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Lake Como, Italy is a beautiful lake surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks and speckled with conventional, picturesque villages. There’s one thing for everybody at Lake Como, and between magnificent surroundings, unimaginable meals, luxurious villas, and crystal-clear waters, you’ll by no means wish to depart!
The final time I went to Lake Como in northern Italy it was completely MAGICAL – I actually can’t wait to return! I’ll discuss you thru all the perfect issues to do within the Lake Como space and give you some wonderful guided excursions to make your journey as clean as potential.
I’ll be going by some enjoyable issues to do in Lake Como, some important suggestions, and supply all the data you want on tips on how to get round and a lot extra! Stay tuned for a style of La Dolce Vita!
Andiamo!
If you might be in a rush
If you’re on the lookout for a couple of fast hyperlinks for visiting Lake Como, listed here are the perfect issues Lake Como provides!
Here are the primary issues to e book upfront:
And listed here are the perfect inns: Villa Lario Resort Mandello (luxurious), Rumi Rooms (mid-range), B&B Aquarelle (funds)
Since there are a couple of completely different cities dotted across the lake, right here’s a visible of all of the locations I’ll be speaking about:
1. Explore the romantic Villa del Balbianello
Villa Balbianello is probably the most elegant villa in Lake Como. With turrets reaching excessive into the skies and luxurious Italian gardens jutting out over the waters, Italian fashion doesn’t get a lot better than this!
Lake Como doesn’t precisely lack stunning villas. Built within the twelfth century on the western shore of the lake, the villa supplies an affidavit to the escapades of Guido Monzino, an entrepreneur with a predilection in direction of adventurous travels and mountaineering. It was additionally the set of one of many James Bond 007 films!
At Balbianello you’ll be able to wander the luxurious gardens and watch the gardeners pruning the nice oaks on the tip of the water. Inside, you’ll discover a museum devoted to Monzino’s adventures and his valuable collections of uncommon objects.
Urban legend even suggests there’s a tiny Italian Atlantis in Lenno, close to the villa. See if you could find it from the lakeside gardens once you go!
Before you allow the villa, take an image at Durini Lodge within the attractive terraced gardens! A shaded arch overlooking the lake on the waterfront promenade, you’ll be able to sit along with your love and luxuriate in a fairytale view of the mountains surrounding Lake Como.
Afterwards, head over to Pasticceria L’étoile, a quaint, understated patisserie that serves probably the most scrumptious pastries and typical Italian espresso.
NOTE: Unfortunately, the Villa just isn’t but wheelchair accessible ???? It’s additionally closed Mondays and Wednesdays so plan accordingly!
PRICE: €11
2. Visit Como Cathedral at Piazza Duomo
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, proper within the coronary heart of Como city, is a shocking piece of structure and its opulent inside is simply mesmerizing. It’s a whole bunch of years previous and took virtually 400 years to construct – and it’s hailed because the most stunning church in Lombardy.
Since the cathedral is within the important piazza, it’s tremendous simple to search out. Entry is free (which is nice contemplating issues can get somewhat costly in Como) and you’ll spend time inside studying in regards to the intricate historical past of the cathedral and spending a second of tranquility.
PRO TIP: Even in the event you’re not non secular, I like to recommend visiting on a Sunday in case your journey permits it. The choir is totally unimaginable throughout excessive mass (often at 10 AM).
NOTE: Your knees and shoulders must be coated to enter the cathedral, so be aware of the way you’re dressed once you go to.
PRICE: Free
3. Spend the day crusing on Lake Como
I extremely suggest going crusing on the lake once you go to Lake Como. Como water sports activities supply an unimaginable method to get pleasure from 360° panoramic views of the lake with out having to go to plenty of completely different websites – and a ship journey provides a good way to spend time with household!
When I used to be there, we went all the way down to the closest boat membership and requested for somebody to take us out on the water, but it surely was actually costly – which isn’t a complete shock, contemplating Lake Como is kind of touristy!
To ensure you don’t make the identical mistake, I’ve completed all of the analysis so that you can discover the finest boat tour on the lake!
So right here it’s: probably the most wonderful crusing expertise ever! You’ll embark from Malgrate which is on the west facet of the lake, and also you’ll spend 4 hours with fully-trained skippers (nice for many who’ve by no means sailed earlier than) sipping prosecco and consuming Italy’s well-known aperitivo – all included within the worth! This is a day journey to recollect ????
