Top 10 Places to Visit in Italy

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Here is our guide to the top 10 places to visit in Italy — the destinations that genuinely reward the effort of getting there, with honest advice on what to prioritise and what to skip.

1. Rome

The Take: Rome is not just worth visiting — it is the single best introduction to Italy, full stop. No other city on earth layers 2,700 years of history this visibly, from underground temples to Baroque piazzas to a living, chaotic modern city stacked on top of it all.

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One of the most iconic landmarks is the Colosseum, an immense amphitheatre that once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Built in the first century AD, it could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators, showcasing the grandeur of Roman engineering. Standard entry costs €18 in 2026, but the Arena Floor and Underground ticket at €24 is genuinely worth the upgrade — you walk where gladiators actually stood, and the underground tunnels where animals were caged are extraordinary.

Nearby lies the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome’s public life. This sprawling complex of ruins includes temples, basilicas, and arches where political, religious, and commercial activities thrived. Walking through the Forum offers a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Romans. A combined Colosseum + Forum + Palatine ticket covers all three and is valid for two consecutive days.

The Pantheon stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Romans. Originally built by Marcus Agrippa and later reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD, this temple is renowned for its massive dome and central oculus, which allows natural light to illuminate the interior. Its preservation and continuous use over the centuries highlight its significance in Roman culture.

No visit to Rome is complete without seeing the Trevi Fountain. This Baroque masterpiece, completed in 1762, depicts the god Oceanus taming the waters. Tradition holds that throwing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain ensures a return to Rome. The best time to visit is before 8am, when you can actually see the stonework without fighting through a crowd four-deep.

The Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, houses St. Peter’s Basilica, a monumental church that stands on the site believed to be the burial place of Saint Peter. Designed by renowned architects including Michelangelo and Bernini, the basilica’s dome dominates the skyline. Inside, visitors can admire numerous artworks, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. Adjacent to the basilica is the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis. Book Vatican Museums tickets online in advance — the queue without a reservation can exceed three hours in peak season.

What People Get Wrong About Rome

• Trying to do it in two days. Rome rewards a slower pace. The best moments come from wandering Trastevere at dusk or stumbling into an unmarked church with a Caravaggio inside. Two days leaves you exhausted and frustrated.
• Eating near the major sights. Restaurants within 200 metres of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, or Piazza Navona are almost universally tourist traps charging €18 for mediocre carbonara. Walk 10 minutes in any direction and the quality doubles while the price halves.
• Ignoring the neighbourhoods. Trastevere, Testaccio, and Monti each have more character than the entire tourist centre. Testaccio’s Mercato is where Romans actually eat lunch.

How Long You Actually Need: 4 full days minimum. That gives you one day for the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine, one day for the Vatican, and two days to explore neighbourhoods, churches, and piazzas at a human pace.

2. Florence

The Take: Florence is smaller than most visitors expect — you can walk end to end in 25 minutes — and that is precisely what makes it brilliant. The density of world-class art per square metre is unmatched anywhere on earth.

Dominating the city’s skyline is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo. This architectural marvel is renowned for its massive dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi, which remains the largest brick and stone dome ever constructed. The cathedral’s exterior showcases intricate marble panels in shades of green, pink, and white, reflecting the artistic flair of the Renaissance era. Adjacent to the cathedral stands Giotto’s Campanile, a bell tower offering panoramic views of Florence, rewarding those who ascend its 414 steps.

The Uffizi Gallery stands as one of the most significant art museums globally. Housed in a building designed by Giorgio Vasari between 1560 and 1580, the gallery occupies the first and second floors of this grand structure. Its extensive collection spans from the Middle Ages to the Modern period, featuring masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Entry is €25 in 2026, and timed tickets booked online are essential — walk-up queues regularly stretch beyond two hours in spring and summer. The high-speed train from Rome to Florence costs €19-55 depending on how far ahead you book, and the journey takes just 1 hour 30 minutes.

Spanning the Arno River is the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge distinguished by the shops built along it. Historically, these shops housed butchers, but today they are predominantly occupied by jewellers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. The bridge has endured over the centuries, surviving numerous floods and even wartime destruction, standing today as a symbol of Florence’s resilience and commercial heritage.

