-Lake Marvels

Today’s journey takes you through what many consider the most beautiful section of Lake Como – the mid-lake area where the lake divides into two branches, creating a spectacular landscape of blue water against a backdrop of steep, forested mountains.

After breakfast in Argegno, drive north to Sala Comacina, where you can take a small boat to Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como. This small island has a fascinating history – it was once a thriving community with several churches, but was destroyed in 1169 during a war between Como and Milan. Today, it’s home to artists’ residences, archaeological remains, and one famous restaurant, Locanda dell’Isola Comacina, which has been serving the exact same menu since 1947!

A visit to the island takes about an hour, after which you’ll continue north to Tremezzo, home to one of Lake Como’s most famous attractions: Villa Carlotta. This magnificent 18th-century villa is renowned for its 70,000 square meter botanical garden and art collection.

Spring is particularly spectacular when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in bloom, creating rivers of colour throughout the terraced gardens. Inside the villa, you’ll find masterpieces by Canova and Hayez, as well as beautiful period furniture.

For lunch, the lakefront restaurants in Tremezzo offer good options with beautiful views. Al Veluu, located up in the hills above Tremezzo, is worth the detour if you’re looking for something special – their terrace offers one of the most spectacular dining views on the entire lake.

After lunch, continue to Lenno to visit Villa del Balbianello, perhaps the most dramatically situated villa on Lake Como. Perched on a wooded promontory, this villa has featured in several films, including Star Wars: Episode II and Casino Royale. You can reach it either by a 25-minute walk through beautiful woods or by taking a short boat ride from Lenno’s dock.

The villa’s loggia with its panoramic arches framing the lake is one of the most photographed spots in the entire region. The interior, filled with artefacts collected by its last owner, explorer Guido Monzino, is fascinating and can be visited on a guided tour.

In the late afternoon, continue to Menaggio, one of the lake’s most important towns and your base for the night. Menaggio has a beautiful lakefront promenade lined with flowers and palm trees, and a pretty historic centre a short walk uphill from the water. Check into your accommodation and then take some time to explore the town.

For dinner, try Ristorante Il Ristoro for excellent local cuisine in a cosy setting. After dinner, enjoy a gelato while strolling along Menaggio’s elegant lakefront, watching the lights come on across the water in Varenna and Bellagio – a perfect preview of tomorrow’s destinations.

My suggested accommodation in Menaggio: Casbah Suites

My personal tip: About 3 km north of Menaggio is the small village of Loveno, home to Villa Mylius Vigoni. This less-visited villa has magnificent gardens that combine Italian formality with English landscape style. It now serves as a German-Italian cultural center, and while the villa interior can only be visited on specific days, the gardens can be visited more regularly and offer a peaceful alternative to the more crowded Villa Carlotta.

DAY 4: MENAGGIO TO VARENNA TO BELLANO – Car Ferry and Gorge Adventure

Today brings one of the highlights of your Lake Como adventure – crossing the lake by car ferry and exploring the eastern shore, including the spectacular Orrido di Bellano gorge. Start with a relaxed morning in Menaggio, perhaps visiting the Church of Santa Marta in the historic centre or taking a short walk along the lakefront to the elegant Villa Vigoni.

Around mid-morning, head to Menaggio’s ferry dock to board the car ferry to Varenna. This is one of the few places in the world where you can drive your car onto a ferry in such a spectacular setting! The car ferry service connects the “golden triangle” of Lake Como – Menaggio, Varenna, and Bellagio – and is a vital transport link as well as a wonderful experience for visitors.

The ferry schedule varies by season, but services generally run every 30-60 minutes. No advance booking is needed; simply drive up to the dock, purchase your ticket from the booth (approximately €15-22 for a car plus driver, with additional passengers extra), and wait in the queue.

The crossing to Varenna takes about 15 minutes, offering spectacular views of the central lake area that you simply can’t get from the road. Keep your camera handy as you sail across the deepest part of Lake Como, with Bellagio’s promontory to your right and the Pre-Alps rising dramatically on all sides.

