1 Day in Lake Como: Stress-Free Itinerary (Self-Guided)

Are you planning a trip to Northern Italy and wondering how to make the most of 1 day in Lake Como?

Lake Como is one of Italy’s most breathtaking destinations, with dramatic alpine peaks, elegant villas, and charming lakeside villages. But with so many towns and ferry routes, figuring out the perfect way to spend just 1 day in Lake Como can feel overwhelming.

Lucky for you, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll show exactly how we spent one unforgettable day in Lake Como.

For this day, I will show you how explore the two of the most scenic towns, Varenna and Bellagio, Both towns are endlessly charming, featuring beautiful gardens, historic villas, scenic shores, cozy wine bars, lakeside restaurants, boutique shops, picturesque promenades, and so much more.

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Here’s an overview of your 1 day in Lake Como itinerary:

• Travel from Milan to Varenna by train
• Take the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio
• Explore Salita Serbelloni Street
• Stroll around Bellagio’s old town and lakefront
• Enjoy lunch at Da Franco Piadineria e Panetteria
• Grab gelato at Gelateria Del Borgo
• Take the ferry from Bellagio back to Varenna
• Visit Villa Monastero and its lakeside gardens
• Lake Como boat tour for scenic views
• Dinner and drinks at Bar Il Molo in Varenna
• Back to Milan

Best Organised Day Trips from Milan to Lake Como

In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to plan a self-guided day trip to Lake Como. However before we dive into this guide, I wanted to share with you that if you don’t want the hassle of organizing the trip yourself, consider booking a guided day tour.

There are plenty of one-day tours to Lake Como departing from Milan. These tours typically include transportation, ferry rides, and stops at the most scenic towns—so you can simply relax and enjoy the views.

Below are some of the top-rated Lake Como day tours, perfect if you prefer everything planned for you.

• From Milan: Como & Bellagio with Private Lake Como Cruise This is a highly rated 10 hours tour that includes ferry tickets, 1-hour lake cruise by private boat and visit to the beautiful town of Bellagio.
• From Milan: Lake Como & Bellagio DayTour with Private Cruise This tour gives you time explore the charming towns of Bellagio and Varenna, learn about the region’s history, and enjoy a scenic private boat ride on the lake.

If you’re up for the challenge of organizing your own day trip to Lake Como, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’m sharing a detailed self-guided itinerary for Lake Como. I’ve done all the planning and research so you can simply follow along, relax, and enjoy the day.

Let’s Dive into the Best 1 Day in Lake Como Itinerary

How To Get To Lake Como From Milan

If you’re traveling from Milan and want to experience Lake Como in 1 day, taking the train to Varenna-Esino is one of the easiest ways to start your day trip. The journey takes about 1 hour from Milano Centrale and offers beautiful views along the way.

Trains run regularly throughout the day, and tickets can be purchased at the station or online in advance. Personally, I use Omio for all my train bookings throughout Italy—it makes life so much easier, especially when I’m booking last-minute tickets or the ticket machines at the station are overcrowded.

Tickets price around €7–€8 each way, You can simply keep your tickets on your smartphone; no need to print them out. I recommend purchasing your tickets a few days ahead of your trip, just in case!

Once you arrive at Varenna-Esino station, it’s just a short walk to the ferry dock, making it simple to continue your adventure around the lake.

For this itinerary, if you’re coming from Milan, I recommend taking an early train to Varenna-Esino and then hopping on the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio to explore the first village on your day trip and make the most of your Lake Como in 1 day experience.

Ferry From Varenna to Bellagio

If you’re coming from Milan or staying in Varenna, I recommend starting your day early to avoid the crowds and truly enjoy the town.

From Varenna, walk down to the ferry dock for the 15–20 minute crossing to Bellagio. Tickets can be purchased at the pier or online in advance on the Navigazione Laghi website.

For this 1 day in Lake Como itinerary, I also recommend buying a roundtrip ticket, which covers the whole day and helps you skip the queue on your return from Bellagio to Varenna.

The ferry ride is an experience in itself provides a unique perspective of Lake Como, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and grand lakeside villas. It’s the perfect start to exploring Bellagio and a highlight of your day.

What To Do in Bellagio Lake Como

Visit Salita Serbelloni Street

Salita Serbelloni (Google Maps Location) is the most famous street in Bellagio and maybe even in all of Lake Como. You’ll find the postcard-perfect photo appears first when you search for Bellagio online.

The street is lined with colourful houses, charming boutiques, inviting cafés, artisanal souvenir shops, and offers breathtaking views of the lake.

📸 Photo opportunity: If you go early, before 9 am as I did, you can have it to yourself to take photos.

Stroll Around Bellagio

Bellagio is often called Lombardy’s prettiest town, and it’s easy to see why. This picturesque village sits right at the intersection of Lake Como’s three branches, offering incredible panoramic views in every direction.

Shortly after Salita Serbelloni, you’ll arrive at Piazza della Chiesa, the town’s main square. This is a perfect spot to take a break and soak up the charming atmosphere of Bellagio. While you’re here, don’t miss the Basilica of St. Giacomo, a beautiful historic church that adds to the square’s character.

Lunch Stop at Da Franco Piadineria e Panetteria

By now, you’re probably hungry or craving some fresh bread and Italian coffee—Don’t worry I’ve got you covered!

It’s time for a classic Italian Lunch at Da Franco Piadineria e Panetteria Bakery (Location here), a charming spot for a hearty meal. The café opens at 8:30 a.m., making it the perfect stop to fuel up before continuing your 1 day in Lake Como itinerary.

