Gravedona, Domaso, Dongo and Gera Lario (the upper west shore)
This is where most of our Lake Como villas are. The upper lake is wider and more relaxed, with lakeside lidos and campsites. Domaso is a windsurfing centre, thanks to the Breva wind that usually arrives from the south in the early afternoon. Gravedona and Dongo have small historic centres, and Vercana, Sorico and Musso are quieter still. Milan Bergamo and Malpensa airports are roughly an hour and a half to two hours away.
Best for: Families, watersports and the widest choice of villas
Not for you if: You want the grand villas and gardens on your doorstep: they are around an hour south.
Colico and the Lago di Mezzola (the northern tip)
Colico sits where the river Adda flows into the lake, with beaches, a wakeboard cable park and two historic forts, including the First World War Forte Montecchio Nord. Piona Abbey stands on a peaceful peninsula just south. North of the lake, the Pian di Spagna nature reserve and the small Lago di Mezzola are good for birdwatching and gentle walks. Trains run from Colico to Milan in around an hour and a half.
Best for: Active families, nature lovers and easy train links
Not for you if: You want the postcard Lake Como: this end is flatter and more practical than pretty.
Dervio, Bellano, Dorio and Lierna (the east shore)
The east shore is steep and less polished than the west, with the Milan to Colico railway running along it. The Sentiero del Viandante, an old walking route above the lake, links the villages. Bellano has a dramatic gorge, the Orrido, and Dervio has lakeside beaches. Lierna, Abbadia Lariana and Lecco are further south, closer to Milan. Bergamo airport is around an hour from Lecco and longer from Dervio.
Best for: Walkers and anyone who wants to travel by train
Not for you if: You want flat, easy walking: the villages cling to steep slopes, with plenty of steps.
Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzina and Bellagio (the central lake)
The heart of the lake, where the three branches meet. Car ferries cross between Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio and Cadenabbia, so the central villages are easy to explore without driving. Tremezzina has the gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, and Varenna has a train station. San Siro, Cremia and Pianello Lario, a little north of Menaggio, are quieter and better value. Milan Malpensa or Linate is roughly an hour and a half away.
Best for: Couples and first-timers who want the classic villas, gardens and ferry hops
Not for you if: You're budget-led or dislike crowds: this is the busiest and priciest part of the lake.
Como, Argegno and Nesso (the southern Como branch)
Como town has a cathedral, a lakeside promenade and the funicular up to Brunate, with fast trains to Milan. North of town, the road and the ferry follow a narrow, steep-sided branch past villages such as Nesso, known for its gorge and waterfall, and Argegno, where a cable car climbs to Pigra. Cerano d'Intelvi is in the hills above. Milan Malpensa is around 45 minutes to an hour from Como.
Best for: Short stays, city restaurants and the fastest airport transfer
Not for you if: You want a beach or space to spread out: this branch is narrow and steep.
