12 Spectacular Views on Lake Como You Have to See to Believe

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I still remember my jaw dropping when I first saw Lake Como from above Varenna. I’ve been all over Italy, but the most beautiful places in Lake Como hit different notes—this place is just ridiculous. Standing in the gardens of Villa Carlotta, watching the sunlight dance off the water with Bellagio in the distance… it’s the kind of view that makes you forget to take photos because you’re too busy staring.

Real talk: I thought people were using some crazy filters in their Lake Como photos until I saw it myself. Those pastel villages and mirror-like waters backed by the Alps? Actually better in person. From the totally wild Villa del Balbianello to my favorite sunrise spot on Varenna’s waterfront, these 12 views show why this slice of Italy is pure magic.

Must-See Attractions in Lake Como

Looking for the coolest things to do in Lake Como? Enjoy stunning panoramas from Bella Vista, explore the charming streets of Bellagio, and take a scenic funicular ride to Brunate. Visit the elegant lakeside town of Cernobbio and discover the picturesque villages of Laglio and Moltrasio. Whether you’re interested in breathtaking views, luxury, or charming Italian villages, here are the top attractions to visit in Lake Como.

1. Bella Vista

• 📍 Location: Western shore of Lake Como, 15 minutes north of Como city and 45 minutes from Milan
• 🏆 Best For: Panoramic views 🏞️, photography enthusiasts 📸, romantic getaways ❤️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Enjoying the spectacular lake vistas, exploring charming narrow streets, dining at lakefront restaurants
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June for spring blooms 🌸, September-October for mild weather and fewer crowds 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Bella Vista – Family-run gem where Maria serves homemade pastries on balconies overlooking the lake

True to its name, Bella Vista has breathtaking panoramas that capture the entire lake in one sweeping view. The endless blue waters stretch toward snow-capped mountains with charming villages dotting the shoreline below. Morning light turns the lake into liquid gold, making early rising worthwhile. The narrow streets bustle with locals grabbing fresh bread and coffee.

Caffè Panoramico serves the best espresso in town alongside tales of which celebrity just bought a nearby villa. I’ve spent hours here watching ferries crisscross the shimmering surface. Don’t miss the hidden viewpoint behind the old church, where the Alpine backdrop creates perfect photo opportunities. Local restaurants serve regional specialties on terraces where the food competes with views for your attention.

2. Bellagio

• 📍 Location: Central Lake Como, at the intersection of the lake’s three branches, 1 hour from Como city
• 🏆 Best For: Luxury travelers 💎, shoppers 🛍️, garden enthusiasts 🌹
• 📸 Top Experiences: Wandering the picturesque village center, exploring Villa Melzi gardens, enjoying aperitivo on the waterfront
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June for perfect weather and blooming gardens 🌺, September for cultural events 🎭
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni – Historic palace where staff remember your name and morning coffee preferences

The “Pearl of Lake Como” combines perfect elegance with authentic Italian charm. Bellagio‘s steep stone staircases lead to tiny workshops where artisans craft leather goods by hand as their families have for generations. Wisteria creates purple canopies over narrow lanes during spring. The waterfront promenade offers front-row seats to one of Europe’s most spectacular views.

Villa Melzi Gardens showcases camellias alongside ancient statues and water lilies in reflective pools. The gardens’ meticulously maintained pathways lead to surprising lake vistas. I’ve never found a better spot than Punta Spartivento to watch boats return to harbor as the Alps turn pink with evening light. Complete your visit with gelato from Gelateria del Centro while people-watching on the main square.

• Read Next: Unique Things to Do in Bellagio, Italy

3. Brunate

• 📍 Location: Perched high above Como city, accessible by funicular railway or winding mountain road
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, view seekers 🔭, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the historic funicular, hiking to Volta Lighthouse, admiring Art Nouveau villas
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May for clear visibility across the Alps 🏔️, October for golden autumn colors 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Bellavista Boutique Hotel – Century-old wooden beams frame modern comforts while terraces offer views worth every euro

The antique Como-Brunate Funicular offers riders into thin mountain air and panoramas that stretch to five countries on clear days. This “Balcony of the Alps” sits 715 meters above sea level, providing a welcome escape from summer heat in the towns below. Cool breezes carry the scent of pine and wildflowers through the village center.

The winding path to Volta Lighthouse rewards hikers with 360-degree views worth every step of the climb. The village feels preserved in time, with locals tending hillside gardens beside ornate Villa Cantaluppi Giuliani. My favorite memory remains sitting at a mountainside café watching hang gliders drift silently over the vast blue expanse below. Architecture buffs will appreciate the collection of Art Nouveau villas showcasing early 20th-century wealth.

