The heart of Lake Como: Menaggio, Bellagio & Varenna

On this day, we set out to explore the three charming towns in the central part of Lake Como: Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna. These towns are connected year-round by ferries, and during the winter months, most of the lake’s boat traffic is concentrated in this central triangle.

Cruising Lake Como
We purposely designed our day to include a boat ride — it’s an essential part of the Lake Como experience. While we had our car, we didn’t want to just drive around the lake and miss the magic of viewing it from the water. So today, we boarded a ferry and took in the lake’s postcard-perfect scenery from the deck.

Menaggio – A Gem on the Western Shore
Leaving our accommodation, our first stop was Menaggio, just a 15-minute drive away. It’s one of Lake Como’s most beloved resort towns and an ideal base for visiting Bellagio and Varenna. With its central location, both are easily accessible by ferry or car ferry.

We found a free parking spot and from there, it was an easy 10-minute walk through the old town to the harbor, passing charming piazzas, narrow alleys, cafés, and restaurants along the way.

At the ferry terminal, we bought a one-way ticket to Bellagio, planning to continue on to Varenna later and then return to Menaggio — making a full circle around the lake’s central triangle.

Ticket info: You can comfortably buy your ticket on the spot — there’s usually space on the next ferry. Check the current schedule at Navigazione Laghi. You can also download the ferry company’s app:
• iOS: Dream Lake
• Android: Dream Lake

Here you can find a selection of organized tours and tickets through trusted platforms like GetYourGuide, Tiqets, Freetour and more – perfect for making the most of your Lake Como trip.

Family-friendly tip: Since we knew our daughter would nap during the day, we brought a stroller. We planned to stroll around both Bellagio and Varenna — but be aware: both towns have plenty of cobblestone paths and stairs, so a baby carrier is highly recommended.

Practical tips for your ferry ride

The wind almost always blows on Lake Como — and it’s especially noticeable when you’re out on the water. No matter the season, it’s smart to pack a warm layer. We sat inside the covered cabin, so we stayed cozy, but a cardigan or headband can really come in handy if you’re sensitive to the breeze.

The ferry departed right on time, and we were completely mesmerized by the view. The rides between the lake’s central towns are short — for example, it only takes about 10 minutes to get from Menaggio to Bellagio by ferry.

The Pearl of Lake Como – Bellagio

Our trip to Lake Como wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to Bellagio. This charming little town is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations along the lake, and it didn’t take us long to understand why it’s often called the pearl of Lake Como.

Arriving in Bellagio

Upon arriving, Liny was so excited that we first had to check out the ducks by the lakeshore. After that, we headed to the harbor to look up the boat schedule for our later trip to Varenna. Once we picked the right route and bought our tickets, we had about two hours to explore Bellagio’s enchanting streets.

Strolling Through the Town

Contrary to what we expected, Bellagio is actually quite small – just a few streets – and very easy to walk around. A wide promenade lines the lakeshore, and Piazza Mazzini, with its sweeping views, is the heart of the town where ferries depart. Around the harbor, you’ll find a mix of restaurants and shops, but it’s worth climbing the steep, cobbled stairways into the old town. Here, cozy alleyways, artisan boutiques, cafés, and eateries create a truly delightful atmosphere.

Our little girl, sometimes rode in the baby carrier, other times walked alongside us with joy. Since the historic center is a pedestrian zone, we could explore safely without worrying about traffic.

Things to See in Bellagio

One of the main historical sights is the Romanesque-style Church of San Giacomo from the 12th century, which we admired from the outside. From there, we walked down to Punta Spartivento, a small park located at the very tip of the peninsula. This scenic spot lies at the Y-junction of the lake, offering breathtaking views in both directions, with snow-capped peaks in the background.

One of Bellagio’s most famous attractions is the gardens of Villa Melzi. Check out one of our favorite platforms GetYourGuide, for tours and tickets.

Unfortunately, they were closed for the winter, but we’ve saved that for another visit! Still, Bellagio itself felt like one big attraction – a sparkling little gem where simply walking around brought us joy.

Lunch with a View

On our way back along the promenade, we had just enough time for a pleasant lunch before our ferry departure. We chose Ristorante Pizzeria Carillon, just across from the harbor. The view of the lake, the boats, and of course, the ducks, was simply perfect. 😊

Crossing to Varenna

After lunch, we hopped back on the ferry and headed to Varenna – and it instantly became one of our favorite parts of the trip. As we sailed across the widest section of the lake, the landscape opened up in every direction. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and we soaked in every moment. By the time we arrived, Liny was getting a little fussy, so we popped her into the stroller, and she quickly fell asleep.

