Lake Como -- walk or ferry between Villas?

We are also staying in Varenna for 3 nights in May. Michaelangelo B & B. So I am also interested in these questions.

You can do a combination of both walk and ferry to get a different perspective.

Must Do ?

Sit on the lake in Varenna around the Nilus Bar, drink wine (or cappuccinos) and watch the boats....and then enjoy the glorious colors on the buildings as the sun sets....ahhhhh....

For me having just experienced the beautiful Isola Bella and the even more beautiful Isola Madre off Stresa on Lake Maggiore - and having loved Lake Como in a previous year - my must do would be another day one lake over with at least a half day on Isola Madre. I just love that garden and all the free to roam birds and other wildlife. I spent 20 minutes just watching a lizard. In May it will be so incredible there.

Easiest with a car though, using the traghetto to Intra from Laveno and then the short drive south on the west shore.

Yes you can walk and its flat - if its sunny the walk will be hot.

If I had to pick ONE villa I'd pick Villa del Balbianello over Villa Carlotta. take the ferry over from Bellagio and than take the walking tour at Villa del Balbianello it is totally worth it. It was a highlight of our first stay on Lake Como. We did Villa Carlotta our second visit and we could have skipped it.

Bellagio and Menaggio on the same day seems weird to me but I love taking ferries. I suppose you could have lunch in Menaggio and dinner in Bellagio.

Google maps says that it is 5.2km to walk between the villas, and takes 1 hour 12 minutes. Looks like all sidewalk.

We were there in early May last year. It was about a half an hour hike to Villa Balbianello from the Lenno ferry dock. But the villa was closed for a few days because of storm damage. 😥 So we walked back to the ferry and got off in Tremezzo (the stop before Carlotta). There are a few places to stop for lunch and wine on the short walk along the lake to the villa. We happened to stop at the Red and White Bar. We had an all day mid-lake pass, so we hit all the towns in one day. My wife thought it was a little hot, but I don't remember it being uncomfortable.

Thanks Donna. I'm curious why you think visiting Menaggio and Bellagio is weird? Is it worth staying in Bellagio all day? We love riding the ferries but if Menaggio is not worth a visit so more time can be spent in Bellagio we are certainly open to that. Thanks.

Thanks Bob. Your response is extremely helpful and just what I needed to know. I got the mileage calculation off Google maps but wasn't sure of the elevation. Thank you so much for your reply.

If you stay in Varenna and want to go to Bellagio or any other village across the lake, you must be aware that ferry service doesn’t last all night, and actually ends in the early evening, therefore you are pretty much forced to have dinner in whichever town you sleep.
All villages are pretty and quaint, but Bellagio is a must, if you don’t have time for any other.
North of Varenna there is also Bellano (including its gorge) that is worth visiting (can go by train).

We are staying in Varenna in May 15-18th also,
we registered for the Varenna Taxi Boat that has the 2.5 hour lake tour and Villa Balbianello.
www.Taxiboatvarenna.com
I just emailed him and asked what days and times were available and he sent me a link to pay
Have fun..

Villa Balbianello is hands down the most beautiful villa on the lake due it’s setting. Villa Carlotta was our least favorite. Villa Melzi gardens in Bellagio and Villa Monasterio in Varenna are set along the lakefront, beautiful spots.

I highly recommend the Varenna Taxi boat! Last May we joined the small boat load of tourists who got a guided tour of the mid Lake region as well as a tour of Villa Balbianello all included in the price. We were dropped off at the dock on villa grounds, had our private guided tour and went back to the dock to board and return to Varenna. I also have heard that this villa is the one you don't want to miss.