An hour north of Milan is Lake Como with its picturesque mosaic of sparkling water, majestic villas and enchanting gardens. Surrounded by the Imposing Alps and with Celebrities such as George Clooney as Neighbors, Lake Como offers a wealth of discoveries. Here are our top 12 highlights that you shouldn't miss!
Known as the gateway to Lake Como, the city of Como impresses with its rich history and breathtaking architecture. A highlight is the imposing cathedral, a late Gothic cathedral with a magnificent dome and ornate decorations. Como is also home to the historic Lakeside Jewel, the Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical temple dedicated to inventor Alessandro Volta.
Villa Gaeta is now a real movie star and only really became known through James Bond Casino Royale. No wonder with this view! The villa cannot be visited at the moment, unlike the other villas on Lake Como. We therefore first examined the villa from the street side and the second time from the water during our boat trip. We can tell you that it's only from the water that the true beauty of this star comes to light.
Menaggio is a charming town on the western shore of Lake Como and offers an idyllic backdrop for romantic walks. The elegant waterfront promenades invite you to take relaxing strolls, while the medieval old town fascinates with its historical treasures. Discover the picturesque alleys, visit the beach for a refreshing break and browse the charming boutiques of Via Calvi. Fantastic hiking trails also start from Menaggio, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountain landscape. Immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of this magical place on Lake Como.
Villa Carlotta, a magnificent villa in Tremezzo, impresses with its ornate architecture and lush gardens. Admire the fascinating works of art and enjoy a stroll through the picturesque landscaped gardens. We would not have thought that the garden was so diverse and large. There is even a small café in the garden, where we took a short break.
The Charming Cernobbio is home to elegant villas and residences along the sun-drenched West Coast. Discover historical treasures such as Villa d'Este and Villa Bernasconi and explore the picturesque countryside on the hiking trails up to Monte Bisbino.
Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Enchants with its Narrow Streets, Colorful Houses and Breathtaking Views of the Lake. Explore the charming old town, visit the picturesque gardens of Villa Melzi and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming place. Bellagio is anything but a secret tip and should definitely be on your list.
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Como and discover the picturesque lakeside villages, villas and sights from the water and experience unforgettable moments on the sparkling lake. For this, we recommend booking a tour with a classic wooden boat for the absolute La Dolce Vita feeling. Como Classic Boats is one provider for this - you can find more information here.
Villa Balbianello, known from Star Wars and many other films, impresses with its magnificent architecture and fantastic location on the shores of Lake Como. Admire the artfully designed gardens and enjoy the view of the lake. If you have little time in your luggage and just want to visit one of the many villas on Lake Como, then Villa Balbianello is the right choice. For a small additional charge, we were given a guided tour of the villa, which we can only recommend to everyone. This villa is not only beautiful, but also has a very interesting story and even secret escape routes.
The Historic Center of Varenna, an Idyllic Town on the Eastern Shore of the Lake, has an irresistible romantic charm. Wander through the Winding Alleys, Where Traditional Buildings with Flower-Decorated Balconies Line Up, and Stroll Along the Picturesque Waterfront Lined with Lush Greenery. A particular highlight is a visit to Castello di Vezio, a medieval fortress on a hill above Varenna. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding landscape, which perfectly rounds off the romantic atmosphere. From here, Villa Monastero is also just a stone's throw away and can be easily combined.
Villa Monastero, a former monastery in Varenna, is home to an impressive botanical garden and a rich history. Explore the picturesque gardens and discover the hidden treasures of this historic place. We could also spend hours in this beautiful garden.
Nesso is a picturesque village on the shores of the lake and delights with its charming alleys and enchanted buildings. The Waterfall and the Old Bridge of Nesso also contribute to the atmosphere that we remember so fondly about Nesso. We went to Nesso with a boat that we rented and loved it!
Our biggest highlight was when we rented our own boat to explore Lake Como from the water. The rental at Nautic Planet near Villa Carlotta is ideally located to see many highlights from the water. The great thing about Italy is that you don't need a driver's license to rent a small motor boat. Back then, we paid 140€ for 2 hours, including insurance, in case something happens. Since the experience was so great, we would even recommend 3 hours. Driving past Villa Balbianello yourself and stopping there and jumping into the water was a moment we will never forget.
