1. Villa del Balbianello

The iconic lakeside villa with terraced gardens featured in numerous films – skip the crowded ferry and take a private taxi boat from Lenno in late afternoon when the gardens are bathed in golden light and most day-trippers have departed.

2. Bellagio’s Waterfront

The “Pearl of Lake Como” with its elegant promenade and cobblestone streets – explore beyond Piazza San Giacomo by taking the stone stairway behind Hotel Metropole to discover peaceful gardens and local artisan workshops without the crowds.

3. Varenna’s Passeggiata degli Innamorati

The romantic lakeside walkway connecting the harbor to the historic center – visit at sunset but walk it in reverse (starting from Villa Monastero) for the most spectacular views and photographs of the village silhouette.

4. Villa Carlotta

Grand 17th-century villa with spectacular botanical gardens in Tremezzo – ask at the ticket office about their “gardener’s tour” offered Wednesday mornings where you can access normally closed areas and learn about rare plant specimens.

5. Brunate Funicular

Historic cable railway climbing from Como to mountain views – ride up for sunset but descend via the panoramic hiking trail “Sentiero 1” for breathtaking twilight views of the lake illuminated below (bring a headlamp for the final section).

6. Isola Comacina

Lake Como’s only island with ancient ruins and artistic heritage – book lunch at Locanda dell’Isola Comacina where they’ve served the same traditional menu since 1947, followed by their famous “coffee ceremony” with flaming brandy and island history storytelling.

7. Como Cathedral

Impressive Gothic-Renaissance duomo in the heart of Como city – visit during the “blue hour” just after sunset when the interior is illuminated and attend one of the free organ concerts typically held on Saturday evenings.

8. Greenway del Lago

10km lakeside walking path connecting charming villages – start from Colonno early morning and time your arrival in Griante to coincide with lunch at Trattoria Santo Stefano, where the terrace offers views across to Bellagio and the owner serves wine from his own lakeside vineyard.

9. Orrido di Bellano

Spectacular natural gorge with walkways along thundering waterfalls – visit during spring runoff for the most dramatic water display and purchase the combined ticket that includes entry to the adjacent Ca’ del Diavol museum for a fascinating glimpse into local folklore.

10. Menaggio Promenade

Elegant lakeside town with a beautiful central square and garden – skip the crowded central cafes and continue walking north past the ferry terminal to Ristorante il Vapore, where locals gather on the waterfront terrace for aperitivo, offering the same views at half the price.