Como Lombardy, Italy Travel Guide
Choose either Como city or one central lake town. In Como, explore the Main church, take the Funicular to Brunate for panoramic views. Stroll along the lakefront promenade. Enjoy dinner in Como's historic center.
For a central lake town (e.g., Bellagio), take a direct ferry to Bellagio. Visit Villa Melzi d'Eril gardens. Explore Bellagio's charming streets. Enjoy a lakeside dinner. Book tours and activities with GetYourGuide.
Tailored plans for short breaks and more extended exploration.
Choose Bellagio or Varenna for central lake access. Day 1: Arrive, check into accommodation, explore your base town's main villa or attraction (e.g., Villa Monastero in Varenna, Villa Melzi in Bellagio). Enjoy a relaxed lakeside dinner.
Day 1: Arrive in Como (via Milan aviation hubs). Check into your accommodation. Explore Como city center: visit the Duomo, ride the Funicular to Brunate for sunset views. Enjoy dinner in Como. Day 2: Take a ferry to Bellagio. Visit Villa Melzi d'Eril gardens. Explore Bellagio's charming streets, shops, and enjoy lunch.
Day 6: Choose a day trip to Milan by train for shopping and city sights, or undertake a more strenuous hike in the mountains (e.g., on Monte San Primo or a section of Sentiero del Viandante). Day 7: Enjoy a final breakfast. Depart from Como.
This extended period makes possible a more leisurely pace, exploration of individual towns, and additional activities. Options include more extensive hikes, a cooking class, visits to smaller villages, full days relaxing at lidos, or combining with day trips to Lugano, Bergamo, or other Italian lakes like Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda. This duration is good for truly immersing yourself in the region.
Adapt your travel plans to your specific interests for a personalized experience.
Concentrate on visiting iconic villas (Balbianello, Carlotta, Monastero, Melzi). Explore Duomo in Como, Castello di Vezio, Isola Comacina. Dedicate time to history and architecture.
Prioritize a cooking class. Visit local markets for produce. Dine at traditional trattorias for regional dishes (risotto al persico, polenta uncia, pizzoccheri). Enjoy the aperitivo tradition.
Focus on hiking trails (Sentiero del Viandante, Monte San Primo). Engage in water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding). Rent a self-drive boat to explore coves and swimming spots.
Refine your visit further with plans based on budget, season, or unique interests.
Incorporate activities suitable for all ages. Enjoy swimming and play at the lidos. Rent a self-drive boat for a fun lake adventure. Visit gardens that are easy to navigate. The Como-Brunate funicular is usually a hit with children. Consider self-catering self-catering units for meal flexibility.
Explore the architectural styles of the grand villas and their art collections. Visit the Duomo in Como, a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance design. Seek out littleer churches and public buildings which showcase local artistic traditions.
Seek out peaceful locations like the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio. Explore quiet gardens. Consider a reside at a hotel with spa facilities. Enjoy serene walks and moments of contemplation by the lake. Practice mindfulness in the natural surroundings.
Utilize hostels (e.g., Ostello Bello Lake Como) or campsites for accommodation. Rely on supermarkets for most of the time for meals, preparing picnics and simple dinners. Focus on walking and public ferries for transportation. Visit free attractions like churches, public parks, and scenic viewpoints.
Stay in comfortable B&Bs or mid-range hotels. Dine at local trattorias for authentic meals. Use multi-day ferry passes for cost-effective lake exploration. Select a few paid attractions (e.g., 2-3 villas) that align with your interests.
Stay at 5-star villas or luxury hotels (e.g., Villa d'Este, Grand Hotel Tremezzo). Enjoy fine dining experiences. Arrange private boat excursions and transport for practicality and exclusivity. Indulge in spa treatments and high-end shopping.
Each season possesses distinct experiences in Lario.
This period is ideal for water activities like swimming, kayaking, plus resting at the lidos. Evenings are warm and lively, great for al fresco dining and strolls along the promenades. Enjoy the peak season vibrancy.
This time is ideal for exploring villa gardens (flowers in spring, autumn leaves). Enjoy pleasant weather for hiking with fewer crowds. Photography is excellent during these seasons due to the light and colors. Ideal for pleasant walks and scenic beauty.
Experience tranquility and misty lake scenery, which has a different kind of beauty. Enjoy lower prices and minimal tourists. Como city hosts Christmas markets. Some hotels and restaurants remain open, presenting a quiet escape. Consider snow activities in the nearby mountains.
Visit between high and low seasons (April-May, September-October) for better prices and fewer crowds. Think about staying in towns slightly less famous than Bellagio, like Menaggio or a smaller village in Tremezzina, for better value accommodations.
Beyond physical activities, Lake Como's serene atmosphere provides a perfect setting for mental rejuvenation. Many luxury hotels offer comprehensive spa services and wellness programs. Consider a retreat focused on quiet contemplation and pampering.
Seasonal changes significantly alter the travel experience. Always check specific opening times and ferry schedules for your chosen dates, especially if traveling outside the high summer season.
For popular attractions and specific train journeys (like Bernina Express), booking well in advance is highly advisable to guarantee availability, especially during peak times.
