The DL: Lake Como, located in northern Italy, and just an hour away from Milan is a picture-perfect destination that has captivated travelers for its beautiful views. Nothing like driving in for the first time to see the serene waters, lush green mountains, charming villages, and stunning architecture all at once. A weekend in Lake Como is the perfect escape. We ended up meeting some friends and renting an airbnb for labor day weekend, highly recommend!
Must knows for Lake Como:
- You should have a car, I don’t care what other people say. You will need it to get anywhere. The bus is reliable in the day but there are barely any running at nights or Ubers. We didn’t bring our car one night and our whole group got stuck in Bellagio and we had to hitchhike to get back to our place.
- Dont plan on biking or hiking the main roads, they are very tiny.
- Grab your groceries in the main towns as the little grocery stores are open at weird times.
- It is worth a boat day on the water, best times to visit are May – September if you want to be on the water.
- Plan ahead – the towns are not super close or convenient when it comes to getting to each by ferry. The area you are staying in will be where you spend your time.
Where to stay in Lake Como
- Como – Bigger town, Nightlife and shopping, more urban, waterfront promenade is beautiful
- Bellagio – Hill side town with cobbleed streets, most touristy of the towns, best location for exploring other villages
- Varenna – More relaxed and romantic town, charming colorful architecture and close to the waterfront
- Lecco – Known for the most expsenvie Luxury and fine dining
- Cernobbio Tranquility and Italian charm
- Bellano Culture and history
- Menaggio – more family friendly, known for outdoor activities like watersports and hiking
- Tremezzo – known for the beitufl gardens and htoels
- Lenno – Home to museums and villas popular in movies like James bond and Star Wars
- Nesso + Lezzeno – feels very local, younger vibes in Lezzeno, lakeside dining, located on eastern shore of Lake Como
Here is my weekend guide for Lake Como:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Como
Morning
- Arrival at Como: Start your weekend adventure by arriving in Como, the largest town on Lake Como. You can reach Como by train from Milan or other major cities in Italy. I would recommend also getting a car from Milan and driving in that’s what we did.
- Breakfast at a Local Café: Begin your day with a typical Italian breakfast at a local café. Sip on a cappuccino and savor a freshly baked croissant as you plan your day. The town of Como itself is super cute and worth a stop.
Lunch
- Lunch by the Lake: Head to one of the charming lakeside restaurants on your way to your hotel/airbnb.
Afternoon
- Check in, hang by the pool or enjoy the views from your place. The beauty of the lake is overwhelming you will want to sit and soak it in! We loved our airbnb in Nesso the town is very sleepy but the views were amazing.
Evening
- Hire a private chef for dinner at your air bnb, we loved Chef Pierre from Take a Chef. He can make a meal gluten free, and for the price its similar to going out for a nice dinner
Day 2: Exploring
Morning
- Villa Carlotta: Start your day with a visit to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina. This 18th-century villa is famous for its stunning gardens, filled with colorful flowers and sculptures.
- Bellagio: After the villa tour, take the car ferry to Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Stroll through its picturesque streets, visit the Villa Melzi gardens, and indulge in gelato from a local shop.
Lunch
- Lunch in Bellagio: Savor a delicious lakeside lunch in Bellagio, where you can enjoy fresh fish dishes and local wines. Other options interior: Antico Pozzo Ristorante for some pasta or Aperitivo Et Al for a glass of wine.
*tip make sure to have a ride back we got stranded here because no buses or taxis were running past 9 pm. if you don’t have a car
- Spend the afternoon at the botanical gardens – I Giardini di Villa Melzi – tickets are $8
Evening
- Varenna: After Bellagio, head to Varenna, another charming lakeside town known for its romantic atmosphere. Explore its narrow alleys and visit Villa Monastero and its botanical gardens. You will need to take the car ferry.
- Dinner in Varenna: End your day with a romantic dinner overlooking the lake in Varenna. Try the lake fish, such as lavarello or perch, paired with a local white wine.
*be sure to check the last 2 ferry times, don’t plan on the last one.
Day 3: Spend a day on the water
Spend your final day with a boat rental with a boat day on the lake a relaxing boat ride on Lake Como. You can either rent a private boat or do a classic wooden boat with a captain. We rented boats from Lezzeno rent a boat and it was cheap and easy!
Where to eat in Lake Como:
- Ristorante Aurora Lezzeno (lots of gfree options), Lezzeno
- Hotel Royal Victoria, Varenna
- Bar Il Molo, Varenna
- Al Veluu Ristorante, Tremezzo
- Aperitivo et al, Bellagio
- Locanda La Tirlindana, Lenno
- Berton al Lago, Torno
- Crotto Dei Platani, Brienno
*in the day make sure to eat somewhere with a view at night you can’t see anything
A weekend in Lake Como is a perfect blend of natural beauty and good food. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or food lover, Lake Como offers something for everyone. Lake Como truly is a dreamy escape that is a bucket list destination.
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