Whenever you picture Italy, Lake Como is the place that comes to mind: blue water surrounded by green mountains and small towns with the most relaxed way of life. It's one of the rare places on Earth that feel like they were made for long summer evenings.
Whether you’re planning on sipping espresso at a local cafe or spending time on a ferry going between villages, this blog walks you through everything you need to know about Lake Como, from things to do to where you can stay.
Where Is Lake Como?
If you're wondering where Lake Como is exactly, it sits in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, tucked into the foothills of the Alps and close to the Swiss border. The lake has a distinctive Y shape, with the town of Como at its southern tip and villages like Bellagio and Varenna spread along its arms. It's only about an hour from Milan, which makes it an easy addition to any Italian escape rather than a place you need a whole separate journey for.
Tribe Travel Tip: If you're combining Lake Como with Milan, keep your Como stay to two or three days and save your energy for exploring the smaller villages by ferry rather than rushing through all of them by road.
What Makes Lake Como Italy So Special in Summer?
Summer is when Lake Como Italy truly comes alive. The gardens are in full bloom, the ferries run on their busiest schedules, and the towns fill with the kind of gentle energy that only warm weather brings. Long evenings mean you can enjoy a sunset dinner right by the water and still have time to walk along the promenade afterwards.
What sets this lake apart from other summer escapes is how slow it feels. No big attractions are competing for your attention, just villas, gardens, and water that seem to slow everything down.
What Is Lake Como Weather Like in Summer?
Summer at Lake Como is pleasantly warm, thanks to the lake acting as a natural cooling system for the nearby towns. July is usually the hottest month, while June and September bring milder sunshine and fewer visitors.
Month | Avg. Temperature | What you Can Expect |
June | 18°C to 26°C | Long days, fewer crowds than peak summer |
July | 22°C to 30°C | Warmest month, lively villages, afternoon showers possible |
August | 21°C to 29°C | Busy, peak hotel prices, warm evenings |
September | 18°C to 23°C | Pleasant and quieter, good for walking |
Summer afternoons can bring sudden thunderstorms, so it's a good idea to pack a light rain jacket, even if the morning is clear. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting in early June or September instead of the busy July and August months.
Tribe Travel Tip: Book any villa or garden visit for the morning during summer. The light is softer for photos, and you'll beat both the heat and the biggest crowds.
What Is the Closest Airport to Lake Como?
The closest airport to Lake Como for most international travellers is Milan Malpensa (MXP), roughly 50 to 60 kilometres from the southern end of the lake. It has the widest range of international connections, so it's usually the easiest gateway if you're flying in from India.
Airport | Distance from Lake Como | Detail |
Milan Malpensa (MXP) | 50–60 km | International flights, easiest overall access |
Milan Linate (LIN) | Around 60–90 km | European connections |
Milan Bergamo (BGY) | 65–70 km | Budget carriers |
From Malpensa, you can take the Malpensa Express train to Milan and then connect to Como, or you can book a private transfer straight to your hotel. In both cases, expect the drive from the airport to your lakeside hotel to take about one and a half to two hours.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Lake Como?
There's no shortage of things to do in Lake Como, and the good news is you don't need to see every town to have a wonderful holiday. Focus on two or three villages and let the rest of your days unfold slowly.
- Como town: Explore the Duomo cathedral, wander the old walled centre, and ride the Brunate funicular for a view over the whole lake.
- Bellagio: Known as the pearl of the lake, with steep lanes, boutique shopping, and the gardens of Villa Melzi.
- Varenna: A quieter fishing village with the Lovers' Walk promenade and the terraced gardens of Villa Monastero.
- Villa del Balbianello: A cliffside villa with terraced gardens that's worth the short boat ride to visit.
- Ferry hopping: Public ferries connect the main towns, and a day pass is one of the easiest ways to see several villages without renting a car.
If you only remember one thing about things to do in Lake Como, let it be this: the ferry ride itself is often the highlight, not just the way to get somewhere.
Tribe Travel Tip: Buy your ferry tickets a day ahead in July and August, since the ticket counters at popular stops can have long queues during peak hours.
Where Are the Best Lake Como Hotels to Stay In?
Choosing between Lake Como hotels really comes down to what kind of pace you're after. Bellagio suits travellers who want to be close to restaurants and shopping, while Varenna is better if you'd rather fall asleep to quiet water views.
Stay | Best for | What it Offers |
Bellagio | First time visitors, couples | Central location, boutique hotels, lively evenings |
Varenna | Travellers who want calm | Lakefront views, slower pace, fewer crowds |
Como | Families, short stays | Easy train access, more budget friendly options |
Menaggio | Active travellers | Lakefront promenade, hiking and biking access |
Tribe Travel Tip: Many properties on the lake are small and boutique rather than large resorts, so book a few months ahead if you're travelling during peak summer.
Do Indians Need a Visa for a Lake Como Holiday?
Yes. Since Lake Como is in Italy, Indian citizens need a valid Schengen visa before flying, since Italy is part of the Schengen Area. The tourist category is the one you'll want for a holiday like this, and it allows stays of up to ninety days within any one hundred and eighty-day period.
A few essentials to keep in mind:
- Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- You'll need at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
- Proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and travel insurance are commonly asked for during the application.
Processing can take a couple of weeks, so it helps to apply well before your planned dates. For the most accurate and current requirements, always check the official Italian immigration and visa information portals before you apply.
Conclusion
Summers in Lake Como truly are something else. The mix of good food, friendly people and overall slow way of life makes it a great place to travel to. Pick your season with the weather guide above in mind, choose a base that matches your pace, and let the lake do the rest.
If you'd rather have the planning handled for you, Holiday Tribe can help you put together a custom Italy holiday, with stays, transfers and optional visa and flight assistance, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy the view.
