Nomadlytics

If you want to experience the true soul of Lake Como, base yourself in the central part of the lake — the stretch that includes Lenno, Tremezzo and Menaggio. This is where Como’s legendary beauty unfolds: deep blue waters framed by green mountains, elegant villas surrounded by gardens, and charming lakeside promenades that feel straight out of a postcard.

Staying in the central area gives you the best of both worlds — tranquility and convenience. You’re perfectly positioned to explore the lake in all directions: quick ferry rides connect you to the most iconic towns, while scenic walking trails and panoramic viewpoints are just steps away. Here you will be sipping espresso on a sunlit terrace, exploring historic villas like Villa Balbianello, or taking a sunset boat ride. This part of the lake feels truly cinematic.

This is the Lake Como of your dreams — timeless, romantic, and full of life in every season. From leisurely lakeside strolls to cozy dinners by the water, every moment here feels special. As said, in any season! Below I built a 3 days basic itinerary, perfect for the first time visitors.

Day 1: Ease Into Como Life — Local Flavors & Lake

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation or a lakeside café. If you’re self-catering, grab some fresh pastries, cheese, and fruit from a local market. After breakfast stroll the Greenway del Lago di Como. Begin from Colonno, Sala Comacina or Lenno (depending on your accommodation) and walk a portion of this scenic, easy path. Check my post dedicated to this beautiful trail here. You’ll pass olive groves, historic villas, and postcard-worthy lake views. The trails is easy with a minimum elevation and it is suitable also for families with kids.

If you are visiting during summer, for lunch stop at Lido di Lenno. Their outdoor seating offers fantastic views, and the seafood pasta is a standout. You can also relax on the beach here for a while — rent a lounger or take a dip. During autumn and winter, the Lido is closed, but you can have a tasty meal at Ristorante Ranch, unpretentious and simple.

After lunch and a bit of relax, head to Sala Comacina and take the short boat shuttle to Isola Comacina, the lake’s only island. The boats departure from a small pier in Sala Comacina. During the high season departures are every half an hour. In winter check the schedule here. In alternative, you can rent a stand up paddle board of a kayak. If you choose that option, remember that in order to visit the island you have to buy a ticket at the visitors center. Wander the island’s walking path, explore ruins of the old basilica, and soak up the peaceful, untouched beauty. Especially in autumn and winter, the island is truly enchanting – misty in the morning and sunny in the afternoon, never crowded.

In the evening head to La Tirlindana, a romantic lakeside restaurant. Try the local fish (lavarello) or their homemade pasta, paired with a crisp white wine from the Valtellina region.

Day 2: Mountains, Views & a Rustic Feast

After breakfast head to Argegno. Depending on your accommodation Argegno can be reached by car (not recommended) boat or bus. If you are visiting during high season, make sure to book the bus and boat tickets in advance – the sold out quickly. I recommended the public slow boat which can be booked here well in advance.

Once in Argegno, have a coffee at one of the lakeside bars and then head toward the Funicolar (follow the signs). Ride the funicular up to Pigra, a quiet mountain village 800 m above the lake. From Pigra, enjoy a short panoramic walk along marked trails — the Pigra Belvedere viewpoint is a must. You’ll see the entire lake stretch before you.

Capannone di Pigra was a great restaurant but unfortunately it’s not the case anymore. Have a picnic lunch or head to Le Lanterne for a traditional alpine food. Expect hearty polenta, grilled meats, or mushroom risotto depending on the season.

After lunch descend back to Argegno (on foot or by funicolar) and stroll the lakeside promenade. Return to Sala Comacina for a quiet afternoon — relax at your accommodation with a book or swim in the lake. Check my post about the best family beaches for an inspiration. If you are planning to stay far from the lake or in a place with no lake access, check the accommodations with a swimming pool in the area here.

For dinner, I suggest Pizzeria Cris in Lenno, known for its wood-fired pizzas and welcoming vibe. Sit outdoors if possible — sunsets from this side of the lake are stunning.

Day 3: Villa Gardens & a Wine Tasting Finale

Start your last day with a nice walk or a short ferry ride to Lenno. From there, follow the scenic path to Villa del Balbianello — one of the most beautiful villas on the lake, known for its manicured gardens and dramatic setting on a wooded peninsula. Explore the villa’s interiors or just take your time in the gardens overlooking the water.

While visiting this place, it’s wort to know a bit of its history. The villa was built in 1787 on the remains of a former Franciscan monastery, whose church towers still remain. In the beginning of 1800 the villa became a gathering place for intellectuals and Italian patriots. In the early 20th century it fell into neglect, then was rejuvenated by American businessman Butler Ames and later by explorer Guido Monzino who donated the villa to the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI – the National Trust for Italy). Until this day you can admire a valuable and unique collection of artifacts from Monzino’s expeditions.

The gardens are terraced down to the lake, blending Mediterranean plantings with Alpine vistas and offering one of Lake Como’s most iconic views. It’s not just a villa: it’s been featured in films such as Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Casino Royale (2006), making it a cinematic landmark too. The setting is truly spectacular: perched over Lake Como, the views from the villa and gardens sweep across the lake’s branches and the island of Comacina. The gardens themselves are works of art — winding terraces, elegant loggias, cypress trees framing the water, and a sense of calm and grandeur.

Check the official website to book your ticket in advance and verify the opening hours. Unfortunately, the villa is closed for visitors in winter months.

After this cultural visit, pick up picnic supplies from a deli in Lenno. Try Gastronomia Tremezzina for a ready to go meal and have a picnic by the water — the public park near the villa is a great spot. After lunch grab an ice cream at La Fabrica del gelato.

In the late afternoon join a local wine tasting experience in the nearby hills. Several small wineries and farmhouses offer tastings of Lombardy wines like Nebbiolo, Valtellina Superiore, and sparkling Franciacorta. One of your options could be Azienda Agricola Sorsasso in Domaso (about 1 hour north — perfect if you’re up for a scenic drive). In this family-run winery you can sample wines grown right above the lake. The vineyards benefit from the warm breezes and sunlit terraces of the area, giving their wines a distinct, fresh character.

Founded in the late 1990s Sorsasso revived old local grape varieties like Verdesa alongside Merlot, Sangiovese, and Barbera, producing the celebrated “Domasino” Terre Lariane IGT wines — both red and white. The winery offers tastings paired with local cheeses and specialties, all with stunning lake views.

It is open from Monday to Saturday 09:00–12:30 & 15:00–22:00. Check the official website to book your tasting and verify the prices.

Extra Tips:

• Transportation: Ferries and buses run regularly between towns, but a rental car gives you more flexibility to reach trailheads and wineries.
• Local Markets: Check if your visit overlaps with a local market day (e.g., Lenno’s is Tuesday morning).
• Pack Light Layers: Evenings can get cool, especially near the mountains.

Now you’re ready to dive into the heart of Lake Como — the central part where green mountains tumble into deep blue waters, and elegant historic villas blend seamlessly with the easygoing rhythm of local life. This is the Lake Como everyone dreams about: peaceful mornings, lakeside walks, and that timeless Italian charm that feels both luxurious and relaxed.

Here, you can slow down and truly soak up the lake’s authentic atmosphere, far from the rush of the big cities. Whether you visit in summer or during the quieter months from October to March, the experience is magical in every season. In low season, you’ll find calm roads, sun-drenched afternoons, and locals enjoying their coffee by the water — it’s Lake Como at its most genuine.

So, what else could you wish for? Stunning views, good food, and that irresistible Italian dolce vita — all waiting for you right here.

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