Tips on how to Go to Lake Como, Italy — Luxurious Motels and Fairy-tale Cities Included

It’s exhausting to think about Lake Como with out pondering of its well-known residents: Clooney, Versace, Messi, Madonna. At one level or one other, they’ve all staked their declare to a chunk of lakeside actual property right here. And one can hardly blame them for coveting a sliver of Como’s fabulous shoreline. No place in Italy has fairly the cache of Lake Como, and its repute because the epitome of the nice life is well-deserved.

One in every of a cluster of northern Italian lakes that features Garda, Maggiore, Lugano, and a number of other smaller siblings, Lake Como, or Lago di Como, is Italy’s deepest lake. Its distinctive form — an the other way up Y — was fashioned by a large glacier, and the lake remains to be fed from waters descending from the close by Alps. That units the scene for some excessive drama, landscape-wise, with steep mountains cloaked with dense forests and deep blue waters ringed by charming lakeside cities.

The Romans have been the primary to construct grand villas on Lake Como, and ever since, generations of la dolce vita seekers have adopted swimsuit, utilizing cities similar to Bellagio, Como, Menaggio, and Tremezzo as the bottom for lakeside leisure. We requested a number of journey consultants about their longtime amorous affairs with the lake, and obtained their recommendation on the perfect locations to remain, dine, and expertise Lake Como.

Greatest Motels

Grand Lodge Tremezzo

“I at all times say the arrival to Grand Lodge Tremezzo on Lake Como is cinematic,” says luxurious journey knowledgeable Annie Fitzsimmons, whose new guide, “100 Motels of a Lifetime,” options the artwork nouveau facade of this palatial resort on the duvet. “I really like all the things in regards to the view … the city of Bellagio throughout the lake, the swimming pool seemingly suspended over the water,” she shares, including that proprietor Valentina de Santis and her workforce are “the perfect on the planet.”

Grand Lodge Victoria

TravelLustre journey marketing consultant Nicole Bono calls this belle époque magnificence her favourite resort on the lake. “There is a personal seashore membership for friends steps away from the resort the place you may go for a dip, in addition to a surprising pool,” she says. Samy Ghachem, common supervisor of La Dolce Vita Orient Specific, says Victoria has “the perfect spa on the lake.”

Passalacqua

“Eighteenth century Passalacqua is a dream from one other time,” says journey author Nicole Trilivas. “It’s like strolling onto a classic movie set, with cascading gardens, jewel-box sitting rooms, and pastel-hued suites as spoiling, decadent, and lavish as marriage ceremony muffins.” Trilivas can be a fan of their Bellini cocktail, made with white peach, pink pepper, and Champagne.

Il Sereno

An attractive atmosphere permeates this 40-suite resort, the place placing fashionable structure stands out on a lakeshore dotted with centuries-old villas and artwork nouveau edifices. And on a lake identified for its grand dames, it says loads that Il Sereno was T+L readers’ favourite resort in Europe in 2023. Count on a swim-up suite, Riva boats for visitor use, and Michelin-star eating.

Palace Lodge

For a palatial vibe proper within the middle of Como, Ghachem calls Palace Lodge, run by the Villa d’Este group, one in all his favorites. “Cross the street and also you’re on the water. The resort is situated inside strolling distance of most eating places, procuring, and most actions, together with the ferry terminal.”

See extra prime inns in Lake Como right here.

Greatest Issues to Do

Go on a ship journey.

“I at all times advise each traveler going to Lake Como that the true great thing about the area is greatest seen from the water,” says Ghachem. “You completely must get out on a ship. Most inns could make preparations for personal Venetian-style boats or the extra thrilling and chic Riva boats. There are, in fact, much less dear choices, together with the quite a few ferry routes.” Como Lake Artists provides fairly priced self-drive boats.

Rent a photographer.

Eli Wagner, a Journey + Leisure A-list advisor and founding father of Wagner Bespoke Journey, says the easiest way to protect your Lake Como recollections is to rent a professional. “Rent a photographer to hitch you and your loved ones on the boat day. As a substitute of the standard vacation playing cards, having Lake Como because the backdrop shall be memorable to your vacation pictures for a few years to come back.”

