Go to Lake Como, Italy — Luxurious Motels and Fairy-tale Cities Included

It’s onerous to think about Lake Como with out pondering of its well-known residents: Clooney, Versace, Messi, Madonna. At one level or one other, they’ve all staked their declare to a bit 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 popularity because the epitome of the nice life is well-deserved.

One in all 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 wrong way up Y — was shaped by an enormous glacier, and the lake continues 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 have been the primary to construct grand villas on Lake Como, and ever since, generations of la dolce vita seekers have adopted go well with, utilizing cities similar to Bellagio, Como, Menaggio, and Tremezzo as the bottom for lakeside leisure. We requested a number of journey consultants about their longtime amorous affairs with the lake, and acquired their recommendation on one of the best locations to remain, dine, and expertise Lake Como.

Greatest Motels

Grand Resort Tremezzo

“I all the time say the arrival to Grand Resort Tremezzo on Lake Como is cinematic,” says luxurious journey skilled Annie Fitzsimmons, whose new e book, “100 Motels of a Lifetime,” options the artwork nouveau facade of this palatial resort on the quilt. “I like every little thing 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 staff 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 personal seaside 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, common supervisor of La Dolce Vita Orient Specific, 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 marriage ceremony muffins.” Trilivas can 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 placing trendy structure stands out on a lakeshore dotted with centuries-old villas and artwork nouveau edifices. And on a lake identified for its grand dames, it says loads 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 middle of Como, Ghachem calls Palace Resort, run by the Villa d’Este group, one in all his favorites. “Cross the street and also you’re on the water. The lodge is positioned inside strolling distance of most eating places, purchasing, and most actions, together with the ferry terminal.”

See extra high inns in Lake Como right here.

Greatest Issues to Do

Go on a ship experience.

“I all the time advise each traveler going to Lake Como that the true fantastic thing about the area is greatest seen from the water,” says Ghachem. “You completely must get out on a ship. Most inns 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 presents moderately 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 best ways to protect your Lake Como reminiscences is to rent a professional. “Rent a photographer to hitch you and your loved ones on the boat day. As a substitute of the normal vacation playing cards, having Lake Como because the backdrop will likely be memorable in your vacation images for a few years to come back.”

Hit the path.

Once you’re not on the water, head out on one in all Lake Como’s quite a few mountain climbing 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 excellent 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.”

Greatest Purchasing

Enoteca da Gigi, Como

“That is one in all 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 domestically sourced, made-in-Italy merchandise, together with many hard-to-find gadgets that slip simply right into a carry-on. Ghachem says the collection of dry pastas is one of the best on the lake.

La Bottega del Legno 

“There are lots of super-touristy shops everywhere in the lake, however you may as well discover some fantastic 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 gadgets, together with actual picket toys.

Greatest Eating places

Al Veluu

Bono calls this hilltop restaurant “a real showstopper,” whereas Wagner says it “embodies the essence of Lake Como.” Contemporary, domestically sourced elements, 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 fallacious right here,” he says. “There’s nice atmosphere — it’s simply upscale sufficient.” Seize an out of doors seat overlooking the lake and reap the benefits of the terrific wine checklist.

L’Orologio

“Most concierges wouldn’t suggest this place because it’s nearly too native,” says Ghachem, including that this Como restaurant is “for certain the least touristy place on the town.” Tagliolini with porcini mushrooms and truffle is his go-to order right here.

Greatest Time to Go to

Our consultants agree that shoulder season (September and October) is one of the best time to go to Lake Como. “The whole lake is lush — every little thing 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 continues to be shining,” he shares. Ghachem additionally suggests Could, earlier than the summer time crowds arrive. However observe that if you happen to do go to in these “in-between” seasons, you’ll discover cooler air and water temperatures which will dissuade you from taking a dip within the lake.

June, July, and August are peak journey months for the lake. Nonetheless, if you happen to reserve early and put together for the crowds, you’ll discover a quintessential Italian lake expertise awaits.

Many inns and eating places shut for the winter, however sufficient stay open that if you’d 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.  

Get There

Como city, the place to begin for a lot of holidays on the lake, is about one hour from Milan’s Malpensa Airport, and a few 40-minute prepare experience from Milano Centrale, Milan’s fundamental prepare station. Bellagio, Menaggio, and different small cities alongside the lake are served by ferries (much less frequent within the offseason) or might 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.

Get Round

“If you happen to’re glad to self-drive, having a automotive might be very helpful,” says Bono. That is very true for reaching locations circuitously on the lake. However if you happen to don’t wish to hire a automotive, Bono says, “personal transfers and automotive companies, in addition to ferries and water taxis are the way in which to go.” Some inns hire Fiat 500s, which make for enjoyable driving and nice photograph ops, although Ghachem warns that the roads across the lake are very slim and infrequently fairly curvy.