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Travel to ... Lake Como, Italy

Picture this: the sparkling waters of Lake Como, nestled between lush green hills and dramatic alpine peaks, dotted with charming villages that look like they’re straight out of a postcard. It’s no wonder that this Italian gem has been a playground for the rich, famous, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of sipping an Aperol spritz by the water. Whether you're cruising along the lake in a private boat, wandering through cobblestone streets, or indulging in authentic Italian cuisine with a lakeside view, Lake Como is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stepped into a real-life dream. Grab a spritz, it’s time to uncover the unforgettable experiences of Lake Como!



Understanding the Different Towns of Lake Como

One of the most important things to know about Lago di Como is that it's not just one destination—it's a collection of various towns, each with its own unique atmosphere, charm, and set of attractions! When planning your visit, it’s crucial to know that the vibe and offerings of the town you choose will shape your entire experience. It was challenging to choose just a few, but these are my top recommendations for your first visit. Whether you're after a peaceful, low-key escape or a lively destination full of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, Lake Como has something for everyone.

Ps...thanks to the convenient ferry service and well-connected roads, exploring multiple towns around Lake Como is a breeze. Whether you choose to drive or take a scenic boat ride, day trips between towns are not only easy but also offer the best opportunity to experience the lake from different perspectives.


Choosing the Right Town for Your Ideal Getaway

Each town around Lake Como offers its own distinct character, so it’s essential to decide what kind of experience you want before finalizing your stay. Some towns are quieter, perfect for those looking to unwind by the lake and soak in the serene beauty of the area. Others are bustling with life, offering an abundance of restaurants, boutiques, and lively street scenes for those who enjoy a more vibrant atmosphere.

  • Relaxed and Peaceful Stays: If you prefer a more tranquil and less crowded retreat, towns like Lenno and Varenna offer stunning views without the tourist crowds. Here, you can enjoy lakeside strolls, peaceful dinners overlooking the water, and quiet afternoons exploring beautiful villas and gardens.

  • More Lively and Accessible: If you’re someone who enjoys having plenty of dining, shopping, and cultural options at your doorstep, Como and Bellagio might be more your speed. These towns are known for their lively atmosphere, with bustling streets filled with restaurants, high-end shops, and a greater variety of activities to choose from.



Where to Stay: Bellagio

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni | $$$$

A symbol of luxury on Lake Como, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni blends historic charm with modern elegance. Set in a stunning villa with breathtaking lake views, it offers world-class dining, a tranquil spa, and impeccable service, creating an unforgettable escape. Hotel Belvedere | $$$$

Hotel Belvedere, located in the heart of Bellagio, offers a tranquil escape with spectacular views of Lake Como. With stylish rooms, an outdoor pool, lush gardens, and a celebrated restaurant, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and explore the beauty of this iconic Italian destination.

Hotel Du Lac & Spa | $$$

Hotel Du Lac & Spa is a chic lakeside retreat offering a blend of modern comfort and timeless beauty. With stunning views of Lake Como, a peaceful spa, and lots of dining options nearby, it’s the ideal location with the perks of being in the main hustle and bustle.

Il Borgo | $$

This quaint boutique hotel features cozy, rustic rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and a beautiful garden, making it a perfect option for those seeking a stay in one of Italy's most stunning regions.

Where to Stay: Tremezzo

A luxurious lakeside retreat on the shores of Lake Como, Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers stunning views, elegant rooms, and world-class amenities. This iconic hotel features a floating pool, a full-service spa, fine dining options, and lush gardens. With its blend of historic charm and modern luxury, Grand Hotel Tremezzo provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking a sophisticated escape in one of Italy’s most picturesque destinations.

This private villa features a spacious terrace, perfect for enjoying the serene surroundings, as well as comfortable interiors and modern amenities. Located in a peaceful area, it provides easy access to local attractions, including the beautiful Villa Carlotta, making it an ideal choice for a picturesque escape.

A modern Airbnb offering chic interiors and breathtaking views of Lake Como. With a private terrace, well-appointed rooms, and easy access to local sights, it’s an ideal spot to retreat to after a long day of sight-seeing and activities.

Or, spend a day poolside soaking up the Italian sun!


Where to Stay: Varenna

Hotel Royal Victoria is a charming spot for a relaxing getaway. With stylish rooms, a lakeside terrace, and incredible food, it’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the stunning views. Plus, it’s just a short walk to nearby attractions like Villa Monastero, making it ideal for exploring the area.

Combining timeless luxury with contemporary design, The Dylan offers the unique perk of a Michelin-starred restaurant where guests can indulge in world-class dining right on the hotel’s scenic canal-side terrace.

Blending cozy, stylish design with a lively atmosphere, The Hoxton offers guests the unique perk of a trendy, riverside terrace perfect for relaxing with a cocktail while enjoying picturesque views of the Herengracht canal.


Where to Stay: Como

Vista Lago di Como offers spectacular views of Lake Como’s shimmering waters and surrounding mountains. This scenic viewpoint is perfect for enjoying the breathtaking landscape of lush greenery and picturesque lakeside villages.

On the shores of Lake Como in Como, Hotel Villa Flori offers a luxurious and tranquil escape. Housed in an elegant 19th-century villa, the hotel features beautifully appointed rooms with stunning lake views, lush gardens, and a refined atmosphere.

Palace Hotel combines historic elegance with modern luxury. Overlooking the beautiful Lake Como, this hotel features stylish rooms, an exquisite restaurant, and a serene lakeside terrace. Its central location provides easy access to the city's attractions, making it a perfect choice for both relaxation and exploration. Aurum Como Luxury Suites | $$

Offering a stylish, modern suites with premium amenities, Aurum Como Luxury Suites is perfectly located near the city’s top attractions. It provides a luxurious and convenient base for exploring the area.


Where to Stay: Menaggio

Combining contemporary luxury with timeless charm, Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa features stylish rooms, a luxurious spa, and panoramic lake views, this five-star hotel offers a serene escape with exquisite dining and easy access to the region’s highlights. Ideal for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Villa Issima, situated on the serene shores of Lake Como, offers a luxurious and intimate retreat with stunning lake views. Its elegant interiors and beautiful gardens create a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort, ideal for a peaceful, exclusive getaway.

Blending cozy, stylish design with a lively atmosphere, The Hoxton offers guests the unique perk of a trendy, riverside terrace perfect for relaxing with a cocktail while enjoying picturesque views of the Herengracht canal.



What to Do

Boat Tour of Lake Como

Embark on a boat tour of Lake Como and discover its enchanting shoreline, dotted with charming villages and elegant villas. Cruise through tranquil waters while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains—an unforgettable way to experience the lake's beauty.

Visit Villa del Balbianello

Visit the iconic Villa del Balbianello, perched on the shores of Lake Como, known for its stunning gardens and breathtaking views. Explore its historic rooms and beautiful terraces, often featured in films, and immerse yourself in its romantic, serene atmosphere.



Take a Wine Tasting Tour

Embark on a wine tasting tour around Lake Como, where you can sample exquisite local wines while enjoying picturesque vineyard views. Learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and savor the unique flavors of Italy’s famous wine heritage.

Explore Villa Carlotta

Discover the beauty of Villa Carlotta, a stunning lakeside villa renowned for its lush gardens and impressive art collection. Wander through its elegant rooms and vibrant botanical landscapes, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Como.


Attend a Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Italy by attending a cooking class on Lake Como. Learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients, and take home delicious recipes and culinary skills to impress at home.

Visit the Villa Monastero

Explore the beautiful Villa Monastero, a historic lakeside villa with lush gardens and stunning views of Lake Como. Wander through its elegant rooms and tranquil grounds, immersing yourself in its rich history and natural beauty.



Lounge poolside at Lido Di Cernobbio

Lounge by the sparkling pool with stunning views of Lake Como, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim, sip on cocktails, and soak up the sun in a relaxed, scenic setting.

Stroll through the boutiques in Bellagio

Wander through the charming streets of Bellagio and explore its stylish boutiques, offering everything from high-end fashion to unique local crafts. It’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir while soaking in the village’s beauty.


Relax at the Victoria Beach Club

Unwind at the Victoria Beach Club, where you can enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Como from a private lakeside spot. With comfy loungers, refreshing drinks, and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the scenery.

Take a Funicular Ride to Brunate

Hop on the funicular from Como and ride up to Brunate, a charming hilltop village offering panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. It’s the perfect way to experience stunning vistas and explore narrow, picturesque streets.


Where to Apertivo


Bar Il Molo

Nestled by the lake, this charming bar offers a laid-back atmosphere with a great selection of cocktails, ideal for sipping drinks while taking in the beautiful Lake Como scenery.

Gaia Bar This trendy bar by Lake Como offers a lively atmosphere and a carefully curated selection of cocktails, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while soaking in the lakeside ambiance.

Hemingway Cocktail Bar This elegant cocktail bar offers a cozy, refined atmosphere where expertly crafted drinks are served alongside a touch of literary charm, making it a perfect spot to unwind by Lake Como.

Terrazza 241

Set above the lake, this stylish bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for sipping signature cocktails and enjoying the spectacular views of Lake Como’s shimmering waters.


Terrazza Darsena at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

With breathtaking views of Lake Como, this sophisticated terrace bar serves up crafted cocktails in a chic, tranquil setting—ideal for a stylish aperitivo by the water.

LoSCALO

Set by the lake, this charming bar serves up creative cocktails and local wines in a laid-back atmosphere, offering the perfect spot to unwind with a view of Lake Como. T Bar at Grand Hotel Tremezzo

This elegant lakeside bar offers signature cocktails and refined drinks, all served with stunning views of Lake Como and a stylish, sophisticated atmosphere.



Where to Eat


Al Veluu

Nestled above Lake Como, this restaurant offers breathtaking views and delicious, authentic Italian cuisine, making it the perfect spot for a memorable meal by the water.

CO.MO Bar & Bistrot

This stylish bistro in Como offers a mix of delicious Italian cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails, all in a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere perfect for a casual meal or aperitivo.

Osteria Il Pozzo

This cozy eatery serves traditional Italian dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. It’s the perfect spot for an authentic, rustic meal in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Darsene di Loppia

Set by the tranquil waters of Lake Como, this elegant restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and classic Italian flavors, all served in a picturesque, lakeside setting. Al Prato

This charming restaurant offers a menu of delicious Italian dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, all served in a cozy, rustic setting with stunning lake views.

Dispensa 63 A hidden gem by Lake Como, this restaurant serves up fresh, locally inspired Italian dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Perfect for a casual yet memorable meal.

T Pizza

This casual eatery by Lake Como serves up delicious, wood-fired pizzas with a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, ideal for a relaxed meal by the water. Komo Fusionable Taste This trendy Lake Como spot blends Italian and Asian flavors in a creative fusion, offering a unique and flavorful dining experience in a chic, modern setting.


And just like that, you’re ready to soak in all that Lake Como has to offer—whether it’s the timeless charm of the villages, the unbeatable views, or the food that’s practically a love letter to Italy. So, pack your bags and book your flights, Lake Como isn’t just a destination—it’s a lifestyle. And now, it’s yours to explore!

 
 
 

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