Just back from an absolutely magical day at Lake Como, and I'm convinced that 24 hours is all you need to fall completely in love with this Italian paradise. Starting from Milan makes it incredibly doable – here's exactly how I spent my perfect day, including all the logistics, insider tips, and those Instagram-worthy moments that made it unforgettable. (Watch my YouTube video for even more details!)

Why Lake Como is Perfect for a Milan Day Trip

Lake Como sits just 50 kilometers north of Milan, making it one of the most accessible luxury destinations in Northern Italy. While most travelers think they need 3-4 days to "do" Lake Como properly, I discovered that a well-planned 24 hours gives you the absolute highlights without the overwhelm.

The best part? You can experience the essence of Lake Como, dramatic mountain reflections, elegant villas, charming lakeside towns, and that distinctly Italian dolce vita lifestyle – all while staying based in Milan. It's the perfect day trip for anyone with limited time but unlimited wanderlust.

Getting from Milan to Lake Como: Your Transportation Options

Option 1: Train (My Recommended Choice)

Route: Milano Centrale → Como San Giovanni (1 hour) or Milano Centrale → Varenna-Esino (1 hour 15 minutes) Cost: €4.80-€13 depending on train type Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes Why I love it: Stress-free, scenic, and drops you right in the heart of the action

Option 2: Car Rental

Drive time: 1 hour to Como, 1.5 hours to Bellagio Cost: €40-60/day plus fuel and parking Pros: Ultimate flexibility to explore multiple towns Cons: Parking can be nightmare in summer, narrow mountain roads

Option 3: Private Transfer

Cost: €150-200 one way Best for: Groups of 4+ or if you're traveling with lots of luggage

My verdict: Take the train to Varenna-Esino if you want to start in the heart of the lake, or Como San Giovanni if you prefer to work your way up the lake systematically.

The Perfect 24-Hour Lake Como Itinerary

Morning: Arrival & Early Bellagio Magic

7:00 AM - Drive from Milan Unlike the train route, we decided to rent a car for maximum flexibility. The mountain road to Lake Como is stunning but requires careful navigation – those hairpin turns are no joke! The drive takes about 1.5 hours, but arriving by car gives you the freedom to explore multiple towns at your own pace.

Pro tip: If you're driving, download offline maps and leave early to avoid traffic. Parking in lake towns fills up quickly, especially in summer.

8:30 AM - Early Morning Bellagio: The Pearl of Lake Como Arriving in Bellagio before the crowds is absolutely magical. The early morning light hitting the colorful buildings creates the most incredible photos, and you'll have those iconic lakefront spots almost to yourself. This is when I captured some of my favorite shots for Instagram.

What makes early morning Bellagio special:

Walk the famous stepped streets without tour groups
Perfect golden hour lighting for photography
Local cafes just opening with authentic Italian breakfast
Peaceful lake views before the ferries start running

9:00 AM - Exploring Bellagio's Medieval Streets Those narrow, stepped streets that climb up from the lake are pure magic. Each turn reveals another postcard-perfect view, and the medieval architecture tells stories of centuries past. I spent over an hour just wandering and photographing the incredible details – flower boxes, ancient doorways, and glimpses of the lake between buildings.

Late Morning: Villa Discoveries

10:30 AM - Villa Melzi Gardens: Hidden Lakeside Paradise This was the surprise highlight of my trip! Villa Melzi's gardens are far less crowded than the famous Villa del Balbianello, but equally stunning. The neoclassical villa sits right on the lake with perfectly manicured gardens, ancient trees, and that serene lakeside atmosphere that makes Lake Como so addictive.

Entry: €6.50 (incredible value) Photo opportunities: Japanese gardens, lake reflections, mountain backdrop Secret spot: The small temple overlooking the lake – perfect for those dreamy shots

Afternoon: Ferry Adventures & Alpine Views

12:00 PM - Ferry to Varenna: Best Lake Views The ferry ride from Bellagio to Varenna is where Lake Como's beauty truly hits you. From the water, you see the dramatic mountains plunging into the lake, villa after villa with their perfectly manicured gardens, and that incredible blue-green water that photographs like a dream.

Ferry photography tips:

Sit on the upper deck for unobstructed views
The best shots are looking back at Bellagio as you depart
Mountains reflect perfectly in calm morning water

1:00 PM - Exploring Varenna: The Colorful Artists' Village Varenna feels like a secret that only locals know about. This fishing village has the most incredible pastel-colored houses that tumble down to the lake, and it's maintained that authentic Italian charm without being overrun by tourists.

Must-do in Varenna:

Walk the Lovers' Promenade (Passeggiata degli Innamorati) along the water
Photograph the colorful houses from the lakefront
Explore the tiny streets that feel frozen in time

2:00 PM - Villa Monastero & Botanical Gardens Villa Monastero was absolutely worth the entrance fee. The botanical gardens stretch for over a kilometer along the lakeshore, with exotic plants, stunning lake views, and that peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to stay forever. The combination of the historic villa and the incredible gardens creates photo opportunities at every turn.

