Destination Guide: Lake Como, Italy

THE GIST

Lake Como may have gotten popular in recent years because George Clooney bought a villa there (😍), but as convincing as that fact is on its own, this romantic destination is so much more than hunky actors and upscale resorts. A massive Y-shaped lake in northern Italy surrounded by pockets of charming hillside villages, Lake Como is full of jaw-dropping scenery set against the Alps, Renaissance architecture, picturesque streets, and of course, as much fresh seafood, pasta, and gelato as you can handle.

Don’t be put off by the ‘ritzy’ reputation the area gets – while there is certainly a fair share of bougie spots to frequent and stunning lakeside hotels to stay at, there are just as many lowkey restaurants to enjoy and unassuming homes to rent. Whether you want to explore every street or lounge in luxury, Lake Como promises to be absolutely beautiful no matter how you do it.


 THE PEACH + THE PIT

The best thing about Lake Como: the beauty of the lake itself and its breadth of villages to visit.

The lake speaks for itself – as long as you’re blessed with good weather, you’re guaranteed gorgeous view after gorgeous view of blue water surrounded by lush, green-covered mountains with ancient, colorful architecture lining the foothills.

but what you don’t realize until you’re there

is just how big it is, how much it offers, how many villages there are to discover.

source: Carly Weaver

When you leave the city of Como and explore the rest of the lake, you’ll find the most charming streets, tiered alleyways, ivy-covered houses, cobblestone paths, historic villas, and iconic residences-turned-hotels. You can take the funicular (gondola) up to Brunate in the hills above Como for the most amazing views, walk the quiet streets of Argegno, bike around Cernobbio, or go peep George’s villa in Laglio. Big or small, each village is worth visiting (or at least seeing up close from a cruise on the lake).

Pro Tip: One of the best ways to see the lake is via private boat ride, sipping on Prosecco as a local gives you a tour of the sights. If you’re going to splurge on anything, splurge on that!


The worst thing about Lake Como: getting around can be tricky.

 

While there are ferries, buses, and taxis available, getting around the lake definitely takes time and planning. You’ll have to be pretty on top of the ferry schedules – with different types of ferries and so many different destinations, the timetable can get confusing, and if you have some bad luck, things may be completely thrown off (for example, thunderstorms delay all transportation or that last ferry you were hoping to catch is already full). The transportation is definitely something you’ll get the hang of, but getting around the lake can be a time suck, so that’s something to factor in as you plan your days.


Pro Tip: Work with a travel advisor who can help plan your transportation to maximize your days.

 

THE HIT LIST

BELLAGIO + VARENNA

Perhaps two of the most well-known villages, Bellagio and Varenna, are what many people think of when they think of Lake Como. Again, thanks in big part to our man George – but he’s definitely onto something. The two sit catty-cornered in the middle point of the lake, Bellagio at the center tip of the “Y” between its two branches and Varenna directly across the way. It makes sense why these two are hot spots with attractions like the Villa Melzi Gardens, Ristorante La Punta (which sits on a coveted scenic vista at the tip of Bellagio), Castello di Vezio, Villa Monastero, and “Lovers Walk.”

But even if you don’t go for the famous sights, it’s worth simply meandering through their streets and taking in the charming scenery.

Just a 15-minute ferry ride away from each other, Bellagio and Varenna are both doable on a day trip. You’ll wish you lived in the elegant, flower-lined buildings; you’ll want to wander down the stony streets forever, and you’ll definitely plan to linger at the lake-view bars and restaurants with a refreshing Aperol spritz. Ancient history meets modern luxury, and it’s simply lovely.

