Spot 01

Varenna

The most photogenic village on the lake

Clinging to the eastern shore with almost theatrical drama, Varenna offers narrow stone alleyways draped in bougainvillea, colorful fishermen's houses stacked above the water's edge, and a waterside promenade with uninterrupted lake views framed by mountains on both sides.

Arrive before 8 AM for glassy reflections and empty streets. Climb to the ruins of Vezio Castle above town for a sweeping panoramic view of the entire central lake.

Spot 02

Bellagio

The pearl of the lake

Perched dramatically at the fork where the lake's two southern arms divide, Bellagio allows you to frame both arms of the lake simultaneously from its elevated gardens. The steep cobblestone lanes lined with oleander and wisteria make for beautiful intimate street photography.

For the iconic shot of Bellagio's triangular peninsula, take the ferry to Varenna or Menaggio and photograph the village from the lake itself.

Spot 03

Villa del Balbianello

A photographer's dream near Lenno

Perched on a dramatic wooded promontory near Lenno, this 18th-century villa with its terraced gardens, wisteria-draped loggia, and stone balustrades is one of the most photographed locations in Italy — and has appeared in Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

The view from the villa's upper loggia, framing the lake and mountains through arched columns, is breathtaking in any light. Timed entry tickets are required — book well in advance.

Spot 04

Nesso Gorge

Hidden drama off the beaten path

The village of Nesso on the southeastern shore hides a spectacular secret: a deep rocky gorge where two mountain streams converge and plunge into the lake in a series of dramatic waterfalls. The centuries-old Ponte della Civera stone arch bridge frames the cascading water beautifully.

The gorge is narrow and shaded, making it ideal for long-exposure waterfall photography even in bright midday conditions.

Spot 05

Villa Carlotta, Tremezzina

Classic panoramas and garden blooms

The western shore between Lenno and Tremezzina offers some of the most classically beautiful lake panoramas anywhere on Como. Villa Carlotta's extraordinary gardens — rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias — erupt into color from April through June, creating a stunning floral foreground for landscape photographers.

The stepped terraced gardens rise above the lake and offer framed views through flowering branches that are genuinely unforgettable.

Spot 06

Bellagio Headland from the Ferry

The view that defines Lake Como

The cross-lake view of Bellagio's triangular headland — shot from the public ferry or a rented boat — is the archetypal Lake Como photograph. Both arms of the lake stretch away on either side, with Alpine peaks receding into haze. This perspective simply cannot be achieved from land.

The public ferry is inexpensive and runs frequently. Stand at the bow with a wide-angle lens and be patient — the light changes every few minutes.

Spot 07

Ossuccio Sacro Monte

Elevated solitude above the western shore

Above the western shore near Ossuccio, the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte climbs a forested hillside past 14 Baroque chapels, each containing terracotta sculptures set among ancient chestnut trees. The combination of religious architecture, old-growth forest, and lakeside panoramas makes this one of the most visually layered locations on the lake.

Because it requires a 30-minute uphill walk, it remains blessedly uncrowded. The lake views from the upper path are among the most peaceful anywhere on Como.

Spot 08

Brunate, Above Como Town

Bird's-eye views via the historic funicular

The city of Como at the lake's southwestern tip is often overlooked by visitors rushing north. The hillside funicular up to the village of Brunate provides extraordinary aerial views of Como town and the southern lake as it climbs. At the top, Brunate sits above the clouds on misty mornings, offering a bird's-eye perspective of the lake below that is genuinely spectacular.