Lake Como Photo Spots
Located just outside of the Italian fashion capital of Milan, Lake Como is northern Italy’s favourite destination for the rich and famous — and for good reason. Italy’s most beautiful lake is surrounded by stunning villas and has a picture-perfect vantage point of the Alps. Whether your time is spent touring medieval ruins, wandering through botanical gardens, or simply basking in the glorious lake view, Lake Como is a destination that won’t disappoint. Read on for our top ten places to take photos in Lake Como. 📸
We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. No trip to Lake Como is complete without gorgeous photos to commemorate the trip! Visiting this super special place means you’ll need to know the perfect photo spots to capture your memories. ✨
TLDR
- Admire lakefront views from Varenna.
- Wander the streets with a Lake Como family photographer in Como City.
- Delight in iconic Italian fare in Bellagio.
- Find the Silk Weaver sculpture in Menaggio.
- Stroll through the botanical garden in Villa Monastero.
- Adventure on a Boat Trip on Relais Villa Vittoria, Laglio.
- Explore the cultural history of Villa Olmo.
- Stop got a picnic in Tremezzo and Parco Olivelli.
- Book a guided tour through Villa Melzi.
- Soak in the beauty at Villa del Balbianello.
Photo: Mattia in Lake Como for Flytographer. Charlie and partner capture memories in Lake Como with a proposal photoshoot.
1. Varenna
📍 Google Map Location: Contrada della Filanda, 25, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy
Customer love: “Mattia was amazing, he was very warm and friendly and being around him just makes you feel very at ease and welcomed. Besides the photography, he also shared more about Lake Como and we could feel that he was very sincere and very happy to share with everyone about this beautiful place. He truly knows the ins and outs of Varenna and we are privileged to have him as our photographer. Mattia aims to deliver and he will try his best to align everyone’s expectations. He truly has exceeded our expectations!” – Michelle T.
Conveniently located just one hour via train from Milan at the base of the Italian alps, this is a must-visit destination for anyone making their way through Italy. Varenna is a traditional Italian village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como and tucked at the bottom of an awe-inspiring cliffside. This quaint village is one of ✨ the most ✨ beautiful places in all of Como, with its vibrantly-hued buildings, lush greenery, and romantic sidewalk cafes and restaurants. A cobblestoned walkway loops throughout the village and along the lakefront — the perfect place to wander and find unique photo spots for lake photoshoot ideas.
With plentiful patios overlooking the lake, why not enjoy an aperitif just before sunset? Not only will you have the ideal vantage point to take sunset views, but this will provide a fantastic opportunity to have a golden hour Lake Como photoshoot. 🌅
Photo: Jean Roberto in Lake Como for Flytographer. Samir and partner capture memories in Lake Como with a proposal photoshoot in Varenna.
2. Como City
📍 Google Map Location: Piazza Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 20, 22100 Como CO, Italy
Customer love: “We loved our photo session with Sara at Lake Como. She made our children relaxed which always makes for a great session. The background was gorgeous at Como City and felt she was very patient and professional. We absolutely loved our photos and can’t wait to share them with our family and friends.” – Mona K
Situated along the border of Switzerland just outside of Milan, the historical centre of Como City is a must-visit location for Lake Como pics. Many people consider Como City as a transitional place between Milan and Lake Como, but there’s much more to this charming town. From cathedrals to museums and olive groves to villa gardens, Como City has so much to offer! 🌼
Wander through Old Town to discover medieval architecture, including fortress walls all around the perimeter. For panoramic views of the city, take the Como-Brunate funicular, or Funicolare Como, to the hilltop town of Brunate. Here you will have an incredible view of Como City with Lake Como sparkling behind it.
Photo: Lorenzo and Ylenia in Lake Como for Flytographer. Gabrielle and family capture memories in Lake Como with a family photoshoot in Como City.
3. Bellagio
📍 Google Map Location: Via Lungo Lario Manzoni 40, Bellagio, 22021, Italy
Customer love: “We absolutely had a wonderful time with Jean Roberto. He is not only a talented photographer, but a great conversationalist and tour guide. We had a great time learning from him about Bellagio and had a very pleasant photography session with him as we walked around Bellagio. The photos came back very quickly and were excellent. We loved that during the photo shoot he told us how to pose. When we were in Bellagio, there were a lot of tourists, so I was concerned that would slow down our photos, but that wasn’t the case at all. Jean knows a lot of hidden places around Bellagio that are great for photos and are known only to locals. We highly recommend Jean Roberto!” – Michelle G.
Lovingly referred to as ‘The Pearl of Lake Como,’ Bellagio is the most famous town in the area. Located where the Y-shaped lake splits into two sections, you’ll find unparalleled views of the lake in this charming town, perfect for Lago di Como photos. 😍
Bellagio has two levels —one along the lake shore and the other set atop picturesque hills. Take your time and wander through Bellagio’s photogenic streets to discover local shops and lively eateries. The narrow cobblestoned streets offer countless Lake Como photo opportunities. Finish your stroll at the lakeside promenade for the best views of Lake Como.
