Curator’s statement
In my next life, I want to be reincarnated as the driver of the Che Diecci bus line. The Che Diecci (English = C10) is a bus that drives up the western branch of Lake Como. All day long, this particular bus driver gets to gaze at some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. He takes in three of the natural wonders of the world—the pristine lake, the lush surrounding mountains, and, if he’s lucky, George Clooney’s face. Then there’s the matter of the man-made things he gets to look at—the colorful villages dotting the lakeside, the gorgeous villas, iconic hotels, chic sports cars, and fast boats zooming around all over the place. I don’t even understand how he keeps his eyes on the road while surrounded by so much exquisiteness. But I’m not entirely sure reincarnation exists. My dream of being a highly distracted bus driver may never come true. So, somehow, I have to get my fill of Lake Como in this lifetime. You’d be wise to do the same. The fall, when the mountain trees are turning colors and the air is fresh, is a wonderful time to go explore the villages of Lake Como. It’s too chilly to dive into the lake, but it’s a great time to go hiking, bike riding, and exploring.
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Things to do on Lake Como
A Lake Como Villa in Tremezzina
Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down letter Y, with three branches. The northern branch of the Lake is where you’ll find the most unadulterated nature. This southern half of the Lake, which is divided into a western and eastern lake branches, is where you see all the famous villas and mind-boggling architecture and landscaping. It would take about three and a half hours to drive around the whole lake. (It would take the better part of several days to walk around it.)
Renting a car is a great option here. If you’re happy to rely on public transportation, buses go up and down the eastern and western branches of the lake. If you prefer to village-hop by water, there are public ferries and private boat tours that can show you the lake in all its splendor.
Instagrammable spots
Little villages surround the whole lake. Of these, the most interesting for visitors are:
Bellagio: The village situated where the western and eastern lake branches meet, is the most famous on the lake. Salita Serbelloni is a narrow street of steps you can climb from lake-level up into the hills. When you get to the top, you get a nice view of the Lake peaking out from between the houses.
Como: The lively main town sitting at the southwestern foot of Lake Como. Take a funicular to the hilltop neighborhood of Brunate for panoramic views of the Lake and the town.
Varenna: On the eastern shore of the lake, is famous for two grand mansions and their beautiful surrounding gardens: Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi.
Nesso: On the western branch, is home to Ponte della Civera (possibly the world’s cutest little stone bridge) ivy-covered houses and a whole waterfall!
Tremezzina: Directly across Bellagio on the western shore of the lake is a stop for three more show-stopper mansions/ gardens: Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbiano
Where to shop
Lake Como is famous for its fine silk accessories, especially ties and scarves. Find some at:
Azalea Silk of Como (Bellagio)
Barindelli & Trezzi (Bellagio)
Aquadulza (Varenna)
A Picci (Como)
(And beware of the touristy gift shops selling non-made in Como silk).
Places to eat & drink on Lake Como
View of the lake from an outdoor cafe
Food on the Lake is great, with fresh seafood, risotto, pasta, and pizza options just about everywhere. You don’t have to worry about having a bad meal here.
When choosing restaurants on Lake Como, I recommend prioritizing lake views and ambiance ratings over actual cuisine ratings. Al-fresco lakeside dining here gives you a night to remember forever.
Great restaurants with lake views include:
La Vista (Varenna)
Il Gato Nero (Cernobbio)
Locanda La Tirlindana (Sala Comacina)
Ristorante Veranda (Villa d’Este, Cernobbio)
Need to know
Language basics
Hello = Ciao
Goodbye = Arrivederci
Please = Per favore
Thank you = Grazie
Where’s the bathroom? = Dov'è il bagno?
How much is it? = Quanto costa?
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Travel Advisor
Eva Dilmanian
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Lake Como page.