Last Updated: May 2026
Lake Como is a glacial lake in Lombardy, northern Italy, renowned for its inverted Y-shape, dramatic Alpine backdrop and luxurious villas. For centuries it has attracted aristocrats, artists and writers. Our Tauck Switzerland tour brought us here for a memorable day on the water, exploring the legendary lake by boat and stopping at its most celebrated village: Bellagio.
Lake Como
Lake Como measures about 90 square miles in area (146 square kilometers) with a maximum depth over 1,300 feet (410 meters). The lake extends roughly 28.5 miles long (46 kilometers). Surrounding mountains rise above 6,500 feet (2,000 meters).
Glaciers carved the lake during the last Ice Age, with human settlement dating to Roman times when Julius Caesar founded Novum Comum in 59 BC. It served as a strategic retreat for aristocracy through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and beyond, hosting villas built by Milanese nobility and later attracting figures like Virgil and Pliny. The 19th-century silk industry boomed here, tying into nearby Como’s textile heritage, while today it draws tourists for its cultural sites and film locations.
From Lugano, Switzerland we had a scenic ride along Lake Lugano to Lake Como, Italy. We stopped at the town of Menaggio on the west shore of Lake Como.
Bellagio
There, our small group boarded a boat to explore Bellagio on the eastern side of Lake Como. Bellagio sits at the tip of the Triangolo Lariano, the promontory that divides the two southern branches of the lake, giving it panoramic views in every direction — north toward the Swiss Alps, and south toward Como and Lecco. It is often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” and after visiting in person it is easy to understand why.
As the boat drew closer, the town revealed itself — terracotta roofs cascading down the hillside, narrow cobbled steps, and bursts of color from pink geraniums spilling over iron balconies.
There were boutique stores specializing in high-quality Italian scarves, shawls and silk products from nearby Como, a historic silk production hub. The town of Como at the southern end of the lake has produced fine silk since the 15th century and remains one of the most important silk manufacturing centers in the world. The boutiques in Bellagio carry some of the finest products from these local mills — at considerably better prices than you will find in Milan or elsewhere in Italy.
Walking the steep stone steps of Bellagio, we explored the old town — from its winding lakeshore promenade to the hillside Basilica of San Giacomo, a Romanesque church first built in 1075 that still anchors the village center. The narrow alleys called salite climb steeply from the waterfront, lined with geranium-draped facades and small shops that have operated for generations. The whole village feels remarkably well-preserved given how much international attention it receives each summer.
Summers here are warm and pleasant, winters can be cold and damp with occasional light snow. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism. Airbnb’s have exploded in the area. There has been a 25% drop in local population over the last 35 years.
Enjoying an afternoon espresso and a gelato with friends overlooking Lake Como — one of the great simple pleasures of Italy.
Menaggio
Back in Menaggio, we went to one of the resorts for a delicious lunch. Menaggio is one of the prettiest towns on the western shore of Lake Como, with a palm-lined waterfront piazza and a relaxed atmosphere that feels less crowded than Bellagio. It makes an ideal base for exploring the lake, with ferry connections to Bellagio and Varenna just minutes away.
Visitor Information
Getting to Lake Como: The town of Como at the lake’s southern tip is approximately one hour by train from Milan Central Station. From Switzerland, Lugano is the closest city — under an hour to the lake by road.
Ferry Service: Ferries connect all major towns on the lake. Menaggio to Bellagio takes approximately 30 minutes; Varenna to Bellagio approximately 15 minutes. Car ferries operate between Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna. Visit navigazionelaghi.it for schedules and fares.
Bellagio: No cars are permitted in the old town center. The steep cobblestone salite (staircase lanes) require comfortable footwear. Most shops and cafés are open daily in season, April through October.
Practical Tips
Visit in late spring or early autumn for the best experience — April through June and September offer warm weather, blooming gardens and far fewer crowds than July and August, when Bellagio can become very busy.
Wear comfortable shoes — Bellagio’s steep stone staircases are beautiful but unforgiving. Sandals and dress shoes are not practical on the narrow salite.
Buy Como silk in Bellagio. The boutiques here carry authentic locally-produced silk scarves, ties and accessories at better prices than you will typically find in larger cities. It makes a wonderful souvenir to bring home.
Allow 2–3 hours for Bellagio — enough time to explore the old town, visit a church, browse the silk shops and enjoy a coffee or gelato on the lakefront promenade.
From Lake Como we continued on to our next stop, Lugano, Switzerland.
FAQ
What is Bellagio famous for? Bellagio is often called the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Sitting at the tip of the Triangolo Lariano promontory where the lake divides, it offers panoramic views in every direction. It is famous for its silk boutiques, cobblestone lanes, elegant lakefront villas and the 11th-century Basilica of San Giacomo.
How do you get to Bellagio? The easiest way is by ferry from Menaggio (approximately 30 minutes), Varenna (approximately 15 minutes) or Como (approximately 45 minutes). Car ferries also operate between Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna.
Is Lake Como expensive? Lake Como is one of Italy’s most upscale destinations, but day visitors can enjoy it very affordably by taking public ferries rather than private water taxis, and by eating at smaller local restaurants away from the main lakefront.
Do celebrities live on Lake Como? Yes — George Clooney owns Villa Oleandra in Laglio on the western shore. Many international celebrities and business figures maintain estates along the lake, drawn by its beauty, privacy and proximity to Milan.
What is Como silk? The town of Como at the southern end of the lake has been a center of silk production since the 15th century. Today it produces some of the finest silk fabrics in the world, supplying major fashion houses in Milan and Paris. The boutiques in Bellagio carry silk products made in the Como region.
