Lake Como: the most beautiful spots, quiet villages, and hiking trails
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The Most Beautiful Spots on Lake Como: Nature, Villages, and Hiking Trails Away from the Crowds

The beautiful Lake Como in northern Italy is known for its many stately villas and colorful villages. But the lake also offers stunning nature, peaceful spots, shaded forest trails, and dark-sky nights in the mountain valleys. What don’t you want to miss at Lake Como? We’ve compiled the highlights, including lesser-known villages and the most beautiful hiking areas. Read more here and check out our Insider tips.

The towns surrounding the lake are just as beautiful as the lake itself. Colorful historic villages with the most beautiful villas. Unfortunately, the towns around the lake can get crowded, especially during the summer season. Read on to find out which spots you won’t want to miss.

Lake Como - Brunate - lake view
Lake Como - Brunate - cable car

Best Viewpoint: Brunate & the Cable Car from Como

The cable car connects Como with Brunate. In about 7 minutes, you’ll be about 500 m higher. Up at “the balcony,” you’ll have a view of Como, the lake, and—on a clear day—the Alps, including Monviso and Monte Rosa.

Tip: Take the cable car up and hike (part of the way) back to Como along mountain trails. For example, via the Strada Regia. The cable car is open almost every day.

Quiet villages on Lake Como

If you want to avoid the crowds in Bellagio and Varenna:

  • Faggeto Lario (Riva, Molina, Lemna, Palanzo). In the Triangolo Lariano (the triangle between Como and Lecco) lie four villages, connected since the Middle Ages by the Strada Regia. This is my favorite area for peace and quiet, shady beech forests, and ancient villages. It offers surprising natural beauty and scenery, including archaeological sites from Roman times.
  • Laglio – Torriggia: best known for George Clooney, but the hills behind it are even more interesting, featuring, among other things, the Buco dell’Orso cave (a cave with an underground lake; guided tours available) and Monte Colmegnone.
  • Ossuccio: views of Isola Comacina and access to the Sacro Monte (UNESCO).
  • Peace-and-quiet hack: take the trails up into the hills—it gets quieter right away.
  • Tip: Behind Laglio lie beautiful hills and vineyards, and even higher up you’ll find Monte Colmegnone, which offers wonderful walking trails and hikes.
  • Things to do: hike from Brunate to Bellagio (in sections), Molina Flower Festival (May).
  • Accommodations: small-scale stays in Molina or Lemna; book direct with the host.
  • The flower festival in Molina takes place in May.

Accommodation tip: Villa Le Ortensie in Molina. A cozy, small-scale retreat surrounded by nature.

Villa Le Ortensie is a beautiful, authentic villa in Molina on the southeastern shore of Lake Como. It features six rooms in a welcoming setting and natural surroundings with hiking trails right outside the door. Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers.

  • Book direct: contact the host directly (transparent pricing, local tips).
  • Click here to see all our special accommodations in Italy
Villa Le Ortensie - Lake Como - view - terrace
Villa Le Ortensie - Lake Como - Aperol Spritz
Villa Le Ortensie - Lake Como - Villa Entrance
Villa Le Ortensie Bed - Este Room - Panel Wall
Villa Le Ortensie - lake Como - lake view

Villas and Gardens: Historic Splendor Amid the Greenery

  • Villa del Balbianello (Lenno): a movie set and dream location, with sculpture gardens and views of the lake. Accessible only with a guide or by boat.
  • Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): botanical garden with centuries-old trees, a rose garden, and citrus tunnels. Open daily.
  • Villa Melzi (Bellagio): An English garden along the shore with exotic plants.
Lake Como - Villa del Balbianello
Lake Como - Orrido di Bellano

The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails Around Lake Como (with Public Transportation to and from)

• Sentiero del Viandante (Lecco–Colico, east coast)

A 49-km historical route along the eastern shore of Lake Como. Hike in stages:

  • Varenna – Bellano (1.5–2 hours): woods, orchards, steep sections
  • Varenna – Dervio (approx. 10 km): views of Castello di Vezio and Roman rock tombs

Public Transportation Tip: Take the train between the villages to get on or off along the way.