Above the Ponte Vecchio runs the Vasari Corridor, an elevated passageway designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1565 to connect the Uffizi Gallery with the Pitti Palace. Originally constructed to allow the Medici family to move securely between their residences, the corridor offers unique views of the city and the Arno River. After extensive restoration, the Vasari Corridor reopened to the public in December 2024, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience this historical pathway.

What People Get Wrong About Florence

• Treating it as a day trip from Rome. You cannot do Florence justice in a day. The Uffizi alone deserves 3-4 hours, the Accademia another 1-2 for the David, and the Oltrarno neighbourhood across the river is where Florentines actually live and eat.
• Skipping the Oltrarno. Most visitors never cross the Arno beyond the Ponte Vecchio. The Santo Spirito neighbourhood has better restaurants, fewer crowds, and genuinely local atmosphere — the piazza fills with aperitivo drinkers at sunset.
• Not booking the Duomo climb in advance. Climbing Brunelleschi’s dome is free with a combined Duomo ticket, but time slots sell out days ahead. Book on the official Opera del Duomo website, not through third-party resellers.

How Long You Actually Need: 3 full days. One for the Uffizi and city centre, one for the Accademia, Duomo climb, and San Lorenzo Market, and one for Oltrarno, the Boboli Gardens, and Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset.

3. Venice

The Take: Venice is unlike anywhere else you will ever visit. Yes, it is crowded. Yes, it is expensive. But the moment you step off the main tourist routes and find yourself alone in a quiet campo with laundry strung between the buildings, you understand why people keep coming back.

The Grand Canal serves as the city’s main waterway, tracing a reverse-S course from St. Mark’s Basilica to the Church of Santa Chiara. Lined with approximately 170 buildings, most constructed between the 13th and 18th centuries, the canal showcases the architectural evolution of Venice. Note that Venice now charges a day-tripper access fee of €5-10 on peak days between April and July 2026 — if you are staying overnight in the city, you are exempt, but you will need your hotel booking confirmation handy.

At the heart of Venice lies St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, the principal public square of the city. Dominated at its eastern end by St. Mark’s Basilica, the square has been a focal point for Venetian social, religious, and political activities for centuries.

St. Mark’s Basilica, adjacent to the square, stands as a testament to Venice’s rich history. Originally constructed in the 9th century to house the relics of St. Mark, the basilica has undergone numerous modifications, resulting in its current Italo-Byzantine architecture. Its opulent design and gilded mosaics have earned it the nickname “Church of Gold.”

Rising prominently in the square is the Campanile di San Marco, the basilica’s bell tower. Standing at 98.6 metres, it is the tallest structure in Venice. The current design dates from 1515, and the tower once doubled as a lighthouse to guide ships to the mouth of the Grand Canal.

What People Get Wrong About Venice

• Visiting only as a day trip. Day-trippers see the San Marco area, fight through crowds, eat badly, and leave thinking Venice is overrated. Stay at least two nights. After 6pm, when the day-trippers leave, the city transforms into something magical.
• Taking a gondola ride without negotiating. The official tariff is €80 for 30 minutes (daytime), but many gondoliers will quote higher. Agree on the price, route, and duration before stepping in. Sharing a gondola with another couple halves the cost.
• Not exploring the other islands. Murano (glass), Burano (lace and colourful houses), and Torcello (ancient cathedral, near-silence) are all reachable by vaporetto and offer a completely different Venice experience.

How Long You Actually Need: 2-3 full days. One for the San Marco area and the Doge’s Palace, one for Dorsoduro and the Rialto market area, and a third for the lagoon islands if you can spare it.

4. Cinque Terre

The Take: Cinque Terre is one of those places where the photographs do not lie — it really is that stunning. But it is also small, fragile, and heaving with visitors in peak season. Coming here with the right expectations makes all the difference.

Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five villages and is known for its expansive sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for sunbathers. The village is divided into two parts: the old town, with its narrow streets and historic buildings, and the newer Fegina area, where visitors can find modern amenities and beachfront resorts.

Vernazza is often celebrated as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Its small harbour, surrounded by pastel-coloured houses, provides a safe haven for fishing boats. The village’s historic centre features medieval fortifications and narrow alleyways that lead to charming piazzas and local eateries.

Perched atop a promontory about 100 metres above sea level, Corniglia is unique among the Cinque Terre villages as it is the only one not directly adjacent to the sea. To reach the village from the train station, visitors must ascend the Lardarina, a staircase consisting of 33 flights with 382 steps, or take a shuttle bus. Corniglia’s elevated position offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and terraced vineyards.

Manarola is renowned for its vibrant houses that seem to cascade down the rocky cliffs towards the sea. The village’s economy has traditionally been based on fishing and wine-making, with the local Sciacchetrà wine being particularly notable. Manarola’s picturesque harbour and scenic walking trails make it a favourite among photographers and hikers alike.

As the easternmost village, Riomaggiore is characterised by its steeply stacked houses and a small harbour filled with colourful fishing boats. The village’s main street, Via Colombo, is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, offering visitors a taste of local Ligurian cuisine. Riomaggiore also serves as a starting point for the Via dell’Amore (Lovers’ Lane), a scenic path that connects it to Manarola.

The Cinque Terre region is renowned for its network of hiking trails that connect the villages, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, vineyards, and olive groves. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) is among the most popular, providing a manageable trek for most visitors. You will need a Cinque Terre Card to access the hiking trails — it costs €16 per day in 2026 and also includes unlimited train travel between the five villages, which makes it excellent value.

What People Get Wrong About Cinque Terre

• Doing it as a day trip from Florence. The train from Florence takes about 2.5 hours each way. By the time you arrive, you have 4-5 hours to “see” five villages, which means a frantic train-hop with no time to hike, swim, or eat properly. Stay overnight in Monterosso or Riomaggiore instead.
• Wearing the wrong shoes. The hiking trails are steep, rocky, and often wet. Flip-flops and fashion trainers are genuinely dangerous on the Sentiero Azzurro. Proper walking shoes with grip are essential.
• Expecting cheap accommodation. These are five tiny villages with limited rooms. Budget at least €120-180 per night for a basic double in summer. Book months ahead — popular places sell out by February for the summer season.

How Long You Actually Need: 2 full days minimum. One for hiking between villages (the Monterosso-Vernazza stretch is the most spectacular) and one for swimming, eating, and exploring at a relaxed pace.

5. Amalfi Coast

The Take: The Amalfi Coast is the most dramatic stretch of coastline in Europe. Every turn of the road reveals another jaw-dropping view. But the logistics of getting around here are trickier than anywhere else on this list, and prices are steep — come prepared.

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Positano is a vertical town with pastel-coloured buildings cascading down steep slopes to the shoreline. The main road, Amalfi Drive (SS163), skirts the top of Positano, while a one-way loop descends through the village via Viale Pasitea and ascends again on Via Cristoforo Colombo. This route is lined with hotels, restaurants, and boutique shops. The road does not reach the main beach and marina directly; access requires navigating narrow streets and staircases. Expect to pay €20-25 for a sunbed and umbrella on the main beach in 2026.

Amalfi, once a powerful maritime republic, is the largest town along this stretch of coastline. Its rich history is evident in landmarks like the Cathedral of St. Andrew, which dominates the central piazza. The town’s narrow alleys are filled with shops selling local crafts and the renowned limoncello liqueur made from the area’s distinctive lemons.

Perched approximately 365 metres above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ravello offers panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. Known for its villas and gardens, such as those at Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, the town has long attracted artists, writers, and musicians seeking inspiration. Ravello hosts an annual music festival that adds to its cultural allure. Getting here by SITA bus from Amalfi town takes about 25 minutes and costs around €1.30 — a bargain for the views alone.

What People Get Wrong About the Amalfi Coast

• Renting a car. The Amalfi Drive (SS163) is a narrow, winding road with aggressive local drivers and almost nowhere to park. SITA buses and ferries connect all the major towns. Use them.
• Staying only in Positano. Positano is the most photogenic but also the most expensive and the most crowded. Amalfi town, Atrani (a 5-minute walk from Amalfi), and Minori offer better value and more authentic atmosphere.
• Underestimating the cost. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most expensive regions in Italy. A mid-range dinner for two runs €70-100, and even a simple hotel room in Positano rarely drops below €200 per night in summer.

How Long You Actually Need: 3 full days. One for Positano (beach and village), one for Amalfi town and Ravello, and one for the Path of the Gods hike (Sentiero degli Dei) from Agerola to Nocelle — one of Italy’s finest coastal walks.

6. Tuscany

The Take: Tuscany beyond Florence is where Italy slows down to its proper rhythm. The rolling hills, the cypress-lined roads, the long lunches with a bottle of Chianti Classico — this is the Italy most people picture when they close their eyes, and it genuinely delivers.

Siena, perched atop a hill overlooking olive groves and vineyards, is a beautifully preserved medieval city. Its narrow streets, encircled by ancient walls, lead to the magnificent Piazza del Campo, renowned for hosting the annual Palio horse race — held on 2 July and 16 August, though finding accommodation during Palio week requires booking months ahead. The city’s gothic cathedral and the Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana showcase the expressive art of the Sienese School, which flourished from the 13th to the 14th centuries.

San Gimignano, often referred to as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” is famed for its 14 medieval towers that dominate the skyline. These towers, remnants of a bygone era, offer a glimpse into the town’s historical significance and provide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its Renaissance architecture and urban planning. Redesigned in the 15th century by Pope Pius II, the town exemplifies the ideals of a utopian city with harmonious buildings and open spaces. Pienza is also renowned for its pecorino cheese — buy directly from the shops along Corso il Rossellino, where you can taste before you buy.

The Chianti region, stretching between Florence and Siena, is synonymous with world-class wine production. Its landscape is adorned with vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages. Visitors can explore local wineries to sample the famed Chianti wines and experience the area’s rich gastronomic traditions. Most wineries charge €15-30 for a tasting of 3-4 wines with light food, and booking ahead is strongly recommended.

What People Get Wrong About Tuscany

• Trying to see it by public transport. Unlike the rest of Italy, rural Tuscany genuinely requires a car. Buses between hill towns are infrequent, and the best scenery is on the roads between destinations. Rent from Florence airport — petrol costs and tolls are manageable.
• Visiting only San Gimignano. It is beautiful but overwhelmingly touristy by midday. Volterra, Montepulciano, and Cortona offer the same Tuscan atmosphere with a fraction of the crowds.
• Skipping the thermal baths. Tuscany has natural hot springs that most international visitors miss entirely. Bagno Vignoni and the free open-air pools at Saturnia are extraordinary, especially in the cooler months.

How Long You Actually Need: 3-4 full days with a rental car. Base yourself in a central agriturismo (farmhouse B&B) between Siena and Pienza, and do day trips from there.

7. Milan

The Take: Milan divides opinion. It is Italy’s wealthiest and most modern city, and some travellers find it cold compared to Rome or Florence. But Milan rewards visitors who look past the surface — the food scene is exceptional, the design culture is world-leading, and The Last Supper is worth the trip alone.

At the heart of the city stands the Duomo di Milano, a monumental cathedral whose construction commenced in 1386. This gothic masterpiece, adorned with numerous spires and statues, is crowned by the iconic Madonnina, a gilded copper statue of the Virgin Mary standing over four metres tall, added in 1774. Visitors can ascend to the terraces to admire intricate architectural details and panoramic views of Milan. The rooftop terrace ticket costs around €14 by stairs or €25 by lift in 2026 — the stairs route is manageable and well worth it for the views.

Adjacent to the cathedral lies the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant 19th-century covered passageway connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. It was designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni and completed in 1877. The Galleria features a grand glass and iron roof, intricate mosaics, and houses high-end boutiques such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, as well as historic cafés like Café Biffi, established in 1867. This sophisticated arcade serves as a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors.

Beyond the Galleria, in Piazza della Scala, stands the renowned La Scala Opera House. Established in 1778, La Scala has hosted numerous premieres of operas by composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. The theatre’s season traditionally opens on December 7th, coinciding with the feast day of Milan’s patron saint, St. Ambrose. Tickets for popular performances sell out quickly, but last-minute gallery seats are sometimes available for €15-25 on the day — arrive at the box office early.

What People Get Wrong About Milan

• Skipping it entirely. Many Italy itineraries bypass Milan, which is a mistake. Two days here offer a genuinely different perspective on Italian culture — more contemporary, more international, and with some of the best food in the north.
• Not booking The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci’s mural in Santa Maria delle Grazie admits only 25 visitors every 15 minutes. Tickets (€15 + €2 booking fee) sell out months in advance. Check the official Cenacolovinciano.org website as soon as you know your travel dates.
• Ignoring the Navigli district. The canal district south of the centre is where Milan comes alive in the evenings. Aperitivo culture here is the real thing — a €10-12 drink comes with enough food to replace dinner.

