10 Prettiest Towns on Lake Como (Italy)
Every guide is crafted with love, real research, and carefully chosen photos that show what each destination actually looks like. Thank you for exploring with me. - Narmin (Read more)
From iconic villas to charming cobblestone lanes, discover the most beautiful villages around Italy’s most glamorous lake.
Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is a haven of romance, elegance, and cinematic beauty. Its deep blue waters are surrounded by charming towns that spill down lush hillsides, framed by cypress trees, historic villas, and breathtaking vistas. But with so many villages to explore, it’s hard to know where to begin. This curated list ranks the 10 prettiest towns on Lake Como-each with its own distinct character and unforgettable charm. Whether you’re planning a luxury escape or a laid-back lakeside getaway, these towns belong on your Italian travel bucket list.
Lake Como, viewed from Villa Melzi’s botanical gardens in Bellagio, offers a serene scene of manicured greenery and shimmering waters framed by distant peaks/Depositphotos
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1. Bellagio – The Pearl of Lake Como
Bellagio is often called the crown jewel of Lake Como-and for good reason. Located right where the lake splits into its three branches, Bellagio offers 360-degree views of the water and surrounding mountains. Its steep cobblestone stairways, lined with artisan boutiques, wine bars, and gelato shops, invite slow exploration. Stroll through the Gardens of Villa Melzi, take a private boat ride across the lake, or simply sip an espresso on the waterfront promenade. Bellagio blends elegance and charm with effortless beauty.
Bellagio, the waterfront glows under the summer sun, with elegant villas, bobbing boats, and sparkling Lake Como creating a picture-perfect scene/Depositphotos
2. Varenna – Romantic & Authentic
Varenna is a quieter alternative to Bellagio, with an atmosphere that feels more intimate and authentic. Its colorful houses hug the waterfront, and the narrow stone alleys feel like a step back in time. The Lovers’ Walk (Passeggiata degli Innamorati) connects the ferry port to the old town, offering romantic views of the lake. Visit Villa Monastero, where lush gardens stretch along the water’s edge, or climb to Castello di Vezio for a fairytale view. With fewer crowds and serene beauty, Varenna is a true hidden treasure.
Varenna, the village glows in golden hues at sunset, with its colorful lakeside buildings reflecting softly on the calm waters of Lake Como/Depositphotos
3. Menaggio – Relaxed Beauty with Alpine Views
Menaggio sits on the western shore of Lake Como and offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, accessibility, and a relaxed atmosphere. The town square buzzes with local life, surrounded by cafés, gelaterias, and boutiques. Its elegant lakefront promenade is ideal for a sunset stroll, and nearby hiking trails provide panoramic views over the lake and Alps. Menaggio is a fantastic base for travelers who want both charm and convenience, with easy ferry connections to Bellagio and Varenna.
Menaggio, a panoramic aerial view reveals a charming lakeside town with terracotta rooftops, a vibrant promenade, and sweeping views across the blue waters of Lake Como/Depositphotos
4. Tremezzo – Luxury and Lakeside Elegance
Tremezzo oozes timeless glamour. It’s best known for Villa Carlotta, a neoclassical mansion with sprawling gardens that explode with color in spring and summer. The town itself is lined with grand villas, boutique hotels, and peaceful waterfront cafés. Whether you’re taking a boat tour or enjoying a glass of wine with lake views, Tremezzo is ideal for travelers seeking sophistication and serenity. It’s a quieter, refined spot where you can truly unwind and take in the lake’s beauty.
Tremezzo, a picturesque village in Lake Como, charms with elegant villas, lush gardens, and a peaceful waterfront set against the backdrop of Lombardy’s rolling hills/Depositphotos
5. Lenno – Quiet Charmer with a Hollywood Past
Lenno may be small, but it boasts one of the lake’s biggest stars-Villa del Balbianello. This spectacular villa, perched on a wooded promontory, has been featured in films like James Bond: Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II. Beyond the glamour, Lenno has a lovely lakeside promenade, peaceful pebble beaches, and a charming town center. Visit on a Tuesday for the open-air market, or enjoy a quiet evening walk along the Greenway del Lago trail that passes right through town.