• Strada Regia (Como–Bellagio, west side)

A medieval trail through beech forests and small villages between Como and Bellagio.

  • Well-signposted
  • Perfect for spring or fall

Getting Started Tip: Take the cable car to Brunate and hike toward Torno or Lemna.

• Monte Colmegnone (behind Laglio)

A challenging day hike with panoramic views. Start from Laglio or the villages higher up.

Must-See Towns on Lake Como (and How to Avoid the Crowds)

Cernobbio

Elegant, but touristy. Beautiful promenade, Villa d’Este, and access to a challenging hike up Monte Bisbino.

  • Travel Tip: Spend the Night in the Hinterland
  • Take an early walk along the promenade.
  • Public transportation tip: Take the train to Como S. Giovanni. Then take the bus to Cernobbio.
  • Villa d’Este is a beautiful 16th-century villa—now a luxury hotel—with a stunning garden and views of the lake.
Lake Como - Varenna - view of the lake from the villa
Lake Como - Varenna - Lovers' Promenade
Lake Como - Varenna - lamppost

Varenna

Colorful, romantic, and centrally located. Unfortunately, that also means it’s busier. Visit Villa Monastero and take a stroll along the “Passeggiata degli Innamorati” (a 500-meter boardwalk along the lake). It’s spectacular at sunset and even more romantic.

  • Tip: Combine this with a section of the Sentiero del Viandante.
  • How to get there: train from Milan to Varenna-Esino and ferry.
  • Public transportation tip: Direct train from Milan to Varenna-Esino; ferries to Bellagio/Menaggio.
  • Historic center with narrow alleys
  • The Cipressi Villas (now a hotel/restaurant) and the Monastero (botanical garden).
Lake Como - Varenna - path to the lake
Lake Como - Bellagio - bench
Lake Como - shore

TIP: Varenna is easily accessible from Bellagio and the other towns along the lake by ferry, as well as from Milan via direct trains.

Bellagio

Picturesque and charming, situated at the fork of the lake. Crowded during peak season. Bellagio lies at the tip of the promontory that divides the lake into two branches. Here, too, the wealthy Lombard nobility had the most beautiful villas built between the 18th and 19th centuries.

  • Things to Do: Visit Villa Melzi, Villa Serbelloni Park (guided tour).
  • Tip for a good night’s sleep: go to bed early or stay just outside the city center.
  • Things to Do: Villa Melzi (English Garden), Villa Serbelloni Park (guided tours only; check times).
  • Public transportation tip: Take the ferry from Varenna/Menaggio.
  • Rent a bike or take a guided bike tour in Bellagio.
  • Rest hack: Go early (8:30–10:30) or later in the day; sleep outside the city center.

Tremezzina & Isola Comacina

Across from Bellagio: Lenno, Ossuccio, Mezzegra, and Tremezzo.

  • Visit: Villa del Balbianello & Isola Comacina (a small green island).
  • How to get there: ferry from Bellagio, bus from Menaggio (10 minutes).
  • Things to Do: Isola Comacina, a green island featuring archaeological sites, small churches, and summer residences of Italian and foreign artists. Guided walking tour (fee required) (note ferry services).
  • Highlight: Villa del Balbianello on the Lavedo Peninsula near the village of Lenno, with beautiful gardens and panoramic views.
  • Practical information: ferry from Bellagio; bus from Menaggio.
Lake Como - houses on the north side facing the mountain
Lake Como - Villa Balbianello - Lenno

Swimming & Water Sports on Lake Como

You can swim in Lake Como at various rocky and pebble beaches. The water is deep and cool, so stay close to the shore.

  • Water shoes recommended
  • Things to Do: Rent a kayak, SUP, or e-foil from local providers

Safety tip: Wear a high-visibility swim buoy and avoid the channel.

