You don’t need a car to visit Lake Como. If you choose to get around by public transportation, it’s important to stay in locations that are well-connected to the railway or ferry system. The towns on the eastern shore of the lake can be easily reached by train, and Varenna is a great hub for ferries.
Why Choose the Eastern Shore of Lake Como?
The eastern shore of Lake Como is less touristy than the western shore but still offers plenty of charm and access to key attractions. With picturesque towns like Varenna, Colico, and Bellano, this side of the lake combines stunning views with a more laid-back, local atmosphere. Public transportation is easily accessible, and most towns are well-connected by both train and ferry, making them ideal for visitors who prefer not to drive.
Let’s look at what options best suit you!
Best Towns to Stay for Public Transport Users
If you’re planning to rely on trains and ferries, you have some fantastic options. several town by the lake are well-served by train stations, offering direct access to Milan, Lecco, and other key locations. Additionally, many of the towns have ferry terminals, allowing for easy exploration of the lake. Here are some of the best towns to stay in that are easily accessible by public transport and allow you to avoid the crowds found in the more popular spots.
1. Varenna – A Beautiful Base with Easy Connections
Recommended for: Couples, romantics, history buffs, and anyone looking for a very convenient location to explore Lake Como.
Varenna is one of the most picturesque towns on the eastern shore of Lake Como, known for its romantic streets, colorful buildings, and stunning lake views. It’s also incredibly convenient for public transport users, making it an excellent choice for visitors who want to avoid the crowds.
Why Varenna?
Varenna has a train station located right in the town, with direct trains to Milan (just over 1 hour away) and it is also well-connected by ferry, allowing easy access to Bellagio, Menaggio, and other popular spots on the lake. However, unless you visit in the winter, Varenna can be very crowded. We suggest sleeping in nearby Bellano, Dervio, Lierna, Mandello and get to Varenna by train: it only takes minutes, the trains run every half an hour and a train ticket only cost a couple of euros!
Alternatively, the towns of Vezio and Perledo just above Varenna offer breathtaking views from their vantage positions. If you feel energetic you can walk to Varenna, or use an e-bike! Vezio is about 1km away, it boasts a marvellous medieval castle which you must visit!
Things to Do in Varenna:
- Visit the beautiful Villa Monastero, which has lovely lakeside gardens.
- Take a hike with us along the Wayfarer’s path! CLICK HERE for details
- Explore the charming narrow streets and picturesque piazzas.
- Take a ferry ride to Menaggio or Bellagio where we can take you on a panoramic HIKE and dine in a local trattoria. CLICK HERE fore details.
OUR HOTEL PICK IN VARENNA 🙂
2. Bellano – A Quiet, Authentic Village with Train Access
Recommended for: Nature lovers, budget travelers, and anyone seeking a more authentic and peaceful lakeside experience.
If you want to experience a quieter, more authentic lakeside village, Bellano is a great option. Situated just a few km north of Varenna, Bellano is a peaceful town that offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for those who want to escape the more crowded areas.
Why Bellano?
Bellano is easily accessible by train, with a station that connects to Milan and Lecco. The town is also near a ferry terminal, giving you the option to explore the lake by boat. While not as popular as Varenna or Bellagio, it offers plenty of charm, from its narrow streets to the stunning views of the lake. More affordable accommodation options make it a great choice for budget travelers who want to experience the beauty of Lake Como without the high prices of more tourist-heavy areas.
Things to Do in Bellano:
- Visit the Orrido di Bellano, a beautiful gorge with waterfalls and a suspension bridge.
- Take a hike with us along the Wayfarer’s path! CLICK HERE for details
- Stroll along the peaceful lakeside promenade.
- Enjoy the local eateries and cafes, which are far less touristy than those in Varenna or Bellagio.
3. Colico – A Green, Quiet town with easy access to the Alps, Switzerland and the Lake.
Recommended for: History buffs, nature lovers, families, and those seeking a quieter alternative to the more crowded lakeside towns.
Colico, one of the largest towns, is located at the northern end of Lake Como. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a water sports lover, Colico has something for everyone. The nearby mountains provide excellent hiking trails, and the lake is perfect for windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking.
Why Colico?
Colico is well-connected by rail, with direct trains from Milan. The town offers a perfect balance of local life with stunning lake views. It is more spread out that the other town on the lake, so it feels more spacey, it boasts a wide green beach popular with kite surfers as well as people who want to chill lying on the grass and taking a refreshing dip in the lake. Stunning Monte Legnone towers above the town, which is Lake Como’s best gate away to the Swiss and Italian Alps.
