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If you're looking for a glamorous getaway, hemmed in by the snow-capped Alps with picture-perfect villages on the water. Lake Como might just be what you're looking for! While Milanesi pop here for the day for a breath of fresh air and to soak up the fabulous vistas, international visitors are drawn here for its rich culture, with opulent villas that once belonged to artists, writers, opera singers and explorers.
Lake Como is located in the North of Italy, region of Lombardy and easily accessible by car. The trip from Milan Malpensa airport to the Lake District is very enjoyable if you decide to hire a car. If you do not want to drive, you can catch a train from Milan. I highly recommend renting a car as there aren’t actually any taxi stands in Lake Como, also there’s no easy way to walk between towns, so you always have to ask someone to call a taxi for you.
The roads from Milan to Lake Como offer stunning views of the lake, but can get a bit tricky once you get closer to the lake. By tricky I mean there are narrow parts of roads that only one car at a time can pass, and it gets only worse in the small villages. There is lots of unexpected turns and almost impossible to turn around when you realise you're going the wrong direction like we did.
One useful trick I've learned while driving in the area (especially during the night time) is to try to catch a bus and follow it. I know it may sound ridiculous at first, but buses have always right to go, so you save your rental car from any unnecessary scratches.
Moltrasio - stay in the heart of Como
The prices for accommodation in Lake Como can get very expensive, especially during the high season (June - September). But don't worry there is lot of affordable options too and I promise they are as magical as any 5- star hotel and Il Muretto Sul Lago is definitely one of them.
This charming apartment with stunning views of the lake is located in the heart of Moltrasio. Newly renovated and furnished with kitchen built in Moltrasio rock. The Superhosts of this property, Massi and Anna, offer exceptional service and are some of the kindest people I've met during my travels around Italy. Nothing beats enjoying fresh croissants from local bakery with these magical views of the lake.
Villa d'Este - piece of heaven left on Earth
In a beautiful lakeside setting of Cernobbio, for centuries a residence of the aristocracy – princesses, marquises, sultans and tsars. Since 1873 this elegant and charming five-star resort 'Villa d’Este' is considered one of the most beautiful architectural works of the sixteenth century and if you ever get a chance to visit I promise you will be blown away by the magic this piece of art breaths.
19th century Villa Garovo, one of the properties of Villa d'Este.
'' The precise location of heaven on earth has never been established but it may very well be right here."
Herb Caen
Terazza Bar, open from April to the end of October, the d’Este Club welcomes guests on Saturdays. During the summer months you can spot the orchestra or selected musicians performing on the lake terrace.
Sundeck, this bar is located by the floating pool and is open during the warmest months from 11.30 am to 6.00 pm. Perfect for light lunch or a snack while sipping one of the cocktails.
Wearing skirt ( Zara old collection, not available on website), blouse, earrings ( the once I'm wearing are H&M, unfortunately sold out but I found similar style for you), handbag, sunglasses
You can visit the Canova Bar for a coffee, an afternoon tea, an aperitif or a cocktail.
Famous floating pool on the lake, property of The Sporting Club of Villa d'Este.
Queen's Pavilion build in honour of Caroline of Brunswick by Baron Ciani in 1856.
Villa d'Este is not just a hotel, it's a place with a soul. If you fancy treating yourself or your loved one for a romantic getaway, this place will definitely exceed your expectations. Prices start at £500/night in low season (November- May) and £800/night in a high season (June- October).
Venture out in Lake Como
If you're planning on visiting the area for more than three days I definitely recommend staying in the central part of the lake: Bellaggio, Menaggio, Tremezzina or Varenna. In this way you can easily reach the nearest villages by ferry and make the most out of your holidays! On the other hand, if you're planning a day trip from Milan, I recommend staying in Como or Moltrasio.
Each village of Lake Como it's special in its own way. During my visit I've had a chance to visit Como, Moltrasio, Cernobbio and Bellagio. I have made a list of places, that I find beautiful and would love to visit on my return to Lake Como.
Was created as the summer residence of Francesco Melzi d’Eril, vice president of the Italian Republic that was founded by Napoleon in the early 1800s. Unfortunately the villa is not open to public, but you can still visit its majestic gardens.