• Read Next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Italy

4. Cernobbio

• 📍 Location: Western shore of Lake Como, just 6 km northwest of Como city
• 🏆 Best For: Luxury villa tours 🏰, elegant dining 🍽️, celebrity spotting 🤩
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Villa d’Este and Villa Erba, strolling the lakefront promenade, exploring the charming old town
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June for perfect temperatures and lush gardens 🌷, September for upscale events 🎭
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Villa d’Este – Renaissance palace with rooms where royalty once slept and gardens that make even millionaires gasp

Old money and refined elegance define Cernobbio, where wealth hides in plain sight behind ancient walls. The legendary Villa d’Este stands as the crown jewel, its Renaissance gardens maintaining the same perfect symmetry that enchanted Napoleon. Fountains provide gentle background music as gardeners maintain views unchanged for centuries. The property now serves as one of Europe’s most exclusive hotels.

Smooth cobblestones in Piazzetta Risorgimento host evening passeggiata, where locals gather to socialize as they have for generations. Nearby Villa Erba, once home to director Luchino Visconti, hosts prestigious events throughout the year. Even casual dining feels elevated here—try truffle pasta at Harry’s Bar while watching for visiting celebrities and tech moguls who consider this shoreline their playground of choice.

5. Laglio and Moltrasio

• 📍 Location: Western shore of Lake Como, 14 km north of Como city
• 🏆 Best For: Tranquil retreats 🧘‍♀️, discreet luxury 💫, authentic village experiences 🏡
• 📸 Top Experiences: Boating past Villa Oleandra, exploring hidden waterfront hamlets, enjoying peaceful lakeside walks
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June for fewer crowds and perfect weather ☀️, September for peaceful atmosphere after peak season 🍃
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Imperiale – 1920s gem where morning coffee comes with jazz piano and stories from the owner’s grandfather

Twin villages of authentic charm remain untouched by mass tourism despite Laglio‘s fame as George Clooney’s Italian address. Streets run quiet enough to hear cats purring on sunlit walls and laundry flapping in the breeze. The rhythmic sound of fishermen’s oars and the scent of lemon trees mixing with lake water create the soundtrack of daily life.

Bar del Porto in Moltrasio serves local wine with views of the Torrente Pizzallo waterfall cascading down stone steps toward the lake. The terraced layout climbing up the mountainside connects via stone staircases known as montée. Boat rides reveal hidden boathouses with wooden doors weathered by decades of spray while offering glimpses of Villa Oleandra. These villages offer what many seek but few find: authentic Lake Como life without pretense.

6. Monte San Primo

• 📍 Location: Center of the Triangolo Lariano mountain range between Lake Como’s two southern branches
• 🏆 Best For: Adventure seekers 🧗‍♂️, mountain hikers 🏔️, nature lovers 🌲
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to the 1,682-meter summit, winter skiing, paragliding over the lake
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-August for hiking and paragliding 🪂, January-February for skiing and snowshoeing ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Villa Aurora – Nestled on Lake Como’s shore, this charming villa boasts lake-view rooms, a historic boathouse restaurant, and easy access to scenic ferry rides

Alpine wilderness creates the perfect counterpoint to manicured lakeside towns on Monte San Primo, the highest peak in the region. The summit rewards hikers with silence broken only by occasional marmot whistles and distant cowbells. Both Lake Como branches stretch below, creating a topographic map of extraordinary beauty. Trails range from gentle meadow walks to challenging rocky ascents.

Bocchetta di Terrabiotta viewpoint offers the perfect launch spot for paragliders who float over two lake branches simultaneously. Winter transforms the mountain into a compact ski resort ideal for families and beginners. I’ve tracked chamois through meadows bursting with wildflowers and filled water bottles from streams that eventually reach the lake below. The afternoon light filtering through beech forests creates magical conditions for photographers seeking something beyond the standard lake views.

7. Orrido Di Bellano

• 📍 Location: Northern Lake Como, nestled in the charming village of Bellano
• 🏆 Best For: Nature enthusiasts 🌿, photography lovers 📸, geology buffs 🪨
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the suspended walkways through the gorge, admiring the thundering waterfall, exploring the natural rock cathedral
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for maximum water flow from snowmelt, or fall for fewer crowds and atmospheric mists 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Meridiana – Family-run gem where Marina makes the best fresh pastries you’ll eat all trip

Orrido Di Bellano plunges visitors into a dramatic ravine where suspended metal walkways cling to vertical limestone walls with thundering water below. This natural gorge has cool mist on your skin, roaring water in your ears, and surreal light beams piercing through rock ceilings. The powerful waterfall creates vibrations you can feel through the walkway. A refreshing microclimate offers perfect relief from lakeside heat during summer months.

