Lake Como towns, villas and day trips
These are trips beyond Como town. Villages, gardens and villas require transport and opening checks. Choose one area or a small number of compatible stops. Restaurant directions are for returning to Como, not a suggestion that the destinations are close on foot.
Cernobbio and Villa Erba
Villa Erba, the Erba family’s 19th-century residence, is linked with film director Luchino Visconti and now hosts events and conferences. Cernobbio is one of the first-basin towns to consider for an outing from Como.
Planning your visit. With limited time, explore the town’s waterfront and check any villa opening in advance. Not every lakeside villa is a public museum. The return directions start at Cernobbio’s lakeside square.
Official source and visitor information
Return to La Griglia from Cernobbio and Villa ErbaGoogle Maps: from Piazza Risorgimento, Cernobbio → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Torno and the first lake basin
Torno is known for its small harbour and lakeside village. Other first-basin stops include Blevio and Moltrasio. Travelling by boat reveals villas and scenery from a different perspective to the road.
Planning your visit. This can be an alternative to a full day in the central lake area. Choose one or two stops and check the return boat before disembarking. Our route starts in Torno and is not a city-centre walk.
Official source and visitor information
Return to La Griglia from Torno and the first lake basinGoogle Maps: from Piazza Casartelli, Torno → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Bellagio and Villa Melzi Gardens
Villa Melzi was built in the early 19th century for Francesco Melzi d’Eril. Its park, designed by Luigi Canonica and Luigi Villoresi, combines planting, sculptures and lake views. A garden ticket is not a visit inside a private residence.
Planning your visit. Combine the village with time in the gardens rather than packing the day with crossings. Check seasonal opening and tickets with the operator. Returning to Como requires transport: plan it before booking dinner.
Official source and visitor information
Return to La Griglia from Bellagio and Villa Melzi GardensGoogle Maps: from Giardini di Villa Melzi, Bellagio → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Varenna and Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero grew from a medieval women’s monastery into a residence altered over successive centuries. The house museum and garden reveal different layers of its history and offer a cultural visit in Varenna.
Planning your visit. Check whether your chosen ticket covers the garden, house museum or both. Leave time for the village and verify boat connections rather than assuming them. Our restaurant route is a return journey to Como by public transport.
Official source and visitor information
Return to La Griglia from Varenna and Villa MonasteroGoogle Maps: from Villa Monastero, Viale Giovanni Polvani 4, Varenna → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Menaggio: waterfront and Castello quarter
Menaggio’s centre lies between the lakefront and the historical Castello area, reached by streets and steps. Piazza Garibaldi is a starting point for exploring the town’s history on the western shore.
Planning your visit. Choose a gentle lakefront stroll or add the upper quarter if you enjoy walking. The steps make these different accessibility choices. Check boats and buses before returning, particularly outside the main season.
Official source and visitor information
Return to La Griglia from Menaggio: waterfront and Castello quarterGoogle Maps: from Piazza Garibaldi, Menaggio → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo
Villa Carlotta combines an art museum and botanical garden. Its collections include sculpture associated with Canova and Hayez’s painting of Romeo and Juliet’s last kiss. It brings together art and the lake landscape.
Planning your visit. Look beyond the façade and decide how to split your time between galleries and garden paths. Check tickets, opening and accessible routes on the official website. Plan the return to Como around actual transport availability.
Official source and visitor information
Return to La Griglia from Villa Carlotta, TremezzoGoogle Maps: from Villa Carlotta, Via Regina 2, Tremezzina → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Villa del Balbianello, Lenno
The 18th-century villa and its garden stand on a lakeside promontory near Lenno. The estate is associated with Guido Monzino, its last owner, and is now managed by the FAI heritage organisation.
Planning your visit. Advance booking is required by the operator. Access involves walking or a boat service; cars cannot reach the villa entrance. Check admission and access before travelling. Maps may not include every private lake service in its return suggestion.
Official source and visitor information
Return to La Griglia from Villa del Balbianello, LennoGoogle Maps: from Villa del Balbianello, Tremezzina → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
Lake Como Greenway
The Greenway is an approximately 10-kilometre route between Colonno and Griante through Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra and Tremezzo. Parts follow the old Via Regina, combining villages, inland stretches and lake views.
Planning your visit. It is outside Como town. You can walk a section, planning outward and return transport, water and suitable footwear. Follow the official route. Our button uses Lenno as a return starting point and does not trace the whole Greenway.
Official source and visitor information
Return to La Griglia from Lake Como GreenwayGoogle Maps: from Lenno, Tremezzina → to La Griglia di Como, Via Rezzonico 2.
A break at La Griglia di Como
Find us at Via Rezzonico 2, Como: a family-run Italian restaurant and pizzeria with home-style cooking and seafood dishes. Open 11:30–14:30 and 18:30–23:00; closed on Wednesdays. Check table availability before planning your return.
Menu and pricesBook with TableoFind usBack to the Como and lake guide
By La Griglia di Como · sources checked on 4 October 2026. An independent restaurant guide. Opening, prices, events and transport can change; check the official websites before visiting. Maps calculates routes at the time and does not guarantee step-free access.