Gelato Stop at Gelateria Del Borgo (Bellagio)

If you’re in the mood for ice cream, a must-stop while exploring Bellagio is Gelateria Del Borgo, located at the top of the village.

The gelateria opens at 10:30 a.m., and flavors change daily, offering a mix of classics and unique options. You might find passion fruit, mango, chocolate, mint, coffee, and more.

I recommend sampling a few flavors to truly understand why this gelateria is so beloved. The creamy texture and rich taste make it a highlight of any visit to Bellagio.

Ferry From Bellagio to Varenna

Once you’ve enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and gelato, it’s time to set sail for the next leg of your Lake Como one day itinerary.

After returning from Bellagio, take the ferry back to Varenna, giving you the perfect amount of time to explore this charming lakeside village.

What To Do in Varenna Lake Como

Visit Villa Monastero

No visit to Lake Como is complete without exploring one of its stunning historic villas. Luckily, Varenna is home to two of the most famous and beautiful ones — Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi.

In this 1 day in Lake Como itinerary, we’ll be visiting Villa Monastero, but if you have extra time, I highly recommend seeing both. Each villa offers unique gardens, lakeside paths, and gorgeous views that perfectly capture the charm of Lake Como.

Built in the 12th century, Villa Monastero is a true gem with a fascinating history and a wealth of architectural and artistic treasures to admire.

The views from the villa are simply breathtaking, overlooking the lake with one of the prettiest private boat docks in front. Elegant stone columns rise from the steps leading down to the water, making it an ideal spot for photos.

Lake Como Boat Tour

One of the best things to do in Lake Como is to explore the lake by boat. Trust me, seeing the towns and villas from the water gives you a completely different perspective. It’s a beautiful way to appreciate the lake’s true charm. This was honestly the highlight of our trip to Lake Como.

The boat tours leave from Varenna. During the ride, you’ll pass by stunning lakeside villas, each with its own character and history. It’s a peaceful experience and was truly the highlight of my trip to Lake Como.

I recommend booking at least a two-hour tour to fully take in the beauty of the lake. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photos along the way.

I also have a full guide on the best Lake Como tours, covering all types of boats and their differences. You can check it out to plan the perfect boat adventure.

Dinner and Drinks at Bar Il Molo

Bar Il Molo is one of the most beautiful cafés in Lake Como. Its flowered archway and colorful buildings make it a perfect photo spot. The charm of the exterior alone draws visitors from near and far.

The views from the café are stunning, especially during golden hour. The warm light makes the lake and surrounding village even more magical.

The café is very popular during high season, so expect a long wait for a table. Despite this, the setting alone makes it worth a visit.

I’ve heard mixed opinions about the food, but we actually ate here twice during our three days in Lake Como. We loved the dishes, enjoyed Aperol spritzes, and found the service friendly and welcoming.

Train from Varenna to Milan

To return to Milan, there’s a train from Varenna-Esino about every hour. I recommend catching the 8:30 pm train (though schedules can vary by season, so always double-check the timetable). You’ll arrive back in Milan around 10:00 pm — and with that, your Lake Como day trip from Milan comes to an end. I hope you had an unforgettable day exploring this beautiful region!

FAQ

1. Is a day in Lake Como enough?

Yes! 1 day in Lake Como is enough to enjoy the highlights if you plan carefully. Focus on visiting the most famous towns like Bellagio and Varenna, take a scenic ferry ride across the lake, and explore charming streets and lakeside promenades.

While you won’t see everything, a well-organized Lake Como itinerary allows you to capture the essence of this stunning destination in a single day.

2. What is the prettiest town near Lake Como?

The prettiest towns near Lake Como are often considered Bellagio and Varenna.

Bellagio, sometimes called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, elegant villas, and gorgeous lake views.

Varenna is equally charming, with colorful lakeside houses and a romantic atmosphere. Both towns are must-visits on any Lake Como day trip or 1-day itinerary.

3. What not to miss in Lake Como?

When spending 1 day in Lake Como, don’t miss:

• The lakeside streets and gardens of Bellagio
• The romantic waterfront of Varenna
• A ferry ride across the lake to enjoy panoramic views
• Iconic villas like Villa Melzi or Villa Monastero
  Even with limited time, these highlights give you a true taste of Lake Como’s beauty and make for a memorable day trip itinerary.

4. Is Lake Como a walkable city?

Lake Como isn’t just one city; it’s a region with several towns. The main towns like Como, Bellagio, and Varenna are very walkable. You can explore historic centers, lakeside promenades, and small streets on foot.

For traveling between towns, ferries and buses are convenient. Planning your 1-day Lake Como itinerary around walkable towns ensures you can see the highlights without feeling rushed.

5. Should I skip Lake Como?

Not at all! Lake Como is one of the most iconic destinations in Northern Italy. Even if you only have a single day, a well-planned one day Lake Como itinerary lets you experience the stunning scenery, charming towns, and romantic lakeside vibes. Skipping it would mean missing one of Italy’s most beautiful and memorable day trips.

6. What is the Best Time to Visit Lake Como

• May to September: Warm weather, full ferry schedules, and gardens in bloom.
• April & October: Quieter, but some villas may close earlier.
• November to March: Fewer ferries and reduced opening hours — still possible, but plan around schedules.

Final Thoughts

Lake Como is the perfect destination for a magical day trip. From exploring charming Varenna and Bellagio to enjoying a scenic boat ride, every moment feels special.

I hope this guide inspired you to experience the beauty, charm, and elegance of the lake in just one day.

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