Varenna – A Magical Lakeside Village

Alongside Bellagio, Varenna is one of the most beloved towns on Lake Como – and for good reason. With its charming vibe, beautiful sights, and easy accessibility, it makes for an ideal travel destination. A jewel of Lombardy, Varenna ended up being our favorite town in the region.

Famous for its colorful houses and lakeside views, Varenna has retained its authentic and peaceful atmosphere. This elegant little town on the eastern shore enchants visitors with its stately villas and botanical gardens. It can get crowded in summer, as many travelers come and go via the ferry terminal, but we were lucky – on this serene winter afternoon, we saw its calm, cozy side.

History and Enchanting Streets

Varenna, home to just 700–800 residents, was founded over a thousand years ago by fishermen. Like many towns on Lake Como, it consists of one main street, a scenic lakeside promenade, and steep cobblestone alleys.

Our ferry docked in the quieter northern part of town. From near Hotel Montecodeno, you can hike up to Castello di Vezio. We had visited the castle the previous day, so this time we took it slow and explored the southern part of Varenna in peace.

The Lover’s Walk – Passeggiata degli Innamorati

From the ferry terminal, we headed left along a lovely walkway built right above the water. This 200–300 meter long promenade is a favorite among tourists for its stunning views – and we managed to snap a few gorgeous photos ourselves!

Since Liny was napping in the stroller, we took our time, soaking up the sunshine and panoramic views.

A Cozy Café Break

Once we reached the end of the path, we stopped at a café before entering the bumpy cobbled streets – we didn’t want the stroller to wake Liny just yet. Many cafés stay open in winter and even provide blankets if it’s chilly. Although it wasn’t particularly cold that day, it felt extra cozy to wrap up with a warm drink in hand.

After Liny woke up, we continued our walk through the narrow, cobbled alleyways that oozed medieval charm. The old buildings, quaint squares, little shops, and inviting cafés all added to the town’s irresistible atmosphere.

Top Sights in Varenna

While wandering through town, we passed by several notable landmarks:

• Church of San Giorgio – A medieval church at the heart of the historic center.
• Villa Cipressi Botanical Garden – A stunning collection of plants surrounding a 4-star hotel.
• Villa Monastero – One of Varenna’s most famous sights, set within a lush park. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, so we’ve saved it for next time.

Villa Monastero is usually open year-round, from 9:30 AM to 8 PM in summer and from 10 AM to 5 PM in winter. For up-to-date info, check out the Villa Monastero website, or browse one of our favorite platforms, GetYourGuide, for tours and tickets.

Just Walking Is Worth It!

Even though there are plenty of sights to see, we felt that Varenna’s true charm lies in simply wandering its streets. There’s no need to rush from one attraction to the next – just soaking in the atmosphere was an unforgettable experience.

Sadly, our 2.5 hours here flew by. We made our way back to the harbor and took the ferry to Menaggio. On the return journey, I kept watching Varenna slowly fade into the distance – another magical memory to cherish.

Tip for Families with Young Children

Varenna’s cobbled, stepped streets aren’t very stroller-friendly, so using a baby carrier is much more practical when exploring the town!

Back in Menaggio – A Peaceful Lakeside Walk

Travel guides often mention that Menaggio’s elegant lake promenade offers some of the best views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Naturally, we wanted to see it for ourselves. So after returning from Varenna, we spent another hour strolling, sitting on a cozy bench, and taking in the town’s peaceful lakeside charm. Definitely not to be missed!

We walked from the harbor toward the parking lot along the promenade. Compared to Bellagio and Varenna, Menaggio felt much calmer. The views were just as stunning, but with fewer tourists, the town’s charm was even more enjoyable.

The Lakeside Promenade in Menaggio

This long, beautifully maintained promenade is truly special. Lined with well-kept flower beds, palm trees, and shaded benches, it makes the town feel even more welcoming and picturesque. It’s the perfect place to rest or enjoy a snack with a view of the lake.

As dusk began to fall, we got back in the car and drove 15 minutes to our accommodation, where our pre-prepared dinner was already waiting for us.

Final Thoughts

What a day! We were filled with amazing memories and added even more spots to our list for future visits. Exploring these three famous towns at the heart of Lake Como was a magical experience – even in winter, and even more so on foot. We’ll definitely be coming back!