Lake Como Travel Guide

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.”

– Giuseppe Verdi

Europe’s deepest and most picturesque lake is as beautiful as one imagines – surrounded by magnificent palazzos and villas, climbing the towering mountains. The cliffs are so steep that the vast majority of life is in the charming nearby villages with pastel houses that wind along the foothills close to the shore. Above, the mountains are wild, unspoiled and thickly forested.

When to Go:

Summer is the prime season, but the lake is open all year, and winters are mild. It was fabulous to go in April, where the wisteria was in bloom and the sun shining bright. If water based activities are the top priority, late June to August will be the best, noting that it will be busy and hot. If hiking and biking is important, springtime is perfect.

Things to do in Lake Como

• E Bike tours

• Walking on the sky in Moltrasio - we saw an old man gardening, and it was possibly the most pure thing I’ve witnessed!

• Explore villa Balbianello in Tremezzo

• Vintage boat ride

• Kayaking

• Stand up paddle boarding

• Water skiing

• Jet skiing

• Visit Brunate and take a cable car

• Lake Como Greenway Hike (6 miles)

• Food tour

• Visit Brunate and take a cable car to the top of the mountain for a spectacular view.

• A picnic lunch on the gardens of one of the beautiful villas

• Private after-hours dinner at a villa that’s prepared by the chef of a local Michelin-starred restaurant

• Como Lake Helicopter tour

• Boating on Lake Como full day tour

• Seaplane over Lake Como

• Riva Motoryacht Experience, visit the Lake Como Riva factory and have a Tour of the lake

• Discover Lake Garda full-day experience

• Day trip to Lake Maggiore

• Painting workshop

• Take a private boat ride along the lake and stop for lunch at Locanda dell’Isola Comacina, a small island restaurant In Como, shop for silk and learn how silk is make in one of the local, traditional silk factories.

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Different Villages

The stunning lake aside, part of the charm of Lake Como is its quaint villages.

Bellagio: A small and elegant village offering unrivalled coastal views, quaint cobble-stoned flower-lined streets, and lovely villas with ivy-covered balconies that come in all kinds of pastel colors. While full of vibrant restaurants, it is the most touristy.

• Villa Melzi

• Villa Serbelloni

• Silk Shopping

Como:

• San Fedele church

• Stroll along the lakeside promenade

• Porta Pretoria, the ancient gate to the town,

Varenna:

• Villa Monastero

• Stroll all the way up to Castello di Vezio for some incredible lake views

Menaggio: This is a small town, acting as a laid-back, less popular sister-village to Bellagio. Once a walled city in medieval times, Menaggio is now a quaint resort brimming with hotels, cafes, and characterful boutiques.

Lenno: set along the water and has several scenic walking paths. It’s where the cool crowd flocks to sunbathe.

Lezzeno – full of serenity, but not a scene.

Cadenabbia, set on the side of Mount Crocione is the place to get those dramatic shots of the Alps.

Where to Stay

• Grand Hotel Tremezzo - A perfect fusion of classical and contemporary, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a family-run grand hotel filled with soul. The hotel is a total scene! With a vibey beach club overlooking the lake and floating pool, iconic views throughout the property, and incredible food & atmosphere, you’re sure to be wow’d here.

• Villa d’este: The grand dame of the lake, chalk full of old world glamour. Villa D’este has by far the dreamiest gardens and most sprawling landscape. The iconic floating pool makes this hotel one of the most esteemed places to stay in the world.

• Passalacqua – An Italian country home and restored mansion built in 1787! This jaw dropping property has an essence about it that can’t quite be explained. Not to mention:

  • A secret tunnel with a pool (coming SOON)

  • Morning yoga

  • Marble used in the Vatican in the Bellini suite

  • Tennis, rose gardens, chicken coop

  • Complimentary group tours:

    • Gelato classes

    • Pizza making

    • Flower designing

Each of these properties offers a COMPLETELY different vacation. Let’s chat about what’s important to you, and I can pair you with the perfect place, AND offer additional upgrades and amenities due to my personal relationships.

Insider Tips

• Lake Como is larger than you might expect – it takes about an hour and a half to drive from one end to the other. Keep this in mind when planning your days and restaurant plans.

• Transfers are outrageously pricey! If you’re looking to cut costs, you could consider renting a car. Other options include local taxis and public ferries, versus private vintage boats.

• Note that taxis are difficult to get – talk to your concierge, or call well in advance to reserve.

• Most villas and gardens you would like to visit are closed on Monday.

• Don’t have the time or budget for multiple days in Lake Como? Consider a day trip from Milan!

• Private, vintage boats on the lake are a staple to Lake Como, but prices run high. There is a public ferry that you could opt for to cut costs.

“The name of Italy has magic in its very syllables.”

Looking for more Lake Como and Italy inspiration? Check out my story highlights on my Instagram, @onyx.and.evergreen.travel.

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