Around Lake Como

Some of the things we recommend exploring around the lake:

  1. Train to Varenna. Rick Steves called this his favorite town on Lake Como, and it was the first place we visited in Lake Como. Walk to the nearby train station, and Varenna is the 4th stop going north on the local train, approximately a 10-15 minute ride. There is a 10-minute walk to the main plaza in town, with a steep downhill just the first 3 minutes. Walk down to the ferry dock, and you’ll find the Largo Enzo Venini, the suspended walkway over the water. This also goes to the main plaza, but will take 20 minutes (or all day, since you’ll keep stopping for photos)

  2. Ferry to Bellagio. Bellagio is the most oppulent and touristy town on Lake Como. located on the tip of the peninusula in the middle of the lake, it has breathtaking views, amazing restaurants, and plenty of shopping. You can get there 2 ways:
    • train to Varenna first (15 minutes on train), then 7-minute walk to the ferry dock, then an additional 15 minutes on the ferry.
    • Or, the ferry direct from Mandello is about 1 hour, with 4 short stops on the way.

  3. Villa Balbionello. This fantastic villa is best known as the Star Wars Villa, it’s where Anakin and Padme got married. It’s only accessible by boat taxi, which you can take from Mandello (about an hour ride each way) or from Bellagio (about 15 minutes). It’s great to see from the water, or get tickets to tour.

  4. Just walk around.