Lake Como’s pleasures are simple and memorable: a stroll through magnificent gardens; a candlelit dinner by the shore; wine sipped under a bougainvillea- wrapped arcade. Lingering on a balcony viewing the panorama of lake and mountains or curling up on a sofa in a grand drawing room might consume most of the day. The biggest decision might be which village, if any, to explore.
Lake Como’s Towns -- Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna
Mid-lake is the most beautiful part of the 30-mile-long Lake Como. Here, the beautiful towns of Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna are just boat-rides apart.
With its pastel buildings and geraniums spilling from window boxes, Bellagio is the prettiest of the lake towns. Shops and cafes line the waterfront, and stepped streets thread up and down its hills. Walk ten minutes to the Punta Spartivento, where Lake Como’s two legs meet. When scoured by an overnight thunderstorm, the perfect blue sky is a backdrop for the full panorama of green hills rising to barren, rugged snow-capped Swiss Alps towering over the end of the lake.
Varenna is Lake Como’s best-preserved medieval town. The lakeside walk from the boat landing leads to Piazza San Giorgio, Varenna’s town center. After a stop for an espresso, continue to the gardens at Villa Cipressi and at the Villa Monastero. The reward for finishing the steep, 30-minute walk to the hilltop ruins of the Castello di Vezio is a stunning view from one of Lake Como’s most romantic spots.
From Mennagio’s appealing Piazza Garibaldi stroll along the lovely lakeside promenade, which passes some villas. A few hiking trails begin in Menaggio.
Restaurants, Hotels and Accommodations on Lake Como
Staying in a lakeside resort brings travelers into that romantic world of grand old hotels, one where guests dine leisurely, stroll about the grounds and spend rainy mornings reading in beautifully appointed drawing rooms.
Lake Como’s hotels are open from March 1 through early November.
The elegant, five-star Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni perches on Bellagio’s headlands. It has three restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and a spa.
Most of the rooms at the family-operated Hotel Florence have lake views. It has a restaurant, wisteria-covered terrace for outdoor dining. This moderately priced hotel is in Bellagio.
The five-star Grand Hotel Tremezzo is in a turn-of-the-century villa in the middle of a 12 ½-acre private park, next to Villa Carlotta, across the lake from Bellagio. Guests can sip an aperitif or enjoy lunch on the deck of the floating pool on the lake.
For a romantic candlelit meal overlooking the lake, dine on the terrace at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Trattoria San Giacomo, Salita Serbelloni 45 in Bellagio, is a family-owned spot that features fresh fish, fresh pasta and local dishes. There are many wines by the glass, so follow the menu’s suggestions for pairing each course with a different wine.
Bellagio’s Pasticceria Bar Rossi has incredible carved woodwork that’s over 100 years old. Good for light meals and desserts, this is on the waterfront at 22 Piazza Mazzini.
Traveling To And Around Lake Como
Trains run from Milan to Varenna and to Como. It’s a two-hour boat trip from Como to Bellagio. Boats link the lakefront towns. Don’t sightsee without the schedule in your pocket.
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