Menaggio is where to stay in Lake Como Italy if you only have a few days to explore the area because it's well connected to transport. Located on the western shore of the lake, the ancient town is close to the famous Villa Carlotta.
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Use Torno as a base for exploring Lake ComoOur first round of research led us to the conclusion that we should stay in either Bellagio or Varenna, both central and charming options that you'll find suggested on most travel guides (including Rick Steves').
Many visitors question whether to visit Menaggio or Bellagio during their time in Lake Como. The obvious answer is if you have time, visit both. Bellagio is a much busier town during the day full of day-trippers (popular as it's a great option to add to most Italy itineraries). It quietens down at night time.
Menaggio is definitely worth a visit! Like other popular Lake Como's towns, it has beaches, places to hike and typical restaurants that will make your trip unique. The boat service will easily take you to Bellagio and Varenna in 15-30 minutes, and you can also get to Tremezzina by C10 bus in 10 minutes.
If you want any kind of night life at all, stay in Como. There's more opportunity for hiking near Varenna, and that's the more scenic part of the lake, but you can get there by boat. Touristy doesn't begin to describe Bellagio and Varenna. If you want any kind of night life at all, stay in Como.
Varenna is smaller and quieter, with a higher ratio of visitors to locals (which can sometimes make it harder to avoid the tourist trappings). It is more picturesque, but the hillside would probably be slightly harder to navigate if your in-laws have any mobility issues.
Como could be a great option for people flying into Milan or wanting a larger town with more options and nightlife. Bellagio and Varenna are also great choices and are larger than Menaggio. I found Menaggio to have better prices and a more local feel. The views from this side of the lake are also spectacular.
The region of Lake Como includes three main districts: The first pool. It starts at cities on the eastern (Blevio do Torno) and western (Como do Lallo) coasts. It is the poshest place with the most expensive real estate in the Como area.
Perfect Pairings: Lake Como & Portofino. Dive into the abundant beauty of Lake Como and Portofino on this breathtaking tour of Italy. Combining the tranquillity of Lake Como with the glitz and glamour of Portofino, this idyllic break takes you to new levels of R&R.
The main town of the group is Como which is located at the southern end of the lake. It is a more elegant resort than most and makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas and towns.
How many days should I spend in Lake Como? I'd suggest to spend at least 3-4 days, because there are a lot of towns and things to see and you will need time to experience Lake Como at its best.
Menaggio (CO) waterfrontConsidered the most panoramic place on the lake thanks to its elevated position, Menaggio also has a free sandy beach that's perfect for camping. In the rockier area, characterised by tall crags, on the other hand, the city has private beach establishments and nightlife locales.
Stay in less-touristy towns and villagesArgegno is a village on the western shores of the lake. It's a quiet place with only a few amenities, making it a great choice for those seeking a different side to Lake Como. Here, you can amble down the cobbled alleyways without bumping into big people left and right.
Bellagio is more scenic than Varenna as Bellagio is located at the juxtaposition of Lake Como i.e. where the lake forks in two. You can always visit Varenna by ferry as it is only 15 minutes away.
Bellagio is more scenic than Varenna as Bellagio is located at the juxtaposition of Lake Como i.e. where the lake forks in two. You can always visit Varenna by ferry as it is only 15 minutes away.