5 Days in Lake Como: Relax, Explore, and Enjoy

When I was planning our trip for 5 days in Lake Como, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I mean, I’d seen all the photos—of course it looked gorgeous, but I knew it wasn’t going to be like the lake trips I’ve taken to Wallowa, Gaston, or Lure. Lake Como is in a league of its own.

And honestly, it ended up being pretty much what I imagined: insanely beautiful, peaceful, glitzy but still laid-back. It’s the kind of place that feels made for unwinding—sunbathing, boutique shopping, boating around, enjoying long dinners, and wandering through old, glamorous villas.

Here is a slow-paced itinerary to enjoy 5 days in Lake Como.

Where to Stay

When it comes to where to stay, most people narrow it down to Bellagio, Como, or Varenna. I had my eye on either Bellagio or Varenna, and even though a few friends suggested Varenna, I ended up choosing Bellagio. No regrets. The truth is, you really can’t go wrong—each town has its own vibe and charm. Here’s what sets them apart:

Bellagio: Dubbed the “Pearl of Lake Como,” this place is straight out of a postcard. Smack in the center of the lake, it’s got cobblestone streets, killer views, and easy ferry access to other towns. I loved Bellagio. It was just like what I imagined it would be—perfect for that classic and quaint vibe.
Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni – old-world charm, a perfect location, and gorgeous views.

Como: This town’s got a bit of everything—history, culture, and modern perks. It’s bigger, with tons of places to stay, eat, and explore, like the Como Cathedral or the funicular to Brunate for epic views. Maybe not as postcard-pretty, but it’s got character.

Varenna: Cozy, charming, and peaceful. It’s quieter than the others—ideal if you’re looking for slower mornings, beautiful gardens, and fewer crowds.

Getting There

We used a private car service to get to Bellagio, which was stress free and simple. But you’ve got options:

Option 1: Train & Ferry

Train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (~1 hour)
Ferry from Varenna to Bellagio (15–20 mins)

It’s an easy and scenic trip—and Varenna is super cute if you want to grab a coffee before the ferry.

Option 2: Drive

Driving from Milan to Bellagio takes 1.5–2 hours. The roads are good, though the final stretch is winding and narrow. Totally doable—just make sure your hotel has parking!

Once you’re in Bellagio, you may not need a car unless you plan to explore more remote towns.

Getting Around

Where to Buy Ferry Tickets

At the ferry terminals – just head to the ticket booth at the dock (they usually open about 30 minutes before the first ferry)
Online via navigazionelaghi.it – helpful if you want to check schedules ahead of time
Concierge desks – many hotels can help book or recommend the best times/routes

If you’re planning to hop around a lot in one day, look for a Day Pass. These let you take unlimited ferries within a specific area of the lake (usually the central towns) and can save you money. The full-lake pass is €25 and gives you the most flexibility to hop between Como, Bellagio, and Varenna in one day.

Ferries

Here are the most popular and centrally located stops:

Bellagio – main dock right in town center
Varenna-Esino – short walk downhill from the train station
Tremezzo – near Villa Carlotta
Lenno – great for visiting Villa del Balbianello
Como – large port with access to the high-speed hydrofoils
Menaggio – another central hub across from Varenna and Bellagio