PRO TIP: Remember to take your ID on the boat excursions! You’ll want it anyway when exploring Lake Como (and anyplace else in Italy) because it’s necessary to hold it with you once you’re out.
PRICE: €140
4. Hike as much as Phare de Volta
This INCREDIBLE lighthouse is a must-see! Located within the hilltops of Brunate, one in all Lake Como’s charming villages, this towering masterpiece provides arguably the perfect view of the southern a part of Como.
You can trek all the way in which as much as the highest and take within the breathtaking views round you. The hike isn’t too troublesome, however simply in case you wish to take it gradual there are some cute little benches to relaxation your drained legs ????
However, for these of us who aren’t precisely mountaineering materials, one of the best ways to go to the lighthouse is in a Jeep! This superior tour takes you throughout the realm and can drive you to all the perfect locations to take footage, plus they’ll even take you to the lighthouse itself!
Lake Como is the deepest place in all of Italy. It reaches all the way down to astronomical depths of over 400 meters and was even round within the final Ice Age!
I’d suggest going up there within the late afternoon. You’ll be capable of see the Swiss mountains within the distance and have a glass of vino bianco at one of many little eating places across the base of the lighthouse. You’ll additionally see an abundance of historical cedars within the space!
NOTE: If you select to enter the lighthouse and wind your approach up the steps to the highest, you’ll have to pay €2 (money solely) to take action. Additionally, the lighthouse itself just isn’t wheelchair accessible ????
PRICE: €10 (+ €2 in the event you select to enter the lighthouse)
GETTING THERE: The finest method to get to Brunate is on the funicular from Como city! This tiny railway is a very enjoyable method to get round and also you’ll get some fairly incredible views in your approach up. Have a take a look at the funicular timetable right here.
5. Discover Como’s wonderful meals
You can’t come to Lake Como with out taking the time to savor the meals! Risotto is arguably probably the most well-known dishes on this area, and also you’ll additionally discover loads of typical Italian staples like polenta, wild boar, and a lot native cheese!
Como is famed for its bread, Pan de Comm. This fluffy artisan loaf is usually spherical and historically baked in a wooden range – a must-try!
There are too many wonderful eating places in Como to select from, and plenty of locations are vacationer traps! That’s why I feel it is best to go for a meals tasting tour – it should take you to all probably the most genuine locations with out you having to fret.
The finest tour EVER is that this meals strolling tour. You’ll amble by tiny, alluring streets and go to conventional bakeries, pizzerias, and cafés to pattern the perfect that Como has to supply. You’ll be completely stuffed filled with meals and wine by the tip of it – but it surely’s value it, belief me, particularly for the wine lovers amongst us!
PRO TIP: If you’re on the lookout for the perfect meals, keep away from the eating places alongside Piazza Duomo in Como. The meals right here is not so good as you’ll discover elsewhere, but it surely’ll be dearer!
HACK: The finest method to discover good eating places in Lake Como is to go off the overwhelmed observe. Instead of wanting on the primary promenades, wander down little alleyways away from the crowds and vacationer points of interest to search out homely trattorias and inexpensive menus.
PRICE: €85
6. Visit Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero, on the jap facet of the lake, is really an unimaginable expertise. It was an historical convent again within the 1200s, and is now a historic middle alongside the attractive shoreline of Lake Como in Varenna.
Villa Monastero is decadent to say the least, with many rooms to admire with stunning tapestries and décor. Once outdoors, you could possibly simply spend hours wandering amongst among the uncommon timber that reside right here within the villa’s well-known botanical backyard.
You can actually simply go to the villa your self (€10), however one of the best ways to go to Villa Monastero and respect its environment is with this superior nature stroll tour. You’ll get the possibility to discover the attractive space across the villa and see some extraordinary wildlife within the course of.
It’s a full-day tour from Varenna (round 7 hours) and also you’ll finish the day with a guided tour round Villa Monastero. You’ll be capable of study the intriguing historical past behind the villa and you’ll take a wander across the attractive gardens.
There are tons of strolling routes round right here, so it’s also possible to select to trek alongside Sentiero del Viandante, which is 45 km lengthy!
PRICE: Entrance – €10 / Full Day Tour – €140
7. Spend a day in magical Nesso
When most individuals go to Lake Como, they hit all the primary websites – Como city, Bellagio, Varenna – however there are some actual hidden gems dotted across the lake that may’t be missed, and Nesso is one in all them!
If you’re on the lookout for someplace off the overwhelmed path and away from the crowds of vacationers, you’ll love Nesso. Nestled 40 minutes’ drive up the lakeshore from Como city, Nesso is a historic paradise!
