Less than 3 weeks into living in England, we went on a long weekend getaway to Lake Como... lol. In fairness, we hadn't moved into our new home yet and we had a 4-day weekend...
Lake Como had been on our bucket list for years. After hearing stories of its beauty we knew we wanted to see it for ourselves. Nestled in the heart of Italy's Lombardy region, Lake Como is a captivating jewel of natural beauty and timeless elegance. Surrounded by mountains, charming villages, and enchanting gardens, this picturesque destination has long been a magnet for travelers from across the world.
Thanks to some cheap Ryanair flights we checked off the bucket list destination- and man, it did not disappoint! Here's our guide to how to spend a long weekend in Lake Como.
Where to Stay in Lake Como
When choosing where to stay in Lake Como, you'll find a range of charming towns and villages, each offering its own unique atmosphere and advantages.
Tremezzo
Tremezzo is nestled on the western shores of Lake Como and is known for its tranquil ambiance and stunning lakefront views. The primary draw here is the luxurious Grand Hotel Tremezzo, offering unparalleled elegance and world-class amenities. Pros include its central location for exploring the lake, beautiful lakeside promenade, and proximity to Villa Carlotta's magnificent gardens. However, Tremezzo can lean towards the higher end of the budget spectrum, and it may not offer as much bustling nightlife as other towns.
Bellagio
Bellagio is one of Lake Como's most famous towns, renowned for its elegance and timeless beauty. Pros include its central location on the peninsula, spectacular views, boutique shopping, and a wide range of dining options. You'll also find picturesque gardens like Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni. However, the popularity of Bellagio means it can get crowded during the peak tourist season, and prices may be on the higher side.
Varenna
Varenna, perched on the eastern shores, is often hailed as one of Lake Como's hidden gems. With its narrow cobblestone streets and charming waterfront, it exudes a romantic ambiance. Pros include its quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, direct ferry connections to other towns, and affordability compared to some of the more upscale options. On the downside, Varenna might have fewer high-end dining and accommodation choices.
Como
The town of Como is the largest settlement on the lake and serves as the administrative and transportation hub. Pros include its accessibility, vibrant cultural scene, excellent shopping, and proximity to Milan. Como also offers a wide range of accommodation options suitable for various budgets. However, it doesn't really have the same picturesque charm as the smaller villages (in my opinion) and the lakefront can be less dramatic compared to other locations.
Tremezzo Hotel Recommendation: Grand Hotel Cadenabbia
We were lucky enough to snag a last-minute room at the Grand Hotel Cadenabbia. It came recommended by friends who had stayed in Lake Como and DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
The hotel has all of the fabulous amenities and perks of others in Tremezzo for a fraction of the price. The outdoor terraces provide some of the most stunning views of Lake Como & the pool is to-die-for. The breakfast buffet each morning (included with our stay) was a fabulous addition as well. Situated just a 5 minute walk to the ferry terminal to other towns along the lake, the location was superb.
Getting to Lake Como
By Airport: Travelers often arrive at Milan's airports—Malpensa or Linate—before heading to Lake Como. From Malpensa, a direct train service to Como is available, offering a convenient transfer. While Uber is not available yet around Milan/to Como, there are various taxi companies available and some hotels offer airport transport door-to-door.
By Train: Arriving by train from Milan to Lake Como is a popular choice for its ease and efficiency. Regular train services run from Milano Centrale to towns like Como or Varenna, providing a scenic ride through the Italian countryside. I typically scout out train routes and timetables on Rome2Rio and then purchase tickets directly from the app!
By Car: Travelers seeking flexibility and the chance to explore the surrounding areas often opt for a scenic drive to Lake Como. FWIW, I would NOT recommend driving here. The roads are winding and incredibly narrow with high speed limits. My life flashed before my eyes around multiple turns while our driver brought us into Tremezzo from Milan...
