Lake Como is one of the most beautiful spots in Italy… but it’s renowned for being expensive. So is it possible to visit Lake Como on a budget?
So you’re reading this because you want to visit Lake Como, but don’t have George Clooney’s millions. Don’t worry – it turns out you don’t need them!
I visited Lake Como in late September, as the busy tourist season was coming to close. I was keen to sample some of the finer things in life… but also wondered whether this was a place that could be done on a backpacker budget.
Firstly, Lake Como is a slightly awkward place to get to. While the train from the centre of Milan only takes under an hour, you won’t be in the prettiest area, so you’ll still need to catch a bus or ferry to the central towns on the lake. The C10 bus is regular, cheap and goes to most of the main towns. Many people have recommended BlaBlaCar (ride share service) as a great way of getting around Europe – in fact my friend used it to travel from Munich to Lugano, and then caught the bus to the lake.
The easiest route is to take the train to Varenna for around 10 EUR. While I travelled from the airport, I’ve read that before you board a train in Italy you need to validate your train tickets by putting your ticket in a green box.
I’d recommend reading this post which offers a detailed guide to travelling from Milan to Lake Como.
Once in Varenna, walk to the water and catch the ferry for 4.60 EUR across the lake to Menaggio. Once there, check into the only youth hostel in the area – Menaggio Youth Hostel. A shared dorm will set you back around 20 EUR a night. The rooms are basic but nearly all the rooms have incredible lake views. Breakfast is included and there are plenty of social activities to choose from. There is wifi, but don’t expect a speedy connection! The bar is cheap, pizza is good and there’s also a private beach across the street. It’s pebbly and not somewhere you’d spend hours, but it’s a nice perk for the price of the hostel. Busabout groups also visit the hostel, so it’s guaranteed to be busy.
The best way to see the area is either by bike or boat. If you’re based in Menaggio, you can pretend you’re James Bond and hop on board a boat. The hop-on-hop-off ferry tickets cost 4.60 EUR for a single, or 15 EUR for a full day. If you have time, stop off at Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta, Bellagio and Varenna. Each town has its own distinct style, beautiful architecture, quirky shops and gelato to die for!
If you’re keen to relax (and pretend you’re living an extravagant life) visit Lido de Menaggio for the day. With two pools, plenty of sun loungers, and direct access to the lake, it rivals some of the most expensive hotels around the lake. When I visited in September, there were long afternoons of sunshine and temperatures around 26 degrees. There were price lists suggesting it would cost around 3 EUR to enter the lido area, but no one asked for money and it was virtually empty!
In terms of eating, there are a handful of restaurants in each town, and often if you order a drink, you’ll also receive a plate of snacks (crisps, olives, focaccia). You can find pizzas for 6-7 EUR and gelatos and coffees for 1-2 EUR. I found drinks very reasonable, with a small carafe of wine for 4 EUR.
So all in all – yes it is possible to do Lake Como on a budget… and it’s definitely worth it. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been, and a perfect place to recharge your batteries.
Have you visited Lake Como? Where was your favourite place? Let me know in the comments below.
If you’re looking for more guides to this region, check out these posts:
- 17 Amazing Things To Do In Lake Como
- 20 Top Things To Do In Lake Como In Winter
- How To Travel From Milan To Lake Como
- What To Do If You Only Have One Day In Milan
- The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More
- 23 Best Hidden Gems In Italy: Venture Off The Beaten Path In Italy
- Riva del Garda: Restaurants, Food Experiences and Activities
- Where To Stay In Lake Garda, Italy – Hotels For Every Budget
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I certainly never knew Lake Como could be done on a budget. I always thought it would be mega bucks! Thanks for the pointers 🙂
I know! Isn’t it great? Definitely worth a visit and don’t be put off by people telling you it’ll cost you thousands! Cx
Great tips! I was actually considering Lake Como for my wedding venue but thought it would be too expensive/awkward for guests to get to in the end but it looks so gorgeous. Nice to know I can visit without breaking the bank 🙂
Hey Hannah,
Wow what a gorgeous place for a wedding – we saw a few that week actually! It would be harder to do something like that on a budget unless you have a venue sorted at a good rate / family nearby etc! But in terms of a cheap break, it’s definitely possible. I hope you manage to go soon 🙂 Cx
hi. i’m also staying in the youth hostel in Menaggio and plan to buy a day pass ferry ticket. I would like to include Villa del Balbianello which is located in Lenno in my itinerary but I’m not sure if the ferry to Lenno is included in the day pass ticket (15 euros)?
Hi Jay – I’m not too sure on this one and don’t want to quote wrong info! Best to check there. Hope you have a lovely time!!
Hi Chloe! Great post! Like the other comments, I always thought that in order to visit Lake Como, you have to be mega rich! So thank you for the pointers. Whereabouts can you purchase the ferry ticket? Can you buy it from the ferry driver on the day, or can it be purchased in advance?
Hi Margret, Thanks so much for your comments. I think lots of people are put off going near Como because of the prices, but it’s definitely possible to visit on a budget. We bought our tickets just before boarding. There may be a way to get one in advance but I’m not too sure!
Hi Chloe! How may days did you stay/recommend?
Very nice tips, exactly what i am looking for!
I recommend 3-4 days ideally, but you’d have a great time in a weekend if that’s all you have available!
Great post. How many days would you recommend a visit?
I’d suggest 4 days approximately!