Gazing out at Lake Como in 1818, the Romantic poet Percy Shelley said, “This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty.” I don’t think he was overly-romanticizing it either. Lake Como is pretty unforgettable.
Located in Northern Italy, Lake Como is nestled in the foothills of the Alps. It’s also just a stone’s throw from Switzerland, so if you’ve always been interested in creating a seamless multi-country trip, Lake Como would be the ideal gateway.
Filled with Romanesque churches, opulent aristocratic villas, charming medieval towns, and lush gardens, the lake’s allure has never waned, although a spate of recent hotel and restaurant openings around the lake (as well as paparazzi images of George Clooney) have definitely breathed new life to this “Grande Dame” of Italian destinations.
While I tend to prefer staying mid-lake around Menaggio, Tremezzo, Varenna and Bellagio, a number of great hotels in Como and its shores, offer excellent ferry connections, too – from old world luxury to sleek, modern design, to casual family friendly beachfront options that include water sports and boats – the lake is overflowing with great options.
You won’t need to worry about a car rental during a stay in this region. Ferries frequently crisscross the lake and can get you just about anywhere you want to go. Traffic-choked roads and minimal parking will make you glad you skipped the car.
What to do once you arrive? The lake itself is quite big, and there’s a lot of ground to cover, but I’ve highlighted five popular and definitely off-the-beaten track activities in this area of old-world glamor and dramatic scenery.
1. Enjoy Historic Villas and Gardens by Private Water Taxi
Visiting the opulent villas and gardens of Lake Como is never a bad choice, and possibly one of the top experiences on the lake.
There’s nothing quite as iconic as exploring the shores of the lake than doing so from aboard your private water taxi.
The historic villas are one of Lake Como’s true highlights. Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello, Villa Melzi, and Villa d’Este are among the most beautiful in Italy, and their perfectly manicured, plush gardens will dazzle you as you stroll through them.
While ferries will get you where you want to go, your own private water taxi allows you to stop just about anywhere along the lake while you sip an Aperol Spritz on board, contemplating which lakeside restaurant you’ll dine at for dinner. Ahh… La Dolce Vita.
2. Explore a Hiker’s Haven
There are so many gorgeous hiking trails in the Lake Como area, too many to get into in a short blog post. Whether you’re looking for waterfront strolls or epic hikes with views, let’s just say you can find it all here.
Despite the well-known glamor of Lake Como, when you get into the mountains, you’ll discover villages that are laid back, simple, and slow. Experiencing them on foot is one of the pleasures of exploring Lake Como’s mountainous landscape. Another highlight: stopping for lunch in simple agriturismi-type locales, called crotti, that specialize in hearty dishes like buckwheat pasta and polenta.
One of the most fun hikes in the area – especially with kids – is Monte Generoso. The peak itself is in Italy, but you reach the Swiss side via an old-fashioned cogwheel train. It’s a great train journey, with the rewards of incredible views on a clear day of Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano and Lake Como.
3. Eat Your Way Around the Town of Como
I am a big believer that the one of the best way to fall in love with a place is through my stomach…or rather, through a region’s food. Lake Como is no exception, but I wasn’t quite prepared for how dynamic Como’s food scene is, or how charming the town is.
Como is a mid-sized town with a very vibrant historic center. Definitely plan to spend some time here, strolling through the alleyways of Como, taking in Romanesque monuments and architecture, and ducking into the town’s many independent food shops and restaurants. Sample delectable local buckwheat polenta, lake perch (truly the best fish I’ve ever had), asparagus from Tremezzo, and cheeses from the very mountains that surround the lake, plus a number of other hyper-local specialties.
4. Sample the Wines of the Valtellina
Along the wine trail of Valtellina, grapes have been cultivated since Roman times, but many Lake Como wineries remain virtually unknown. It’s Italy’s smallest and least known wine producing region—and its dramatic landscape often calls to mind the steep terraced vineyards of Portugal’s Douro and Germany’s Mosel, or Italy’s Alto Adige.
The Valtellina is the very definition of ‘heroic viticulture’, as most of the land can’t even be worked with machinery. For the most part, all the vineyards need to be tended and picked by hand. Heroic indeed!
If you go, you know it’s going to be both scenic and educational. The panoramic Valtellina Wine Road winds through the terraced vineyards and lush vegetation, crosses hamlets, castle ruins, and even prehistoric rock art.
Along the road, stop at some famous wine cellars immersed in the silence and peace of the country to taste excellent wines.
I’ll pair you with a knowledgeable local guide who’ll take you to enjoy tastings of Domasino wines in old stone-clad cellars, and long lunches at family-run estates.
What better chance is there to discover the indigenous grapes of the region?
5. Take the Bernina Express to Switzerland
The Bernina Express—known as the most spectacular way in which to cross the Alps—is an absolute must-do when you’re in the area, and everyone loves a good wine tasting, or at least the chance to dip their toe in another country. This pairing is a match made in heaven.
Your first stop will be at an historic Valtellina winery for a wine tasting experience to remember (see above). After lunch hop aboard the legendary Bernina Express for a magical two-hour trip up the mountains to admire the verdant views of Valposchiavo and icy glaciers, ending up in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Enjoy a picturesque stroll in this world-famous ski resort town.
Explore and indulge in a little shopping and sampling the best chocolate shops.
Your explorations of the glitz, glamor, and natural beauty of Lake Como—whether you choose an active adventure, a foodie feast, or both—will help you learn the history and culture of this stylish resort region. Plus, it may even give you a little peek into Switzerland!
Would you like help planning a journey to Lake Como or a cross-border Swiss-Italy trip? Get in touch to discuss your next trip!