Formed by the movement of a huge glacier, we have the last Ice Age to thank for Lake Como. Full of elegant villas, towering snow-capped mountains and charming towns and villages, this picture-perfect part of Italy is a true once-in-a-lifetime destination. Our travel experts at Plum Guide have spent plenty of time relaxing on the shores of the lake and sipping on Campari sodas. We know a lot about this area, so to help you plan your perfect trip, check out our comprehensive travel guide to Lake Como.

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From the very beginning, Lake Como has been inhabited by various civilisations, including the Celts and the Romans. It’s seen many changes over the centuries, from the rise of powerful families during the medieval period and becoming a hotspot for art and intellectual activity during the Renaissance to its role as a centre for silk production during the 19th century. This was also around the time that Lake Como started to become a tourist destination, especially for aristocrats, artists, and writers.

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With its subcontinental climate, late spring is the best time to visit Lake Como. From April to early June, the weather is warm and mild, the snow has melted, and the crowds are fewer than in the summer months. It’s also the best time to get out and about in nature and enjoy trees and flowers coming into bloom. Summer is the busiest time of year, with July, August, and September the prime months for swimming. If you'd like to watch the leaves change, try visiting in the autumn – pack a rain jacket, as showers are likely once October rolls around. Come winter, temperatures drop dramatically – swap sightseeing for skiing at the resorts in the Alps.

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You’ll most likely arrive in Lake Como from Milan, which is well connected to the region by public transport. Como is the main transport hub in the area, and the best way to get here is by train – it takes approximately forty minutes from Milan. Other large towns such as Bellagio and Varenna are also well connected with bus and train links. Once here, you can get from town to town via public ferry. While a car isn't necessary, we suggest hiring a vehicle to make the most of the area. Some of the more picturesque hiking paths and villages aren't as easily accessed on public transportation.

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There are various ways to get out on the lake, ranging from private rentals to group tours and hop-on-hop-off boats. The public ferries are best for budgets, allowing you to make different stops around the lake at your own pace. For something more private, how about hiring a classy sailing boat for the day? This way you can access secluded coves, hidden beaches and cliffs that the public ferries don’t call at.

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With its incredible natural surroundings, Lake Como is ideal for hiking. An easy option is the 11-kilometre Greenway del Lago di Como trail which takes you along the lake and through villages and pretty gardens. For something a little more challenging, the summit of Monte Grona boasts panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. If you don’t want to miss the views but equally don’t fancy the hike, you can drive up to Sighignola to check out the lake and valley below.

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Lake Como has a fascinating selection of museums showcasing the culture and history of the area. Museo della Seta is dedicated to the history of the region’s silk production, where you can view exhibits of antique weaving looms, fabrics, and garments. For art lovers, the museum within the 17th-century Villa Carlotta features a wide collection, from paintings by Francesco Hayez to works by Italian sculptors Antonio Canova and Luigi Acquisti.

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Originally built by wealthy families to use as a summer residence, Lake Como is chock-full of stunning villas, plenty of which date back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Many of them are open to the public, and one of the must-visits is the 12th-century Villa Monastero. Its museum provides a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture, while the manicured gardens feature a variety of rare plants and trees, as well as fountains, sculptures, and terraced walkways.

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On a hot and sunny day, there’s nowhere better to relax than on the lake’s beaches. Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio is Bellagio’s public beach, with nearby amenities like restaurants and cafes. Parco Ulisse Guzzi is another great spot, with lawns, food vendors, picnic areas and a white pebble beach. For a more natural feel, Spiagga di Piona on the north side of the lake is surrounded by verdant greenery, and there’s even a small port where you can moor your boat.

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What would a travel guide to Lake Como be without a few hidden gems? Tucked away near Introbio is Cascata della Troggia, a gorgeous waterfall accessible on foot via a short trail. Its pool is a wonderful place to cool off on a hot day. Plus, for history buffs, it was mentioned in Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus.

For more peace and quiet in nature, head to the less-touristy town of Lecco. Just a stone’s throw away is the Regional Park of Monte Barro, home to woods, pastures, and cliffs where you can hike or cycle your way through stunning scenery.

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Located at the southwestern end of the lake, this is the largest town in the region and the main hub for visitors. Como has something for everyone, from excellent shopping to historic buildings. Its 14th-century Duomo is a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with a magnificent interior and dome which you can climb for breathtaking views of the city.

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One of the most well-known towns in Lake Como, picturesque Bellagio is centred right in the middle of the lake where the two ‘branches’ meet. Bellagio boasts splendid views of the lake and mountains, as well charming cobbled streets, elegant villas and gardens like Giardini di Villa Melzi where you can enjoy romantic lake views.

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On the eastern shores of the lake is Varenna, a peaceful village with a scenic waterfront. Chances are, you've seen pictures of Varenna before – it's one of the most photographed spots in the whole area, so it's a must-visit on our travel guide to Lake Como. Take a stroll down the Walk of Lovers to admire the colourful buildings and pebbly beach. The medieval castle Castello Di Vezio sits above the town and boasts fantastic views, making for a lovely hike. You’ll be relieved to know that during the high season, there’s also a shuttle bus that runs from the town up to the castle.

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For a quieter, more authentic experience, head to Argegno on the western shores. Part of its charm is that there aren’t many attractions geared towards tourists, making it the best place to stay for lovebirds or those wanting an off-the-beaten-path getaway. Our suggestion is to take the cable car up to Pigra, a small village looking down over Como from 881 metres high. Continue your explorations with a scenic walk down to the old fishing village of Colonno.

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On the lake’s eastern shores is the town of Bellano. This dreamy village is made up of narrow alleyways lined with medieval houses, 18th-century arches and Baroque courtyards. Visit ancient churches like the 14th-century parish church of St Nazario and Celso, and the 15th-century Church of Santa Maria. For something a little different, the Orrido di Bellano is a magical gorge dating back 15 million years. Accessible via a series of suspension footbridges, visitors can admire the thundering waterfalls and clear lakes of this natural wonder.

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Food is an important part of any holiday, and we couldn’t leave it off our travel guide to Lake Como. Larian cuisine is food typical of Lake Como, which is known as Lario in Italian. It makes the most of fresh and seasonal ingredients, including local cheeses like bitto and gorgonzola, fish caught in the lake itself, as well as fresh produce grown in the hills around the lake. Wild game is also popular here – keep an eye out for things like wild boar on menus.

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Local delicacies to make note of include missoltino (sun-dried fish grilled and seasoned with oil and vinegar), brasato di cinghiale selvatico (wild boar braised in wine), pizzocheri (buckwheat pasta strips served with cabbage or Swiss chard, potatoes and cheese), and risotto con filetti di pesce persico (risotto with perch fish fillets).

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The good news is that you won’t run out of dining options in Lake Como. For a taste of local cuisine, visit the many traditional trattorias serving up home-style dishes like pasta, risotto and regional specialities. You’ll also find lakeside restaurants, ideal for dining with a view. And, of course, you can't visit Italy without sampling gelato – there are plenty of gelaterias in Lake Como for an after-dinner fix.

As a high-end destination, Lake Como isn’t short of fine dining and Michelin-star restaurants, either. We could write an entire article about our favourite restaurants in Lake Como, but for something really special, we’d have to recommend Feel Como. It’s elegant yet cosy, serving up exquisite dishes using seasonal produce. Be sure to book a table in their enchanting summer garden, the best place to be on a balmy evening.

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Explore our exclusive collection of homes in Lake Como.