Lake Como in a Nutshell (With Wine)
This guide is short and sweet, like our stay at Lake Como. I've organized it by town because otherwise you'll be ferrying all over creation. And while that's a lovely way to commute, it's not exactly efficient for a first-time visit. We didn't have tons of time here, so this guide only scratches the surface of all Lake Como has to offer, but it's a solid starting point that hits the high notes!
BELLAGIO
Lake Como can be pricey. We stayed in Bellagio at an Airbnb. Varenna also seemed like an excellent home base.
To Eat
Trattoria San Giacomo | Located on the Famous Street of Bellagio, this is an excellent choice for authentic Italian dining. Order all the specials and you won't be disappointed.
Pro Tip: No reservations policy, so go early to beat the rush or put your name in and enjoy a glass of wine across the street while you wait.
La Fontana Bellagio | Hidden down an alley, excellent pasta
Pizzeria Babayaga | Massive, delicious pizzas perfect for takeaway
Pasticceria Rossi | Charming breakfast spot to sit outside in the sun and enjoy lake views
Smooth Operator Gelato | They didn't have the American staple (mint chocolate chip), but the Oreo flavor was solid
La Lanterna | From what I remember, it’s a nice little restaurant
To Drink
Angolo DiVino Enoteca Wine Bar | Enjoy wine, cheese and charcuterie in their 18th-century cellar.
Pro Tip | Buy bottles to take home!
Enoteca Cava Turacciolo | Cozy wine bar, but I recommend grabbing a cushioned stool around a wine barrel table on the stairs for the most authentic Como experience
Pro Tip | Stop here on your way home from dinner for a nightcap
To See & Do
Explore | Window shopping and people-watching are a must
Famous Street of Bellagio | Wander down the photogenic main drag
Marvel at the Enormous Houses | The lakefront villas are jaw-dropping
View of Varenna from the lake
VARENNA
To Eat
Il Cavatappi | Tucked away in a little alcove; food was excellent
To See & Do
Greenway dei Patriarchi | Scenic lakeside walk - a must do!
TREMEZZO
To Eat
Casa Aquadulza | I really liked it here. Very chill. Great lake views with your meal. And it’s evolved since our 2018 visit; it’s now a restaurant and craft brewery with beer garden!
To Drink
Grand Hotel Tremezzo | Maybe the most famous hotel on Lake Como. Views are second to none, cocktails are good. The service was aloof.
MENAGGIO
Chiesa di San Carlo Menaggio Italy (1614)
To See & Do
Fucilazione di Benito Mussolini | If you like a little dark history, visit the spot where Mussolini and his mistress were executed
Chiesa di San Carlo Menaggio Italy (1614) | There’s no shortage of churches in Italy. This was a nice one apparently, because I wrote it down.
Mini-Waterfall | We took a massive set of unnecessary stairs to find this but you should have no problem getting here since it’s situated near the center of town
LAKE-WIDE EXPERIENCES
Posing on our boat charter
Can’t decide which town(s) to visit? Do a Private Boat Tour! It was magical! Easily the highlight of our vacation. We lucked out with a perfect sunny day and our friendly driver Filippo was impressed by the three bottles of sparkling wine we brought aboard for the day. I don’t remember all the details, but here’s what I do know:
We explored all three arms of the lake's Y-shape
Our first stop was Como for an hour to see the Como Cathedral and have some gelato
Stop for lunch at Ristorante La Punta for lake fish pate and white fish with chimichurri while enjoying panoramic views of all three branches of the lake
Celebrity House Spotting, including those of George Clooney and Richard Branson
Picturesque hillside churches and villages
Headed home just as it was starting to cool off
Absolutely loved our first visit! Though I absolutely could not wait to return the rental car and escape those hairpin turns.
THE LOGISTICS
Travel Date | September 2018
Lodging | Airbnb
Getting There |
Five hour drive from Florence
Flew home out of Linate in Milan
Transportation |
Ferry everywhere! Get an all-day ticket and hop around. Routes aren't always direct, but that's part of the charm and scenic beauty. Plus they serve beer!
Pro Tips |
September | Offers perfect weather and tourism levels
Weather Prep | Bring layers for when it cools off on the water or in the evenings
Pack Mosquito Wipes | They are vicious in the evening (we like OFF! Deep Woods Insect Towelettes because they’re easy to travel with)
Brace for the Drive | The roads are narrow and winding with confident motorcyclists (a white-knuckle experience for me)
Ferry Logistics | Learn the three different ferry types; routes are leisurely but scenic
Dining | Make a reservations, go early or have backup plans
#195Postcards
