Where to sleep at Lake Como?

Soon departing to visit Lake Como but don't know where to stay? Your choice of accommodation will be crucial for enjoying your vacation, so let me guide you! In this practical article, you will discover cities to prioritize for staying near the lake, as well as the best hotels in the area.

Nestled in the alpine mountains of northern Italy, Lake Como is a natural treasure of unparalleled beauty. It is one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe for nature lovers, covering an area of 146 square kilometers, a perfect place to marvel at and create a lot of beautiful memories

The main attraction of Lake Como lies in its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by picturesque villages, lush hills, and mountains. The small towns that line its shores, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, are treasures of architecture and history. They are also very interesting places to stay around Lake Como, so if you haven't found accommodation yet, you are in the right place!

Taking a closer look at the map, you'll notice that there are many towns and villages along the shores of Lake Como. All of them offer really unique and authentic architecture, with a wide variety of accommodations available, which might make your decision a bit more complicated!

The major point to consider when finding accommodation is, of course, your itinerary. You'll need to decide on the attractions you want to visit and the type of trip you're looking for. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy this experience is to take a road trip in Northern Italy with several stopovers.

But if you're considering settling in a specific place, you can always take the ferry to reach other villages and explore the entire region. However, I strongly advise you to act as quickly as possible, as Lake Como remains a popular destination among tourists.

If you don't want to read the whole article, you can find the best addresses for staying at Lake Como here

Located on the northeast shore of Lake Como, Bellagio is a charming little town with authentic character. It is a quite popular and upscale destination for staying due to its many attractions. With its typical narrow alleys and well-preserved historical buildings, the village possesses timeless beauty

The iconic element of Bellagio is of course its waterfront, where you can stroll and admire the spectacular landscape of Lake Como. The gardens of Villa Melzi, located nearby, are another must-see place with a wide variety of exotic plants and stunning views of the lake. The charming park of Villa Serbelloni is also worth a visit, especially if you enjoy hiking

The promontory of Bellagio, for its part, is popular for its breathtaking views. It was formed by the division of the three branches of Lake Como: the Lecco arm, the Como arm, and the Colico arm. Each of these branches offers unique landscapes, such as the village of Varenna on the Lecco arm, the picturesque village of Menaggio on the Menaggio arm, and the city of Como itself on the Como arm.

If you love art, don't miss the San Giacomo basilica, a Romanesque church from the 12th century adorned with beautiful frescoes. In addition to art, the town is home to the Moto Guzzi museum, which traces the history of the famous Italian motorcycle brand. Finally, Bellagio is a great starting point for boat excursions on Lake Como. You can explore other towns and villages such as Tremezzo, Lenno, and Cadenabbia

Hotel Fioroni offers a stunning view of Lake Como! The hotel is located 300 meters from the lakeshores and a 15-minute walk from the historical center. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, some featuring a terrace or balcony. Expect to pay around $121 per night for a double room, with breakfast included.

Agriturismo Il Colle has very nice tastefully decorated rooms in a peaceful setting close to the gardens of Villa Melzi and the Bellagio ferry terminal. In addition to its ideal location, the staff at the establishment is very kind Expect to pay at least $250 per night for a double room, with breakfast included and views of the gardens.

Lecco is located in the southeastern part of Lake Como, near Milan by train It is an excellent place to consider, due to its setting between the waters of the lake and beautiful mountains! If you want to explore the entire region, staying in Lecco will be a good starting point, with a wide range of options available.

One of the most iconic attractions in Lecco is Lake Como itself. This magnificent alpine lake is surrounded by steep mountains, creating an impressive backdrop for the town. Travelers can enjoy various water activities, such as sailing, windsurfing, and swimming, or simply walk along the shores to admire the spectacular views and recharge their spirits

The historic center of Lecco is another must-see place. Piazza XX Settembre is the heart of the city, surrounded by ancient buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Lecco Cathedral (Basilica of San Nicolò) is a notable historical site, displaying elegant neoclassical architecture.