Mountains, forests, and sacred mountains

  • Sacro Monte di Ossuccio: A UNESCO pilgrimage route overlooking the lake
  • Triangolo Lariano: Over 500 km of hiking trails up to an altitude of 1,600 meters
  • Brembana Valley (a little further on): mountain valleys and ancient mountain villages

Practical & Sustainable Travel on Lake Como

  • Without a car: train to Como, Varenna-Esino, or Lecco + ferries
  • Best time to visit: April–June & September–October
  • Bike Rental (e-)bike in Bellagio; check routes and service points in advance. From e-bikes to road bikes and mountain bikes.
  • Avoid: July–August, or plan your visit early in the day or later in the day
  • Sustainable: book direct, don’t leave any trash behind, stay on the trails

Waterfalls & Gorges of Lake Como

  • Orrido di Bellano: a spectacular gorge trail along the Pioverna River with footbridges leading to the waterfall (approx. 20-minute hike).
  • Orrido di Nesso: a gorge and waterfall near the Ponte della Civera; most beautiful in the morning light. The gorge can also be seen from Piazza Castello.

Organized Walking Tour of Lake Como and the Lugano Area

Are you interested in an organized hiking tour that connects Lake Como and Lake Lugano? Then take a look at this 8-day hiking tour of Lake Como and Lake Lugano. You can book direct with the local specialist. Accommodations, transfers, and luggage transport are included.

Map of Lake Como

Looking for more inspiration?

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Madelon-Seignette - auteur Nature Travel Lab

Over de auteur

Madelon Seignette

Met een passie voor reizen en fotografie én meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in de reisbranche, deel ik graag mijn bijzondere natuur-reistips. Reizen is heerlijk en belangrijk, je ontmoet nieuwe mensen en culturen en het opent je blik op de wereld.

ALLE BERICHTEN VAN DEZE AMBASSADEUR

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Last September, we had a wonderful six-day hiking vacation from Bologna to Florence (Via Degli Dei). Not only was the weather perfect, but the organization also contributed to this wonderful experience. The hotels were good, and our luggage was always delivered to the hotel before we arrived. The private transfer was on time, and communication via WhatsApp during our hiking week went smoothly as well; responses were quick and clear. We can therefore definitely recommend this hiking vacation through Nature Travel Lab!

We hebben afgelopen september een heerlijke wandelvakantie (zes dagen) gehad van Bologna naar Florence (Via Degli Dei). Niet alleen werkte het weer mee, maar ook de organisatie droeg bij aan deze fijne ervaring. De hotels waren goed en onze bagage werd steeds vóór onze aankomst bij het hotel afgeleverd. De privétransfer was op tijd en het contact via WhatsApp tijdens onze wandelweek verliep ook goed; er werd snel en duidelijk gereageerd. Wij kunnen deze wandelvakantie via Nature Travel Lab dan ook zeker aanbevelen!

Johan en Pauline

After reading the report on the “Alpenüberquerung,” we got really excited. The combination of hiking through beautiful nature and the luxury of luggage transport and a reserved hotel perfectly meets our desire to stay active but then be able to enjoy a well-deserved drink and a delicious meal. The hikes were manageable for us and very varied; some basic fitness is required, especially since we aren’t used to the elevation gain. The trip really gives you the feeling that you’re on a hiking expedition, especially since you hike on your own but meet the same fellow hikers in the afternoons and evenings at one of the mountain huts or at the hotel. Highly recommended for hikers who love unspoiled nature combined with the luxury of a hotel!

Na het lezen van het verslag van de 'Alpenüberquerung' zijn we enthousiast geraakt. De combinatie van wandelen in de prachtige natuur en de luxe van het bagagetransport en een gereserveerd hotel, beantwoord helemaal aan onze wensen om actief bezig te zijn maar daarna lekker te kunnen genieten van een welverdiend drankje en een lekkere maaltijd. De wandelingen waren voor ons goed te doen en zeer gevarieerd; enige basisconditie is wel vereist, zeker omdat we de hoogtemeters niet gewend zijn. De tocht geeft je echt het gevoel dat je op een wandel-expeditie bent, helemaal omdat je individueel loopt maar 's middags en 's avonds dezelfde lopers treft in één van de hutjes op de berg of in het hotel. Absolute aanrader voor wandelaars die van ongerepte natuur houden gecombineerd met de luxe van een hotel!

