Lake Como Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Lake Como

Wondering how to spend 4 days in Lake Como? Then this is the perfect Lake Como Itinerary. It covers everything I did during my amazing visit to this beautiful Italian region.

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Before you go:
🏨 Varenna is the best base for a Loke Como trip! You could stay at Albergo Milano which is not too expensive and it has a balcony with a Lake Como view. For a splurge, stay at Villa Cipressi. Alternatively, you could stay in Bellagio at Bellagio Center Apartment n°12: It’s so affordable and central!
🧷 Travel Insurance with SafetyWing in case of any accidents. Better safe than sorry!
📱Mobile E-sim card to stay connected while traveling without the hassle of changing out your sim card!
💜 Best time to visit Lake Como: Spring or late summer. I by far loved visiting during Wisteria season! You will find most of the villas blooming with gorgeous Wisteria. The time varies each year but it is typically around the end of March and into April. 

Where to Stay during 4 days in Lake Como

You can base yourself in Menaggio as I did when I visited or I’d also recommend staying in Varenna or Bellagio. The reason I chose Menaggio was due to the affordability. We got a hotel with a private balcony and a view of the lake for €140 a night. Hotel Bellavista in Mennagio was a steal for this room type compared to the hotels in Bellagio and Varenna. Menaggio is a bit quieter and perfect for families or solo travelers! It is only a 15-minute ferry to Bellagio or Varenna too!

Here are the perfect hotels to base yourself during your 4 days in Lake Como:

Menaggio hotel option: 
$ Hotel Bellavista is an affordable option with a balcony view of Lake Como.

Bellagio hotel option: 
$ Bellagio Center Apartment n°12: Who says Lake Como is expensive? I was able to stay at this cute Airbnb-style apartment literally next to the famous street pictured in the middle above. For only €100 a night (in April), this charming apartment was a no-brainer.
$$ Hotel Florence is a beautiful hotel right on the lakefront promenade. They have a famous restaurant covered in Wisteria too.
$$$ Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is owned by a family of 3 generations. The stunning villa was transformed into a luxury 5-star hotel in 1873.

Varenna hotel options:
Take the ferry to Varenna or come in by train to Varenna-esino.
$ Bed & Breakfast il Bolentino Varenna for those on a budget and wanting to get in and out quickly. It’s located right by the train and ferry port.
$$ Albergo Milano if you want a balcony with a Lake Como view
$$$ Villa Cipressi is a stunning hotel and they have a villa garden you can visit.

The Best Lake Como 4-Day Itinerary

Lake Como Itinerary: Day 1 – Explore Menaggio or Como

Since I based myself in Menaggio, I skipped Como and explored this quieter town that did not disappoint! However, you could easily replace this day with Como if you prefer.

Watch this Instagram reel for a visual of your 4 day itinerary to Lake Como.

Here are the top things to do in Menaggio:

1. Stroll the scenic lakeside promenade and soak in all the views
2. Visit the charming town center. Stop through Piazza Garibaldi, the central square. Enjoy a gelato, or sit at a cafe with a view.
3. Those interested in hiking can hike to Monte Grona. The trail offers panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding region.
4. Go to the local supermarket and make an amazing apertivo setup for your first relaxing night if you decide to stay here! That’s what I did on the private balcony (above) when I stayed at Hotel Bellavista.

Lake Como Itinerary: Day 2 – Explore Varenna

Here are the top things to do in Varenna:

1. Visit Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero: You can buy a combo ticket to save money for €19 at the ticket office. These stunning villas are decked in greenery and flowers. A must-see for a visit to Varenna.
2. Enjoy Lunch Victoria Grill which is close to the villas.
3. Have a coffee at Hotel Royal Victoria Varenna and see the beautiful wisteria if you’re there in April.
4. Stroll through the Town Center admiring the picturesque colorful buildings and lake.
5. Hike to Vezio Castle
6. Watch the sunset at Bal Il Molo
7. Eat dinner at Locanda Cavallino 

Read my full guide on Things to do in Varenna, Italy

Lake Como Itinerary: Day 3 – Explore Bellagio

Here are the top things to do in Bellagio:

1. Visit the most famous Street in Bellagio. Salita Serbelloni is where you will find the postcard-worthy photo of the beautiful town.
2. Villa Melzi is a beautiful villa and garden to see.
3. Have lunch at Dai Viga or Macelleria Salumeria Butti Enrici.
4. Shop at the many boutiques and wander the streets all around.
5. Admire the views of Bellagio at the Gardens of Villa Serbelloni
6. Watch the Sunset at this Rooftop Bar at Hotel du Lac.
7. Enjoy dinner at Trattoria San Giacomo which is in the heart of the town.

Read my full guide on The Best Things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como Italy

Lake Como Itinerary: Day 4 – Explore Tremezzo & Lenno

Here’s how to spend a day in Tremezzo & Lenno:

1. Start the morning at Villa del Balbianello, one of the best Lake Como Villas to see. This one gets busy so it’s best to go just at opening time.
2. Have lunch at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. T Bar or T Pizza are great. It will be a splurge but it’s worth it to see the most famous hotel in Lake Como!
3. Sail along Lake Como on a boat tour. The private one I booked is here but they also have shared boat experiences here if you’re on more of a budget.
4. Check out Villa Carlotta, another stunning villa located in Tremezzo. It’s not too far from the iconic hotel, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. 

How to Get to Lake Como

The nearest major airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa Airport. From there, you can take a train to Varenna-Esino station or Como S. Giovanni which will take approximately 1 hour. Train tickets can be purchased at the station or online through Omio. Read my guide on taking a day trip from Milan to Lake Como here. Then, you may need to take a ferry to wherever you’re staying if it’s not Varenna or Como. You can check the ferry schedule online on the Navigazione Laghi website.

You may also like these posts!
💼 Milan to Lake Como Day Trip
🏞️ The Best Things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como Italy
🌸 Things to do in Varenna, Italy
🏠 Most Beautiful Lake Como Villas
🤍 Hidden Gems in Italy
👩 Solo Female Travel Guide to Italy
🇮🇹 For more travel inspo visit my Italy section