Lake Como Circuit: The Perfect 3-Day Drive (Italy)
Drive the Lake Como circuit — Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and the villa gardens, with the best stops, where to sleep and real costs.
Rough estimate — fuel + nights at typical rates. Get an exact figure in the calculator.
The route on video
Lake Como is one of Italy’s most beautiful drives — a circuit of the lake’s three arms, past pastel villages, villa gardens and mountains dropping straight into the water. The lakeside roads are narrow and busy in summer, so start early and take your time.
Day 1 — Como to Bellagio (30 km)
Drive up the west side of the Como branch on the SP583 to Bellagio, the “pearl of the lake” at the point where the three arms meet — a first evening in its stepped lanes and gardens.
Day 2 — Varenna and Villa Carlotta by ferry
The central lake is best crossed by boat. Take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna for the Villa Monastero gardens, and across to Tremezzo for the gardens of Villa Carlotta.
Day 3 — Menaggio and the western shore (50 km)
Ferry over to Menaggio, then drive the western shore past the film-famous Villa del Balbianello near Lenno and back down to Como.
Tolls and costs
Italy has distance-based motorway tolls, but the lakeside roads themselves are toll-free. Parking in the villages is limited and paid — hop between towns by ferry where you can. Use the cost calculator for your dates.
Where to stay on this route
Pick your dates and see what is available in Bellagio.
See places to stay — Bellagio →Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Plan this trip
Where to sleep
Hotels & B&Bs → Holiday homes & apartments → Campsites (bookable) → Campervan & overnight spots →Tours & tickets
Find things to do →Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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