Want to take a Lake Como day trip but wonder what there is to do and what to see? This post is all about 7 things to do on a Lake Como day trip as a study abroad student. This post will guide you through fun things to do, as well as give advice on the best way to get there and how to get around the lake!
Lake Como Day Trip
How to Get to Lake Como
If you are studying abroad or staying somewhere close, the trains are the best way to get to Lake Como! If you are planning a trip to Milan, this is a great day trip from there to enhance your trip. I was studying abroad in Florence, and took a train from there and SO wish I made a weekend trip to Milan and did a day trip from Milan to Lake Como! Either way, this trip will NOT disappoint! Taking a train from Florence is inexpensive and only takes about 3 hours.
*Important note: There is no direct train from Florence to Lake Como, so you will likely have a train switch in your journey. Allow at least 30 mins. of time between trains to be sure you won’t miss it! More likely than not, your stop will be in Milan π
Milan to Lake Como 14-20 β¬, 1 hour
Florence to Lake Como 65+ β¬, 3.5 hours
Hike from Varenna: Castello di Vezio
In Varenna, there is a castle on top of a hill that is worth seeing at least once! This castle is SO worth the intense 30 minute hike up a steep incline. You can hike this from Varenna in Lake Como. The hike can be a little confusing, but follow the path from maps here and you should be able to find it very well! There are signs to guide you as you hike up the hill to get to the castle. Once you are there, you can go up a couple stairs, through a drawbridge, and then up into the castle! There are some unique pieces to see on your way up the stairs to the top of the castle. When you get to the very top the view is AMAZING. You will not regret taking the time to see this castle. The photo below was taken from the top of the castle.
Take a Ferry from Varenna to Bellagio
If you’re wanting to see Bellagio or just want to take a boat ride on the lake, taking the ferry across the lake to Bellagio is worth doing round trip! This gives you even more opportunities for some BEAUTIFUL views of each town and to enjoy the breeze from the lake. If you go to the top of the ferry you’ll be guaranteed some of the best photo opportunities. This ferry only runs a few times an hour, and costs 10 β¬Β or less, depending on which town you want to go to. Click here to see timetables for each ferry.
If you are taking your day trip from Florence, you might only have time to ride the ferry simply for the views alone. I did this, and it was plenty for me as I got so many great photos of the mountains and the water, as well as several great photos of Varenna. However, you’ll likely have more time to explore the other towns if you are taking your day trip from Milan.
Lunch in Lake Como
Of course, one of the greatest things to do in Lake Como is to take advantage of the lakeside views. Find a place to eat lunch on the lakeside! You do not want to miss enjoying the view and breeze from the lake while enjoying some time eating a meal. It’s so nice and relaxing and you certainly won’t regret it! I decided to get a spaghetti pasta with a limoncello spritz and it was SO good! I walked a little ways from where the ferry station is to get to this spot, but everything is relatively close as it is a smaller town!
Get Lost and Take Photos
Of course, the best way to explore the area and get to know it is to get lost and take photos! There are so many unique places to see the lake from Varenna and other towns. The views are incredible from every angle, and you never know what you’ll end up stumbling upon while exploring, so take advantage of the location by seeing what unique views you can find! Some unique photo spots you’ll want to check out are below:
5. Visit Villa Monastero
One of the last but most beautiful places you should try to visit is Villa Monstero. Located near Varenna, in the province of Lecco, this historical site features a museum and botanical garden. The photos and views are AMAZING! If you are looking to visit the botanical gardens, their opening hours are differing depending on the month of the year. Click HERE for more information on the gardens. These are BEAUTIFUL and are so worth the visit and will give you so many more photos to share later on. This page also gives more detailed information on hours and pricing for the museum and convention center at Villa Monastero.
This post was all about things to do in Lake Como as a study abroad student! Hopefully this helps give you an idea of whether it is worth visiting while in Italy! Milan offers to quickest and cheapest way to visit Lake Como. This trip, however, can be done if you are coming from Florence! I hope this post helps you to plan your day in Lake Como.