Ton & Julia

Peloponnese Hiking Tour

Wandelreis Peloponnesos

Mar en Co

A really beautiful six-day hike from Bologna to Florence. Communication with NatureTravelLab and the local agent was excellent. The information packet was waiting for us at the hotel in Bologna, and the app with the route worked great. Luggage transport was well organized every day, and our bags were waiting for us each time we arrived at our new room! We covered more than 1,400 meters of elevation gain, but unfortunately didn’t always get the views we’d hoped for due to cloud cover and some drizzle. Most days had great hiking weather. It was wonderful to walk into Florence on foot and stay there an extra day.

Een hele mooie zesdaagse hike van Bologna naar Florence. Communicatie met NatureTravelLab en lokale agent was prima. Infopakket lag klaar in hotel in Bologna en app met route werkte top. Bagagevervoer was elke dag goed geregeld en de tassen stonden er elke dag weer als we aankwamen in onze nieuwe kamer! Meer dan 1.400 hoogtemeters gemaakt, maar hadden helaas niet altijd de gewenste uitzichten door bewolking met wat motregen. Meeste dagen prima wandelweer. Heerlijk om per voet Florence in te lopen en daar nog een dag extra gebleven

Jeroen

We experienced the Walk of the Gods as a great adventure. Our start in Bologna didn’t go quite as planned because our app wasn’t working yet and we couldn’t find a single sign for Via degli Dei in the square. Fortunately, we were quickly able to join two young hikers from Florence who were also doing the hike. After a wonderful night’s stay at the beautiful Rio Verde agritourism farm, Day 2 went much better with the help of the hiking app. Along the way, we enjoyed stunning views, met some great fellow hikers, and sampled delicious local dishes. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t always on our side, and we had a day of heavy rain, which made the trail very slippery and required us to be careful. It’s a real treat when, on the last day, you can already see Florence in the distance and walk into this beautiful city a few hours later. Thank you so much for your quick and friendly responses to all our questions.

We hebben de tocht der Goden als een groot avontuur ervaren. Onze start in Bologna verliep niet helemaal naar wens omdat onze app nog niet werkte en we op het plein geen enkel bordje konden vinden van Via degli Dei Gelukkig konden we snel aansluiten bij twee jonge wandelaars uit Florence die de tocht ook liepen. Na een heerlijke overnachting in een prachtige Agri toerisme Rio Verde verliep dag 2 een stuk beter met behulp van de wandel app. Onderweg hebben we genoten van prachtige uitzichten. Leuke wandelaars ontmoet en heerlijke streek gerechten geproefd. Helaas waren de weer goden ons niet altijd goed gezind en hadden we een dag volop regen waardoor het pad erg glibberig werd en het oppassen was. Het is volop genieten als je de laatste dag al van veraf Florence ziet liggen en deze mooie stad een paar uur later binnen loopt. Dank je wel voor jullie snelle vriendelijke reacties op al onze vragen.

Rob en Jose

We enjoyed the trip. We also made some changes to our itinerary, and the email correspondence went very smoothly. We started in Mantera; the next day, our first and only hike was a really beautiful one. The taxi picked us up right on time. Unfortunately, the second day’s route was almost the same when we cycled to Ostuni. The bikes were well-maintained, including panniers and helmets (these were simply included). You could even bring your own water bottle!!! We found the route very scenic and varied. There were charming little villages where we could stop for lunch or coffee. The app worked great. All the hotels ranged from good to excellent, though we didn’t think the hotel in Leuca was worthy of 4 stars. We followed your advice for the two nights we stayed there. We found Leuca a bit underwhelming for a two-day stay. We would have preferred to stay in Gallipoli or Lecce for two days. We took this trip in April and were very lucky with the weather. It’s still a quiet time of year, but we didn’t mind that. We definitely recommend it!!!