History enthusiasts will be captivated by the Manzoni Museum, dedicated to the writer Alessandro Manzoni, one of Italy's most famous literary figures, born in Lecco. You can discover artifacts and information about his life and work, including his novel >. For fresh air, the mountains offer hiking opportunities accessible via the Piano d'Erna funicular. The Gruppo Resegone, for example, is a mountain range that attracts climbers and hikers for its stunning views of the region!

SoloSonno is appreciated for its spacious rooms and bathrooms, as well as its ideal location by the lake and 10 minutes on foot from Monte Barro Natural Park. You can easily reach the center of Lecco in 5 minutes on foot. Accommodations start at $78 for two people.

Hotel Alberi offers a beautiful view of the bay, located 300 meters from Lecco train station. This establishment organizes boat excursions in summer and ski days in winter. The rooms are comfortable and warm, starting from $136 per night with breakfast included.

How can you stay at Lake Como without visiting its eponymous city, Como, at least once? It is considered the capital of the region, located south of the lake near the border between Switzerland and Italy. This is where you'll find the most beautiful views of the lake It is therefore logically the city most frequented by tourists, also because Como offers a wide range of accommodations for all budgets!

Despite its perhaps > touristy side, Como has managed to retain its authentic charm, where the Italian dolce vita reigns There are monuments, museums, excellent restaurants and traditional cafes ☕️, and shops that will leave you mesmerized. In fact, it's in Como that the liveliest travelers will find happiness once the night falls! Compared to Bellagio and Lecco, they are much calmer...

What I loved most about Como was taking the Brunate funicular to reach the surrounding mountains for an even more impressive view of the vast stretch of water surrounded by the Italian Alps in the morning ⛰️ Then hopping on a cruise on the lake from the Como harbor, which is a central point for such excursions

Hotel Como is located 1 km from the city center of Como, where all the points of interest are concentrated. It is also a 20-minute walk from the lakeshores! It's a bit far, but it allows you to enjoy a panoramic view and especially to have high-end accommodation with an outdoor pool starting at $194 per night with breakfast included.

Agriturismo Cascina Mirandola is a traditional Italian accommodation in an old farmhouse, transformed into a luxurious building surrounded by a vast garden spanning several hectares. To enjoy this haven of peace just steps from Como and the lake, expect to pay from $90 with Italian breakfast included. It's really excellent value for money!

Varenna is a charming little town located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. It is nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps, offering a picturesque setting and breathtaking landscapes. Varenna is known for its peaceful ambiance, colorful houses, and medieval atmosphere that attract many visitors!

One of the highlights of Varenna is the Vezio Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town. You can explore the ruins of this castle that is over a thousand years old and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. It's an ideal spot for capturing beautiful pictures

Varenna's waterfront is a must-visit place. The promenade along the lake is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Villa Monastero park is another point of interest, a 19th-century villa that was once a monastery. Today, its botanical gardens are open to the public. Visitors can stroll among a variety of exotic plants and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Como

Varenna is also notable for its Church of San Giorgio, a small medieval church with well-preserved frescoes. It is an impressive example of religious architecture of the time. Of course, you can explore the region from the town and even take advantage of the ferry if you have a car.

Although the town has fewer accommodation options, you'll still find some! Unlike other nearby villages, the options offer various types of accommodations that will surely suit you.

La Varennahouse allows you to reach Lake Como in just 2 minutes on foot and offers spacious and very pleasant rooms. Located in the center of Varenna, you will have access to the town's shops and restaurants. Expect to pay from $166 per night for a 20 m2 double room.

Hotel Olivedo is located by the lake, just a 2-minute walk from the Varenna pier. The hotel has a restaurant that serves Lombard specialties and a superb panoramic terrace. It offers beautiful rooms, available from $182 per night, breakfast included.

Tremezzina is the largest municipality in the region as it encompasses the villages of Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, and Tremezzo. This is a great advantage for staying close to the lake while enjoying the monuments and historical buildings that give these truly authentic villages their charm.

