10 Beautiful Day Trips from Como, Italy
(All Within 1 Hour by Car)
Written by zoe elliott, curated for aura luxury travelers
The city of Como is a wonderful base for exploring Lake Como and Northern Italy. With its cathedral, lively piazzas, and stunning lakeside views, it’s tempting to stay put, but within just an hour’s drive (or less!), you’ll find even more gems. From Swiss towns to hidden Italian villages, these are the 10 best day trips from Como for culture, scenery, and pure relaxation.
Good To Know
What we want to highlight from this first is that if you do consider one of the day trip suggestions to Switzerland, please make sure to have the Swiss vignette for your car. This will allow you to drive on the Swiss highway without getting a fine. The vignette costs only 40 CHF and you can buy it online in advance for your car, else you can buy it at the border crossings. If you are using a rental car, check with the company beforehand.
Secondly, an important point to make is about shopping across the border in Switzerland. Please make sure to review the Swiss regulations of what you can buy and what you will need to declare at the border when heading back to Italy.
Lastly, when parking at some of the destinations shared in this list, make sure you are parking in the correct designated parking locations for the public. And not in any parking that is privately owned.
Travel tip:
Spring and autumn are the most ideal due to there being fewer crowds, mild weather, and blooming gardens. However, even during winter, you can enjoy a wander and discover some little restaurants and shops open.
1. Bellagio – The Pearl of Lake Como
Travel time: 40 minutes by car
Why go: Bellagio is the most famous town on Lake Como, known for its elegance and sweeping views.
Highlights:
Walk through cobbled lanes filled with artisan boutiques, wine bars, and gelaterias, which are perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Explore the Villa Melzi Gardens, where exotic plants, sculptures, and lakeside paths make for a dreamy stroll.
Relax on the lakeside promenade, an iconic spot for people-watching and catching magical sunsets.Take a ferry ride across the water to Menaggio or Varenna for an easy multi-stop adventure.
Discover the village in more detail here: Bellagio, Italy
2. Lugano, Switzerland – A Touch of Swiss Charm
Travel time: 45 minutes (bring your passport!)
Why go: It’s a chic Swiss city with Italian flair and Alpine backdrops.
Highlights:
Stroll from Parco Ciani and along the lakeside promenade, shaded by old trees and dotted with sculptures.
Ride the funicular up Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore for postcard-worthy views of the lake and snow-topped Alps.
Visit MASI Lugano, a museum showcasing modern and contemporary Swiss art.
Treat yourself to Swiss chocolate, luxury boutiques, and local Ticino specialties like risotto and polenta.
Travel tip: The lakeside and car-free town centre are best explored on foot, so park up at one of the many parking locations around the center.
Discover the city in more detail here: Lugano, Switzerland
3. Varenna – Romantic & Authentic
Travel time: 50 minutes (40 minutes by car + 10 minutes short ferry via Bellagio)
Why go: A quieter, more romantic alternative to Bellagio.
Highlights:
Stroll the “Walk of Lovers” lakeside path with dreamy views and photo stops.
Explore Villa Monastero, whose long botanical garden hugs the lake and is filled with exotic plants.
Climb up to Castello di Vezio, a medieval fortress with falconry displays and sweeping views.
Enjoy lakeside dining at cozy trattorias serving regional specialties.
Travel tip: Best visited in the late afternoon to evening for the golden-hour light across Lake Como.
Discover the village in more detail here: Varenna, Italy
4. Menaggio – Relaxed Lakeside Living
Travel time: 35 minutes
Why go: Perfect balance of charm, relaxation, and outdoor fun.
Highlights:
Stroll the flower-lined promenade, one of the most picturesque on the lake.
Relax in the lively main square, with cafes, wine bars, and gelato shops.Swim, kayak, or sunbathe at the town’s lido beach club.
Head into Val Sanagra Park for hiking trails, waterfalls, and fresh mountain air.
Travel tip: A great hub for ferry connections, so you can consider driving to Menaggio for the day, parking here with your car and then also discover both Bellagio and Varenna with the boat connections.
Discover the village in more detail here: Menaggio, Italy
5. Brunate – Balcony Over Lake Como
Travel time: 15 minutes (but we suggest taking the funicular ride up from Como!)
Why go: The best panoramic views over Lake Como without a long journey.