The locals call it “orrido,” meaning “horrid,” but there’s nothing unpleasant about this wonder. I recommend visiting early in the morning when you’ll likely have it to yourself. After emerging, Bellano’s sunny piazza offers excellent coffee and gelato options. This authentic village provides a charming waterfront promenade connecting to the train station for easy connections north or south.

8. Parco Valentino

• 📍 Location: Northern Lake Como, perched above Menaggio with panoramic lake views
• 🏆 Best For: Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, picnic lovers 🧺, view seekers 🏔️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Playing in the children’s park, relaxing with a picnic overlooking the lake, enjoying sunset panoramas
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for perfect picnic weather, early evening for spectacular sunsets over the lake 🌅
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Menaggio – Old-world charm with slightly worn edges; splurge for lake-view rooms or you’ll regret it

Parco Valentino rewards visitors with spectacular panoramic views over Lake Como’s central junction for absolutely zero entrance fee. This green sanctuary sits high enough above Menaggio to catch refreshing breezes while offering the perfect vantage point to watch ferries crisscross between shorelines. Grab fresh focaccia from town bakeries and find a shady bench. Local families gather here in early evenings, creating a lively atmosphere that feels authentically Italian.

Visit at sunset when changing light transforms the lake into molten gold and mountains cast long shadows across the water. The playground keeps children entertained while adults appreciate the scenery. From here, a quick stroll down to Menaggio’s waterfront promenade offers excellent dining options with views across to Bellagio. The path down is steep but well-lit after dark, making evening returns safe and atmospheric.

9. Pigra

• 📍 Location: Western shore of Lake Como, a mountain village perched high above Argegno
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, view seekers 🏔️, off-the-beaten-path explorers 🗺️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the thrilling cable car, hiking panoramic trails, photographing lake vistas
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking, fall for dramatic foliage and clear mountain views 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: La Locanda del Notaio – The kind of intimate mountain hideaway where Paolo serves Nonna’s recipes and remembers your name

Pigra offers heart-stopping thrills before you even arrive, as the tiny cable car from Argegno climbs 650 meters in 4 minutes, swinging over treetops with panoramic views expanding below. This tiny stone village feels wonderfully authentic, with sun-weathered locals who still hang laundry against mountain backdrops. The crisp alpine air immediately distinguishes the mountain experience from lakeside towns. The silence here proves profound, broken only by distant cowbells and your footsteps.

Hike the ridge trail toward Monte Pasquella for even more spectacular vistas that most tourists never see. The path offers several panoramic points perfect for photographs of both lake arms stretching north and south. The village’s only bar serves excellent local wines with stunning sunset views. As lights twinkle on around the lake below, you’ll understand why those who discover Pigra often return.

10. Villa Charlotta and Gardens

• 📍 Location: Western shore of Lake Como in Tremezzo, across from Bellagio
• 🏆 Best For: Garden enthusiasts 🌸, art lovers 🎨, architecture aficionados 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Wandering through the botanical gardens, admiring the spring azalea bloom, exploring the villa’s art collection
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for the spectacular azalea and rhododendron bloom, early morning for fewer crowds 🌺
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Tremezzo – That floating pool on the lake and the bartender’s perfect Negroni justify every euro spent here

Villa Charlotta dazzles visitors with its botanical masterpiece spanning 70,000 square meters and featuring over 500 plant species. The garden erupts in spectacular color during spring when 150+ varieties of azaleas bloom simultaneously. Stepped terraces guide visitors through bamboo groves, fern valleys, and a Japanese garden with water features providing a peaceful soundtrack. The gardeners interact warmly with interested visitors, often sharing historical tidbits about aristocratic planters.

Inside the villa, marble floors and high ceilings offer relief from summer heat while housing an impressive art collection, including works by Canova. I found the Napoleon-era pieces particularly fascinating, offering glimpses into lake life when European nobility vacationed here. The villa’s proximity to Tremezzo’s ferry dock makes combining it with Bellagio effortless. After exploring, waterfront cafés offer perfect spots to relax with gelato while watching boats crisscross the lake.

11. Villa del Balbianello

• 📍 Location: Western shore of Lake Como, on the tip of the Lavedo peninsula near Lenno
• 🏆 Best For: Movie buffs 🎬, garden lovers 🌿, romantics ❤️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the meticulously maintained gardens, admiring the loggia, arriving by boat for the full cinematic experience
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds, May-September for perfect garden conditions 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Lenno – Request room 14 for its tiny balcony with morning views of Balbianello’s peninsula

Villa del Balbianello stands as Lake Como’s most dramatically positioned villa, perched on its own peninsula with 360-degree water views that starred in Star Wars and James Bond films. The approach by boat offers the full impact of this honey-colored mansion rising from perfectly manicured gardens where every tree creates a living sculpture. The famous loggia with its triple arches provides the most photographed spot on Lake Como. Gardeners maintain perfect shapes using only hand shears, creating a tranquil atmosphere throughout.

