Lake Como Highlights Tour with a Local by Private Car

Como is a historic city located at the southwestern tip of Lake Como. It is renowned for its stunning lake views, elegant villas, a beautiful Gothic cathedral (Duomo di Como), and charming old town streets. The city serves as a main gateway to exploring the picturesque towns and landscapes around the lake, with regular ferry connections.

Bellagio is famously known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," situated at the point where the lake divides into two branches. It is celebrated for its picturesque cobblestone streets, charming shops, colorful houses, and elegant villas with beautiful gardens like Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni. Its central location makes it easily accessible by ferry from various points on the lake.

Varenna is considered one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Como, known for its vibrant, pastel-colored houses clinging to the hillside, narrow alleyways, and breathtaking lake views. Key attractions include the charming waterfront, the gardens of Villa Monastero, and the ancient Castello di Vezio perched above the town. It offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to Bellagio.

Comacina Island is the only island on Lake Como, historically significant and known for its artists' houses and a charming trattoria. Lido di Ossuccio is a perfect place for swimming, a popular public beach area on the mainland near the island, offering clear waters and stunning views of the island and the lake.

Villa Carlotta is a magnificent villa and museum located in Tremezzina, famous for its stunning botanical gardens that bloom vibrantly in spring with rhododendrons and azaleas. The villa itself houses important artworks and sculptures from the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of aristocratic life on Lake Como.

Villa del Balbianello is an iconic villa located on a wooded promontory overlooking Lake Como, known for its elegant terraced gardens and breathtaking views. It gained international fame as a filming location for movies such as "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" and "Casino Royale." The villa is managed by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) and offers guided tours of its interiors and gardens.

Menaggio is a lively lakeside town located on the western shore of Lake Como, offering good swimming places, a pleasant promenade, and a charming central piazza. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the central lake area and provides various outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling routes into the surrounding hills.

Argegno is a charming, often-overlooked town on the western shore of Lake Como, known for its picturesque bridge spanning the Telo river gorge and a small, inviting piazza. It offers a more authentic and less touristy experience, with quaint streets and lovely views. It's also a departure point for the cable car to Pigra.

Laglio is a quiet and picturesque village on the western shore of Lake Como, famously known as the location of George Clooney's Villa Oleandra. The village retains a serene and authentic atmosphere, with elegant villas nestled along the lake and narrow streets leading up the hillside. It's ideal for a peaceful stroll along the lakeside.

Monte Galbiga offers some of the best panoramic views over Lake Como, stretching from the Swiss Alps down to the southern branches of the lake. It can be reached by car or through hiking trails, providing a breathtaking elevated perspective of the entire region that is often missed by typical lake visitors.

Pigra is a serene mountain village perched high above Lake Como, accessible by a funicular from Argegno. This tranquil hamlet offers stunning aerial views of the lake and surrounding mountains, providing a peaceful escape from the busier lakeside towns. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet walk and enjoying the scenery.

Nesso is a very picturesque village on Lake Como, famous for its deep gorge (Orrido di Nesso) where two rivers meet and plunge into the lake, visible from an ancient Roman bridge (Ponte della Civera). The village is characterized by its dramatic natural setting and historic stone houses cascading down to the water.

The Orrido di Bellano is a spectacular natural gorge and waterfall located in the town of Bellano on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Visitors can explore the deep, narrow canyon via suspended walkways, marveling at the powerful force of the Pioverna river as it carves its way through ancient rock formations.