Photo: Mattia in Lake Como for Flytographer. Manjot and partner capture memories in Lake Como with a proposal photoshoot in Bellagio.
4. Menaggio
📍 Google Map Location: Via al Lago, 15, 22017 Menaggio CO, Italy
Customer love: “We had the most amazing experience during our engagement photoshoot in Menaggio with Mattia! He has the most artistic eye and captured our love story so beautifully! The Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio was a beautiful place to take pictures! All of Menaggio was beautiful. Mattia is the absolute nicest person to work with and we are SO lucky to have booked Matt as our photographer! If you are considering booking a photoshoot, I so highly recommend booking it with Matt!!!” – Caroline C.
Best Thing to Do: “The Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio was a beautiful place to take pictures! All of Menaggio was beautiful. We also did a 2 hour boat tour that left from Como and toured throughout the lake which we highly recommend!” – Caroline C.
Menaggio is another one of the most-visited towns in the Lake Como region. Between its historical centre, local boutiques, and outdoor activities, Menaggio has it all!
The main square in Menaggio is well worth exploring. One side borders the lake and offers a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy a drink at one of the cafes. ☕ Toward the north end of the village, you’ll find an interesting art sculpture dedicated to the silk weavers that once populated Menaggio. This sculpture is placed along the lakeshore and makes for interesting photos of Lake Como, Italy.
If souvenir shopping is of interest you’re in luck! Wander along Via Calvi to browse boutiques with local products including food, clothing, housewares, and more. If you prefer to explore the outdoors, Menaggio is a great home base for biking and hiking trails throughout the region. ⛰️
Photo: Irina in Lake Como for Flytographer. Adeola captures memories in Lake Como with a photoshoot in Menaggio.
5. Villa Monastero
📍 Google Map Location: Viale Giovanni Polvani, 4, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy
Customer love: “We had a wonderful photoshoot experience with Mattia! He is so kind and made all of us at ease, especially our toddler. Amazing photographer and a kind human. We love all of our pics! Villa Monastero was breathtaking and if we are coming to Lake Como again, we will definitely work with Mattia!” – Divina V.
Located in the gorgeous village of Varenna, Villa Monastero is a stunningly beautiful property that houses an amazing botanical garden. The garden stretches almost two kilometres along the shore of Lake Como. This is a perfect spot for Lake Como engagement photos! 💍
Imagine colourful florals, lush greenery, and ornate sculptures overlooking sparkling lake waters with the Alps in the background. That’s Villa Monastero! No matter where you go, there is a gorgeous view waiting to be captured. 😍This is a seriously instagrammable location for that Lake Como aesthetic!
Fun fact: Villa Monastero is also home to a museum and international conference centre. Since 1953, the Italian Society of Physics has held its annual ‘International School of Physics’ here, and over 34 Nobel Prize winners have spoken at this event.
Thinking about a Lake Como proposal? Check out our tips on finding the best Lake Como proposal photographer! ❤️
Photo: Mattia in Lake Como for Flytographer. Austin and partner capture memories in Lake Como with a proposal photoshoot at Villa Monastero.
6. Boat Trip on Relais Villa Vittoria, Laglio
📍 Google Map Location: Via Vecchia Regina, 62, 22010 Laglio CO, Italy
A trip to Lake Como is not complete without a boat trip on the water! 🚤 For a truly unforgettable experience, tour the waters near Relais Villa Vittoria. The Laglio area offers a fabulous opportunity to view villas scattered along the shoreline and go for an iconic Lake Como boat photoshoot. (Don’t forget to try all your favourite lake poses for Instagram!)
While you sail through the area, see if you can spot Villa Oleandra — George Clooney’s villa where he spends a few months every year! 🤩
Don’t forget your camera for Lake Como pictures! The views of the coastline and surrounding nature are top-notch when seen from the water.
Photo: Lorenzo and Ylenia in Lake Como for Flytographer. Robert and partner celebrate their engagement while on a Boat Tour on Relais Villa Vittoria, Laglio with a proposal photoshoot.
7. Villa Olmo
📍 Google Map Location: Via Simone Cantoni, 1, 22100 Como CO, Italy
This is easily the most majestic of all the villas in Lake Como. The massive property houses a large park, greenhouses, tennis courts, a hostel, and more. Visitors are permitted in the gardens and ground floor. Take an afternoon to really explore Villa Olmo with a Lake Como photographer — there’s so much to see and so many places to take photos! 🌳
This historic, 18th-century villa showcases neoclassical architecture in all its glory. In 1925, Como declared Villa Olmo a cultural hub, making it home to many cultural events and art exhibitions over the years. It is still used for these purposes to this day.