A tiny village set over a pure gorge, you’ll be able to sit and admire the waterfall on the Romanesque bridge. It’s a little bit of an uphill stroll from Piazza Castello, however properly definitely worth the ambiance and views! Plus, once you get there you’ll be able to soar off the bridge (in the event you dare) into the pristine waters beneath – good for a household outing!
PRICE: Free
8. Go on a wine tour in Domaso
A visit to Italy is rarely completed with out a traditional wine tour! Lake Como is a part of Lombardy’s wine nation, and you need to expertise it for your self!
The finest wine tour to soak up Lake Como is that this wine tasting at Domaso villa vineyard, the place you’ll study all in regards to the age-old processes of wine-making and style native delights that you just actually received’t discover anyplace else!
Domaso is a city set within the north of Lake Como, and you may get there from Como city by taking the Hydrofoil, a ferry boat that goes all around the lake! Catch the ferry from Como city and benefit from the views in your approach as much as Domaso – and finish your day sipping wine and consuming native aperitivo ????
PRICE: €42
Book Your Domaso Wine Tour Here
9. Visit the historic Villa Erba
The majestic Villa Erba, situated only a 20-minute drive from Como city, is really a sight to behold. Built on the positioning of a centuries-old monastery, this grand villa is now the positioning of a lot of Como’s cultural occasions and wedding ceremony ceremonies!
Villa Erba’s inside is totally gorgeous, with age-old frescoes and romanesque columns, however the park itself is unimaginable! It’s 1,000 sq. m and overlooks the lake – good for a romantic stroll with the one you love.
10. Go to the seaside!
If you’re on a visit to Lake Como, you’ll be able to’t probably miss out on their lakeside seashores! Most of the seashores within the space are non-public, however there are additionally a couple of free public seashores to lounge at. Here are a couple of I feel are value visiting:
- Lido Villa Olmo: Fancy a seaside bar and restaurant proper on the grounds of a ravishing villa? This one will take your breath away!
- Lido di Lenno: Searching for white sandy seashores? This one will go well with you simply high quality, and it’s tremendous luxurious with a elaborate restaurant and cozy seaside beds!
- Domaso Beach at Camping Madonnina: Looking for a freebie? This one is secluded, grassy, and tranquil – good for a time out with the fam!
PRO TIP: Once you’ve determined in your favourite seaside, be sure that to give them a name earlier than you go – in the event you simply flip up, the entry worth will skyrocket!
Bellagio, a small commune situated round 45 minutes’ drive from Lake Como, is the proper finish level for a small highway journey from Como city! It’s a quintessential Italian village full with boutique retailers and inns, beautiful little eating places, and a historic vibe you’ll be hard-pressed to search out anyplace else.
This beautiful village is ready into the hills of Como and also you’ll discover so many hidden gems right here! You can simply spend a day wandering by the teeny tiny streets of Bellagio, stopping in at native retailers and eating places, and filling up on aperitivo!
PRO TIP: If you’re on the lookout for instagrammable snaps, Bellagio is the proper place – simply head as much as the highest of the city and also you’ll be capable of see the Lake peeking over the cobbled streets with the mountain backdrop behind.
| ???? Range of actions: | Large |
| ???? Family-friendly rating: | High |
| ???? Top paid attraction: | Domaso Wine Tour |
| ????????♂️ Best free exercise: | Como Cathedral |
| ???? Must attempt meals: | Pan de Comm |
Where to remain in Lake Como
Now you’ve received your itinerary down, you’ll want someplace to remain, so listed here are a couple of of my private favorites. You can even try our submit on the place to remain in Lake Como!
Luxury (€300 and up)
- Villa Lario Resort Mandello – This boutique lodge takes luxurious to an entire new degree. With attractive suites overlooking the lake, a non-public seaside and pool, and high quality eating experiences, your keep in Lake Como doesn’t get a lot better than this!
- Domus Plinii Suites – Here you’ll get a full non-public suite with a fully-stocked kitchen, non-public pool and terrace, and a beautiful view over the lake and distant mountains.
Mid Range (€150 – €300)
- Cà Piodèe – For a romantic keep deep within the hills on the west facet of Lake Como, this lodge provides a ravishing restaurant and terrace overlooking the luxurious inexperienced environment proper on the high of the mountain.
- Rumi Rooms – If you favor to remain in Como itself, this lodge is within the previous city near the prepare station and contains cute suites with cute balconies overlooking the cobbled streets.