Things to Do in Colico:
- Visit the impressive Fort Montecchio, a 19th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, a must-visit for history enthusiasts
- Chill out on the beach or try some water sports like Kayaking or Surfing
- Take a bike ride along Sentiero Valtellina or Valchiavenna, you have over a hundred Kilometres on dedicated cycling lanes.
OUR HOTEL PICK IN COLICO 🙂
4. Dervio – Lake Como’s hidden gem
Recommended for: Couples, solo travelers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking peace and authenticity
Dervio is a smaller, peaceful town on the north branch of the lake, known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful vistas, it offers a more relaxed pace compared to some of the busier spots around Lake Como.
Why Dervio?
Set apart from the other towns yet well connected by the railway system, Dervio retains much of its traditional Italian charm, with narrow streets, charming stone houses and welcoming locals. The town boasts a 3 km long promenade which is a true highlight, great for a stroll away from cars anytime of day.
Things to Do in Dervio:
- Take a stroll along the Promenade and stop for a bite in a local bar or restaurant serving local dishes.
- Visit Corenno Plinio, a beautiful Medieval Village built between the lake and an imposing castle, just walking distance from Dervio,
- Try a watersport like windsurfing, sailing, or even fishing. For those looking to simply relax, the peaceful atmosphere is perfect for reading a book by the water or enjoying a quiet meal with a lakeside view.
4. Lecco – A Larger Town with Easy Access and Local Vibe
Recommended for: History enthusiasts, families, and those who want the convenience of a larger town with access to outdoor activities.
Just over 40 minute train journey from Milan you’ll be in Lecco, Lake Como’s second major town, nestled between imposing mountains, the lake, and river Adda. For visitors who want a more urban experience on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Lecco is an excellent choice. It’s a larger town, yet it retains a charming, less touristy atmosphere compared to Como or Bellagio. Lecco has everything you need, including good transport links, shops, and restaurants, all while being far removed from the overwhelming crowds.
Why Lecco?
Lecco is well-connected by both train and ferry. The town has a major train station with direct links to Milan (about 40 minutes by train), and it’s located near a ferry terminal. Though it’s a bit further from the lake’s more touristy towns, Lecco offers a more relaxed, local vibe and is still close enough for easy day trips around the region.
Things to Do in Lecco:
- Explore the charming old town and enjoy the lakeside views.
- Visit the stunning Basilica di San Nicolò.
- Take a Cable Car ride to Pizzo d’Erna for panoramic views of the surrounding area, or hike up to the nearby Monte Resegone or San Martino.
OUR HOTEL PICK IN LECCO 🙂
5. Mandello del Lario – A Hidden Gem for Tranquil Stays
Recommended for: Outdoor adventurers, motorbike enthusiasts, and those looking for a more authentic, quieter experience on Lake Como.
Mandello del Lario is a small town located further north along the eastern shore, making it a fantastic choice for those looking for peace and quiet. The town is known for its traditional Italian atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, but it sees far fewer tourists compared to Varenna or Bellagio.
Why Mandello del Lario?
Mandello del Lario is easy to access by train from Lecco and other major towns, and while the town itself is smaller, it offers a picturesque setting and plenty of tranquility. It’s the perfect spot for travellers who want to enjoy the lake without the distractions of crowded tourist areas. Although ferry access from Mandello is limited, you can still take a short train ride to nearby towns like Varenna or Bellano for more transport options.
Things to Do in Mandello del Lario:
- Take a stroll through the charming town center, with its traditional stone houses and narrow alleys.
- Join a hike with us across its quaint hamlets and enjoy an aperitif sitting on hay bales among olive groves! CLICK HERE for more details
- Visit the Moto Guzzi Museum, dedicated to the famous Italian motorcycle brand, which has its roots in Mandello.
- Enjoy the peaceful lakeside promenade, perfect for relaxation.
OUR HOTEL PICK IN MANDELLO 🙂
Summing up…
The eastern shore of Lake Como offers a peaceful and less crowded alternative for visitors relying on public transport. Towns like Bellano, Lecco, and Mandello del Lario provide easy access to train and ferry services, allowing you to explore the beauty of the lake without the chaos of larger tourist hubs. Whether you prefer the charming atmosphere of a small village like Mandello or Bellano, or the convenient connections of Lecco, the eastern shore offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility.