Lake Como: Italy’s Timeless Jewel
A postcard destination! Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is a destination that exudes elegance, natural beauty, and timeless charm. With its deep blue waters, picturesque villages, and grand villas, it has long been a retreat for the world’s elite and a dream destination for travelers seeking tranquility and luxury.
Lake Como, or Lago di Como, has a history dating back to Roman times when it was a favored resort for aristocrats and emperors. Over the centuries, it has maintained its reputation as a luxurious getaway, attracting artists, writers, and celebrities. Today, its stunning landscapes and historic architecture making it one of Italy’s most visited and cherished locations.
Towns of Lake Como
One of the best ways to experience Lake Como is by visiting its charming towns, each offering a unique atmosphere:
- Bellagio – Often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio boasts cobbled streets, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views. Its waterfront promenade and boutique shops make it a favorite among visitors. The picturesque village is home to scenic cobbled lanes and stairways lined with charming boutiques, gelato shops, cafes and restaurants – Salita Serbelloni is the most famous passageway. Bellagio is small enough to visit as a day trip, but its location between the lake’s two branches make it the ideal home base for exploring the surrounding region.
- Varenna – A quieter, romantic village with pastel-colored houses, lakeside cafés, Varenna is also home to two of the prettiest villas on Lake Como – Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Varenna offers an authentic Italian experience with fewer crowds. Varenna is my favorite destination on Lake Como. The little village sits on the eastern shore where you’ll find some of the loveliest viewpoints on the lake. A colorful façade of yellow, orange and red buildings paint an incredible scene for visitors approaching by boat in search of postcard perfect views.
- Menaggio – With its stunning piazzas, lively cafés, and scenic walking paths, Menaggio is perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Mennagio is one of the most scenic settlements to approach by water. Colorful old buildings cluster around the waterfront where the white bell tower of St. Stephen’s Church rises up out of the rooftops.
- Tremezzo – Home to the exquisite Villa Carlotta, which features botanical gardens and art collections, Tremezzo is a must-visit for history and nature lovers alike. It is also home to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a luxurious 5-star hotel offering breathtaking lake views, world-class dining, and an opulent spa experience.
Places to Visit
- Villa del Balbianello – One of the most famous villas on the lake, known for its terraced gardens and its appearance in Hollywood films such as Star Wars: Episode II and Casino Royale.
- Villa Carlotta – A beautiful villa with stunning botanical gardens and impressive art collections.
- Villa Monastero – A historic villa and botanical garden in Varenna, featuring stunning lake views, lush gardens, and an elegant museum. One of the most beautiful villas on the lake and by far my favorite villa. This villa was everything I thought Lake Como would feel like- an ABSOLUTE dream!
- Villa Cipressi – Another remarkable villa in Varenna, known for its gorgeous botanical gardens and spectacular lakefront views.
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo – A legendary luxury hotel that perfectly blends history, glamour, and modern comforts, making it an unforgettable stay on Lake Como. The hotel’s signature orange + white color palette bursts Italy and we loved it so much, that we spent hours just strolling the grounds here.
- Boat Tours – Exploring the lake by boat is an unforgettable way to take in its beauty, with options ranging from public ferries to private luxury cruises.
Where to Eat
RISTORO FORMA E GUSTO (BELLAGIO)
My favorite restaurant in Lake Como. A lovely little restaurant with tables on an alleyway in Bellagio. Risto Forma e Gusto serves all the classic pizza, pasta and calzone dishes – very affordable. The bruschetta appetizer is a must. The ambiance, the food and the service was all a 10/10. The lines do not lie in Italy and this place had a line wrapped all the way around the corner every night.
GIACOMO AL LAGO (TREMEZZO)
A beautiful restaurant on Lake Como is lakefront at Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The outdoor restaurant bursts with retro Italy vibes, surrounded by sun beds, umbrellas, tabletops and chairs dripping in the property’s signature orange + white color palette. Keep in mind, you need to have reservations beforehand as this place gets booked up quick!
