Planning a trip to Lake Como and not sure where to stay in Lake Como for scenic views? I’ve been there.
The lake is big, the towns are many, and picking the wrong base can mean missing the most breathtaking scenery entirely. With years of travel writing behind me, I’ll help you find the right spot.
In this guide, I’ll cover the best scenic areas, top picks for first-time visitors, staying without a car, family-friendly options, the best scenic hotels, and smart booking tips. I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
Where to Stay in Lake Como Italy Scenic Area Overview
Lake Como sits in northern Italy, shaped like an upside-down Y. Each arm of the lake has its own feel. Some towns are lively and well-connected. Others sit quietly high above the water. Knowing the difference saves time and disappointment.
Bellagio sits at the tip of the central peninsula with water on both sides, colorful buildings, and steep garden paths. It draws the biggest crowds in summer. Varenna, on the eastern shore, is smaller and calmer with a lovely lakefront promenade.
The views across to Bellagio from here are hard to beat. Menaggio, on the western shore, offers wide open lake views and a relaxed town square. It is a solid middle-ground pick.
For those who want real peace and quiet, Torno and smaller hillside villages deliver secluded scenery with far fewer tourists. They need more planning to reach, but the payoff is a slower, more personal side of Lake Como.
Where to Stay in Lake Como First Time
First-time visitors need easy access, good views, and walkable surroundings — here is where to find all three.
Best Towns for First-Time Visitors
Bellagio is the top pick for first-timers. Hotels, restaurants, and viewpoints are all within short walking distance. You can see a lot without needing a car or a ferry schedule. Varenna is another great option.
It is compact and flat along the waterfront, making it easy to get around on foot. The views from Castello di Vezio above the town are worth the short climb.
Best for Ferry Access and Convenience
Both Bellagio and Varenna have regular ferry connections to other towns. Day trips are simple and stress-free. Menaggio is also worth considering.
It is connected by ferry, has a lively center, and faces open water. For first-time visitors who want good views without the heavy foot traffic of Bellagio, Menaggio is a solid choice.
Where to Stay in Lake Como Without a Car
Staying car-free at Lake Como is easy if you pick the right town. Some areas work much better than others.
Ferry-Connected Towns That Work Best
Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio all have regular ferry service. The timetables are reliable and run most of the day. These three towns form the core of the car-free experience. Ferries run between them throughout the day, and everything you need is within walking distance of the dock.
Areas Close to Restaurants and Promenades
Varenna’s lakeside walkway, called the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, is steps from most hotels. Bellagio’s main street is lined with cafes, gelato shops, and restaurants. You never need to go far. Both towns keep things close and convenient for visitors on foot.
Areas That Require a Car
Smaller hillside villages like Nesso or Plesio are harder to reach by public transport. Bus service to these spots is limited and infrequent. If you want to stay in a secluded hilltop location, you will likely need your own car to get around comfortably.
Where to Stay in Lake Como With Kids
Families need more than just views. Here are the best spots that balance scenery with comfort and safety.
Best Family-Friendly Towns
Menaggio is one of the best choices for families. It has a beach area, flat walking paths, and a calm atmosphere. The town is big enough to keep things interesting without feeling overwhelming.
Varenna is also a great fit. Its promenade is flat, safe for young children, and has a low-traffic feel that makes walking with kids easy.
Hotels With Pools and Outdoor Space
Several larger hotels around Bellagio and Cernobbio have outdoor pools with lake views. These give kids something to do while adults take in the scenery. Look for hotels that offer private gardens or terrace space for a more relaxed stay.
Quieter Towns Away From Crowds
Lenno is a calm town on the western branch of the lake. It sits close to Villa del Balbianello, a well-known garden villa worth visiting. The pace here is slower, which works well for families who want to avoid busy streets and heavy tourist traffic.
Best Scenic Hotels in Lake Como by View Type
From direct water views to hilltop panoramas, here is how to match your hotel to the scenery you want.
Lakefront and Hilltop Hotels
Hotels in Varenna and Bellagio right on the water offer unbroken views across the lake. Many have rooms with balconies that face the water directly. Waking up to that view is hard to beat.
For something higher up, smaller hotels above Bellagio or near Torno sit further up the slope and give wide-angle views of the full lake. The tradeoff is a steeper walk to reach them.
Historic Villas With Garden Estates
Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Villa d’Este in Cernobbio are known for their large gardens and lake frontage. These are luxury stays with classic architecture and wide, well-kept grounds.
They suit travelers who want a grander, more traditional Lake Como experience.
Boutique Hotels With Private Terraces
Smaller boutique hotels in Varenna and Menaggio often come with private terraces. These are less well-known but offer a personal and quiet experience with great scenery.
They are a good fit for travelers who want comfort and views without the size and pricing of a large resort.
Tips for Choosing the Best Scenic Stay in Lake Como
Smart planning makes a big difference. These tips help you get the view and experience you are hoping for.
- Book early. Lake Como gets very busy from June through August. The best-view rooms sell out fast. Aim to book at least three to four months ahead for summer travel.
- Check elevation before booking. A room one floor higher can mean a much better view. Always ask about lake-facing rooms specifically.
- Watch out for “partial lake view.” This can sometimes mean a small sliver of water between buildings. Ask the hotel for photos before confirming.
- Confirm how close you are to the ferry dock. A short walk to the dock makes day trips much easier. Some hotels involve a steep climb from the waterfront.
- Decide your vibe early. Bellagio is lively with crowds and shops. Varenna is calmer with a more local feel. Knowing what you want saves regret later.
- Pay extra for a balcony or terrace room. If the view is the reason you came, outdoor space makes it worth every penny. Morning coffee with a lake view is hard to top.
Conclusion
Lake Como surprised me the first time I visited. I almost booked the wrong town. If I had, I’d have missed those early morning views over still water. Now I always tell people where you stay shapes everything. For first-timers, go to Bellagio or Varenna.
Without a car, stick to the ferry triangle. For families, Menaggio is a great fit. Book early. Ask for a lake-view room.
The scenery here is something you’ll talk about long after you’re home. Have questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which town in Lake Como has the best views?
Bellagio is often considered the top spot for views since it sits where two branches of the lake meet. Varenna is a close second with clear sightlines across to Bellagio.
Is it easy to get around Lake Como without a car?
Yes, especially between Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. The ferry system connects these towns reliably throughout the day, making car-free travel very manageable.
How far in advance should I book a hotel at Lake Como?
For summer travel, aim to book three to four months ahead. The most popular lakefront and view rooms fill up fast, especially in July and August.
Is Lake Como good for families with young children?
Menaggio and Varenna both work well for families. They have flat waterfront areas, calm streets, and a relaxed pace that makes traveling with kids much less stressful.
What is the quietest area to stay at Lake Como?
Smaller villages like Torno, Lenno, or Nesso are much less crowded. They offer hillside or waterfront views with far fewer tourists, though you’ll need a car to get around easily.