The villa provides a stunning view of Isola Comacina and the western shore of Lake Como. If you're looking for the perfect wedding place, you're in luck the villa is now home to private events such as weddings, ceremonies and even film or photographic sets.
The villa lies south of the village, halfway between Varenna and Fiumelatte, and includes a botanical garden, a museum, and a convention center.
Is a villa and botanical garden that stands just beside the Grand Hotel Tremezzina. The villa is today a museum, whose art collection includes works by Canova, Thorvaldsen, Migliara.
With the glistening waters of Lake Como as your backdrop, lush gardens, stunning ballrooms Villa Pliniana is definitely one of the most exclusive venues of Lake Como.
Rent a boat or take a boat tour
Renting a boat in Lake Como is one of a kind experience that you will cherish forever. Renting your private boat can get a bit pricey, but you can also book a private boat tour on Airbnb experiences for less than £53/ person for a 2 hour lasting tour.
Feeling hungry?
BEST PLACES TO EAT AROUND LAKE COMO:
•Beretta Il Fornaio, Como - Drinking a coffee across the duomo of Como we noticed that almost everybody carried bags from this bakery. We decided to find the place and the result was amazing! The front of the store contains baked sweets like cakes and pies. The side of the store contains bread and the back contains a variety of focaccia. This is the place we got our morning croissants from and for me one of the must visit places in Como.
•The Market Place, Como - This little gem is discretely placed in the old town, the spacious minimalist decor is both tranquil and relaxing. The restaurant offers great value for exceptional food and service. The courses were beautifully presented with careful attention to detail. The servers were attentive and knowledgeable. By the end of the meal, we were all pleasantly full. Apart from the desserts that came with the menu, we enjoyed the complimentary pastry that were custom filled at the table. The lunch was superb value at €25 for 2 courses and €31 with desert.
•Napule E Dotessio, Como - authentic Neapolitan pizzeria in the heart of Como. With its location close to the lake shore, it's a pleasure to walk by the lake to get there. Their pizza is excellent and prepared with high quality ingredients, so it would be a shame to walk in and not order a pizza. The main dishes and the starters are very good; I suggest to try pasta, which is as good as pizza.
•Osteria del Gallo, Como - The restaurant has a very welcoming, a little “retro” atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. There is a small menu - different every day depending on ingredients availability - and I could have ordered every single item. The bresaola is like nothing I have ever tasted, and the owner buys it in Madesimo from a butcher she knows...worth having a meal here just to try what real bresaola can taste like.
•Ristorante Crotto dei Platani, Brienno - Like a diamond, Crotto dei Platani restaurant is literally embedded in rock, between Lake Como and Mount Gringo. A place where you can be pampered and spoiled by experienced and professional hands. Lake dishes, with both meat and fish. But they also meet the taste of the most demanding palates with veggie and healthy proposals. This magnificent place jealously guards four hundred of the best Italian wine labels, and if you love the lake, especially from the inside, then you can not miss their aperitivo on the boat.
•Gusto Italiano, Belaggio - Experience cooking as in a real Italian home guided by a genuine housewife teaching you how to cook a perfect traditional meal for your family and friends. Start with grocery shopping in the food boutiques in the old town of Belaggio, then meet the queen of the kitchen Silvana and get your hands in "pasta". For the final touch of sweetness learn how to make traditional Italian desserts like tiramisu, all while sipping on one of the best Italian wines.
•La Terrazza, Bellagio - described as the most elegant terrace on the lake. La Terrazza is not just fabulous food. It is a love letter to the landscape, local delicacies are prepared, according to the season, with the passion of a family cook and the precision of a master-chef.
•Veranda, Cernobbio - is the main restaurant of Villa d'Este, it's refined, elegant and offers a magnificent views of the lake and the large windows accentuate the impression of being immersed in the park. Dining at Villa D’Este’s beautiful Veranda restaurant is definitely special. The superb service complemented the beautifully presented, excellent cuisine which in turn did full justice to the room and setting. A truly elegant and enjoyable experience.
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