Highlights:
Hike to the Volta Lighthouse, dedicated to inventor Alessandro Volta, for 360° views.
Capture epic photographs of Como and the lake stretching into the Alps.
Discover elegant Art Nouveau villas scattered through the hillside village.
Enjoy a panoramic meal at one of Brunate’s terrace restaurants.
Travel tip: The funicular can have long waiting times during the summer. Consider visiting at sunset for magical light and views of Lake Como, or early for a morning coffee at the top!
Starting point with the funicular: Funicular Brunate
6. Lecco – At the Foot of Monte Resegone
Travel time: 40 minutes
Why go: A lively town with dramatic mountains, culture, and history.
Highlights:
Walk the lake promenade with the jagged peaks of Monte Resegone in the background.
Wander elegant piazzas and churches in the historic center.
Explore landmarks tied to Manzoni’s novel, The Betrothed, a cornerstone of Italian literature.
Try outdoor activities—hiking, cycling, water sports, or a cable car ride into the mountains.
Travel tip: Lecco offers a more authentic, local vibe compared to tourist-heavy lake towns.
Discover the village in more detail here: Lecco, Italy
7. Morcote, Switzerland – Jewel of Lake Lugano
Travel time: 55 minutes
Why go: Recognized as one of Switzerland’s most beautiful villages in 2016, Morcote is a beautiful small village on the lakeside of Lake Lugano. The village is home to a number of fine dining restaurants, and has a rustic charm for those wanting to explore.
Highlights:
Climb up to Santa Maria del Sasso, a 13th-century church with sweeping lake views.
Wander Parco Scherrer, a garden filled with Mediterranean and exotic plants.
Discover quiet alleys lined with terraced stone houses and arcades.
Relax at lakeside restaurants, sampling Ticino cuisine paired with local wines.
Travel tip: This is a slow-travel destination for Switzerland. Plan time to just wander and soak in the charm.
Discover the village in more detail here: Morcote, Switzerland
8. Cernobbio – Elegance on the Lake
Travel time: 10 minutes
Why go: A stylish lakeside town known for villas and fine dining.
Highlights:
Admire Villa d’Este, a Renaissance palace turned into a luxury hotel. Throughout the summer, there are often also events here that the public can visit.
Stroll along the lake promenade framed by mountains.
Enjoy boutique shopping and atmospheric wine bars in the center.
Consider also starting a boat trip from here to explore more of Lake Como by the water.
Travel tip: Visit in the evening for a romantic lakeside dinner with golden-hour views.
Discover the village in more detail here: Cernobbio, Italy
9. Gandria, Switzerland – A Village Frozen in Time
Travel time: 55 minutes (but we suggest parking in Lugano and taking the boat from there!)
Why go: A peaceful Swiss village with timeless charm.
Highlights:
Wander stone alleys with pastel houses and lakeside balconies.
Enjoy authentic Ticino dishes in cozy waterfront restaurants.
Walk the Olive Grove Trail, connecting Lugano and Gandria with spectacular lake views. This is a great option for those who park in Lugano, take the boat to Gandria and then walk back to Lugano. It’s very scenic and perfect on a sunny day.
Travel tip: Skip driving - boats and footpaths are the most enjoyable ways to reach Gandria.
Discover the village in more detail here: Gandria, Switzerland
10. Nesso – The Village of Waterfalls
Travel time: 30 minutes
Why go: A hidden gem with dramatic natural beauty. Not as many tourists as the other Italian locations!
Highlights:
Marvel at the Orrido di Nesso gorge, where waterfalls plunge into the lake.
Cross the medieval Ponte della Civera, one of the most photogenic bridges on the lake.
Wander steep medieval lanes down to the waterfront.
Enjoy the village’s peaceful, authentic vibe, which is a real contrast to the busy Bellagio.
Travel tip: Wear sturdy shoes here, as there are narrow stone steps which are steep but worth the effort.
Discover the village in more detail here: Nesso, Italy
From luxury villas in Cernobbio to Swiss charm in Morcote, these 10 best day trips from Como show just how much variety lies within an hour of the city. Whether you want romantic lake views, mountain hikes, or authentic village life, staying in Como is the perfect destination for the gateway to all.
For a personalised itinerary or curated excursion, don’t hesitate to contact our complimentary concierge at info@auraluxuryco.com!
