The way to Go to Lake Como, Italy — Luxurious Resorts and Fairy-tale Cities Included

It’s exhausting to think about 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 great 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 other way up Y — was fashioned by a large glacier, and the lake remains 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 reminiscent of 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 obtained their recommendation on one of the best locations to remain, dine, and expertise Lake Como.

Finest Resorts

Grand Resort Tremezzo

“I all the time say the arrival to Grand Resort Tremezzo on Lake Como is cinematic,” says luxurious journey professional Annie Fitzsimmons, whose new e book, “100 Resorts of a Lifetime,” options the artwork nouveau facade of this palatial resort on the duvet. “I like the whole lot 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 group are “one of the best on the planet.”

Grand Resort Victoria

TravelLustre journey guide Nicole Bono calls this belle époque magnificence her favourite lodge on the lake. “There is a non-public seashore membership for company steps away from the lodge the place you possibly can go for a dip, in addition to a surprising pool,” she says. Samy Ghachem, normal supervisor of La Dolce Vita Orient Categorical, says Victoria has “one of the best 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 also be a fan of their Bellini cocktail, made with white peach, pink pepper, and Champagne.

Il Sereno

An attractive atmosphere permeates this 40-suite lodge, the place putting trendy structure stands out on a lakeshore dotted with centuries-old villas and artwork nouveau edifices. And on a lake recognized 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 Resort

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

See extra high resorts in Lake Como right here.

Finest Issues to Do

Go on a ship journey.

“I all the time 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 stylish Riva boats. There are, in fact, much less expensive choices, together with the quite a few ferry routes.” Como Lake Artists gives fairly priced self-drive boats.

Rent a photographer.

Eli Wagner, a Journey + Leisure A-list advisor and founding father of Wagner Bespoke Journey, says one of the simplest ways 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 might be memorable on your vacation photographs for a few years to come back.”

Hit the path.

If you’re not on the water, head out on certainly one of Lake Como’s quite a few mountaineering 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 a variety of 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 incredible vacation spot to lounge along with your spritz and do an entire lot of nothing,” says Bono. “Folks can simply calm down and take it simple, strolling, purchasing, and having fun with the surroundings.”

Finest Procuring

Enoteca da Gigi, Como

“That is certainly one of my favourite wine bars within the outdated city,” says Ghachem. “You possibly can 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 objects that slip simply right into a carry-on. Ghachem says the number of dry pastas is one of the best on the lake.

La Bottega del Legno 

“There are loads of super-touristy shops everywhere in the lake, however you can too discover some great boutiques,” says Bono. Bellagio’s compact outdated city is her favourite for purchasing, and the historic Bottega del Legno is a good cease for wood-carved objects, together with actual wood toys.

Finest Eating places

Al Veluu

Bono calls this hilltop restaurant “a real showstopper,” whereas Wagner says it “embodies the essence of Lake Como.” Contemporary, regionally sourced substances, 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 possibly can’t go incorrect right here,” he says. “There’s nice atmosphere — it’s simply upscale sufficient.” Seize an outside seat overlooking the lake and benefit from the terrific wine checklist.

L’Orologio

“Most concierges wouldn’t advocate this place because it’s virtually 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.

Finest Time to Go to

Our specialists agree that shoulder season (September and October) is one of the best time to go to Lake Como. “The complete lake is lush — the whole lot is so beautiful this time of 12 months,” says Bono. Wagner votes for September. “[This is] when the summer time crowds have dissipated and the solar remains to be shining,” he shares. Ghachem additionally suggests Could, earlier than the summer time crowds arrive. However observe that in case 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. Nevertheless, in case 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 if you would like a quiet — albeit chilly — trip, this is likely to be the time to go to. At Christmas, the villages alongside the lake tackle a magical environment.  

The way to 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 couple of 40-minute practice journey from Milano Centrale, Milan’s important practice station. Bellagio, Menaggio, and different small cities alongside the lake are served by ferries (much less frequent within the offseason) or may be reached by automotive.

Served by a number of intra-Europe carriers, Milan Bergamo Airport is about one hour and 40 minutes from Como by automotive.

The way to Get Round

“If you happen to’re pleased to self-drive, having a automotive may be very helpful,” says Bono. That is very true for reaching locations in a roundabout way on the lake. However in case you don’t wish to lease a automotive, Bono says, “non-public transfers and automotive providers, in addition to ferries and water taxis are the way in which to go.” Some resorts lease 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.