Lake Como Holiday Guide

Basic Information About Lake Como in Italy

Little water buses cross the lake all day long, between the pretty towns on either side. Long after you leave you’ll remember the singsong sound of the ‘conductors’ calling out the names of the towns they’re to stop at… ‘Lenno, Tremezzo, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio…’ The towns are all just as charming as their names would suggest and you could happily spend a week hopping between them and soaking up the atmosphere.

The lake is known for its amazing luxury villas, many with beautiful gardens. Don’t miss the Villa Balbianello in Lenno for jaw-droppingly wonderful formal gardens and vistas you’ll recognise from Casino Royale and other films, or the Villa Carlotta over in Tremezzo.

There are man-made beaches along the very edge of the lake in places, but there’s just as much to see walking away from the lake and up into the cool of the mountains, where you can enjoy an aperitif in the evening with a view of the lake below.

And if you’re in search of a bit of luxury you’ve come to the right place, the area is soaked with swanky hotels and historic luxury villas to rent where you’ll feel like true Italian aristocracy. Lake Como is a playground for the rich and famous, and there’s plenty of space for anyone to play, too.

When to Visit

May, June and September will get the best combination of good weather and lack of crowds. July and August can be quite hot but watching a storm break over the lake from your luxury villa makes it all worth it. In winter months you won’t be able to eat al fresco but the area has a different kind of charm when all the other tourists have disappeared.

What We Love About Lake Como

We love the view of Lake Como from the skies which can be enjoyed on an exhilarating sea plane excursion. Fly over the calm waters, sculptured gardens and historical villas before landing on the lake itself.

Or to enjoy the views from lake level, hire a private speed boat and captain for a day to hop from one lake town to another in style. Or for ultimate serenity, get up early and kayak out to watch the sunrise before boats busy the scene.

Getting There

Lake Como can be reached easily from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, which is approximately a 1-hour drive. If you have yet to experience the thrill of driving in Italy, book a taxi. The local roads are perfectly safe, but navigating the roads between the lakes and mountains is a stress you can do without. While you are there, you’ll get about by boat, it’s faster, easier and infinitely more stylish.

The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Lake Como

The local fish is wonderful – particularly the perch, straight from the lake, which you’ll see on many a menu in the area.

Some of the best restaurants in Italy are on the shores of Lake Como and you’ll be spoilt for choice when dining out of your luxury villa. That is if you don’t prefer to have the best local cuisine cooked for you in a private catered villa.

There are simple but fantastic pizzerias such as Pizzeria Balognett in Tremezzo, which reportedly serves the best pizza in the region, plus the wonderful Locanda dell’Isola Comacina, a restaurant on Como’s island, which is accessible only by boat. We particularly love the view from the Al Veluu restaurant up in the hills. Great food, great Prosecco and a view you won’t stop talking about all night.

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