Lake Como’s Most Enchanting Towns
From secret waterfalls to historic villas, explore Lake Como’s most charming towns where Italian elegance meets untouched beauty.
Lake Como is known for its A-list visitors and opulent villas, but beyond the glamour lies a quieter, more authentic side. These lesser-known towns, each with its own distinct character, reveal a deeper beauty of the lake—one that most tourists never see.
Photos: Pinterest
Bellagio: More Than Just the “Pearl”
Yes, Bellagio is famous, but if you step off its postcard-perfect streets, you’ll find local trattorias where nonnas roll fresh pasta and tiny art galleries tucked into centuries-old buildings. Walk through the lush Villa Melzi Gardens, then take a boat across the lake for a different view of its grandeur.
Yes, Bellagio is famous, but if you step off its postcard-perfect streets, you’ll find local trattorias where nonnas roll fresh pasta and tiny art galleries tucked into centuries-old buildings. Walk through the lush Villa Melzi Gardens, then take a boat across the lake for a different view of its grandeur.
Photos: Pinterest
Varenna: Where Romance Meets History
Unlike its busier neighbors, Varenna feels like stepping into a painting. Follow the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a walkway suspended over the water, or climb to the Castello di Vezio, where falconry demonstrations bring medieval history to life. Don’t leave without trying a lake fish risotto at a waterside osteria.
Unlike its busier neighbors, Varenna feels like stepping into a painting. Follow the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a walkway suspended over the water, or climb to the Castello di Vezio, where falconry demonstrations bring medieval history to life. Don’t leave without trying a lake fish risotto at a waterside osteria.
Photos: Pinterest
Menaggio: Where Italians Vacation
Menaggio is where Milanese escape for quiet weekends, making it perfect for a more local experience. Rent a vintage wooden boat for a private ride or take the old mule paths into the hills, leading to breathtaking lake views. The town square, Piazza Garibaldi, is ideal for sipping espresso while watching life unfold.
Menaggio is where Milanese escape for quiet weekends, making it perfect for a more local experience. Rent a vintage wooden boat for a private ride or take the old mule paths into the hills, leading to breathtaking lake views. The town square, Piazza Garibaldi, is ideal for sipping espresso while watching life unfold.
Photos: Pinterest
Tremezzo: A Grand Hotel & Secret Gardens
Tremezzo is home to the legendary Grand Hotel Tremezzo, but beyond its luxury lies one of the lake’s most fascinating spots: Villa Carlotta. This 17th-century villa holds an incredible art collection, while its botanical gardens explode with azaleas in spring. For a hidden escape, visit the Parco Teresio Olivelli, a peaceful lakeside park with a tiny beach.
Tremezzo is home to the legendary Grand Hotel Tremezzo, but beyond its luxury lies one of the lake’s most fascinating spots: Villa Carlotta. This 17th-century villa holds an incredible art collection, while its botanical gardens explode with azaleas in spring. For a hidden escape, visit the Parco Teresio Olivelli, a peaceful lakeside park with a tiny beach.
Photos: Pinterest
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Nesso: A Waterfall Wonderland
Most tourists drive past Nesso without realizing they’re missing one of Lake Como’s most dramatic sights: the Orrido di Nesso. This deep gorge hides a powerful waterfall that plunges into the lake, best viewed from the ancient Ponte della Civera stone bridge. Visit early in the morning, when mist rises from the water, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.
Most tourists drive past Nesso without realizing they’re missing one of Lake Como’s most dramatic sights: the Orrido di Nesso. This deep gorge hides a powerful waterfall that plunges into the lake, best viewed from the ancient Ponte della Civera stone bridge. Visit early in the morning, when mist rises from the water, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.
Photos: Pinterest
Plan Your Lake Como Escape
Beyond Bellagio’s crowds, Lake Como offers untouched beauty, rich history, and local flavors waiting to be explored. Whether you’re searching for romance, adventure, or a quiet retreat, these towns reveal a side of the lake that most visitors never see.
Beyond Bellagio’s crowds, Lake Como offers untouched beauty, rich history, and local flavors waiting to be explored. Whether you’re searching for romance, adventure, or a quiet retreat, these towns reveal a side of the lake that most visitors never see.
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