Upon arriving in Varenna, you’ll drive off the ferry and find yourself in one of Lake Como’s most charming villages. Park your car (there are several small lots near the ferry dock) and spend the next few hours exploring this delightful place.

Varenna has a more relaxed, authentic feel than some of the more famous lake towns, with a waterfront promenade aptly named “Lovers’ Walk” (Passeggiata degli Innamorati) that hugs the rocky shoreline.

Visit Villa Monastero, which began life as a 12th-century convent before being transformed into a private villa. Its botanical garden extends for almost 2 kilometres along the lakefront, featuring rare exotic plants that thrive in Lake Como’s microclimate. The villa itself houses a museum with period furnishings and can be visited along with the gardens.

For lunch, try Ristorante Al Prato in Varenna’s main square, known for its excellent fish dishes and friendly service. After lunch, take a short walk to admire Villa Cipressi, another beautiful lakefront property with terraced gardens (now a hotel, but the gardens can be visited separately).

In the mid-afternoon, drive north from Varenna to Bellano (about 5 km) to visit the Orrido di Bellano, a natural gorge formed by the Pioverna River over 15 million years. The name “Orrido” comes from the Italian word for “horrific,” referring to the impressive and somewhat intimidating nature of this deep, narrow canyon.

A system of walkways suspended over the rushing water allows visitors to venture into the gorge, experiencing the thundering sound of the river and admiring the sculptural rock formations created by millennia of erosion.

The walkways are secure but can be wet from spray, so wear shoes with a good grip. The visit takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on how slowly you want to explore. The entrance fee is approximately €5-8 per person, and it’s well worth it for this unique natural spectacle that offers a complete contrast to the elegant villas and gardens you’ve been visiting.

After exploring the gorge, return to Varenna for the evening. Check into your accommodation and then enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Vista, which, as the name suggests, offers beautiful views across the lake to Menaggio and Bellagio. As the sun sets, the lights of the villages around the lake begin to twinkle on the water, creating a magical evening atmosphere.

My suggested accommodation in Varenna: The Cypress House

My personal tip: Between Varenna and Bellano, make a quick stop at Fiumelatte, home to Italy’s shortest river (250 meters). The name means “milk river” because of its frothy white appearance as it tumbles down the mountainside. It’s a seasonal river that mysteriously appears in March and disappears in October, puzzling observers since Leonardo da Vinci, who mentioned it in his writings. It’s a quick photo stop that adds another interesting natural feature to your day.

DAY 5: VARENNA TO BELLAGIO – The Pearl of the Lake

Today you’ll visit Bellagio, often called “the pearl of Lake Como” for its perfect position at the tip of the peninsula that divides the lake’s two southern branches. From Varenna, you have two options to reach Bellagio: drive around the eastern branch of the lake via Lecco (about 50 km), or take the car ferry directly from Varenna to Bellagio (15 minutes).

I strongly recommend the ferry option for its convenience and the beautiful approach to Bellagio from the water.

The car ferry runs regularly between Varenna and Bellagio (check the current schedule as times vary by season). As you approach Bellagio by water, you’ll understand why it’s considered the jewel of Lake Como – the town rises from the waterfront in a series of cobbled streets and stone stairways, crowned by the dome of the Basilica of San Giacomo and surrounded by elegant villas and lush gardens.

After disembarking in Bellagio, find parking (there are several lots at the edges of town) and begin your exploration of this enchanting place. Start with a walk along the lakefront promenade, lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops. Then venture into the heart of town via the steep stone stairways known locally as “salita” that connect the waterfront to the upper part of town.

These charming lanes are lined with boutiques selling silk scarves, leather goods, and other high-quality items – Bellagio has been a shopping destination since the time of the Grand Tour.

