Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como has lingered on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. A perfect summer getaway, this enchanting destination offers tranquility, romance, and a slice of Italian paradise. Whether you envision a romantic retreat with your partner, a girls' trip, or even dream of exchanging vows against the backdrop of stunning landscapes, Lake Como has something magical for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Lake Como
After thorough research, I can confidently recommend the period between mid-April to mid-October as the prime time to visit Lake Como. The chilly winter months may not be the best choice, given the lake's open expanse. Having visited in early August, I experienced fantastic weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to high 80s, and pleasantly cool nights in the mid-60s. For those seeking the summer experience, Lake Como truly comes alive during the warmer months.
Getting to Lake Como
For those jetting in from the United States, Milan Malpensa Airport serves as the nearest gateway. Upon arrival, take the opportunity to explore Milan—a day or two should suffice (check out my Milan Blog for inspiration). Navigating from Milan to my hotel in Cadenabbia proved to be a bit of an adventure, taking approximately 45 minutes by bus.
To streamline your journey, consider taking the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino. This hour-long trip not only provides scenic views but also saves time and minimizes hassle. Ticket prices may vary but generally range from $10 to $15 per person, making it a cost-effective and efficient choice.
How Many Days Did I Stay?
I stayed for 4 days and 3 nights. While day trips are feasible, the allure of the various towns and the rich experience they offer make an extended stay highly recommended.
Places to Stay (Including where I stayed)
Lake Como boasts an array of enchanting hotels to suit diverse tastes. For my stay, I chose the Grand Hotel Cadenabbia (photos below), a charming hotel that included daily breakfast with breathtaking views.
Other noteworthy options for your consideration include:
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Mandarin Oriental
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Hotel Bellagio
Hotel Belvedere Bellagio
Grand Hotel Menaggio (ideal if you plan on renting a boat in Menaggio)
Towns to Explore During your Visit
Immerse yourself with a visit to the following towns:
Cadenabbia
Varenna
Tremezzo
Menaggio
Como
Bellagio (Fun Fact: If you've ever visited Las Vegas, NV, the design of the Bellagio hotel was inspired by Lake Como)
Places to Eat
Indulge in the culinary delights of Lake Como with these recommended eateries:
Al Prato (Varenna)
Bar Il Molo (Varenna)
Bistrot Antichi Sapori (Bellagio)
Dai Viga Patata Fresca (Bellagio)
Seta Hotel, Restaurant, and Cocktail Bar (Bellagio) — just look at the mouthwatering photo below!
Getting Around
Navigating the lake is a breeze thanks to the frequent ferry system connecting popular villages such as Bellagio, Cadenabbia, Como, and Varenna. Ferry tickets can be conveniently purchased at the ticket office near the dock or on board.
Boat Rental
Exploring the mesmerizing beauty of Lake Como reaches new heights when accompanied by a private Classic Boat Rental tour. With numerous boat providers dotting the lake, you should definitely do your own research to align within your budget. My personal choice was the platform GetMyBoat, where I initially reserved a Luxury Wooden Boat in Menaggio. However, unforeseen strong winds prompted a swift change to the equally enchanting Classic Venetian. The experience was nothing short of amazing – a dedicated captain and a private tour were included in the service. For this experience, I paid $575 for a captivating two-hour journey.
Night Life
While my stay in Cadenabbia didn't offer much in terms of nightlife, other towns might have more to offer. The ferry schedule was a consideration for us, so we didn't risk getting stuck partying across the lake. If you stumble upon any exciting nightlife, please do share!
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