Plan a 3-day, 2-night trip to Lake Como
If you're planning a trip to Europe, Lake Como is a must-visit destination. It's truly a paradise on earth, even when the weather isn't perfect—it will still lift your spirits. Plus, you can visit the actual filming location of Star Wars here!
Day 1: Milan Main Station to Lake Como - Hotel in Dervio
- First, purchase a train ticket to Varenna. If you're staying near Bellano or Dervio, you can transfer at Varenna station. Tickets cost €7.40 per person and are valid for 6 hours after scanning or validating.
- The train ride takes about an hour. You can relax or enjoy the view. For the best lake views, sit on the left side of the train.
- For budget travelers, Airbnb options are available in Bellano and Dervio. We stayed in Dervio at "The Laghee Attic" for 2 nights at just €197. It was very affordable, with a kitchen and washing machine. There's also a nearby supermarket where you can buy groceries to save on meals. I'll share the location in the comments.
- Dervio is a peaceful town with few tourists. You can enjoy views of Lake Como or take a boat to Maggio on the opposite side.
Day 2: Bellano-Lenno-Bellagio-Varenna
- We initially planned to take the train to Varenna, but due to a train breakdown in Bellano, we explored the town and took a boat instead. Check the travel cost details in the photos.
- Bellano has more tourists but isn't overcrowded. There are hotels and restaurants near the pier. If you prefer a quieter stay, this town is a good option.
- Our first destination was Lenno to visit Villa del Balbianello, a Star Wars filming location we were determined to see. The boat ride took nearly 2 hours, offering stunning views of Lake Como despite the cloudy weather.
- Upon arriving in Lenno, you can either walk for about 30 minutes or take a boat directly to Villa del Balbianello. We chose to walk and enjoyed the surrounding scenery.
- Entry to the villa costs €13, but we were lucky to get a student discount for €10. If you can't book tickets online, don't panic. Most tourists buy tickets at the entrance, but booking online is safer and avoids queues. Plan your visit carefully as the villa is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- After visiting the villa, we took a boat to Bellagio. The views were breathtaking even before disembarking. Unfortunately, we didn't have much time to explore as we spent time hiking in Lenno. We only managed to have a meal at Antichi Sappori, which mainly serves flavorful spaghetti dishes.
- Bellagio is quite touristy, so it's advisable to book restaurants in advance. Near the pier, you'll find souvenir shops and even luxury brands for shopping. If you have extra time, explore the area for beautiful photo spots.
- Varenna was another highlight we missed due to time constraints. By the time we returned, it was dark, and heavy rain forced us to take the train back to our accommodation.
Day 3: Back to Milan
- A word of caution: trains to and from Lake Como are often delayed due to single-track railways. If you're driving, parking might be limited, but you won't have to worry about train schedules. Especially for those catching connecting trains or flights, allow extra time.
- We chose to return around noon when trains are less crowded. Evening trains are often packed, especially for one-day trips, so be prepared to stand all the way to Milan.
- Train tickets can be purchased at station kiosks or online. Online booking is more convenient as some tickets require activation, which can be confusing. Sometimes staff check tickets, while other times, activation is required at the station.
Is a one-day trip to Lake Como enough?
- If you're not aiming to see everything, you can visit just Varenna and Bellagio.
- However, staying for a night or two is recommended to experience the evening atmosphere and avoid the evening tourist rush on trains.
- Visit before summer for pleasant weather, though rain is possible. Even in May-June, there can be frequent rain and clouds, while August tends to be very hot.
Thank you for reading until the end! I hope this information is helpful for those planning a trip to Italy. Please like, share, and follow for more updates!