Explorer Guido Monzino’s fascinating collection fills the interior with artifacts from his expeditions alongside period furniture. The villa maintains a lived-in feeling rather than a museum atmosphere. After touring the grounds, cool off with a swim at one of the Lavedo Peninsula’s small beaches, where water clarity rivals the Caribbean. Lenno town offers excellent lunch options, with lakefront restaurants serving fresh fish caught the same morning.

12. Villa Melzi Garden

• 📍 Location: Eastern shore of Lake Como in Bellagio, just south of the town center
• 🏆 Best For: Botanists 🌿, sculpture enthusiasts 🗿, peaceful wanderers 🧘
• 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling the waterfront promenade, discovering hidden sculptures among ancient trees, visiting the water garden with lotus flowers
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning on weekdays for tranquility, spring for camellias and azaleas, summer for water lilies 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Belvedere – A family-run gem where four generations ensure you get the room with the perfect lake views

Villa Melzi Gardens offers Lake Como’s most romantic waterfront stroll, where English-style landscaping creates surprise at every turn. Unlike formal Italian gardens, this botanical haven eschews symmetry for naturalistic beauty, with Egyptian statues emerging from behind Japanese maples. The lakefront path provides constant water views while keeping visitors shaded under massive cedar canopies. During summer, the water garden becomes a highlight as lotus flowers create Monet-worthy scenes with mountains reflected in still ponds.

Find the hidden bench beneath the Lebanon cedar for the perfect view framing Bellagio’s promontory and both lake branches. The Moorish-inspired blue pavilion creates excellent photo opportunities with its reflection in the adjacent pond. From the garden’s northern exit, a five-minute walk leads to Bellagio’s center with its boutique-lined stepped alleys. I recommend visiting early morning when mist creates an ethereal atmosphere and you’ll have scenic spots entirely to yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Lake Como

Interested in learning more about Lake Como’s most picturesque locations? Below are some frequently asked questions about the top attractions in the region.

What is the most beautiful place at Lake Como?

It’s challenging to pinpoint just one location as the most beautiful place at Lake Como, given its plethora of stunning spots. However, Villa del Balbianello often tops the list for its cinematic beauty, historical significance, and breathtaking gardens overlooking the lake.

Which town has the best views of Lake Como?

Bellagio is often cited as the town with the best views of Lake Como. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” it offers panoramic vistas from various vantage points, capturing the lake’s grandeur and the surrounding alpine scenery.

Which part of Lake Como is the best to stay?

The best part to stay depends on what you’re looking for:

• Bellagio: For luxury and panoramic views.
• Como Town: For history and easy access to transportation.
• Varenna: For a quieter, romantic getaway.
• Cernobbio: For proximity to nature and hiking trails.

What is Lake Como best known for?

Lake Como is best known for its:

• Dramatic Scenery: Alpine landscapes meeting the serene lake.
• Historic Villas: Such as Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello.
• Luxury: High-end resorts and celebrity sightings.
• Water Activities: Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

What is the most famous part of Lake Como?

The most famous part of Lake Como is arguably the central area around Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna. This region is renowned for its luxurious villas, charming towns, and optimal ferry connections, making it a magnet for tourists from around the world. Whether it’s the cinematic beauty of Villa del Balbianello or the panoramic vistas from Bellagio, this part of Lake Como encapsulates the essence of the lake’s allure.

What is the most popular place on Lake Como?

The most popular place on Lake Como is Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Known for its cobblestone streets, high-end shops, and world-class restaurants, Bellagio is a magnet for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. Its strategic location at the junction of the lake’s two southern arms makes it a hub for ferry connections, adding to its popularity. With panoramic vistas, luxurious accommodations, and a vibrant local culture, Bellagio epitomizes the enchantment that Lake Como has to offer.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Lake Como    

Lake Como is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that captivates the soul and lingers in the memory long after you’ve left. From the timeless elegance of historic villas like Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello to the natural splendor of hidden gems like Pigra, this Italian paradise offers a diverse array of most beautiful places to visit in Lake Como. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or someone simply looking to unwind in a breathtaking setting, Lake Como is one of the best things to do in Italy, with something for everyone to cross off their bucket list.

The towns around the lake, each with its unique charm and character, offer not just stunning views but also a slice of Italian culture and lifestyle. Places like Bellagio and Varenna provide the perfect backdrop for romance, while areas like Cernobbio and Como Town offer a blend of nature and urban sophistication.

In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and ever-changing, Lake Como stands as a testament to timeless beauty and enduring allure. It’s not just a place to visit; it’s a place to fall in love with, over and over again.