Planning a Road Trip from Milan to Lake Como?
Here are all the inimitable places to visit along the way.
18 April 2022
Lake Como captures all the best elements of Italy – from scrumptious food and spectacular views to swimming, style, and plenty of sunshine throughout much of the year. As the third largest lake in Italy (following Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore), it’s a popular escape for many, especially those in Milan. While it’s easily accessible by train, a short drive from Milan makes it the ideal short road trip destination. With its winding lakeside lanes, mountains, and charming towns, here’s the ultimate guide to driving around Lake Como.
Day 1 – Milan to Tremezzina
Setting off from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, it’s a swift 40-minute drive up the A9 to the town of Como. For those coming from the heart of Milan, the journey takes a similar amount of time. Como serves as the gateway to Lake Como, making it a fantastic first stop with bustling shopping streets, beautiful architecture, and a chic café culture.
Coffee in Como
Historians and shoppers can enjoy the market stalls that line the medieval city walls at Piazza Vittoria. Here, everything from crafts to vintage clothing can be found, though it’s wise to watch for crowds during peak seasons. As you explore the old town, meander around the shopping streets, through the piazzas, and past ancient churches, grabbing an espresso on the way. Don’t forget to head down to the lakefront for a calming view as the water laps along the promenade, but keep moving—there’s much more to discover beyond Como.
Twist Your Way to Tremezzina
From Como, travel down the left side of the lake, weaving past some of the region’s finest villas and villages. For those in a hurry, take the SS340, which is wide and fast, while the hidden gems lie along Via Regina—a narrow road that hugs the lakeside, offering breathtaking views around every turn. Pay a visit to Villa d’Este, originally built as a summer home for the Cardinal of Como in 1586. Now one of the region’s finest hotels, Villa d’Este is a great alternative for coffee or lunch right by the lakeside.
Continuing on to Lenno, this charming town is located in a sheltered bay with restaurants and cafés overlooking the gardens of Villa del Balbianello. This villa, also featured in the 2006 film Casino Royale, was once home to Italian explorer Count Guido Monzino and is a must-visit as one of the region’s best-preserved villas.
Day 2 – Tremezzina to Varenna (The Long Way Around)
After a refreshing night at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, it’s time to get back on the road and head further north. As you drive, resist the urge to take the car ferry across the lake to Bellagio, and instead keep traveling north, remaining close to the shoreline.
Past Menaggio, the landscape transforms into a wilder, quieter terrain as you distance yourself from the tourist hotspots. Reaching the far end of the lake, the marshy nature reserve of Pian di Spagna presents an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife, offering a rugged respite while you explore its history, inhabited since Roman times.
Colour and Culture in Varenna
The road sweeps around the top of the lake, then down the western side, reaching the vibrant commune of Varenna, one of Lake Como’s most authentic and unspoilt towns. Founded in the sixth century, much of Varenna was pulverized during the medieval period, giving way to more modern Italian architecture.
All Aboard for Bellagio
As the perfect location for lunch, stop at one of the restaurants overlooking the lake, or wander into the town’s narrow streets to discover authentic Italian home cooking. After lunch, take a stroll through the gardens of Villa Monastero before crossing the lake on the ferry to Bellagio for an evening stay at Hotel Belvedere. While this hotel may not match the grandeur of Tremezzo, it is exceptionally well-placed and welcoming.
Day 3 – Bellagio to Milan
It’s hard to find a more picturesque place to wake up than Bellagio. Nestled at the heart of Lake Como, it becomes a bustling tourist hub during the day, lined with restaurants, bars, cafés, and—most importantly—gelaterias.
Café Culture
Before hitting the road, indulge in a scoop of gelato or two as you prepare to descend back down Lake Como’s eastern leg towards Milan on SP583. For those seeking an alternative route, you may also branch off toward the city of Lecco.
Time for Lunch in Torno
Stopping for lunch in the quaint town of Torno is essential. Sipping an aperitif by the small port feels like stepping back in time as the local restaurants wake up for the lunchtime service. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the narrow, cobbled streets before heading back to the hustle and bustle of Como City.
The final leg back to Milan is a short drive down the A9, leaving the serene lakeside ambiance behind as you enter one of Italy’s busiest cities.
