Lake Como has become one of Italy's most sought-after destinations in recent years, and honestly, it deserves every bit of the hype. Elegant villas, lakeside promenades, tiny villages tucked into the mountains, and that unmistakable Mediterranean feeling all come together into something magical.
It's the perfect place if you're craving rest, jaw-dropping scenery, and a real taste of Italian living all at once. I spent five days here at the end of June, exploring several towns and a long list of sights along the way.
Everywhere I went, I found something beautiful. But five places stole my heart almost instantly: a dreamlike botanical garden, a wild gorge, a charming lakeside walk, and a lively town where the food left just as lasting an impression as the views.
If you're planning a trip to Lake Como, or simply gathering ideas for your next Italian getaway, these are the places worth adding to your list.
1. The gardens of Villa Cipressi, where every path looks like a postcard
The gardens of Villa Cipressi are stunning from the very first glance. Carefully designed terraces follow one after another, dotted with exotic plants, vivid flowers, and sweeping views out over the lake. I honestly felt like I'd wandered onto the set of a romantic Italian film.
The garden's most famous feature is, without question, that iconic gate looking out over the water, the one that pops up on nearly every social media feed when you search for Lake Como. Just be prepared: there's usually a long line here. When I visited, a security guard made sure no one spent more than three minutes at the gate, so the queue kept moving, but I still waited around half an hour to snap a couple of photos.
That threw me off a little at first, but the moment I moved on, the rest of the garden more than made up for the wait. Most visitors were focused on that one photo spot, which meant the rest of the grounds felt wonderfully calm. Here I could actually slow down and take in the unusual plants, the manicured paths, and the trees leaning gracefully over the lake.
I'd been drawn to that famous gate for ages, but in the end, it was these quieter corners that made the place truly unforgettable.
2. The gardens of Villa Melzi, elegance, calm, and an unbeatable view
There are several gorgeous historic gardens worth discovering along the shores of Lake Como, but the gardens of Villa Melzi are especially breathtaking, thanks to their beautifully landscaped grounds and spectacular panorama.
I could wander the gardens at a relaxed pace with no crowds in sight, which left plenty of time to linger over the prettiest details. The villa itself is a striking sight from the outside, and almost every spot offers a gorgeous view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The tidy lawns, the huge shade-giving trees, the sculptures, and the closeness of the water all come together in a rare kind of harmony. This is the kind of place where you have no desire to rush. You'd rather sit on a bench, watch the water, and simply soak up the moment.
If gardens like these are your idea of a perfect day, you'll want to plan a little extra time for the lake's most beautiful stops before moving on.
3. Orrido di Nesso, one of Lake Como's wildest wonders
Orrido di Nesso shows a completely different side of Lake Como. There are no elegant gardens or neatly trimmed hedges here. Instead, rocks, a waterfall, and rugged, untamed scenery greet you on arrival.
You have to work for the view, since there are quite a few steps to descend, but every single one is worth it. The closer you get to the water, the more magical the atmosphere becomes.
The meeting point of the old stone bridge, the water tumbling down through the gorge, and the lake itself is an absolutely enchanting sight. The braver visitors even leap into the water from the bridge, but you can also just take a swim, or sit on the steps and lose yourself in the scenery for a while.
My fondest memory, though, was an unexpected encounter. A beautiful waterbird came right up to us, surprisingly friendly, and I even managed to stroke it. That tiny moment made an already fairytale-like place feel even more special.
4. Varenna's lakeside promenade, where even the summer heat becomes an adventure
Varenna is one of the most charming towns on Lake Como all on its own, but what stuck with me most was the lakeside promenade that starts at the harbor.
The walk itself is beautiful, and every bend reveals a fresh new panorama. Along the way we stumbled upon a cozy café serving heavenly sandwiches and drinks, the perfect pit stop while exploring.
A few minutes' walk from there, wide stone steps lead straight down into the lake. In the late-June heat, that felt like a genuine gift. We simply walked down to the water and jumped in. There are few better ways to end a walk on a hot day than a refreshing swim in Lake Como, with the mountains and the colorful lakeside houses stretched out before you.
5. Como's historic old town and its cathedral, where the flavors are just as memorable
The city of Como gives off a completely different energy than the smaller lakeside towns. It's livelier, buzzier, and full of atmospheric streets, shops, and restaurants.
The city's biggest landmark is, of course, the magnificent cathedral, which draws the eye from far away. It's worth taking the time to explore its surroundings too, because the little streets are packed with excellent places to eat.
We'd eaten almost nothing but Italian food throughout the trip, so it was a fun surprise to find a great Lebanese restaurant in Como. We stepped outside the world of classic Italian flavors for a night and tasted some fantastic dishes.
What Lake Como gave me
After five days, I felt that Lake Como is so much more than a beautiful destination. Here, nature, history, gastronomy, and the Italian way of life meet in a rare kind of harmony. Every town has its own character, every lakeside walk holds something new, and at nearly every viewpoint you're struck by the same feeling: you could never get tired of a view like this.
If you ever set off for Lake Como, don't just rush through the most famous sights. Leave time to sit on a lakeside bench, admire the plants, sip a coffee, take a dip in the water, or simply watch the waves roll in. For me, it was these quiet moments that made Lake Como truly unforgettable.
When is the best time to visit Lake Como?
Late June is a wonderful time to go, with warm weather perfect for swimming in the lake. Just keep in mind that popular photo spots, like the gate at Villa Cipressi, can draw long lines during the busy season.
Is Orrido di Nesso worth the climb down?
Absolutely. There are quite a few steps to descend, but the old stone bridge, the waterfall, and the lake come together in an enchanting scene that makes every step worth it.
Can you swim in Lake Como?
Yes. In Varenna, wide stone steps lead right into the lake, and at Orrido di Nesso you can swim or even jump in from the bridge. On a hot summer day, a refreshing dip is one of the best experiences the lake offers.
Which towns are best for food around Lake Como?
Como stands out for its lively old town, packed with restaurants in its little streets. You'll find everything from classic Italian cuisine to surprises like an excellent Lebanese spot.
