Curator’s statement
Lake Como is where old-world villas, glassy water, and modern design quietly meet. Mornings begin with mist on the mountains, afternoons unfold on a wooden boat between storybook towns, nights are for candlelit dinners and soft jazz on a terrace. I love how each village has its own rhythm—Bellagio’s bustle, Varenna’s romance, Tremezzina’s dolce-far-niente. This guide leans luxe but stays local: unhurried, detail-driven, and built around savoring the lake rather than racing around it.
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Things to do on Lake Como
Private wooden-boat cruise (2–3 hours): Glide past grand villas (Balbianello, Carlotta, d’Este) with a skipper who knows the shoreline secrets. Time it for late afternoon so you catch soft light and a prosecco-tinted sunset.
Greenway del Lago walk (Tremezzina): A gentle lakeside path threading through small hamlets, chapels, and stone arches. Do a short segment between Colonno and Lenno, then reward yourself with gelato on the waterfront.
Villa del Balbianello & gardens (Lenno): Cinema-famous for a reason: terraced gardens, loggias, and sweeping vistas. Go early or late to dodge crowds and then dip into Lenno for a lakeside espresso.
Bellagio & Villa Melzi Gardens: Wander steep cobblestone lanes for silk shops and wine bars before a calm stroll through Melzi’s botanical park. End at the Lido for a sunset aperitivo.
Como–Brunate funicular & Faro Voltiano: Ride the funicular up to Brunate, then a scenic walk to the lighthouse for panorama shots of the lower lake and Alps on a clear day.
Varenna & Castello di Vezio: Varenna is Como’s romantic soul—pastel facades, narrow lanes, quiet coves. Hike up to the medieval castle for hawk-eye views and a peaceful rampart moment.
E-foil or paddle session (Lezzeno): Trade lazing for light adrenaline: e-foiling lessons or a dawn paddle when the lake is mirror-still. Great contrast to villa-hopping days.
Spa circuit day: Choose a property with serious wellness (thermal suites, floating treatments, hammams) and book a long, leisurely circuit—perfect on moody weather days.
Silk & market ramble (Como Town): Como’s silk heritage lives on in small boutiques and ateliers. Pair shopping with the open-air market schedule for cheeses, flowers, and picnic provisions.
Places to eat & drink on Lake Como
Materia (Cernobbio): Modern, produce-forward Italian with precise technique and a minimalist dining room. Book ahead—it’s a destination for culinary travelers.
Berton al Lago (Torno, Il Sereno): Fine-dining with lake-level views and an elegant tasting progression—think bright, seasonal flavors that match the serene setting.
La Darsena (Tremezzina): A beloved waterfront classic: handmade pastas, lake fish, and a terrace nearly touching the water. Unpretentious service, postcard sunsets.
Il Gatto Nero (Cernobbio): Winding road, iconic view, and old-school charm. Go for a late seating and linger over amaro while the lake lights flicker below.
Ristorante Silvio (Bellagio): Family-run and famed for lake fish—simple dishes done right. The kind of place where locals and travelers actually mix.
Al Prato (Varenna): Tiny, intimate, and quietly creative. Perfect for a slow dinner after sunset at the Varenna pier.
Terrazza 241 (Como): A chic rooftop for aperitivi with skyline-and-lake glimpses. Order a spritz, a few cicchetti, and watch the evening soften.
Pasticceria Poletti (Como): Classic Italian pastry shop: feather-light cornetti in the morning and fruit tarts after lunch. Pick up sweets for your ferry ride.
Bar Il Molo (Varenna): Casual waterfront drinks and small plates. Ideal for golden hour while boats come and go.
Need to know
When to go: April–June and September–October are sweet spots—warm days, cooler nights, fewer crowds. July–August brings peak buzz and higher demand.
Getting around: Ferries are scenic but not always frequent—build buffer time. For flexibility, combine ferries with private boats or car transfers.
Dining & reservations: Small dining rooms fill fast—book dinners and “view tables” in advance, especially Fridays–Sundays.
Dress code: Smart-casual works everywhere—bring layers—lake breezes and mountain nights can be crisp even in summer.
Cash & cards: Cards are widely accepted, but keep small cash for ferries, tips, and village kiosks.
Pace: Plan one “anchor” activity per day and leave margin for swims, naps, and spontaneous detours—that’s the Como way.
Travel Advisor
Lucas Wackford
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