Budget (as much as €150)
- Cadorna Chalet – This conventional chalet provides gorgeous views from excessive above the lake and is within the good spot to discover the encompassing villages.
- B&B Aquarelle – For a traditional, historic keep in a rural village only a 10-minute drive from the lake, this is a wonderful selection. You’ll actually get a real sense of Italian fashion right here, they usually even supply e-bike rental!
Practical Information
So you’ve found out the place you’re staying and what you’ll be doing. I’ll now undergo some necessary details about the area so that you’re absolutely ready in your journey!
How to get round
Public transport in Italy will be unreliable, however Lake Como’s prettiest cities are fairly properly related. There are buses going between the areas they usually’re comparatively frequent, and the costs are fairly low (often between €1 and €3 a method).
PRO TIP: To take the bus, obtain an app referred to as Autoguidovie. This will permit you to purchase tickets anyplace in Lombardy! You will pay in your tickets by the app and see bus timetables.
NOTE: If you purchase a bus ticket by the app, ensure you activate the ticket by urgent attivare on the ticket once you get on the bus. If it’s not activated you could possibly find yourself with a hefty high quality!
- Ferries: There are ferries going throughout the lake at many factors – Lake Como is fairly huge, so it’s typically a lot simpler to only cross the lake in the event you’re going that approach reasonably than driving/bussing all the way in which around the lake! Have a take a look at this map to see your closest ferry station from the south to the northern finish of the Lake
- Taxis: There are taxi companies in Lake Como’s cities, however they run fairly costly! You received’t discover Uber within the space both since Uber doesn’t actually exist anyplace besides the primary cities. If you fancy taking a taxi, you’ll discover them across the city middle and the primary Como prepare station.
- The finest method to get round: Honestly? Your best choice is to lease a automotive. Seriously, you’ll thank me for it – particularly if you wish to discover different cities and villages outdoors the primary touristy areas, which is a should if you wish to expertise true Italia! You can use Google Maps to highway journey your approach across the lake, which would be the most enjoyable you’ll ever have.
NOTE: If you select to drive, keep in mind you can’t drive into the central a part of Como city in the course of the day as a result of it’s a Low Emission Zone. If you might want to, you’ll must get a allow from the municipality.
All about sim playing cards
Getting a sim card is a should in the event you’re planning on staying in Lake Como for every week or extra. However, don’t fall into the lure of shopping for a sim card on the airport – they’re so overpriced it’s loopy!
Instead, get a pay as you go sim card from one in all these suppliers:
TIM is arguably the perfect by way of protection and limitless minutes – which is nice in the event you’re Instagramming on a regular basis! The retailer is only a quick stroll from Como station.
NOTE: To buy a pay as you go sim card in Italy you’ll have to have your ID or passport with you. You additionally have to have a fiscal code, however in the event you simply inform them you’re a vacationer they’ll bypass it for you.
FAQs about Lake Como
???? What are some low cost issues to do in Lake Como?
Como can get fairly costly, however there are many issues to do on a funds! Some concepts embrace visiting one of many many public seashores and exploring the country villages and delightful gardens scattered throughout the shores.
???? What are the perfect issues to do in Lake Como for households?
Lake Como is tremendous family-friendly with tons of out of doors actions, like crusing for the day, or taking the funicular as much as Brunate to see the lighthouse!
☔ What can I do in Lake Como when it rains?
It does rain in Lake Como, particularly round mid March – and when it does, it pours! The smartest thing to do when it rains within the off season is to take a cooking class! Learn conventional recipes from a neighborhood at this superior class!
???? What are the perfect issues to do at night time in Lake Como?
Lake Como has some completely attractive lakeside bars with wonderful views, like Terrazza 241 in Como’s important stunning city! You can even take night boat rides on the lake, so try this romantic boat experience at sundown!
Conclusion
So there you’ve got it – all probably the most wonderful issues to do in Lake Como! We’ve coated just about all the pieces, from crusing journeys and mountaintop views to renting a automotive and highway tripping across the lake.
The villas particularly are unimaginable, and though I feel Villa Balbianello and Villa Monastero are the perfect, there are additionally loads of different villas to find, like Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi!
Lake Como is tremendous busy in the summertime months, particularly with their annual pageant, Sagra di San Giovanni, so I like to recommend you e book quick so that you get to see all of your favourite websites.
If you’ve got any questions, simply let me know within the remark part and I’ll be completely happy that will help you out!
Buon viaggio! ????
Lizzie
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