One of the highlights of Tremezzina is the famous Villa Carlotta, a magnificent 18th-century villa located on the waterfront. This villa houses an art museum and a botanical garden, where you can admire an impressive collection of artworks and lush gardens, including azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons. Another major attraction in the region is Villa del Balbianello, an 18th-century villa perched on a small peninsula. It served as a setting for >!

Tremezzina is also an ideal starting point for exploring Comacina Island, the only island in Lake Como, rich in history, with Roman archaeological remains and a Romanesque church. You can even reach it by boat from Tremezzina. On the hiking front, the scenic Greenway del Lago di Como trail that runs through Tremezzina winds through villages, vineyards, and stunning landscapes...

La Darsena Boutique Hotel & Restaurant is located 150 meters from the center of Tremezzo and offers a stunning view of the lake from its terrace. The rooms feature colorful decor! The hotel has a private dock and is situated 100 meters from the ferry terminal. Expect to pay a minimum of $135 per night, breakfast included.

Villa Lina includes a hot tub, an outdoor bathtub, and lovely character rooms. Guests are appreciated for their kindness, always attentive! You will stay in a peaceful setting with a stunning view of Lake Como starting from $251 per night with breakfast included.

As the most important town in the western area of Lake Como, Menaggio is also the perfect starting point if you want to explore the region. A pleasant destination to stay, the town offers an authentic atmosphere that will suit couples, with its lakeside promenade and brightly colored houses ✨

The beauty of Menaggio lies in its historic center, with its narrow winding streets, colorful façade houses, and small local shops. You can wander through these cobblestone streets and discover the authenticity of Italian life Among the must-see sites is the parish church of Santo Stefano, a 16th-century building that is a gem of local religious architecture and a remarkable point of interest.

With its proximity to Lake Como, you can relax on its shores, swim in its clear waters, or enjoy water sports such as windsurfing or sailing. If you prefer hiking, Menaggio is the ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding mountains.

The botanical garden of Villa Carlotta is another point of interest nearby. It features an impressive collection of exotic plants, sculptures, and an 18th-century villa. You will also appreciate Villa Mylius Viogoni and excellent traditional restaurants such as Trattoria de la Vecchia Magnolia.

Hotel Loveno is a small establishment in the heights of Menaggio. You will have to travel 5 km to reach Villa Carlotta, but in return, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Como amidst a small green garden. The hotel offers beautiful rooms starting from $142 and also has a bar and a restaurant.

Hotel Du Lac Menaggio boasts a panoramic view of the lake, just a few minutes' walk from the Menaggio marina. In addition to being able to take the ferry and visit other towns, you will sleep in a pleasant room with classic decor starting at $201 per night.

To the south of Menaggio, you can also choose Lenno as your base, as it is an iconic small village in the region! Although tiny, Lenno is home to one of the most famous film sets in Italy, Villa Balbianello It appears in the second episode of Star Wars, Attack of the Clones, and of course at the end of Casino Royale This Renaissance-style residence dates back to the 18th century and was built from the ruins of an ancient convent by a very influential cardinal of the time.

Apart from that, Lenno also has a small marina that allows you to reach the famous Triangle of Gold (Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna) in just a few minutes! You won't have to worry about finding parking, which is a great advantage around Lake Como

However, accommodation options are quite limited, but I've still found a few good deals for you.

Hotel Lenno is the only 4-star establishment in Lenno and is ideally located by the lake, just behind the promenade! It offers simple and comfortable rooms, as well as an outdoor pool to cool off in the summer season. There is also a bar and a restaurant with a view. Expect to pay from $152 per night with breakfast included.

Apartment BelLenno offers small studios equipped with a kitchenette with views of the mountain or the lake and just steps away from Villa Balbianello! For a stay, expect to pay from $136 per night for three people.

And that's it, we reach the end of this article! I hope you enjoyed it and that you now know where to sleep at Lake Como. If you're traveling in northern Italy, feel free to check out my other articles to see what to do in Milan and where to stay in Milan