Discover Northern Italy
Lake Como is known for its stunning scenery, crystal clear waters, and luxurious villas. A popular destination for foreign visitors, there are many things to see and do during a trip to Lake Como. One of the main attractions is the stunning beauty of the lake itself. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake and explore its vast expanse, or simply relax on one of the many beaches lining the shoreline. The scenery is simply breathtaking with the majestic mountains looming in the background and the picturesque towns and villages dotted all along the shoreline.
For those who appreciate culture and history, Lake Como offers a plethora of museums and galleries showcasing the region’s rich artistic heritage. For those wanting to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this region, the Lake Como and its surroundings are blessed with stunning natural beauty and visitors can explore the hills and mountains through a network of well-kept trails. Trekking from one village to another is an amazing way to experience the local culture and the beauty of the region. Another important attraction of Lake Como is the famous villas. A trip around the lake won’t be complete without seeing these breathtaking palaces, which were built for the rich and famous from around the world. The most famous villas include the Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, both of which have impressive gardens and grounds.
All in all, Lake Como is a place that caters to every type of traveler, whether you want to indulge in luxury living, explore the great outdoors, or dive deep into the local culture and heritage. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Lake Como is known as one of the top travel destinations in Italy.
The Essentials
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT +2
Major Airports: Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, and Bergamo Orio al Serio.
Major Train Stations: Giovanni and Como Nord Lago are the two main stations: both are very close to the city center and connect Como to Milan in about one hour.
Tipping: Not essential but appreciated at restaurants and in hotels, particularly those at the upper end (10% is reasonable)
Public transport: there are three main public transportation options in Lake Como: taxi, boat and bus. Bus service is a great way to move around Lake Como.
Things to do in Lake Como, Italy
NEARBY TOWNS
Como: This historic town is located at the southern end of Lake Como and is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Cathedral of Como and the Tempio Voltiano. It's also a great place to shop for local crafts and products.
Bellagio: Often referred to as the "pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio is a picturesque town located at the intersection of the lake's three branches. It's known for its charming narrow streets, elegant villas, and stunning gardens.
Varenna: This charming fishing village is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como and is known for its colorful houses and winding alleyways. The town also has several historic churches and beautiful parks.
Tremezzo: This town is located on the western shore of Lake Como and is known for its beautiful villas and gardens, including Villa Carlotta and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Menaggio: This town is located on the western shore of Lake Como and is known for its beautiful waterfront promenade and historic town center. It's also a popular starting point for hiking and biking excursions in the surrounding mountains.
FAMOUS VILLAS
Villa del Balbianello: located on a wooded promontory on the western shore of Lake Como, this villa is known for its beautiful terraced gardens and stunning views of the lake. It has been featured in several films, including Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.
Villa Carlotta: located in Tremezzo, this villa is known for its extensive botanical gardens and collection of art and sculptures. The villa was built in the late 17th century and has been open to the public since 1927.
Villa d'Este: located in Cernobbio, this villa was built in the 16th century and is now a luxury hotel. The villa's beautiful gardens and terraces offer stunning views of Lake Como.
Villa Erba: located in Cernobbio, this villa was built in the late 19th century and is now used as a conference center and event space. The villa's beautiful gardens and lakeside location make it a popular destination for weddings and other special events.
Villa Olmo: located in Como, this neoclassical villa was built in the late 18th century and is now used as a museum and cultural center. The villa's beautiful gardens and lakeside location make it a popular destination for visitors to Lake Como.
Milan in a day trip
Milan is a vibrant and culturally rich city with plenty to see and do. Here are some of the top things to do in Milan in a day trip:
Visit the Duomo di Milano: The iconic Gothic cathedral is a must-visit attraction in Milan. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for panoramic views of the city.
Explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This historic shopping arcade is one of the world's oldest malls and features luxurious shops and elegant cafes.
See Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper": Located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this famous painting is one of Milan's most popular attractions. Visitors must book in advance to see the painting.
Visit the Castello Sforzesco: This impressive castle and museum features several art collections, including Michelangelo's last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà.
Enjoy Italian cuisine: Milan is known for its culinary scene, and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to try. Sample classic Milanese dishes such as risotto alla Milanese or ossobuco alla Milanese.
Stroll around Brera: This picturesque neighborhood is known for its charming narrow streets and historic buildings. It's a great place to wander, people-watch, and enjoy the ambiance of the city.
Take a walk in Parco Sempione: This large park is located near the Castello Sforzesco and offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are several walking paths, gardens, and a large lake.
BEST RESTAURANTS
Lake Como is known for its scenic beauty, luxurious villas, and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants to try when visiting the area:
Grand Hotel Tremezzo: La Terrazza is the hotel's main restaurant and is located on the top floor of the hotel, offering panoramic views of Lake Como. The restaurant has a Michelin star and serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. La Terrazza is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers both à la carte and tasting menus.
Berton al Lago: The restaurant offers modern Italian cuisine, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The menu changes frequently to showcase the best ingredients available, and there are several tasting menus available, including a vegetarian option.
Materia: The menu at Materia changes frequently to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients, and the restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest and highest-quality products.
