How you can Go to Lake Como, Italy — Luxurious Accommodations and Fairy-tale Cities Included

It’s arduous to think about Lake Como with out considering of its well-known residents: Clooney, Versace, Messi, Madonna. At one level or one other, they’ve all staked their declare to a bit 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 status because the epitome of the great 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 shaped by a large glacier, and the lake continues 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 comparable 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 received their recommendation on the very best locations to remain, dine, and expertise Lake Como.

Finest Accommodations

Grand Resort Tremezzo

“I at all times say the arrival to Grand Resort Tremezzo on Lake Como is cinematic,” says luxurious journey professional Annie Fitzsimmons, whose new ebook, “100 Accommodations of a Lifetime,” options the artwork nouveau facade of this palatial resort on the duvet. “I like every thing 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 group are “the very best on the planet.”

Grand Resort Victoria

TravelLustre journey marketing consultant Nicole Bono calls this belle époque magnificence her favourite lodge on the lake. “There is a personal seaside membership for company steps away from the lodge the place you’ll be able to go for a dip, in addition to a surprising pool,” she says. Samy Ghachem, basic supervisor of La Dolce Vita Orient Specific, says Victoria has “the very best 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 desserts.” Trilivas can also be a fan of their Bellini cocktail, made with white peach, pink pepper, and Champagne.

Il Sereno

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

Palace Resort

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

See extra high inns in Lake Como right here.

Finest Issues to Do

Go on a ship experience.

“I at all times advise each traveler going to Lake Como that the true fantastic 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 stylish Riva boats. There are, after all, much less expensive choices, together with the quite a few ferry routes.” Como Lake Artists affords fairly priced self-drive boats.

Rent a photographer.

Eli Wagner, a Journey + Leisure A-list advisor and founding father of Wagner Bespoke Journey, says one of the simplest ways to protect your Lake Como recollections is to rent a professional. “Rent a photographer to affix you and your loved ones on the boat day. As a substitute of the normal vacation playing cards, having Lake Como because the backdrop shall be memorable to your vacation photographs for a few years to return.”

Hit the path.

While you’re not on the water, head out on one among 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 components 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 a lot 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 calm down and take it straightforward, strolling, procuring, and having fun with the surroundings.”

Finest Procuring

Enoteca da Gigi, Como

“That is one among my favourite wine bars within the previous city,” says Ghachem. “You may 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 choice of dry pastas is the very best on the lake.

La Bottega del Legno 

“There are a whole lot of super-touristy shops all around the lake, however you may as well discover some fantastic boutiques,” says Bono. Bellagio’s compact previous city is her favourite for procuring, and the historic Bottega del Legno is a superb cease for wood-carved gadgets, together with actual wood toys.

Finest Eating places

Al Veluu

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

Harry’s Bar

Ghachem appreciates the acquainted comforts of this longtime restaurant on the Cernobbio waterfront. “You may’t go fallacious 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 advocate this place because it’s nearly too native,” says Ghachem, including that this Como restaurant is “for positive the least touristy place on the town.” Tagliolini with porcini mushrooms and truffle is his go-to order right here.

Finest Time to Go to

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

June, July, and August are peak journey months for the lake. Nevertheless, for those who 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 if you’d like a quiet — albeit chilly — trip, this could be the time to go to. At Christmas, the villages alongside the lake tackle a magical ambiance.  

How you can Get There

Como city, the start line for a lot of holidays on the lake, is about one hour from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, and a few 40-minute practice experience from Milano Centrale, Milan’s foremost practice station. Bellagio, Menaggio, and different small cities alongside the lake are served by ferries (much less frequent within the offseason) or could 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.

How you can Get Round

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