By Ferry: For a truly enchanting arrival, take a ferry into Lake Como. Ferries crisscross the lake, connecting various towns and providing passengers with an immersive experience amid the beauty of the lake. That said, it's also easy (and quite cheap) to take the short ferries between towns- so if you want the view from the water but don't want to block out several hours for a ferry from Como to the smaller towns- just stick to the Bellagio-Varenna-Tremezzo-Menaggio routes.
Things to Do in Lake Como
Visit Villa Carlotta: Discover the art and botanical gardens at Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. We loved the vast collection of sculptures and artwork inside the villa itself. The grounds of the villa boast a gorgeous array of botanical gardens and olive groves! Tickets are just €15.
Explore Bellagio: Visit the picturesque town of Bellagio, often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como." This is the perfect day trip to have the chance to wander through its charming streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the beautiful gardens at Villa Melzi. We loved the shopping in Bellagio (so many lovely silk products!)
Relax at the Lido di Bellagio: While in Bellagio, we spent some time outside the main city center at the Lido di Bellagio. It was the perfect place to sit and enjoy the sun! Bring your swimsuit if you want to take a dip in the lake from the swimming spots here- and definitely get an Aperol Spritz (or a few.)
Go for a Dip at Al Puunt: Stop by for a drink by the water or stay for a while by renting a day bed. You can rent kayaks or simply go for a swim at this adorable spot just a 10 minute walk from the main center of Tremezzo!
Where to Eat in Lake Como
Varenna Caffe Bistrot (Varenna): We stumbled upon this lovely lakeside restaurant/cafe in Varenna. While the full menu wasn't the best in the area, the views were unbeatable and the limoncello spritz & snack of prosciutto and burrata was a lovely afternoon treat.
T Pizza at Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Tremezzo): If you want to spend some time at the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo without paying the obscene amount per night to stay there, I'd highly recommend lunch at T pizza! The prices are still pretty steep- but you get a delicious, hearty pizza (with made-in-house sourdough pizza crust) and the chance to relax poolside at one of the most famous spots in Lake Como.
Vittoria (Tremezzo): Jut a short walk from our hotel in Tremezzo was the charming Bistrot Vittoria. It boasts a large outdoor seating area covered by a beautiful pergola. We came during the "month of the truffle" and I could have cried tears of joy was they grated an entire black truffle over my pasta. The wait staff were all very friendly and the prices were (shockingly) reasonable. Definitely worth a visit!
Best Time to Visit Lake Como
The allure of Lake Como is undeniable year-round, but choosing the best time to visit can significantly enhance your experience. While each season has its unique charm, many people consider the late spring to early autumn period, (in April-May or September) as the prime window for the best Lake Como itinerary. Summer is peak season- and you can enjoy warm, sunny weather. However, the summer months of June, July & August will bring the largest tourist crowds and the most expensive hotel prices.
During the Spring and early fall months, however, the weather is pleasantly mild and still boasts several sunny days on average. You'll have the chance to explore the picturesque villages, stroll through the exquisite gardens, and enjoy boat rides across the tranquil waters without the constraints of winter's chill or the peak summer crowds.
We went over Labor Day weekend at the beginning of September and had 4 sunny and 80-degree days- which was absolutely perfect, in our opinion. Due to this being after back-to-school, we were also able to get a better deal on our hotel room & dine at several places without a reservation.
How Expensive is a Weekend in Lake Como?
Lake Como, often associated with luxury and opulence, does have a reputation for being on the pricier side when it comes to travel destinations. However, it's important to note that the cost of visiting Lake Como can vary widely depending on your choices. While there are certainly extravagant options, such as upscale villas and gourmet dining, it's entirely possible to enjoy the beauty of Lake Como on a more modest budget.
We found that the price of food & drinks out was reasonable and comparable to dining out in a larger city int he U.S. or at home in Cambridge. On average, we paid:
Between $40-100 for lunch (for two people, with drinks)
Between $75-150 for dinner (for two people, with drinks)
Also note, tipping is not common in most European countries, many of which add a service charge into your bill automatically.