Lake Como is one of the most scenic and romantic destinations to visit in Italy!
Within the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, Lake Como is surrounded by lush hills and towering mountains giving it a unique and relaxed atmosphere.
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Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. I would highly suggest you to sleep here since I found it to be one of the most typical and quiet towns of the lake and everything is located within walking distance!
Villa Monastero is one of the most romantic villas out there and is located in Varenna so if you decide to not sleep here you can get to Varenna by ferry and then walk to the villa.
The entrance to the Botanic Garden and The House Museum is € 10,00 .
Entrance to the Botanic Garden Only is € 8,00
You can check days & times on their website ( see Details below)
This is the most famous villa in Lake Como so get ready for the crowds or try to go at the opening time! :D
HOW TO GET to Villa Balbianello:
First you have to reach Lenno/Tremezzina town with the public boat (ferry).
From the pier you can get there by foot (walking on a 1 km footpath which starts from Via degli Artigiani) or by a taxiboat that leaves from the Lenno beach (€7.5 for the roundtrip). I higly suggest you this second option for the unique scenery you will experience! Check out my tiktok video linked below
TICKETS
Note: booking at least 24 hours before the visit is strongly recommended on weekdays and mandatory for weekends and holidays. To book check their website : https://fai.midaticket.it/Event/4/Dates
Garden only: €11 (6-18 years old kids: €6)
Whole property (garden + villa): €22 (6-18 years old kids: €12)
Open from mid-March to mid-November (please check on Google or on the official website).
Opening times: 10am - 6pm (last admission to visit the park is at 5pm.). Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays (except on holidays).
The tiny streets of Bellagio are so pretty that a simple walk is worth the visit.
If you want to relax on a beach, you can choose between the public stony beach of San Giovanni or the Lido di Bellagio, which is equipped with bar, wifi and gazebos.
A stroll around Villa Melzi gardens is definitely one of the best things to do when you are in Bellagio. The villa is open from March to October and the entry price is €8.00. Opening times: 10am - 7pm (last admission to visit the park is at 6pm.). Open all days.
HOW TO GET to Villa Melzi
Take the public boat to Bellagio and there you can get to Villa Melzi in 15 minutes walking from the pier.
Located in Tremezzina, within a short distance from Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta is another beautiful Villa you can visit if you have some extra time!
Open from mid-March to mid-November (please check on Google or on the official website).
Opening times: 9am - 7.30pm.
Regular ticket: €12 (6-17 years old kids: €10)
Albergo Ristorante Silvio is a family-run hotel and a restaurant serving fresh fish and local specialties. From the elegant veranda and the outdoor pergola under the vineyards, it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The cuisine is simple but refined and showcases traditional local dishes and products.
If you're looking for a Michelin-star experience this is the right place! In this restaurant, which is inside the “Grand Hotel Tremezzo” , you can taste the most iconic dishes of the father of Italian haute cuisine: Gualtiero Marchesi (he was the first Italian chef to be awarded the three Michelin stars)
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Where to stay
Here are the things you want to keep in mind when picking a hotel in Lake Como:
- Parking: Are you driving a car? In many towns the parking is quite limited, so be sure to ask in advance about a spot for your car or check if the town you choose has a public parking.
- Nearby restaurants: Make sure to choose a town where you can find restaurants nearby.
- Air conditioning: Italy can get really hot in summertime
There are three main towns you’ll most likely stay in during your time at Lake Como: Varenna, Bellagio or Como. Here is a selection of stays for each town!
This is the hotel we stayed at, make sure to book a room with view! You can take a look at my video I linked below to see the view.
This is truly a charming spot in Lake Como that feels like a home away from home.
Elegant and small hotel in Art Nouveau style. The charming location on the edge of the lake and the renowned cuisine will make your stay even more pleasant.
Located in the historic center of Bellagio, this classic hotel features a restaurant and a wellness area. The property is also a 3-minute walk from the ferry port, offering connections to Menaggio and Varenna.
Hotel Bellagio is owned by the Leoni family, the owners of Hotel Du Lac.
The Hotel is situated on a traditional cubbled staircase of Bellagio, to reach it there are 38 small steps. Hotel Bellagio has at its disposal various categories of rooms: 17 of these have partial or full lake view over breathtaking Lake Como and the remaining 12 rooms provide views over the village rooftops and picturesque streets.
A short step away from the bustle of Bellagio’s centre, the Hotel Belvedere, owned by 4 generations of women since 1880, offers panoramic views of Lake Como. The private garden has a swimming pool with a hot tub. Parking is free.
Featuring a rooftop infinity pool, Hilton Lake Como offers accommodations a 10-minute walk from the shores of Lake Como. Guests can enjoy the Terrazza 241 rooftop restaurant and bar, the Satin restaurant and the Taffeta lobby bar.
Ideal for romantic getaways, rejuvenating escapes, and even business trips, Vistalago is an oasis of tranquility surrounded by lush greenery, just a few minutes from the historic city center.
In a 15th century palace located in the historic center of the city of Como, within the ancient medieval walls and the imposing and suggestive Roman towers, a family has decided to open the doors of their home to offer visitors a magical and familiar atmosphere.
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General informations
How to get to Lake Como
First you have to get to Milan city. Find flights to Milan:
I will give you an insight on how to get to three of the most popular Lake Como’s towns from Milan: Como, Bellagio and Varenna.
Your first option is to take a train from Milano centrale train station to the towns of Como, Lecco ( from Lecco to Bellagio, you can choose between the D10 bus or, only in summer, the public boat service) or Varenna (depending on where you decide to sleep). You can check timetables and fares with Trenitalia (see the link below).
First of all, you have to take the Malpensa Express from the airport to Milano Centrale train station. Then, from Milano Centrale you can take the train that will take you to Como, Lecco or Varenna.
The third and last option is to rent a car at Milano Malpensa airport or train station! The trip will last around 1hour and an half but consider that you will have to pay for parking once there!
If you want to book your car in advance or check fares:
How can I book a private boat tour around Lake Como?
Most of the towns will give you the chance to take a private boat tour on Lake Como at your own pace, maybe at sunset and with a fine bottle of prosecco.
If you are looking for a private tour with a driver at your disposal , please check the links I attached to see example of the options offered
One-way ticket Bellagio-Varenna: €4.60 (this price applies to all one-way passenger transfers between towns in the central area of the lake). Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office near the dock of almost any town. For schedule, timetables & routes please check Navigazione Laghi website! (link below)
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