3 Days in Lake Como, Italy!
Getting There
Lake Como, while looking like a fairy tale land, is actually quite easy to reach! Fly into Milan Malpensa airport, and then from Milano Centrale station get a ticket to Varenna Esino. See how easy?! This is one of the reasons I recommend staying in Varenna while you’re on the lake.
On the day of your arrival, take time to explore the town. Walk along the waterfront, get amazing gelato at La Passarella, and an aperitif or a casual dinner at Caffe Varenna.
Day 1 - Boats Boats Boats
Start your day the Italian way with caffè e cornetto! Then get a ticket for the ferry to Bellagio. When you arrive at port in Bellagio, head south.
You’re going to I Giardini di Villa Melzi, or the Melzi Gardens. These are amazing botanical gardens, with sculptures, a villa, and waterfront views of the lake.
After you get your fill of gardens and beauty, walk back over to Bellagio town for il pranzo (lunch). Depending on what your vibe is I would recommend a couple of options.
For pizza:
For Views:
For a Splurge:
After lunch, take a passeggiata through Bellagio and do some shopping! Italy is known for leather goods. Treat yourself to a new leather bag at Bellagioseta, or just wander around and take in all of the beautiful items.
When you’re ready, hop back on the ferry and head back to Varenna.
Book ahead for a sunset cruise on the lake to cap off your first evening. There are many options for private boat tours. Here are a couple.
When back in Varenna, enjoy a lovely dinner at Al Prato.
Day 2: The Views
Before the sun gets too strong, climb up to Castello di Vezio. Wear sensible shoes as the hike can get steep! The castello was once connected to the walls of Varenna, and now offers a gorgeous view of the lake and city below. The castle grounds also contain plaster cast “ghosts” that add to the atmosphere, and make great photo ops!
After you make your trek down, grab your bathing suits and head to the train station. Take the train one stop north, to Bellano. You’re going to Lido di Bellano, a pristine beach on the lake shore, private pool, restaurant and bar. It’s best to book ahead for sun umbrellas and beach chairs if you plan on spending the afternoon at the beach. If it’s too cold for sunning and swimming, the restaurant on the terrace is still worth it for the great seafood, pasta and pizza, and sweeping lake views.
After lazing the afternoon away on the beach, train or ferry back to home base and get ready for dinner.
For dinner, you’re going to need to book ahead before your trip, but it will be well worth it! Ristorante Il Caminetto is a family run restaurant. You can arrange to be picked up in Varenna, most likely by the chef’s wife, and taken up the windy hill to their family home. If there’s still some daylight left, take in a moment to enjoy the views!
The pasta is all hand made and the atmosphere is intimate and inviting. At the end of the evening, you’ll be ferried back down, no need to worry about transport after all the wine you’ll enjoy.
Day 3: Life in Luxury
Live it up in luxury on your last full day on Lake Como. Your first stop will be Villa Monastero. This villa has a huge, lush botanical gardens, sculptures, and a museum holding four centuries of history.
From here, take the ferry over to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina. Before touring the villa, though, enjoy lunch at the aptly named Belle Isole Ristorante.
When you’ve tired of your tours of extravagant villas, get ready for an extravagant dinner. The view from Ristorante La Vista at Albergó Milano is not to be missed.
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