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Lake Como Perimeter Loop · Introduction
Lake Como is one of Italy’s most scenic and atmospheric destinations, a timeless blend of alpine drama, elegant villages, and winding waterfront roads that feel purpose-built for a perfect riding experience. This circular route follows the entire perimeter of the lake, allowing travellers to enjoy continuous views, constant changes in landscape, and a rich collection of iconic stops. The loop begins in Como, a lively lakeside city where historic squares meet the open water, before continuing north along the western shore through a sequence of harmonious towns, villas, and panoramic stretches.
The itinerary is easy to follow and ideal for riders: smooth tarmac, gentle curves, and breathtaking viewpoints that appear every few minutes. You will pass elegant villas surrounded by botanical gardens, quiet fishing villages with stone harbours, dramatic gorges carved over centuries, and balconies overlooking the central basin. Mid-lake, the scenery opens wide toward the Alps, offering a sense of space and tranquillity. The eastern side brings a shift of character, with dramatic cliffs, narrow roads, and romantic towns perched above the water.
Below is a selection of essential POIs, each with a direct link to its Google Maps search page. These stops help shape the perfect rhythm for the ride: short breaks, scenic viewpoints, cultural landmarks, and lakeside promenades where you can slow down and absorb the atmosphere. All locations are easy to reach, parking-friendly, and positioned naturally along the loop, making them ideal references for navigation and trip planning.
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Points of Interest
Como – Piazza Cavour
Piazza Cavour sits at the heart of Como’s lakeside, acting as the city’s main gateway to Lake Como. It offers beautiful open views, lively cafés, and immediate access to the historic centre. A perfect starting point for a scenic ride, boat trip, or relaxed stroll along the waterfront.
Google Maps
Cernobbio – Villa Erba
Villa Erba is a prestigious 19th-century lakeside villa surrounded by magnificent gardens. Known for hosting international events and exhibitions, it combines aristocratic elegance with peaceful natural beauty. Its vast park and lakeside promenade make it an outstanding stop for travellers exploring the western shore of Lake Como.
Google Maps
Laglio
Laglio is a quiet lakeside village famous for its serene atmosphere, elegant villas, and gentle waterfront views. Nestled between steep mountains and the lake, it offers a peaceful break from busier towns. Ideal for riders seeking a relaxing stop with beautiful scenery and authentic local charm.
Google Maps
Argegno
Argegno is a picturesque lakeside town featuring narrow lanes, stone bridges, and vibrant café life. Its strategic location makes it a perfect gateway to the Valle d’Intelvi and a natural stop when riding along the western shore. A charming blend of authentic atmosphere, scenic views, and local traditions.
Google Maps
Tremezzo – Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is renowned for its extraordinary botanical gardens, art collections, and panoramic position facing Bellagio. The terraced gardens are filled with exotic plants, sculptures, and spring blooms. Its timeless elegance and iconic setting make it a must-see cultural highlight on the central shores of Lake Como.
Google Maps
Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is one of Lake Como’s most iconic landmarks, known worldwide for its breathtaking terraces and cinematic settings. Surrounded by immaculate gardens and dramatic lake views, it has appeared in films such as Star Wars and James Bond. A spectacular stop combining history, architecture, and unforgettable scenery.
Google Maps
Greenway del Lago
The Greenway del Lago is a scenic lakeside walking route connecting charming villages, historic villas, and panoramic viewpoints. Its gentle path makes it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s a perfect way to experience Lake Como’s slower rhythm, offering beautiful landscapes and authentic glimpses of local life along the shoreline.
Google Maps
Menaggio – Lakeside Promenade
Menaggio offers one of Lake Como’s most elegant waterfront promenades, lined with palm trees, cafés, and spectacular views across the central basin. Its well-preserved old town and relaxed lakeside atmosphere make it a favourite stop. A perfect place to pause, explore, and enjoy the lake’s timeless beauty.
Google Maps
Domaso
Domaso lies on the northern shore of Lake Como and is known for its long beaches, winds ideal for water sports, and relaxed holiday atmosphere. The landscape opens wide towards the Alps, creating impressive mountain-to-lake views. A great northern-lake stop for riders seeking open spaces and fresh air.
Google Maps
Gravedona
Gravedona is a peaceful and authentic lakeside town with medieval churches, scenic promenades, and mountain backdrops. It offers a quieter, more traditional feel than the central lake, making it ideal for travellers seeking tranquillity. Its lakeside paths and historic centre provide charming views and relaxing moments along the shoreline.
Google Maps
Piona Abbey
Piona Abbey stands in a serene natural bay surrounded by mountains and peaceful waters. This Cistercian abbey is known for its spiritual atmosphere, cloisters, and handcrafted herbal products. A quiet, contemplative stop that offers travellers a moment of stillness and panoramic views over the northern shores of Lake Como.
Google Maps
Orrido di Bellano
The Orrido di Bellano is a dramatic natural gorge carved by the Pioverna River over thousands of years. Walkways suspended along the rock walls allow visitors to experience the raw power of nature. A thrilling and accessible attraction that adds adventure and contrast to any Lake Como itinerary.
Google Maps
Varenna – Lovers’ Walk
Varenna is one of Lake Como’s most romantic villages, famous for its lakeside walkway known as the “Lovers’ Walk”. Colourful houses, charming alleys, and terraced views create a postcard-perfect setting. A beautiful stop for wandering slowly, enjoying gelato, or simply taking in the peaceful waterfront atmosphere.