LA FABBRICA DEL GELATO

I had seen this pop up on some lists in my research, touted as some of the best gelatos on the lake. And let me tell you: I agree (I can say that confidently, having tried at least 3 other gelaterias in various locations). This gelateria is along the main drag in Lenno – one of those unassuming villages you might not think of visiting but is worth it – and it’s some of the creamiest, most delicious gelato I’ve had to date. Retro yet upscale inside, you’ll find a rotating popsicle carousel and a huge flavor selection, so there’s something for everyone, whether you want classic or adventurous.

i went with half caffè, half fior di latte…

and it did. not. disappoint.

source: Carly Weaver



THE HIDDEN GEMS

THE GREENWAY

Greenway del Lago is a 6-mile route that begins at Colonno on the west side of the lake and ends all the way up in Cadenabbia di Griante.

Following the path of the ancient Via Regina, this walkway is such a pleasant way to see and experience so many of those villages I keep gushing about.

It takes around 3.5 hours to walk the greenway from start to finish, but it’s very easy to follow, and you can stroll any portion of it that you want. The path changes form as you go, sometimes putting you on cobblestone in the hills and sometimes passing right through the main street of a village. As you stroll, you’ll also pass ancient churches, stunning villas and gardens, and wooded hills with obviously gorgeous views of the lake. This isn’t something everyone necessarily knows about or thinks to add to their agenda, but it’s a wonderful way to see more of the lake and get a different perspective. The best part: you’ll pass right by La Fabbrica Del Gelato for a well-earned reward 😉.

MÉDITERRANÉE BISTROT

Recommended by a local, this restaurant in the city of Como is a bistro, pizza, wine, and cocktail bar that sits in Piazza Volta. It may not be one of those lakeside spots that can boast of its panoramic views, but the ambiance is still lovely. It gives off a classy, elegant vibe with its blue striped seating and fancy glassware, sitting in a square in town that’s lively yet quiet enough for pleasant outdoor dining.

But all that aside, the food alone is more than enough reason to go here.

It’s a big menu, and I truly don’t think you can go wrong. Still, our order was definitely a winner: the most delicious eggplant appetizer, a buffalo mozzarella pizza, fresh lobster and shrimp pasta, and a delectable seafood ravioli. Everything was beautifully plated, perfectly prepared, and tasted just as pretty as it looked. *Chef’s kiss*🤌🏼


KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

WHEN TO VISIT

In terms of weather and climate, there is a big span of the year when Lake Como is ideal for visiting. But if you want to avoid the summer rush and some of that European heat, the best time to go is either April - May or September - October – those months when you still have warm, pleasant weather but fewer crowds.

THE FERRIES

As mentioned above, the ferries can be tricky, but they’re also the best way to get around the lake, so it’s helpful to know what you’re going into. Take a look at the timetable online before your trip to get familiar with all of the various stops and routes (schedules change per season), as well as the different ferries available (hydrofoils are the “fast boats”, and regular ferries take much longer to get from place to place). Also, note that you can’t buy tickets online or ahead of time – you have to get them at the ferry station you’re departing from (which can be a problem if you don’t make it there before the next ferry fills up). Tip: if you’re hopping around from village to village, buy your return ticket as soon as you arrive at each destination, so you can guarantee a seat and exact time to your next destination.

i’ll leave you with

George Clooney’s villa… 👀

 

by Carly Weaver

Carly, a New-Jersey-native-turned-Los-Angeles-local, has worked in digital marketing for the past decade doing everything from copywriting to creative production to brand strategy. But she’s always had three great loves: food, travel, and writing. That’s where Ogden Pacific comes in. 

All-time favorite travel story? That time she slept in a drawer in a Florence hospital. All-time favorite meal? Well, as a decidedly unemotional person she’s been moved to tears by a single bite of food more than once...so let’s not even go there right now. All-time favorite destinations? The Jersey Shore for Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream and pure nostalgia. The British Virgin Islands for endless crystal clear seas and some of the nicest people on earth. Montana for that clean, crisp, mountain air and $2 Moose Drools enjoyed over dive bar shuffleboard. And Italy for literally...every...single...thing. Including that bite of burrata she cried over.

She’s here to help inform you, guide you, entertain you, and inspire you to find your next all-time favorite trip. (And also to help make sure you don’t end up in a drawer while you’re there.)

 
Carly Weaver