Top 10 Places to Take Photos in Lake Como

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. A trip to Lake Como is simply not 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. Read on for our top ten places to take photos in Lake Como. 📸

Photo: Marta in Lake Como for Flytographer. Katy and partner capture their honeymoon in Lake Como at the Villa del Balbianello with a couple photoshoot.

1. Varenna

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.

With plentiful patios overlooking the lake, why not enjoy an apertivo just before sunset? Not only will you have the ideal vantage point to take in Lake Como sunset views, but this will provide a fantastic opportunity to have a golden hour photoshoot. 🌅

Photo: Flytographer in Lake Como. Kacey and partner capture their proposal in Lake Como at the Varenna with a proposal photoshoot.

2. Como City

Situated along the border of Switzerland just outside of Milan, the historical centre of Como City is a must-visit location. 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: Flytographer in Lake Como. Miranda and partner celebrate their honeymoon in Como City with a couple photoshoot.

3. Bellagio

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. 😍

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 picture-perfect photo opportunities. Finish your stroll at the lakeside promenade for the best views of Lake Como.

Photo: Mattia in Lake Como for Flytographer. Gudrun and partner capture their honeymoon in Lake Como at the Bellagio with a couple photoshoot.

4. Menaggio

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 an interesting photo opportunity.  

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: Marta in Lake Como for Flytographer. Karen and partner enjoy a pre-wedding trip to Lake Como at the Menaggio with a couple photoshoot.

5. Villa Monastero

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 kilometers along the shore of Lake Como. 

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! 

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.

Photo: Marta in Lake Como for Flytographer. Ali and family capture a trip together in Lake Como at the Villa Monastero with a family photoshoot.

6. Boat Trip on Relais Villa Vittoria, Laglio

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. 

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! 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

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 — there’s so much to see! 🌳

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

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.

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! 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

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: Flytographer in Lake Como. Haley and partner celebrate their engagement in Lake Como at the Villa Melzi with a couple photoshoot.

10. Villa del Balbianello

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: Flytographer in Lake Como. Edward and partner capture their engagement in Lake Como at the Villa del Balbianello with a proposal photoshoot.

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. 💖