The best easy day trips from Lake Como

Explore two of the region’s most dynamic cities in one day – plus another Italian lake – by taking a trip to Como well as Lugano over the border in Switzerland.

You'll start your day by hopping on a bus that'll take you over the Swiss border to the fairytale village of Gandria. You'll find pastel-coloured houses and narrow, twisty cobblestone streets leading down to the vivid green-blue waters of Lake Lugano. If you can't tear your eyes away from the lake, don't worry – you're about to hop aboard a boat that'll take you out onto the water and down the shoreline to the city of Lugano. When you get there, take in the long lakeside promenade hugging what's been described as 'the most magnificent bay in all of Europe’, as well as its sophisticated shopping scene.

Next up you'll cross back into Italy and down to Como – the city perched at the southern tip of the lake that gives it its name. Como's pretty streets and squares make it a perfect spot for an afternoon wander, with plenty of places to stop for an authentic Italian coffee or bite to eat.

Available from: Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo

Tick one of the world's most scenic railway journeys off your list with a trip on the Bernina Railway. You'll start your day with a coffee stop in Tirano, a pretty little town snuggled into a valley on the border between Italy and Switzerland, then it's on to the main event. Climb aboard the bright red train for a 1-hour journey along the most dramatic stretch of its full route. The track climbs to 2,253m, crossing deep gorges and passing peaks, glaciers and the icy blue waters of Lago Bianco.

Then spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Swiss resort of St Moritz. Designer shops and classy coffee and cocktail bars line the streets of this glitzy town, all against a backdrop of alpine eye-candy. Your Instagram feed just got a serious upgrade.

Lake Como's famous for the stunning villas that dot its shores, and the best views of them are from the water. Set sail on a private guided boat trip to see four lavish villas in all their glory, and hear stories from their fascinating past.

You'll see Villa Carlotta with its gorgeous gardens, as well as Villa Balbianello, and if you think this one has film-set vibes, you'd be right – it played a starring role in the James Bond film Casino Royale, as well as Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Peek between the tall cypress trees at the turquoise-shuttered Villa la Cassinella, one of the prettiest private villas on the lake, before passing the impressive neoclassical Villa Melzi in Bellagio.

You'll also cruise past Lake Como's only island, Isola Comacina – see if you can spot the remains of a Roman fort and ancient churches.

Find out more about holidays to Lake Como and browse experiences to book ahead of your trip. 

Head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.

Author: Polly Bryan

Last updated: 28/01/2025