Is Lake Como Expensive?

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When it comes to travel in Italy, Lake Como (Lago di Como in Italian) is one of the destinations that come up frequently. Not only is this part of the country a playground for many celebrities who come to Northern Italy, but it’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, thanks to its incredible scenery. Naturally, many people will wonder ask, is Lake Como expensive?

Lake Como does have a reputation for being a pricier destination, so this guide will prioritize budget-friendly options for your Lake Como vacation. However, if you want to splurge a little more, you definitely can. Keep in mind that this guide is specific to Lake Como. If you are looking to learn more about how much it costs to go to Italy, check out that guide here.

Is Lake Como expensive?

As mentioned above, Lake Como does have a reputation for being one of the more expensive destinations in Italy. This is partly due to popularity. The towns are quite small, with only a few hotels and restaurants, so the demand is high. Plus, there’s the fact that people like George Clooney have homes here. That’s an indicator of price on its own. 

However, you don’t need to spend like a Hollywood celebrity to enjoy Lake Como. While I will share some places to stay overnight, you can also visit for a day trip. Some areas are also more affordable than others, and part of the charm of this part of Italy is all the picturesque lakeside towns which are free to explore on foot. 

Tip: Lake Como is a seasonal destination, but the months of July and August are high season, so it is more expensive. If you can, try to come in late spring or early fall for fewer crowds and better prices.

Is lake como expensive

How far is Lake Como from Milan?

If you want to visit Lake Como, it’s easiest to go via Milan rather than another major Italian city, such as Rome or Florence. Lake Como is only a couple of hours away from Milan and easily accessible by public transport. Of course, it depends on where exactly in Lake Como you want to visit as some towns, such as Menaggio or Bellagio, will require some extra work to get to (e.g., a ferry boat). However, it’s close enough to be easily accessible, and there are a few options for transportation from Milan to Lake Como.

Trains from Milan to Lake Como

The easiest way to Lake Como from Milan is by train. From Milan central station, you can get a direct local train to Varenna or Como, both main towns in Lake Como. The train journey is an hour or less depending on which station you go to, and there are multiple daily trains. Plus, since it’s a local train route, there is no need to book your train ticket in advance. 

Transportation from Milan to Lake Como

Trains are the easiest way to get to Lake Como, but it is also possible to drive if you are renting a car or you can take a bus. The bus ride is a little longer. You will take the bus from Milan bus station to Como. From Como, you can then get on a different bus to whatever town you would like to go to.

Additionally, if you want to visit as a day trip, you can book a guided tour. They will take care of all transportation to and from Milan and between the towns of Lake Como for you.

Lake Como places to stay

Lake Como is made up of several different towns. Each one has its own charm, and it is worth visiting multiple places. But when it comes to choosing one as a base for your stay, some places are more affordable than others. If you are a backpacker, there are a few hostel options in the area, but you are more likely to find small B&B-type places or apartments.

So is Lake Como expensive when it comes to accommodations? Como itself tends to be the most affordable option. There are a few budget-friendly places that fall between the US $100 – $150 mark per night. Consider:

Bellagio, on the other hand, is considered to be the most high-end of the towns. That doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars per night on a luxury hotel with an infinity pool and a spa.  You can find more affordable options here as well, but they tend to be above US $200. If you’d like some ideas, consider the following:

Things to do in Lake Como

So, what are the best things to do in Lake Como? Keep in mind it’s not a big city, so a lot of the charm of this area is just exploring and sightseeing. Walking around each town and exploring on foot is the best way to see places, with the added benefit of it being free.

That said, it’s also really beautiful to see Lake Como from the water. If you take the ferry back and forth between the different towns, you will get some of that experience. But you might be interested in doing an actual sightseeing boat ride. Many of the boat tours are private and charge based on group size. It’s not a cheap activity, most start at around $500 per group for a couple of hours, but it is a great way to see the beauty of this area. 

Another popular thing to do in Lake Como is to visit some of the villas and gardens. These include Villa Monastero in Varenna, Villa Melzi d’Eril in Bellagio, Villa d’este in Cernobio and Villa Erba in Cernobbio. Tickets vary depending on the villa, but you can expect to pay about $10-$15 per villa for an adult ticket. 

Water sports enthusiasts may also be interested in renting a stand-up paddleboard or kayak or paying to have a local take them waterskiing or wakeboarding. Of course, there are also free beaches to visit to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the sunsets. 

Lake Como food

One of the best things about Italy is the food, and Lake Como has plenty of restaurants. Like every city, prices will vary, but since Lake Como is a more touristic destination, things will be a little pricier here. Especially if you choose a restaurant in a main area or with a scenic view. To save money, you can always shop at a grocery store for some of your meals and cook yourself. 

You can find all kinds of typical Italian food in Lake Como, but the area is especially known for its olive oil and bread. Common dishes you will find in Lake Como include Risotto with perch from Lake Como, missoltini (a type of grilled fish), local cheeses, and polenta. 

Lake Como trip costs

So is Lake Como expensive? It’s known to be a high-end travel destination, and with that comes the expectation that it will be expensive. While it can be a pricey place to visit, you can use some of the tips above to save money on your Lake Como vacation. Again, remember that you can even visit on a day trip- it’s very close and easy to get to from Milan. Either way, Lake Como is a beautiful place to visit and a highlight on any Italy itinerary.

About Hannah Logan

Hannah Logan is a freelance writer based in Ottawa, Canada. She specializes in finance and travel writing and has bylines at Fodor's Travel, O Magazine, and more. She also runs two travel blogs, Eat Sleep Breathe Travel and Ireland Stole My Heart. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter @hannahlogan21.

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