Are you planning a trip to Lake Como and wondering what’s the best base to explore it? Bellagio, Como, Varenna, so many places to visit, here’s a guide to where to stay to avoid crowds on this touristy location.

Lake Como, nestled in the Italian Alps, is one of Italy’s most breathtaking destinations, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, luxurious villas, gorgeous mountains, and charming towns. While it’s getting more and more touristy, it’s also large enough to provide options for visitors seeking quieter escapes or places with easy access to the main sights and activities. Whether you’re traveling by car or relying on public transportation, Lake Como offers a variety of places to stay that can match your needs.

if you’re travelling by Public Transport
CLICK HERE

If you have a car, keep reading!

Travelling with a car gives you the opportunity to explore Lake Como away from the throngs of tourists that flock to towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como, especially during peak seasons. Here are some of the best off-the-beaten-path towns around Lake Como where to stay.

1. Tremezzina: Old-World Grandeur Meets Tranquil Beauty

Best for: Garden lovers, walkers, and those seeking a base with a blend of culture and calm.

Tremezzina, an elegant fusion of several villages including Lenno, Mezzegra, and Tremezzo, is a postcard-perfect location steeped in history and charm. It’s home to Villa Carlotta, famous for its botanical gardens and art collections, and offers panoramic lakeside walks along the Greenway del Lago di Como. Despite its beauty, it remains calmer than nearby tourist-heavy towns. Tremezzina strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and peace, with easy ferry links (from nearby Cadenabbia you can ferry your car to Bellagio and Varenna) and plenty of quiet spots to soak in the lake’s atmosphere.

Things to Do in Tremezzina:

2. Domaso: The Laid-Back Northern Escape


Best for: Active travelers, campers, and those seeking value without compromising beauty.

Once a humble fishing village, Domaso has quietly transformed into a hotspot for relaxed holidays, especially for those seeking a sporty, youthful vibe. Located at the northern end of the lake, it’s ideal for windsurfing, sailing, and hiking in the surrounding hills. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly areas if you plan to stay in Lake Como, with a range of campgrounds and modest hotels. You’ll find fewer crowds, wide-open lake views, and a slower pace — perfect for truly unwinding.

Things to Do in Domaso:

  • Drive up to Chiavenna or the Splügen Pass
  • Wine Tasting at Sorsasso, a beautiful winery with excellent food!
  • Visit Valtellina wine country
  • Enjoy water sports or biking along the lake

3. Menaggio – Family-Friendly with a Touch of Elegance


Best for: Families, multi-generational holidays, and travelers who want convenience without chaos.


With its sunny lakeside promenade, spacious piazzas, and beautiful views of the eastern shore of Lake Como, Menaggio is a great base for families or first-time visitors who want everything within easy reach — without the hustle of more crowded towns. One of the most convenient spots on the lake for travelers with a car, it has spacious lakefront promenades, scenic mountain views, and ample parking options. Plus, it’s a central hub for ferries, making day trips easy if you want to mix driving with boat rides.

Things to Do in Menaggio:

4. Lezzeno – Authentic, Scenic, and Close to Everything


Best for: Water sports enthusiasts and those craving an authentic, non-touristy village experience.

Just a few kilometers south of Bellagio, Lezzeno stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Como. It’s long, narrow, and often missed by tourists heading straight to the more famous towns—but that’s part of its charm. With a car, Lezzeno becomes the perfect quiet base with easy access to Bellagio, Nesso, and Como. You’ll find less traffic than the western shore, but stunning views. Lezzeno is easy to reach Bellagio by car or short boat trip.

Things to Do in Lezzeno:

  • Enjoy a local cousine of fresh lake fish away from the crowds.
  • Come hiking with us to Bellagio across the famous Devil’s Bridge
  • Visit the Grotta dei Bulberi by kayak or boat
  • Explore the quiet shoreline and enjoy peaceful swimming spots

5. Onno – Peaceful Retreat by the Water


Best for: Couples, solitude seekers, and off-the-beaten-path explorers.

Onno is a tiny hamlet tucked between the lake and mountains on the southeastern shore. It’s one of the most relaxing places to stay in Lake Como if you want zero crowds, lakeside charm, and the freedom to drive to busier spots like Bellagio, Lecco, or Varenna in under 30 minutes. An undiscovered gem with beautiful lake views and easy road access south to Lecco or north to Bellagio,

Things to Do in Onno:

  • Relax by the lake or take a swim in crystal-clear waters.
  • Hike Monte Moregallo or nearby mountain paths
  • Visit the larger town of Lecco for shopping and nightlife
  • Take a boat ride and hike among olive and chestnut trees

OUR HOTEL PICK IN ONNO 🙂

Bellagio Village


6. Bellagio’s Suburbs: The Best of Both Worlds


Best for: Travelers wanting proximity to Bellagio with a much more relaxed, residential vibe.


While downtown Bellagio buzzes with tourists, its outlying hamlets like San Giovanni, Pescallo, Visgnola, or even more secluded spots like Civenna or Chevrio offer stunning views and charm — minus the crowds. You can stroll or drive to the center, yet return to a peaceful village atmosphere where locals still hang laundry from their windows and greet you on the street. Staying in these suburbs gives you the perfect mix of access to Bellagio’s shops and restaurants, and the joy of a quiet, authentic lakeside stay.

Things to Do in Bellagio:

OUR HOTEL PICK IN BELLAGIO 🙂

Baita TreeB

Final Thoughts…


Lake Como offers more than just glitz and glamour — it’s a mosaic of villages each with its own personality. 
Whether you’re after sporty adventures in Domaso, refined elegance in Tremezzina, or the simple peace of Onno, there’s a perfect place waiting for you beyond the tourist trail. Choosing any of these towns means experiencing Lake Como the way locals do: slowly, quietly, and with wonder.