How Long You Actually Need: 2 full days. One for the Duomo, Galleria, and The Last Supper, and one for the Brera district, the Navigli canals, and whichever aspect of Milan interests you most — fashion, design, or food.

8. Pompeii

The Take: Pompeii is not just an archaeological site — it is an entire frozen city. Walking its streets, you are standing where Romans stood in 79 AD, and there is nothing else in the world quite like that feeling. It is humbling in a way that photographs cannot capture.

What People Get Wrong About Pompeii

• The site is enormous. Pompeii covers 66 hectares — roughly 80 football pitches. You cannot see everything in one visit. Budget three to four hours minimum and focus on the highlights: the Forum, the House of the Faun, the Amphitheatre, and the Garden of the Fugitives.
• There is almost no shade. The ancient streets are exposed stone. In summer, temperatures on site can exceed 40°C. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Cobblestones are uneven and can be slippery.
• Enter from the less crowded entrance. Most guided tours enter via Porta Marina (the main entrance near the Circumvesuviana station). The Piazza Anfiteatro entrance at the opposite end is far quieter, especially in the morning.
• Book a combined Pompeii + Herculaneum ticket. Herculaneum (Ercolano) is smaller but better preserved and far less crowded. A combined ticket costs around €22 in 2026 and is valid for both sites within 48 hours. Pompeii alone is €18.
• Getting there from Naples: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri (about 35 minutes, €3.60). Trains run every 20-30 minutes. Avoid taxis offering fixed rates from Naples — they are invariably overpriced.

How Long You Actually Need: Half a day for Pompeii alone (3-4 hours on site). A full day if you combine it with Herculaneum, which is genuinely worth the detour — it is better preserved and has intact second-storey buildings and original wooden beams that Pompeii does not.

9. Sicily

The Take: Sicily feels like a different country from northern Italy — and in many ways, it is. The food is bolder, the pace is slower, the history runs deeper and wilder, and the prices are noticeably lower. If you have already done Rome and Florence, Sicily might be the best place to go next.

Dominating the eastern landscape is Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, standing at approximately 3,403 metres. Its frequent eruptions have shaped the surrounding terrain, and adventurous visitors can explore its slopes, sometimes witnessing snow alongside flowing lava. A guided summit tour costs around €50-70 in 2026, though you can drive or take a bus to the Rifugio Sapienza at 1,900 metres and hike independently from there.

In the south, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento showcases remarkable ancient Greek architecture. This archaeological site features well-preserved Doric temples, including the Temple of Concordia from the 5th century BC, offering insights into Sicily’s classical heritage. Visit at sunset if you can — the temples glow amber against the sky, and evening tickets are available in summer.

Palermo, the island’s capital, is a city of contrasts where diverse architectural styles reflect its complex history. Landmarks such as the Norman Palace, housing the Palatine Chapel, and the Teatro Massimo opera house highlight the city’s cultural depth. Vibrant markets like the Ballarò and Vucciria are the heart of Palermo’s street food scene — arancini, panelle, and sfincione can be had for €2-4 each, making this one of the best-value eating destinations in all of Italy.

On the southeastern coast, Syracuse stands as a testament to ancient grandeur. Founded by Greek settlers, it was once a major Mediterranean power. The city boasts a Greek theatre with 67 rows, among the largest ever built by the ancient Greeks, and the island of Ortygia, known for its baroque architecture and the Fountain of Arethusa.

What People Get Wrong About Sicily

• Not renting a car. Unlike mainland Italy, Sicily’s public transport between cities is slow and infrequent. A rental car transforms the trip — and driving here, while lively, is manageable once you leave Palermo and Catania city centres.
• Only visiting Taormina. Taormina is beautiful but essentially a resort town. Palermo, Syracuse, and the Val di Noto baroque towns (Noto, Modica, Ragusa Ibla) are where Sicily’s real character lives.
• Flying into Catania and only staying east. Western Sicily (Trapani, Marsala, the Egadi Islands, Segesta) is less visited but equally rewarding, with some of the best beaches in Italy.