We hebben de reis als prettig ervaren. We hebben ook onze reis aangepast en de mails gingen erg vlot. We zijn in Mantera begonnen, de volgende dag onze 1e en enige wandeling was een hele mooie wandeling. Werden netjes opgehaald door de taxi. Helaas was de 2e dag bijna de zelfde route toen we gingen fietsen naar Ostuni. De fietsen waren keurig verzorgd incl.fietstassen en helmen ( Dit zat er gewoon bij) Je zou zelf een bidon kunnen meenemen !!! De route vonden wij heel mooi en afwisselend. Leuke dorpjes om te lunchen of koffie te drinken. Gaat prima met de app. Alle hotels zijn prima tot uitstekend, echter het hotel in Leuca vonden wij geen 4 * waardig. Waar we 2 nachten verbleven zijn we vanuit jullie advies gegaan. We vonden in Leuca iets minder voor 2 dagen. We hadden liever in Gallipoli of in Lecce 2 dagen verbleven. Wij hebben deze reis in april gedaan, hadden veel geluk met weer. Is nog rustig periode, maar dat vonden wij niet erg. Het is zeker een aanrader !!!

Rondreis door Puglia

Thanks to a great tip from Nature Travel Lab, we had a wonderful week in Italy. Fattoria di Maiano, just outside Florence, was a beautiful and peaceful place. And the suggested road trips were a great guide for exploring the region. We’ll definitely check here for tips for our next vacation, too. Highly recommended!

Dankzij een gouden tip van Nature Travel Lab een heerlijke week gehad in Italië. Fattoria di Maiano net buiten Florence was een prachtige en rustige plek. En de voorgestelde autoritten waren een heel mooi handboek om de regio te verkennen. Ook voor de volgende vakantie zullen we hier checken voor tips. Zeker een aanrader!

Tara en Roy

We spent a divine week in Italy: we walked the Path of the Gods, from Bologna to Florence—about 135 km spread over 6 days of hiking. Challenging distances and climbs, amazing views, nature, and a warm welcome every time we arrived at the agriturismo or albergo/hotel. All of this was perfectly organized by the Italian company Slow Active Tours, entirely in line with Nature Travel Lab’s itinerary proposal: upon arrival in Bologna, an information packet was waiting for us, complete with a hiking map, a booklet, and passports for the stamps. And the hiking app was very practical for along the way! Our luggage was transported every day and was always waiting for us when we arrived at the next location. Communication was smooth and clear. In short, highly recommended, well worth it, and well-organized.

Wij hebben een goddelijke week in Italie doorgebracht: de Godenweg gelopen, van Bologna naar Florence, zo’n 135km verdeeld over 6 wandeldagen. Pittige afstanden en stijgingen, geweldige uitzichten, natuur en steeds weer een gastvrij onthaal bij aankomst in de agriturismo, of albergo/hotel. Dit alles was perfect georganiseerd door het Italiaanse Slow Active Tours, geheel volgens reisvoorstel van Nature Travel Lab: bij aankomst in Bologna lag er een infopakket klaar, met wandelkaart, boekje en paspoorten voor de stempels. En de wandelapp was zeer praktisch voor onderweg! De bagage werd elke dag vervoerd, en was steeds ter plekke als wij aankwamen op de volgende locatie. De communicatie verliep vlot en duidelijk. Kortom, aanrader, zeer de moeite waard en goed georganiseerd.

Roos & Marc

In September, I walked the Cammino Materano. Communicating with Madelon about the booking was a pleasure. To be honest, I was quite nervous because it was my first time doing a multi-day hike—alone and in a region I wasn’t familiar with—but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The hike to Matera was beautiful, and I was able to complete it without any trouble thanks to the clear on-site signage and the routing and advice provided by the GPS app. The rest of the organization was top-notch as well. My luggage always arrived on time at the right destination, and the hotels and B&Bs were of high quality. In addition, the organizers were easy to reach via WhatsApp if I had any questions. Highly recommended!

