The Lake Como area is one of those places that feels effortlessly elegant. Set against the foothills of the Alps in northern Italy, the lake is known for its deep blue water, dramatic mountains, and pastel-colored towns that seem to tumble right into the lake.

What really makes Lake Como special is how livable it feels as a destination. You’re not having to rush from attraction to attraction, and instead, days revolve around ferry rides, lakeside walks, long lunches, and slow evenings watching the light change over the water. It’s a place where doing less is actually the point. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Here's Our One Week Italy Itinerary for Lake Como & the Italian Riviera

I recently planned a girls' trip for 3 ladies to visit Lake Como and the Italian Riviera for an early October visit.  A dream had been to visit Lake Como, shop, sip wine, and enjoy a cooking class together.  While they had taken the train up from Nice, France, to start their Italy adventure, you can start this trip by arriving in Rome and then taking the train up to Varenna.

Why Varenna, Italy is an Ideal Place to Stay

While towns like Bellagio and Como get most of the attention, Varenna is often the favorite once people actually visit and for good reason.

Varenna is a charming, less-touristy gem on Lake Como with pastel houses climbing a lakeside hill, tranquil ferries, lovely gardens, and easy access to nearby towns like Bellagio and Menaggio.

1. Easy Transportation 

Varenna has: a train station with direct connections to Milan and a ferry connecting you to ., and other lake towns

This makes it incredibly easy to explore the lake without renting a car, which is a huge win in this region.

When you arrive, take a taxi from the station or contact your accommodation in advance for assistance with transportation. 

2. It's equally as Beautiful but More Relaxed

Varenna is undeniably picturesque withcolorful houses, flower-lined paths, and a charming waterfront  but it feels calmer and more local than some of the busier towns.

You still get that postcard Lake Como look, just without the constant crowds funneling through. 

3. A Great Home Base Feel

Varenna works beautifully as a base for several nights. Mornings are quiet, evenings feel local, and you’re not constantly navigating crowds just to get back to your hotel.

Lake Como is best enjoyed when you pick one town and settle in so you can relax and soak it in instead of constantly moving your bags.  Varenna is perfect for that.

Take ferries earlier in the day, mark a few restaurants and viewpoints in Google Maps ahead of time, and leave space for spontaneous lakeside pauses.

It’s the kind of place where the unplanned moments like a quiet espresso by the water or a last-minute ferry ride at sunset that end up being the most memorable.

Where to stay in Varenna

Tips for booking your stay in Varenna:

• If you plan to walk from the train station, check the distance and whether you'll be walking uphill. Likewise, if you plan on walking to the ferry, check the distance and if you'll be climbing a steep slope. 
• Taxis or booking a transfer will likely be your best option if you need a ride from the train station to your accommodations. Before you arrive, contact the htoel to ask for a taxi recommendation and how you will contact them of book a transfer ahead of time. 

What to do in Lake Como:

• Ferry from town to town getting off at the ones you want to explore.  Don't miss Bellagio and Menaggio. Here you can find more information about the Ferry system on Lake Como.

• Book a Cooking Class - we highly recommend Cesarine - a network of vetted live cooking classes in Italian Homes.  Here's ones that are available in Varenna. 

After relaxing for several day at Lake Como take the Train to the Italian Riviera 

It's easy to take the train (plan to book in advance) from Varenna, back through Milan, where you will change and on to the Italian Riviera.  

Places to Stay on the Italian Riviera 

Stay in Santa Margherita Ligure like my clients did 

Staying in Santa Margherita Ligure gives you the beauty of the Italian Riviera without the intensity of some of its flashier neighbors. It’s elegant but lived-in, with a relaxed waterfront promenade, colorful buildings, and an easy rhythm that makes it feel more like a real town than a tourist stop. It’s also a perfect base for exploring the Ligurian coast but close to Portofino and well connected by train and ferry — while still offering quieter mornings, better value hotels, and excellent local dining once the day-trippers leave.

Stay in Portofino

Staying in Portofino is about leaning into the glamour and slowing down enough to enjoy it. The harbor is small and polished, evenings are calm once day-trippers leave, and everything feels intentionally beautiful from the pastel buildings to the boats bobbing in the marina. It’s not a place to pack your schedule; it’s a place to savor quiet mornings, long lunches, and sunset aperitivo, making it ideal for a short, indulgent stay or a romantic splurge on the Italian Riviera.

Stay in one of the Cinque Terre Towns 

Spending the night in one of the Cinque Terre towns lets you experience the region after the crowds thin out, when the villages feel quieter and more authentic. Early mornings and evenings are when Cinque Terre really shines with empty lanes, soft light over the water, and the sound of the sea instead of tour groups. Staying locally also makes it easy to hike between towns or hop on the train without rushing, turning what’s often a hectic day trip into a slower, more immersive experience. Know that you need to take a regional train between the towns and the hillsides can be steep, especially for carrying luggage.  You can walk between the 5 towns. 

What to do on the Italian Riviera:

Take a cooking class - Cesarine has several opportunites for classes in the towns of Cinque Terre - highly recommend taking one with Barbara in Riomaggiore like my clients did. 

Visit a winery

Walk between the 5 towns that make up Cinque Terre

Take a boat tour from one town to another 

When to Visit:

If you’re planning a trip to the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre, the sweet spot is late spring and early fall. May, June, and September are the best months, with warm days, cooler evenings, and ideal conditions for walking coastal paths, taking ferries, and lingering by the water. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months, especially in Portofino and the Cinque Terre, when cruise traffic and day-trippers peak. April and October can also be great if you prefer fewer crowds.  April feels fresh and green, while October is quieter and more local, though some ferry routes and beach clubs may not be up yet or may have wound down. For the best balance of weather, atmosphere, and ease, late May or September is ideal.

From the stunning beauty of Lake Como to the Italian Riviera, choosing the right town to stay in can completely shape your experience and slowing down and taking the experience day by day as it comes is what a vacation in Italy is all about. Don't try to schedule every minute and leave room to explore and for those unexpected moments. 

You can find ALL our Italy Resouces, including our FREE mini guide to Rome and the Amalfi Coast Here