Lake Como is a collection of distinct towns and villages rather than a single destination, and choosing where to stay can completely change the character of a trip. Some places put grand hotels and celebrated villas at your doorstep; others offer quieter waterfronts, cobbled lanes and a slower rhythm.
For a first visit, the central lake is particularly appealing, with excellent ferry connections and some of Como’s most beautiful scenery. These are the areas Aurelle Monde would consider when choosing where to stay.
Tremezzina
Best for: grand hotels, historic villas and classic Lake Como elegance.
On the western shore of the lake, Tremezzina combines extraordinary scenery with some of Lake Como’s most celebrated addresses. The area encompasses several lakeside villages and makes an excellent base for exploring the central lake, with Bellagio and Varenna easily reached by ferry.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the defining hotels of Lake Como, known for its historic grandeur, gardens and remarkable position overlooking the water towards Bellagio. The area is also home to celebrated villas and gardens, making Tremezzina particularly appealing if the romance of old Lake Como is central to the trip.
Bellagio
Best for: iconic lake views, elegant streets and a first visit to Lake Como.
Bellagio occupies one of the most spectacular positions on Lake Como, where the lake divides into its two southern branches. Its steep lanes, waterfront promenade, gardens and historic buildings create the quintessential Lake Como setting, with extraordinary views in almost every direction.
It is one of the lake’s most visited towns, so the centre can become busy during the day in high season. Staying overnight reveals a different side of Bellagio once many day visitors have departed, and its central position makes exploring the lake by ferry particularly easy.
Varenna
Best for: romance, village atmosphere and exploring the lake without a car.
Varenna sits on the eastern shore and offers much of Lake Como’s beauty on a more intimate scale. Colourful houses rise from the waterfront, narrow lanes lead through the old village and the lakeside promenade provides beautiful views across the central lake.
Its railway station is a significant advantage for travellers arriving from Milan, while regular ferries connect Varenna with Bellagio, Menaggio and the western shore. This combination makes it one of the easiest bases for experiencing Lake Como without relying on a car.
Blevio
Best for: seclusion, lake views and a quieter luxury retreat.
Close to Como but removed from the busier central lake towns, Blevio clings to the steep eastern shore with villas and houses overlooking the water. There is less to explore on foot here than in Bellagio or Varenna, but that is part of its appeal: Blevio works particularly well when the hotel itself is intended to be part of the experience.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como occupies a remarkable lakeside setting here, surrounded by gardens with views across the water. It is a strong choice for travellers looking for privacy and resort-style luxury while remaining within relatively easy reach of Como.
Which Part of Lake Como Should You Choose?
The best place to stay on Lake Como depends on the experience you want. Choose Tremezzina for grand hotels, historic villas and the classic elegance of the western shore. Bellagio is ideal if you want to be surrounded by iconic Lake Como scenery and enjoy excellent ferry connections across the central lake.
Varenna offers a more intimate village atmosphere and is particularly convenient if you are travelling by train from Milan. For a quieter retreat where the hotel and lake views are the focus, Blevio offers a more secluded alternative close to Como.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Como?
May, June and September are particularly rewarding months to visit Lake Como. The landscape is lush, temperatures are generally pleasant and the lake is lively without quite the intensity of peak summer.
July and August bring warm weather, long evenings and Lake Como at its most animated. They are also the busiest months, with higher hotel rates, crowded ferries and considerably more visitors in places such as Bellagio and Varenna.
September and early October can be especially beautiful for a slower trip. The summer crowds begin to ease while the lake often retains much of its warmth and atmosphere.
The Aurelle View
Lake Como rewards travellers who resist trying to see everything at once. Its pleasure lies as much in mornings beside the water, long lunches and journeys across the lake as it does in ticking off famous villas and villages.
For a first visit, Tremezzina would be the Aurelle Monde choice for its combination of extraordinary hotels, beautiful villas and easy access to the central lake. Varenna would be our choice for a more intimate stay without a car, while Blevio is particularly appealing when privacy and the hotel itself are the priority.
Wherever you stay, leave room in the itinerary simply to be on the lake. That is where Como becomes most memorable.