Entry: €10 Highlights: Lakefront botanical path, villa architecture, mountain views Photography: The gardens provide endless Instagram-worthy shots

Late Afternoon: Swiss Alps & Mountain Towns

3:30 PM - Ferry to Menaggio: Alpine Town Experience The ferry to Menaggio offers completely different views – this is where you really see the Swiss Alps rising dramatically from the lake. Menaggio sits at the foot of these mountains, giving it a completely different character from the other lake towns.

4:00 PM - Menaggio Exploration: Swiss Alps Views Menaggio surprised me with its mountain town vibe. While Bellagio feels elegant and Varenna feels romantic, Menaggio feels adventurous. The Swiss Alps backdrop is incredible, and the town has this fresh mountain air that's completely different from the lakeside towns.

What makes Menaggio special:

Incredible Alpine views perfect for wide landscape shots
Less touristy than Bellagio but equally beautiful
Mountain hiking trails if you have extra time
Authentic Italian mountain town atmosphere

Evening: Sunset Dinner & Medieval Wandering

6:00 PM - Return to Bellagio for Dinner at La Terrazza we timed my return to Bellagio perfectly for sunset dinner at La Terrazza. The restaurant lives up to its name with incredible terrace views over the lake, and watching the sunset paint the mountains while enjoying incredible Italian cuisine was the perfect way to end the day.

Why La Terrazza is special:

Unobstructed sunset views over Lake Como
Traditional Italian cuisine with modern presentation
That golden hour lighting that makes everything magical
Perfect spot for romantic dinner photos

7:30 PM - Evening Walk Through Medieval Streets After dinner, wandering through Bellagio's medieval streets as the sun sets is pure magic. The stone streets, ancient buildings, and glimpses of the lake create this incredibly romantic atmosphere. The evening light is perfect for photography, and you'll capture the essence of why Lake Como is so beloved.

8:30 PM - Return Drive to Milan The evening drive back to Milan gives you time to process the incredible day. The mountain roads are beautiful in the evening light, and you'll find yourself already planning your return trip to Lake Como.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Lake Como Day Trip

When to Visit

Best months: May-September for warmth and full ferry schedules Sweet spot: Late May or early September – perfect weather, fewer crowds Avoid: August if possible – peak tourist season means packed ferries and higher prices

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes (lots of stairs and cobblestones)
Layers – mornings can be cool, afternoons warm
Sunglasses and sunscreen (lake reflection intensifies UV)
Portable charger (you'll be taking photos constantly)
Light rain jacket (mountain weather changes quickly)

Budget Breakdown

Train: €10-26 roundtrip
Ferries: €15-20 for day pass
Food: €40-60 for lunch and aperitivo
Attractions: €20-40 depending on what you visit
Total: €85-146 per person for a fantastic day

Insider Secrets

Ferry hack: Buy the "Biglietto di libera circolazione" day pass for €23 – unlimited ferry rides and saves money if you're island-hopping.

Photography tip: The best light for photos is 9-10 AM and 6-7 PM when the sun isn't directly overhead.

Crowd avoidance: Visit Villa del Balbianello early morning or late afternoon. Midday is when tour groups arrive.

Alternative Itinerary Ideas

The Villa Hunter Route

Focus entirely on the famous villas: Start with Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, then Villa del Balbianello, finishing with Villa Monastero in Varenna. Perfect for architecture and garden lovers.

The Food Lover's Route

Build your day around meals: Market tour in Como, cooking class in Bellagio, wine tasting in Varenna. Several operators offer day-long culinary experiences.

The Active Adventure Route

Hiking from Varenna to Castello di Vezio (1 hour), then ferry to Menaggio for lakeside cycling. Rent bikes at the ferry dock for €15/day.

Is One Day Really Enough?

Honestly? You could spend weeks exploring every villa, hiking every trail, and discovering every hidden cove around Lake Como. But 24 hours gives you the absolute essence of why this place is so magical.

You'll experience the dramatic beauty, taste the incredible food, feel the relaxed Italian lifestyle, and create memories that last forever. Most importantly, you'll leave planning your return trip because once Lake Como gets into your soul, it never leaves.

Making the Most of Your Lake Como Day Trip

The secret to a perfect Lake Como day trip isn't trying to see everything – it's about choosing a few highlights and savoring them completely. Sit on that ferry deck and watch the villas slide past. Linger over lunch with a view. Take the time to chat with locals about their recommendations.

Lake Como isn't a destination you conquer; it's a place you experience. And from Milan, it's the perfect day trip to remind yourself why travel is about so much more than just checking boxes.

Ready to plan your perfect Lake Como day? Watch my full YouTube video where I take you through every moment of this incredible 24-hour adventure, including all the hidden spots and local secrets that made it truly unforgettable.

Lake Como Day Trip from Milan: Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary (2025)