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

It’s laborious to consider 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 chunk 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 fame because the epitome of the nice life is well-deserved.

Considered one of a cluster of northern Italian lakes that features Garda, Maggiore, Lugano, and several other smaller siblings, Lake Como, or Lago di Como, is Italy’s deepest lake. Its distinctive form — an the wrong way up Y — was fashioned by an enormous 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 had been the primary to construct grand villas on Lake Como, and ever since, generations of la dolce vita seekers have adopted swimsuit, utilizing cities corresponding to Bellagio, Como, Menaggio, and Tremezzo as the bottom for lakeside leisure. We requested a number of journey specialists about their longtime amorous affairs with the lake, and received their recommendation on the most effective locations to remain, dine, and expertise Lake Como.

Greatest Motels

Grand Lodge Tremezzo

“I at all times say the arrival to Grand Lodge Tremezzo on Lake Como is cinematic,” says luxurious journey skilled Annie Fitzsimmons, whose new e book, “100 Motels of a Lifetime,” options the artwork nouveau facade of this palatial resort on the quilt. “I like all the pieces concerning 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 workforce are “the most effective on the planet.”

Grand Lodge Victoria

TravelLustre journey advisor Nicole Bono calls this belle époque magnificence her favourite resort on the lake. “There is a personal seashore membership for friends steps away from the resort the place you may go for a dip, in addition to a surprising pool,” she says. Samy Ghachem, basic supervisor of La Dolce Vita Orient Categorical, says Victoria has “the most effective 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 wedding ceremony desserts.” Trilivas can be a fan of their Bellini cocktail, made with white peach, pink pepper, and Champagne.

Il Sereno

A horny atmosphere permeates this 40-suite resort, the place hanging trendy structure stands out on a lakeshore dotted with centuries-old villas and artwork nouveau edifices. And on a lake identified for its grand dames, it says rather a lot 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 Lodge

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

See extra prime resorts in Lake Como right here.

Greatest Issues to Do

Go on a ship journey.

“I at all times advise each traveler going to Lake Como that the actual fantastic thing about the area is finest seen from the water,” says Ghachem. “You completely must get out on a ship. Most resorts could make preparations for personal Venetian-style boats or the extra thrilling and chic Riva boats. There are, after all, much less dear choices, together with the quite a few ferry routes.” Como Lake Artists presents fairly priced self-drive boats.

Rent a photographer.

Eli Wagner, a Journey + Leisure A-list advisor and founding father of Wagner Bespoke Journey, says the easiest way to protect your Lake Como reminiscences is to rent a professional. “Rent a photographer to affix you and your loved ones on the boat day. As an alternative of the standard vacation playing cards, having Lake Como because the backdrop will probably be memorable in your vacation images for a few years to return.”

Hit the path.

Once you’re not on the water, head out on one among Lake Como’s quite a few climbing 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 various 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 ideal vacation spot to lounge together with your spritz and do a complete lot of nothing,” says Bono. “Individuals can simply loosen up and take it straightforward, strolling, buying, and having fun with the surroundings.”

Greatest Buying

Enoteca da Gigi, Como

“That is one among my favourite wine bars within the previous city,” says Ghachem. “You’ll be able to 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 presents carries fastidiously and regionally sourced, made-in-Italy merchandise, together with many hard-to-find gadgets that slip simply right into a carry-on. Ghachem says the number of dry pastas is the most effective on the lake.

La Bottega del Legno 

“There are loads of super-touristy shops all around the lake, however you too can discover some fantastic boutiques,” says Bono. Bellagio’s compact previous city is her favourite for buying, and the historic Bottega del Legno is a good cease for wood-carved gadgets, together with actual picket toys.

Greatest Eating places

Al Veluu

Bono calls this hilltop restaurant “a real showstopper,” whereas Wagner says it “embodies the essence of Lake Como.” Recent, regionally 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’ll be able to’t go improper right here,” he says. “There’s nice atmosphere — it’s simply upscale sufficient.” Seize an out of doors seat overlooking the lake and benefit from 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.

Greatest Time to Go to

Our specialists agree that shoulder season (September and October) is the most effective time to go to Lake Como. “Your complete lake is lush — all the pieces is so gorgeous this time of 12 months,” 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 be aware that should you 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. Nonetheless, should you reserve early and put together for the crowds, you’ll discover a quintessential Italian lake expertise awaits.

Many resorts and eating places shut for the winter, however sufficient stay open that in order for you 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 one 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 prepare journey from Milano Centrale, Milan’s foremost prepare station. Bellagio, Menaggio, and different small cities alongside the lake are served by ferries (much less frequent within the offseason) or will 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 one can Get Round

“In case you’re completely happy to self-drive, having a automobile will be very helpful,” says Bono. That is very true for reaching locations circuitously on the lake. However should you don’t need to hire a automobile, Bono says, “personal transfers and automobile companies, in addition to ferries and water taxis are the best way to go.” Some resorts hire Fiat 500s, which make for enjoyable driving and nice photograph ops, although Ghachem warns that the roads across the lake are very slender and infrequently fairly curvy.