Photo: Flytographer in Lake Como. Karen and family capture a fun trip together in Lake Como at the Villa Olmo with a family photoshoot.
8. Tremezzo and Parco Olivelli
📍 Google Map Location: Via Statale, 5401, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy
Customer love: “Mattia is excellent!! Booked him with just a few days notice while in Tremezzo for our 10yr anniversary. Ended up shooting at our hotel, Grand Hotel Tremezzo and it turned out excellent! Mattia doesn’t just do the typical “couples” pics but does an amazing job getting some more natural shots mixed in that turned out so amazing!! Thank you Mattia!!!” – Darrell L.
Located along the western side of Lake Como, Tremezzo is another quaint Italian village. The village is most visited for the Villa Carlotta and its gardens. Geometric arrangements and artfully decorated terraces make for a striking garden setting, especially for a romantic Lake Como couple photoshoot.
Just a 15-minute walk from the gardens, you’ll find Parco Olivelli, a beautiful lakefront park that leads to San Lorenzo church. This park boasts rolling green fields, ornate water fountains and sculptures, and a fabulous lake view. There is a photo spot around every corner for a photoshoot in Lake Como! Enjoy a picnic lunch, wander through the park, and capture the moments to relive them time and time again. ❤️
Photo: Flytographer in Lake Como. Xiaoying and family celebrate a family trip in Lake Como at the Tremezzo and Parco Olivelli with a family photoshoot.
9. Villa Melzi
📍 Google Map Location: I Giardini di Villa Melzi, Via Lungo Lario Manzoni, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy
Located in Bellagio, Villa Melzi is home to Giardini di Villa Melzi. The privately owned villa was built in the early 19th century. The beautiful botanical garden houses various exotic trees and plants. It is especially beautiful in the spring season when everything is in bloom! 🌸
Located about a 20-minute walk away, you’ll find the incredible Villa Serbelloni, owned by Rockefeller Foundation. This impressive villa sits atop a hill at the very tip of Bellagio, overlooking Lake Como and the surrounding areas. It’s a truly jaw-dropping view.
Travel tip: To visit, plan ahead! You can only access this location with a guided tour.
Photo: Mattia in Lake Como for Flytographer. Michael and partner capture memories in Lake Como with a proposal photoshoot at Villa Melzi.
10. Villa del Balbianello
📍 Google Map Location: 22016 Tremezzina, Province of Como, Italy
Villa del Balbianello will leave you speechless when you see its terraced gardens and picturesque architecture.
The villa provides a captivating view of Isola Comacina — the only island in Lake Como. You may have seen this view in movies such as Star Wars or James Bond, as the villa is now used for film and photography sets. 🎬
Located in the comune of Leno, you can find other world-renowned villas just steps away, including Villa la Cassinella, one of the most exclusive properties in Lake Como.
Photo: Gabriele in Lake Como for Flytographer. Ann and partner capture memories in Lake Como with an engagement photoshoot in Villa del Balbianello.
Capturing memories in Lake Como
No matter where you choose to spend your time, Lake Como is a magical destination with beauty to be found in every corner. A truly picture-perfect place, there are countless opportunities to capture your memories. Book a Flytographer shoot to commemorate your trip to northern Italy and relive your magical memories for years to come. 💖
Discover the Best Photo Spots Near Lake Como
45,000+ 5 Star reviews from across the globe!
“The first moment we met Jean, we immediately felt at ease. Even before the shoot, Jean was in constant communication about coordinating our meet up time and how the weather patterns moved during our day for the best lighting. During our session, he made us laugh so much that day & never once did we feel rushed! He even gave some insight to the locations we were in. Not only were we left with these beautiful photos in Lake Como, but just a positive, fun experience with Jean. I would recommend him personally to any of my friends if they visit the beautiful Bellagio.”
Bobby
Bellagio
“From start to finish, the experiencing working with Irina was nothing short of 5 star. She helped me and my fiancés dream come to life getting engaged at Lake Como, and took photos that we’ll cherish forever. She is a wonderful human that we now call a friend and I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a master at their craft.”
Tommy
Custom Route
“We recently had the pleasure of working with Mattia for our proposal shoot, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience and the results. Matt was discreet and managed to capture the surprise and emotions beautifully. He had scoped out the perfect location beforehand, which provided a stunning backdrop for our photos. Matt made us feel comfortable and at ease, allowing us to be ourselves and enjoy the moment.The final photos were breathtaking. Each shot was expertly composed and edited, perfectly capturing the joy and love of the day. We highly recommend Matt to anyone looking for a talented and dedicated photographer. He went above and beyond to make our proposal shoot memorable and delivered photos that we will cherish forever.”
Priyesh
Custom Route
