Like any place overlooking a body of water, Lake Como reveals its full charm when seen from the lake itself. For this reason, the best way to get around is by using the scheduled ferry services or one of the many private taxi boats available in all the lakeside villages. The characteristic scheduled boats on Lake Como Navigazione Laghi: Public Ferry Service The public ferry service is very convenient and allows you to travel quickly from one side of the lake to the other. You can purchase single-journey tickets or the more cost-effective day pass, which allows unlimited boarding and disembarking on all ferries for an entire day (excluding the hydrofoil). We chose the day pass, which for the central area of the lake cost €15 per person. There are also car ferries that allow you to cross the lake quickly between Bellagio, Menaggio, Cadenabbia, and Varenna. Ferries and car ferries run quite frequently. Timetables and prices are available on the Navigazione Laghi website. Where is the best place to catch a ferry if you’re arriving from Milan? I recommend Bellano Definitely the pier in Bellano, where you can avoid the queues that are usually found at the Varenna ferry terminal. If you arrive from Milan by train, get off at Bellano Tartavalle Terme station. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Lake Como Navigation Terminal. On the return journey, you’re also more likely to find a seat on the train. If you arrive by car, take the SS36 Bellano exit and head towards the Lake Como Navigation Terminal (several car parks are available). Always check the ferry timetable in advance on the Navigazione Lago di Como website. Private Boat Services If you choose to visit Lake Como during the warmer months, I recommend spending a day out on a boat. This way, not only will you have the chance to see the villages from the lake—getting close to the villas and the most picturesque viewpoints to take countless photos, as I did—but you can also enjoy the thrill of swimming in the lake’s clear waters. Taxi Boat or Boat Hire? It depends on whether you prefer the peace of mind and certainty of seeing the lake’s highlights with an experienced skipper, or the sense of adventure and independence that comes with renting your own boat. The "typical Venetian taxi" at sunset on Lake Como Bellano Water Taxi offers crewed boat hire for tourism using brand-new vessels that are unique in their kind. The “typical Venetian water taxi” combines elegance, spaciousness, and unmatched comfort, making it ideal for family outings, groups of friends, and couples. Advance booking is required. Sailing Garage in Bellano offers new, easy-to-handle boats suitable for every need, from couples to families. They also provided me with a detailed guide so I could immediately set off towards the most interesting destinations on the lake. Advance booking is required. Discover the traditional boat of Lake Como: La Lucia The characteristic “Lucia” boat, symbol of Lake Como La Lucia is a traditional boat typical of Lake Como, recognisable by its iconic design featuring wooden arches covered with a canvas canopy. This type of boat takes its name from the protagonist of Alessandro Manzoni’s novel I Promessi Sposi, Lucia Mondella, who famously escapes in a similar boat in one of the novel’s most memorable scenes. In the past, these boats were used by fishermen and farmers to transport goods and people between the lake’s shores. Thanks to their light structure and ease of manoeuvring, they were ideal for navigating the calm waters of the lake. Today, La Lucia has become a symbol of local tradition and is mainly used for tourist excursions and historical reenactments. Where to take a ride on La Lucia on Lake Como Varenna – Several local companies organise tours on La Lucia along the eastern shore of the lake, offering spectacular views of Varenna, Bellagio, and the historic villas. Bellano – Here you can find private tours on the traditional La Lucia boat, for an authentic journey back in time. Lecco – Some local associations offer excursions on La Lucia, recreating the atmosphere of the novel I Promessi Sposi. Conclusion: to visit the lake, travel by water The public ferry service on Lake Como allows fast travel, with the option of day tickets. Car ferries connect Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna. When arriving from Milan, stopping in Bellano is the best solution to avoid queues. In summer, you can hire private boats or use taxi boats for personalised tours. Don’t miss the opportunity to step aboard La Lucia, the lake’s iconic traditional boat, available for tourist excursions in Varenna, Bellano, and Lecco, offering a unique experience that blends history and breathtaking scenery. Check availability and book now © 2026 Il tuo blog di viaggi e scoperte sul Lago di Como by villavistalago.it