Lenno, a high-angle view reveals a tranquil village nestled along Lake Como’s shoreline, with olive groves, elegant villas, and the iconic tip of Villa del Balbianello reaching into the water/Depositphotos
6. Laglio – George Clooney’s Hideaway
Laglio is famously home to Villa Oleandra, George Clooney’s private residence, but its appeal goes far beyond celebrity connections. This tiny, tranquil village offers a slower pace of life, perfect for travelers looking to escape the tourist trail. Walk along the lakeshore path, admire centuries-old stone villas, and listen to the gentle lapping of waves against fishing boats. Laglio is about peaceful beauty, understated elegance, and authentic Italian charm.
Laglio, an idyllic lakeside town on Lake Como, offers peaceful charm with elegant villas, lush greenery, and calm waters lapping gently at its serene shoreline/Depositphotos
7. Cernobbio – Stylish and Sophisticated
Cernobbio is one of the most stylish towns on Lake Como, blending classic charm with upscale appeal. It’s home to the world-famous Villa d’Este, a 16th-century villa turned five-star hotel with lavish gardens and lakeside terraces. But you don’t need to stay at a luxury hotel to enjoy Cernobbio-its relaxed promenade, lovely squares, and chic cafés are perfect for any traveler. Located close to Como town, it’s a great option for day trips or romantic weekends.
Cernobbio, an aerial view captures a tapestry of terracotta rooftops, tree-lined streets, and elegant villas nestled along the tranquil edge of Lake Como/Depositphotos
8. Argegno – Hidden Gem with Great Access
Argegno is a lesser-known gem nestled at the mouth of the Valle d’Intelvi. Its medieval old town, stone archways, and waterfront cafés give it authentic charm, while its ferry and road connections make it a strategic base. Take the funivia (cable car) up to Pigra for sweeping views over Lake Como and the Alps, or enjoy a scenic lunch in the shaded piazza. Argegno is a great choice for travelers who want off-the-beaten-path vibes with plenty of accessibility.
Argegno, a charming village on Lake Como, features pastel buildings clustered along the waterfront, with steep hills rising behind and boats gently floating on the shimmering lake/Depositphotos
9. Nesso – For Waterfalls & Stone Bridges
Nesso is one of Lake Como’s most photogenic secrets. Divided by a deep gorge, the town is best known for the Orrido di Nesso, a dramatic waterfall that flows beneath a centuries-old stone bridge into the lake. The setting feels almost unreal, especially at sunrise or after a rain. Nesso’s charm lies in its untouched feel-no flashy shops or tourist crowds, just nature, history, and quiet beauty.
Nesso, an aerial view reveals a picturesque village nestled between steep cliffs, with stone houses, lush greenery, and the dramatic Orrido di Nesso waterfall flowing into Lake Como/Depositphotos
10. Como – Historic Gateway to the Lake
Although larger than the other towns on this list, Como deserves a spot for its rich history, elegant architecture, and lakeside buzz. Explore the Como Cathedral, browse open-air markets, or take the funicular up to Brunate for jaw-dropping views of the lake basin. Como is also the main transportation hub, making it a great starting or ending point for your Lake Como journey. It offers a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, and convenience.
Como, an aerial view showcases a vibrant town nestled at the southern tip of Lake Como, with its historic center, elegant promenades, and the majestic cathedral framed by mountains and water/Depositphotos
Final Thoughts
Lake Como is more than just a destination-it’s an experience that stays with you long after the trip ends. From Bellagio’s polished glamour to Nesso’s wild waterfalls, each town offers a unique slice of Italian magic. Whether you’re dreaming of a honeymoon escape, a solo adventure, or a scenic weekend, these 10 towns will make your Lake Como visit unforgettable. So pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready to fall in love with Italy’s most beautiful lake.
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