Visit the Basilica of San Giacomo, a beautiful Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. Inside, you’ll find interesting medieval sculptures, frescoes, and a Romanesque crypt. The church stands in a small square that serves as the heart of Bellagio’s historic centre.

For a glimpse into Bellagio’s aristocratic past, visit the gardens of Villa Melzi, located just south of the town centre along the lakefront. These English-style gardens, created in the early 19th century, feature azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias, as well as Egyptian sculptures, a Japanese pond, and a neo-classical chapel. The villa itself is not open to the public, but the gardens alone are worth the entrance fee.

Another magnificent garden to visit is that of Villa Serbelloni, located on the hill above Bellagio. The villa is now owned by the Rockefeller Foundation and used as a conference centre, but the gardens can be visited on guided tours (reservation required). The tour takes you through 18th-century terraced gardens with panoramic views of both arms of the lake – arguably the best viewpoint in the entire Lake Como region.

For lunch, avoid the most touristy spots directly on the waterfront and instead try Bilacus Restaurant, located in a charming courtyard in the historic centre. Their lake fish dishes are excellent, and the setting is much more peaceful than the busy lakefront establishments.

In the afternoon, explore beyond Bellagio’s main tourist centre. Take a short walk to Pescallo, a tiny fishing village on the other side of the peninsula. Just a 10-minute walk from Bellagio’s main square, Pescallo feels like a different world – a tranquil harbour with bobbing fishing boats and none of the crowds of Bellagio proper.

Return to Bellagio for the evening and check into your accommodation. For a special dinner, try Ristorante Mistral at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (not to be confused with the gardens you visited earlier). This Michelin-starred restaurant offers sophisticated cuisine and impeccable service in an elegant setting. For something more casual but still excellent, Far Out Bar offers good food and spectacular sunset views in a relaxed atmosphere.

End your day with an evening passeggiata (stroll) along Bellagio’s waterfront, perhaps stopping for a gelato or a nightcap at one of the lakeside bars. The evening atmosphere, with the lake reflecting the lights of distant villages and the silhouettes of mountains all around, is simply magical.

My suggested accommodation in Bellagio: Hotel Florence

My personal tip: Most visitors never venture beyond Bellagio’s main tourist areas, but some of the best experiences are found in the surrounding hamlets. If you have time in the afternoon, drive or take a local bus to San Giovanni, another hamlet of Bellagio, about 2 km from the centre. Here you’ll find the Museum of Navigational Instruments, a fascinating small museum showcasing antique compasses, sextants, and other nautical equipment. The hamlet also has a lovely small beach where you can take a refreshing swim in the lake if the weather is warm.

DAY 6: BELLAGIO TO UPPER LAKE TO COLICO – Northern Explorations

Today you’ll explore the less-visited northern part of Lake Como, which has a more rugged, authentic character than the glamorous central and southern regions. From Bellagio, take the ferry back to Menaggio and drive north along the eastern shore of the lake toward Colico.

This scenic route offers beautiful views across to the western shore and takes you through several charming villages that see far fewer tourists than the central lake area.

Your first stop could be Dongo, a town with an interesting historical significance. It was here, at the end of World War II, that Mussolini was captured while trying to escape to Switzerland. The End of WWII Museum (Museo della Fine della Guerra) tells this fascinating story through documents, photographs, and artefacts. Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s an interesting glimpse into a pivotal moment in Italian history.

Continue north to Gravedona, one of the most beautiful towns on the upper lake. The highlight here is the Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, a remarkable 12th-century Romanesque church built using alternating bands of white stone and black marble. The interior features medieval frescoes and a unique baptismal font. The church stands in a picturesque position right by the lakefront, making it a perfect photo opportunity.

Gravedona itself is worth exploring, with a charming historic centre and a relaxed atmosphere. For lunch, try Ristorante La Baia, which offers good food with lake views in a casual setting.

After lunch, continue north to the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve, located where Lake Como meets the Valtellina valley. This wetland area is an important habitat for migratory birds and offers pleasant walking trails with mountain views. It’s a complete change of scenery from the sophisticated villa gardens you’ve been visiting and shows another facet of the region’s natural beauty.

