Lake Como: villas and gorges on both shores
The west shore’s villas and gardens, a car ferry across the lake to Varenna, then the gorge of Bellano and a Romanesque abbey at the north end.
- Distance
- 59 km (37 mi)
- Driving
- 0 h 49 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- August 7, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 59 km (37 mi) with 8 stops, from Como to Colico. About 0 h 49 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Orta San Giulio
Route description
From Como, follow the SS340 Regina along the west shore of the lake. The road is narrow in the villages, with tight corners and buses, so large motorhomes are better left at a campsite and replaced by the lake boats. After about 30 km you reach Lenno, from where Villa del Balbianello, on its wooded headland, is reached by boat taxi or, on some days, by a footpath.
A few minutes north, at Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta has a sculpture museum and a large garden that is at its best in April and May, when the azaleas and rhododendrons flower. Continue to Menaggio, a lively town with a lakeside promenade. From here a car ferry crosses the lake to Varenna in about 15 minutes; it runs all year and takes cars and small motorhomes.
Varenna is a steep village of coloured houses, with the gardens of Villa Monastero and a lakeside walkway. Parking is scarce, so arrive early. Take the SP72 north along the eastern shore to Bellano, where the Orrido is a deep, narrow gorge that you visit on walkways fixed to the rock above the Pioverna torrent, a short walk from the village square.
At the north end of the lake, a lane leads out onto the Olgiasca peninsula to Piona Abbey, a quiet Romanesque priory with a small cloister, where monks still live. The route ends at Colico, where the lake meets the flat Valtellina and the SS36 fast road returns to Lecco and Milan. May, June and September are the best months; July and August are crowded.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Como
Italy - 225 km
Villa del Balbianello
HistoryLenno, ItalyAn 18th-century villa with terraced gardens at the tip of a wooded promontory on Lake Como. It is reached by boat taxi from Lenno or, on some days, on foot along a one-kilometre lane; there is no road access.
- 34 km
Villa Carlotta
NatureTremezzina, ItalyA lakeside villa with a museum of neoclassical sculpture and a large botanical garden famous for its azaleas and rhododendrons, best in April and May. It lies on the SS340; parking along the lake is limited.
- 45 km
Menaggio
Italy - 55 km
Varenna
Italy - 65 km
Orrido di Bellano
NatureBellano, ItalyA narrow gorge carved by the Pioverna river just before it reaches Lake Como, visited on walkways fixed to the rock above the rushing water. A short, paid visit in the village centre.
- 712 km
Piona Abbey
HistoryColico, ItalyA Romanesque priory on a quiet peninsula at the north end of Lake Como, with a small arcaded cloister and a church of the 12th century. Cistercian monks live here; drive down the lane from Olgiasca.
- 84 km
Colico
Italy
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Como → Villa Carlotta · 29 km · 0 h 24 minOn the way: Villa del Balbianello.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping La' Vedo (4 km); Ranocchio (8 km).
- Day 2: Villa Carlotta → Colico · 30 km · 0 h 25 minOn the way: Menaggio, Varenna, Orrido di Bellano, Piona Abbey.Overnight nearby, for example: L'Ontano camper area (< 1 km); Agricampeggio El Logasc (2 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in January–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Lake Como: villas and gorges on both shores?
2-day road trip of about 59 km (37 mi) with 8 stops, from Como to Colico. About 0 h 49 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Lake Como: villas and gorges on both shores?
We suggest 2 days: about 0 h 49 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Lake Como: villas and gorges on both shores start and end?
It starts in Como and ends in Colico.
Which countries does Lake Como: villas and gorges on both shores pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Lake Como: villas and gorges on both shores?
OpenStreetMap lists 73 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Montorfano, Camping La' Vedo and Campeggio 2 Laghi.
When is the best time for Lake Como: villas and gorges on both shores?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