TRATTORIA SAN GIACOMO (BELLAGIO)
This little restaurant sits at the top of the steps on Salita Serbelloni, the most photographed location in all of Lake Como. If you can get one of their tables outside, the ambiance is a 10/10.
GELATERIA DEL BORGO (BELLAGIO)
The tastiest gelato shop in Bellagio is located at the top of the village. Flavors change daily, but one of my favorites was mint.
LA FONTANA (BELLAGIO)
La Fontana offers a classic, authentic Italian dining experience with the charm of Bellagio’s picturesque setting. The combination of delicious food, great service, and a cozy, scenic atmosphere makes it a solid choice for those looking to enjoy a relaxed meal while visiting this beautiful town on Lake Como. Except a line around the corner as we had to wait for about 30 minutes but it was well worth it. 10/10 recommended.
BAR II MOLO (VARENNA)
Absolutely charming bar / cafe on the Varenna waterfront that faces picturesque views of the village and a little beach. This place is very popular during high season, expect a long wait for a table. The food here wasn’t the best, I will rate it at 5/10 but the views were spectacular of the village.
When to Visit
Lake Como is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). These months offer pleasant weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. With that being said, my husband and I traveled to Lake Como in August. It was very hot. Because we also stayed in Bellagio, note that Bellagio was very busy during peak times of the day. It was nice to explore Bellagio quietly during the morning hours, hop on the ferry and explore other towns and then return to Bellagio for dinner- we were able to beat all the crowds.
Getting Around Lake Como
Taking a boat is the most picturesque way to explore Lake Como. The public ferry, self-drive boat rental, and boat rental with a captain are the three ways to get around on the sea.
FERRY: Bellagio, Como, Lenno, Menaggio, Tremezzina, Varenna, and numerous other well-known villages and towns on the lake are connected by frequent ferry lines. Ferry tickets can be bought at the tiny pier kiosks; however I would recommend buying ferry tickets in advance as it will save you time. If you do pre-book the ferries in advance, be sure to double check the time tables and buy tickets HERE
BOAT RENTAL (SELF-DRIVE): Even without a boat license, you can rent a boat on Lake Como. These boats are compact and rather easy to use. You have the most freedom to explore the lake when you choose the self-drive option. Anchoring at Nesso’s Civera Bridge is a great way to spend an afternoon swimming, jumping, and tanning. Depending on the duration, rental costs might range from €75 to €350 (not including fuel). Como Lake Boats, Cadenzanni Lake Como Boat Rental, Lake by Boat, and Lake Como Boat all provide boat rentals.
PRIVATE BOAT (W/CAPTAIN): The priciest way to see Lake Como is to book a private boat with a captain. The cost varies according to the type of boat and duration of stay (the famous wood panel boats are more expensive). Bellano Water Taxi, Como Classic Boats, Taxi Boat Varenna, and Non Solo Barche are among the rental providers.
Where to Stay
In terms of location, it doesn’t get more convenient than the waterfront in Bellagio. Hotel Du Lac hotel sits on the main boulevard where restaurants, gelato shops and the ferry terminal are mere steps away. That said, the rooms are standard, nothing particularly special, and there isn’t much in terms of lakefront serenity on this busy street. This charming hotel offers breathtaking lake views, exceptional hospitality, and easy access to the town’s main attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring Lake Como. Other hotel recommendations in Bellagio are Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and Hotel Belvedere perched on the hills above Bellagio. And in Tremezzo, I would recommend Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Lake Como is more than just a scenic retreat; it’s a place where history, culture, and nature come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re wandering through its charming towns, indulging in delicious cuisine, or simply admiring the breathtaking views, Lake Como promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or planning a longer stay, Lake Como is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. Take in the natural beauty, explore the charming towns, and relax in the luxury that only this Italian gem can offer. I hope I’ve inspired you to visit Lake Como!! Don’t forget to document your journey — every corner of Lake Como is Instagram-worthy!
-xoxo