Your final stop today is Colico, at the northernmost tip of Lake Como. Visit the Forte di Fuentes, a 17th-century Spanish fort built to control the northern access to the lake. The fort is partially ruined but offers interesting walks and spectacular views of the northern lake and surrounding mountains.

Check into your accommodation in Colico for the night. The town has a more local, less touristy feel than many Lake Como destinations, with a pleasant lakefront area and marina. For dinner, try Ristorante Risi e Bisi, which serves excellent northern Italian cuisine focusing on local ingredients.

After dinner, take a stroll along Colico’s lakefront promenade. The evening light on the northern mountains can be spectacular, and you’ll likely be sharing the experience with locals rather than tourists – a refreshing change from the busier parts of the lake.

My suggested accommodation in Colico: Residence Lake Como

My personal tip: If you’re interested in wine, consider a slight detour into the Valtellina valley, just north of Colico. This alpine valley produces excellent red wines from the Nebbiolo grape (locally called Chiavennasca). Several wineries offer tours and tastings, and the terraced vineyards climbing up the steep mountainsides are impressive to see. Nino Negri is one of the larger producers that welcomes visitors, but there are also many smaller family-run wineries worth discovering.

DAY 7: COLICO TO LECCO TO MILANO MALPENSA – Eastern Shore and Farewell

For your final day, you’ll explore the eastern shore of Lake Como before returning to Milano Malpensa Airport. After breakfast in Colico, begin your journey south along the eastern shore, which has a more rugged and less developed character than the western side.

Your first stop could be Mandello del Lario, home to the Moto Guzzi Museum. If you’re interested in motorcycles, this small but fascinating museum tells the story of Italy’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer, founded here in 1921. Even if you’re not a motorcycle enthusiast, the vintage bikes are beautiful examples of Italian design and engineering.

Continue to Abbadia Lariana, where you can visit the Silk Museum (Civico Museo Setificio Monti). Lake Como was once one of Europe’s major silk-producing regions, and this museum, housed in a former silk mill, demonstrates the traditional production methods with original 19th-century equipment. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the industrial heritage that shaped the region’s economy and society.

As you continue south, the road offers beautiful views back across the lake to the western shore. There are several small beaches and lakefront parks where you can stop for a break or a quick swim if the weather is warm.

Arrive in Lecco by lunchtime. This city, situated at the southern tip of the eastern branch of Lake Como, has a more working-class, authentic character than Como. It’s famous as the setting for Alessandro Manzoni’s novel “The Betrothed” (I Promessi Sposi), one of the most important works in Italian literature.

Lecco honours this connection with several Manzoni-related sites, including his house (now a museum) and locations from the novel.

For lunch, try Ristorante Soqquadro in Lecco’s historic centre, which offers excellent local cuisine in a contemporary setting. After lunch, take some time to explore Lecco’s pleasant waterfront and the Ponte Azzone Visconti, a picturesque medieval bridge with views of the mountains that surround the city.

In the mid-afternoon, begin your journey back to Milano Malpensa Airport. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, primarily on highways. Allow plenty of time for your return journey, especially if you need to return your rental car and check in for a flight.

As you drive away from Lake Como, you’ll take with you memories of one of Italy’s most beautiful regions – a perfect blend of natural beauty, historic villas, charming villages, and la dolce vita.

My personal tip: If your flight schedule allows and you’re interested in modern architecture, consider a short detour to Como to see the Casa del Fascio (now called Casa del Popolo). Designed by famous Italian rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni in the 1930s, it’s considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture and offers an interesting counterpoint to the historic villas and traditional buildings you’ve been seeing around the lake.

Lake Como 7-Day Road Trip: Timeline Table

Here below a summarised table with the best places to stay in Lake Como.

Lake Como 5-Day Road Trip: Condensed Timeline