How Long You Actually Need: 5-7 full days minimum. Sicily is genuinely large — driving from Palermo to Syracuse takes 3 hours. A realistic circuit: Palermo (2 nights) + Agrigento (1 night) + Syracuse/Ortygia (2 nights) + Taormina/Etna (2 nights).

Planning Your Route: What Actually Works

Trying to visit all ten of these places in a single trip is a mistake. Here is how experienced Italy travellers approach it.

For a 10-day first trip: Pick three destinations. Rome (4 nights) + Florence (3 nights) + Venice (3 nights) is the classic route, and it works because the high-speed train connects all three in under 2.5 hours per leg. Total train cost: roughly €40-80 if booked 2-3 weeks ahead. Budget €150-250 per person per day for comfortable mid-range travel including accommodation, meals, transport and entry tickets.

For a 14-day trip: Add the Amalfi Coast (3 nights) or Tuscany hill towns (2-3 nights) to the classic route. The Amalfi Coast is best reached from Naples, which is 1 hour 10 minutes from Rome by Frecciarossa.

For a southern Italy focus: Naples (3 nights) + Pompeii (day trip) + Amalfi Coast (3 nights) + Sicily (5 nights) gives you a completely different Italy from the northern tourist trail — rawer, cheaper, and in many ways more rewarding.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Do not fly between Italian cities unless the distance is extreme (e.g., Milan to Sicily). Trains are faster door-to-door when you factor in airport time.
• Do not rent a car for city-based trips. Italian cities have restricted traffic zones (ZTL) with cameras that automatically fine foreign plates. Use cars only for rural Tuscany, Puglia, or Sicily exploration.
• Do not underestimate travel days. A train journey of 2 hours still costs you half a day when you factor in packing, checking out, getting to the station, and settling in at the other end.

10. Lake Como

The Take: Lake Como is where Italians go when they want to feel like they are on holiday in a film set. The combination of Alpine mountains dropping straight into mirror-still water, lined with pastel villas and subtropical gardens, is absurdly beautiful. It is quieter and more refined than the coast, and a welcome contrast to the intensity of the cities.

Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” sits at the junction where the lake’s three branches meet. This town is characterised by narrow cobblestone streets, elegant buildings, and a lakeside promenade. Visitors can explore local shops, dine in waterfront restaurants, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and water. The ferry from Varenna to Bellagio takes just 15 minutes and costs around €5 — one of the most scenic short boat rides in Europe.

Across the lake lies Varenna, a quaint fishing village known for its colourful houses and serene atmosphere. The town features the historic Villa Monastero, originally a Cistercian convent, now a museum and conference centre surrounded by extensive botanical gardens. Strolling along Varenna’s waterfront offers peaceful views and a sense of the area’s history. Varenna is also the most practical base for exploring Lake Como — it has a direct train connection to Milan Centrale (about 1 hour, €7-10) and ferry links to both Bellagio and Menaggio.

Perched on the tip of the Lavedo Peninsula near Lenno, Villa del Balbianello is a historic residence surrounded by terraced gardens overlooking Lake Como. Originally a Franciscan monastery, the villa was transformed in the late 18th century by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini into a private retreat. In the 20th century, explorer Guido Monzino acquired the property, filling it with artifacts from his expeditions. The villa’s distinctive architecture and panoramic views have made it a sought-after location for films, including “Casino Royale” and “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones.” Visitors can reach the villa by a 30-minute walk from Lenno or via a taxi boat service. Entry is €10 for the gardens only or €15 for gardens plus villa interior in 2026.

What People Get Wrong About Lake Como

• Staying in Como town. The town of Como, at the southern tip of the lake, is the least interesting part. The beauty is in the central lake area around Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Take the train or ferry straight there.
• Only coming for a day trip from Milan. You can technically do it in a day, but the ferry schedules between villages mean you will spend much of your time waiting. Stay at least one night in Varenna or Bellagio to experience the lake in the golden evening light.
• Expecting warm swimming weather all summer. Lake Como is an Alpine lake. Even in July and August, the water temperature rarely exceeds 23-24°C. It is refreshing rather than warm, and the beaches are mostly pebbly.

How Long You Actually Need: 2-3 full days. One for Bellagio and the central lake, one for Villa del Balbianello and Lenno, and a third for Varenna’s gardens and the Greenway del Lago walk if you have the time.

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