Google Maps
Fiumelatte
Fiumelatte is Italy’s shortest river, flowing with milky-white water only part of the year. Nestled just south of Varenna, it offers an unusual natural curiosity and a brief scenic walk. Its name, meaning “milk river”, reflects the foamy appearance created by its rapid, energetic flow.
Google Maps
Castello di Vezio
Castello di Vezio is a medieval fortress perched above Varenna, offering some of the most spectacular views on Lake Como. Visitors can explore its towers, gardens, and falconry displays. The peaceful hilltop setting makes it a rewarding climb with panoramic vistas over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Google Maps
Bellagio – Historic Centre
Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of the Lake”, is renowned for its elegant villas, steep cobbled lanes, and breathtaking 360° views. Its charming streets are filled with boutiques, cafés, and scenic terraces. A quintessential Lake Como experience, perfect for photos, strolling, and enjoying timeless Italian lakeside beauty.
Google Maps
Villa Melzi Gardens
The gardens of Villa Melzi stretch elegantly along the Bellagio lakeside, offering peaceful paths, exotic plants, sculptures, and incredible water reflections. Designed in the early 19th century, they blend natural harmony with aristocratic style. A calm oasis ideal for gentle walking, photography, and enjoying Lake Como’s refined atmosphere.
Google Maps
Nesso – Orrido
The Orrido of Nesso is a dramatic waterfall plunging through a deep natural canyon at the heart of the village. Viewed from the ancient Romanesque bridge, it creates one of the lake’s most photogenic scenes. A powerful blend of nature, history, and hidden beauty along the eastern shore.
Google Maps
Lezzeno
Lezzeno stretches along one of the longest continuous lakefronts on Lake Como, offering peaceful bays, hidden beaches, and dramatic rock formations. It’s a particularly scenic stretch for motorcyclists, with winding curves and constant lake views. A quiet, authentic lakeside village perfect for slow exploration.
Google Maps
Lecco – Lakeside Promenade
The Lecco lakeside promenade offers sweeping views of the Grigne mountains and the dramatic landscape of the southeastern branch of Lake Como. With cafés, wide walking paths, and inspiring scenery, it’s a great place to unwind. Particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when colours transform the entire shoreline.
Google MapsPhoto credits: Uploaded by user to epicmotojourney.com — © Epic Moto Journey.
Where to Eat Along the Lake Como Loop
Il Pinzimonio – Como
Informal, lively restaurant in the historic centre of Como, known for Mediterranean dishes, wood-fired pizzas and generous portions in a warm, industrial-chic setting.
Trattoria del Glicine – Cernobbio
Historic trattoria on the hill above Cernobbio, offering refined Lombard dishes, lake fish and game specialities in an intimate dining room and romantic wisteria-covered terrace.
La Darsena – Tremezzo
Restaurant directly on the water with a panoramic terrace, serving lake fish, refined risotti and contemporary Italian dishes with sweeping views over the central basin.
La Baia – Cremia
Relaxed lakeside spot with a large terrace right on the water, popular for grilled lake fish, seafood dishes and pizzas, with wide open views towards the northern end of the lake.
La Vista – Varenna
Romantic terrace restaurant of Albergo Milano, overlooking the mid-lake triangle. Offers creative Italian cuisine, tasting plates and curated wines with spectacular sunset views.
Mistral – Bellagio (Villa Serbelloni)
Iconic fine-dining restaurant at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, led by chef Ettore Bocchia, offering creative Mediterranean and molecular-inspired menus on an elegant lakeside terrace.
Top GetYourGuide Experiences on Lake Como
Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio & Varenna with Private Boat
Guided day trip with private boat cruise, free time in Como, Bellagio, and Varenna, combining lakeside scenery with historic villages.
Lake Como: Villa del Balbianello Gardens & Ferry Tickets
Self-guided experience combining ferry travel and entry to Villa del Balbianello’s famous terraced gardens, a true Lake Como classic.
From Milan: Small Group Como, Bellagio & Varenna Cruise
Highly rated small-group experience with guided visits and panoramic boat cruise covering Como, Bellagio, and Varenna in one day.
Lake Como: Easy Mountain Trek with Funicular & Boat
Combine the Como–Brunate funicular, a guided scenic hike above the lake, and a relaxing boat ride back to town.
From Milan: Lake Como & Bellagio DayTour with Private Cruise
Day tour including guided visit, free time, and a private boat cruise, ideal for a first complete taste of Lake Como.
Where to Stay in Como – Budget to Premium
B&B Hotel Como City Center
Hotel moderno e funzionale vicino alla stazione di Como S. Giovanni, con camere essenziali, aria condizionata e posizione comoda per esplorare il lago.
Open on Booking.comOstello Bello Lake Como
Ostello di nuova generazione con camere private e dormitori, atmosfera conviviale, bar interno e posizione strategica a pochi passi dal lago.
Open on Booking.comDBH – Boutique Hotel Lake Como
Boutique hotel affacciato sul Duomo, con camere curate in stile contemporaneo, ottima colazione e posizione perfetta nel centro storico.
Open on Booking.comPlinius Lifestyle Hotel Lake Como
Hotel 4★ tra centro e lago, con camere eleganti, ottima pulizia e colazione apprezzata. Base ideale per muoversi a piedi tra le vie di Como.
Open on Booking.comHotel Villa Flori
Storico hotel di charme direttamente sul lago, con camere vista acqua, giardini curati e atmosfera esclusiva. Perfetto per un soggiorno romantico o di puro relax.
Open on Booking.com