Hit the path.

While you’re not on the water, head out on one in all Lake Como’s quite a few mountaineering trails. From Torno, Ghachem recommends the path as much as Montepiatto “for a surprising view over the northern and southern elements of the lake.” From Como city, it’s simply an hour stroll as much as the village of Brunate, the place Ghachem says “you’ll be rewarded with plenty of bars and native eating places earlier than catching the funicular again down.”

Embrace la dolce far niente.

The sweetness of doing nothing — that’s a favourite pastime on Lake Como. “It is an important vacation spot to lounge along with your spritz and do a complete lot of nothing,” says Bono. “Individuals can simply chill out and take it simple, strolling, procuring, and having fun with the surroundings.”

Greatest Purchasing

Enoteca da Gigi, Como

“That is one in all my favourite wine bars within the outdated city,” says Ghachem. “You possibly can style before you purchase.” Along with wines from throughout Italy, he says the olive oil and vinegar choice right here is top-notch.

Riflessi di Gusto

This old-school boutique for foodie items carries fastidiously and domestically sourced, made-in-Italy merchandise, together with many hard-to-find gadgets that slip simply right into a carry-on. Ghachem says the number of dry pastas is the perfect on the lake.

La Bottega del Legno 

“There are lots of super-touristy shops all around the lake, however you can too discover some fantastic boutiques,” says Bono. Bellagio’s compact outdated city is her favourite for procuring, and the historic Bottega del Legno is a good cease for wood-carved gadgets, together with actual wood toys.

Greatest Eating places

Al Veluu

Bono calls this hilltop restaurant “a real showstopper,” whereas Wagner says it “embodies the essence of Lake Como.” Recent, domestically sourced substances, together with mushrooms delivered day by day, earn excessive marks. “Go at sundown and take within the wonderful panorama,” provides Bono.

Harry’s Bar

Ghachem appreciates the acquainted comforts of this longtime restaurant on the Cernobbio waterfront. “You possibly can’t go improper right here,” he says. “There’s nice atmosphere — it’s simply upscale sufficient.” Seize an out of doors seat overlooking the lake and make the most of the terrific wine record.

L’Orologio

“Most concierges wouldn’t suggest this place because it’s virtually too native,” says Ghachem, including that this Como restaurant is “for certain the least touristy place on the town.” Tagliolini with porcini mushrooms and truffle is his go-to order right here.

Greatest Time to Go to

Our consultants agree that shoulder season (September and October) is the perfect time to go to Lake Como. “Your complete lake is lush — all the things is so beautiful this time of yr,” says Bono. Wagner votes for September. “[This is] when the summer season crowds have dissipated and the solar remains to be shining,” he shares. Ghachem additionally suggests Could, earlier than the summer season crowds arrive. However word that in the event you do go to in these “in-between” seasons, you’ll discover cooler air and water temperatures which will dissuade you from taking a dip within the lake.

June, July, and August are peak journey months for the lake. Nevertheless, in the event you reserve early and put together for the crowds, you’ll discover a quintessential Italian lake expertise awaits.

Many inns and eating places shut for the winter, however sufficient stay open that in order for you a quiet — albeit chilly — trip, this is likely to be the time to go to. At Christmas, the villages alongside the lake tackle a magical ambiance.  

Tips on how to Get There

Como city, the place to begin for a lot of holidays on the lake, is about one hour from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, and a couple of 40-minute prepare journey from Milano Centrale, Milan’s predominant prepare station. Bellagio, Menaggio, and different small cities alongside the lake are served by ferries (much less frequent within the offseason) or will be reached by automobile.

Served by a number of intra-Europe carriers, Milan Bergamo Airport is about one hour and 40 minutes from Como by automobile.

Tips on how to Get Round

“Should you’re blissful to self-drive, having a automobile will be very helpful,” says Bono. That is very true for reaching locations in a roundabout way on the lake. However in the event you don’t need to hire a automobile, Bono says, “personal transfers and automobile providers, in addition to ferries and water taxis are the best way to go.” Some inns hire Fiat 500s, which make for enjoyable driving and nice photograph ops, although Ghachem warns that the roads across the lake are very slender and sometimes fairly curvy.