In september heb ik de Cammino Materano gelopen. Het contact met Madelon voor de boeking was plezierig. Eerlijk gezegd vond ik best spannend, omdat het de eerste keer was dat ik een meerdaagse wandeling deed, alleen en in een voor mij onbekende regio, maar het is mij uitstekend bevallen. De wandeling naar Matera was prachtig en heb ik probleemloos kunnen lopen dankzij de heldere bewegwijzering ter plekke en routing en adviezen in de gps app. De overige organisatie was ook top. Mijn bagage was altijd op tijd op de juiste bestemming en de hotels/benb's waren van hoge kwaliteit. Daarnaast was de organisatie goed bereikbaar via whatsapp in geval van vragen. Dikke aanrader!

Barbara

Slovenia was absolutely amazing. A beautiful country, friendly people, lovely hiking trails, and truly top-notch hotels. The staff at the local organization were also very easy to reach and helpful. The hiking was manageable. As Dutch people, we’re not used to high altitudes, of course, so it was pretty tough at times. But it was also a lot of fun.

Slovenie was helemaal geweldig. Mooi land, leuke mensen, mooi wandelroutes en echt top hotels. Ook waren de mensen van de lokale organisatie echt goed bereikbaar en behulpzaam. Lopen was goed te doen. Wij zijn als Nederlanders natuurlijk geen hoogtes gewend, dus dat was soms best pittig. Maar ook lekker.

Charlotte

We had a wonderful trip. Everything was well organized. Due to an unfortunate fall, I ended up traveling with my luggage for a day, but that was handled well, too. We really liked all the accommodations. Only the Hotel Hebe in St. Piero a Sieve was a little less impressive, but it was still okay.

Wij hadden een fijne reis. Alles prima geregeld. Ik ben -door een ongelukkige val- een dag meegereisd met mijn bagage, ook dat werd goed geregeld. We vonden alle accommodaties heel fijn. Alleen hotel Hebe in st Piero a Sieve iets minder, maar wel oke.

Carla

Looks fantastic! I'm definitely going to book a trip with this company... they're committed to sustainability and personalized advice. Definitely worth it.

Ziet er fantastisch uit! Ik ga zeker een reis bij deze organisatie boeken...ze staan voor duurzaamheid en persoonlijk advies. zeker de moeite waard.

Belinda

Madelon and her team are true experts. Thanks to their years of experience and passion for travel, they manage to surprise us time and time again. Beautiful hikes, the most picturesque spots—it’s a real treat. I highly recommend them!

Madelon en haar team zijn echte experts. Door hun jarenlange ervaring en passie voor reizen weten ze ons iedere keer weer te verrassen. Prachtige wandelingen, de mooiste plekjes en daardoor echt genieten. Zeer zeker een aanrader!

Richard

Nature Travel Lab provided us with very helpful and honest assistance!

We zijn heel adequaat en eerlijk geholpen door Nature Travel Lab!

Peter

If you’re looking for travel itineraries, the most beautiful hikes, and destinations, you can find it all here. You’ll find endless inspiration for your next trip. Beautiful cities are interspersed with nature. You’ll find everything you need to know about practical matters. Plus, there are plenty of tips for sustainable travel. That way, you’ll get the most out of your trip.

Ben je op zoek naar reisroutes, de mooiste wandelingen en bestemmingen, dan kun je het hier allemaal vinden. Je vindt oneindig veel inspiratie voor een volgende reis. Mooie steden worden afgewisseld met natuur. Je leest alles over praktische zaken. Daarnaast worden er veel tips gegeven om duurzaam te reizen. Zo haal je alles uit je reis.

Marijke

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Laat je inspireren

Ben je op zoek naar de mooiste wandel- en fietsroutes? Of wil je informatie over reizen met de trein of advies voor de mooiste roadtrips door de natuur. Laat je inspireren voor je volgende reis in het groen; ideeën om je eigen reis te plannen of te kiezen voor een georganiseerde reis.

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