Picture this. You’re sitting on a gorgeous wooden boat. The Italian Alps are rising all around you, pastel-colored villages are tucked into the mountainsides, and there are grand villas with gardens that look like they belong in a movie. Then someone hands you a glass of prosecco. Not because it’s your birthday, not because you’re celebrating an anniversary, but because it’s Tuesday. Let’s face it, therapy is expensive, but have you tried sitting on a boat in Italy with a glass of prosecco? I’m just saying it has potential. That, my friends, is Lake Como.
Chances are you’ve heard of Lake Como because of good old George. George Clooney, we love him. Yes, Georgie has a house there, but no, before you ask, Fabulous Adventures Travel cannot get you into George’s house. We can certainly arrange a boat ride so you can float past it, though. And if George happens to be standing outside waving, just say Fabulous Adventures sent you. That’s what I call an unexpected excursion.
Where Exactly Is Lake Como?
Everyone talks about it. Everyone says you’ve got to go, but a lot of people have no idea where it actually is. Lake Como sits in Northern Italy, about an hour from Milan by train, depending on which service you take. The lake itself is shaped like an upside-down letter Y, and it’s surrounded by mountains, little villages, historic churches, waterfront restaurants and some of the most expensive real estate in Italy.
But here’s what I think makes Lake Como different from so many other European destinations. It’s not about checking off a list of attractions. It’s about the experience. It’s waking up in the morning, opening your hotel window and looking out at the lake with your cappuccino while the little ferries glide across the water. It’s walking down a cobblestone street and stumbling upon a family-owned restaurant where someone’s grandmother is probably still making the pasta. (I did that several times.) It’s one of the coolest places, and I’m dying to go back.
Why I Went in March, and Would Again
You know I like to travel in shoulder season. To be fair, when I went, it was probably nowhere near shoulder season. I went at the end of March, and it was an unbelievable experience. There was hardly anybody there. The weather was really nice, strangely enough for Northern Italy: sunny, semi-warm, not freezing. I didn’t wear a hat or a scarf or gloves. It was gorgeous, and there was nobody there.
The one thing I missed? The place we stayed was probably absolutely gorgeous in the summer, with flowers everywhere. Past that, I don’t need the crowds. And the pricing we paid was nowhere near what you pay in the summer. I absolutely loved it, so I highly suggest going during this time so you can save yourself some money.
I’ve said this before: I cannot stand crowds and tons of people. I will 1,000% go in shoulder season, or even at the edge of shoulder season, so I don’t have to deal with them. And if I don’t see flowers, listen, there are flowers everywhere. I can see them someplace that’s not as crowded. I’m more than happy visiting a place that isn’t in its prime season, as long as things aren’t closed and you’re not missing the experience. Nothing was closed. Everything was open. So if you’re shying away from that time frame, I wouldn’t.
Will I go back in summer someday? I do want to spend the dollar to see how pretty it is then. But the funny thing is, I know I’m going to come back and say I’m going back again when there are no people, because I love a place you can experience with little to no people and still get the same experience.
How Many Nights Do You Need in Lake Como?
If you’re rushing around Lake Como to try to see everything, you’re doing it wrong. One of the questions we get at Fabulous Adventures Travel is how many days you really need. My answer: three nights is a great starting point. Four nights is better. We stayed three nights and it was phenomenal.
I have a rule where I don’t like to stay anywhere for one night. By the time you get into the hotel room (they don’t let you in until four and they kick you out at 11), you didn’t experience the hotel, and now you don’t know what to do with your stuff. Two nights is the minimum I want to spend anywhere. Every time I break that rule, even for a night at Disney right here in my backyard, I ask myself why I did that. There’s always one more night.
Could you do Lake Como as a day trip from Milan? Yes, absolutely. If that’s the only time you have, sure. But if you can avoid it, I would, because there is something magical about that place, which explains why it’s so expensive. When the day-trippers leave, the restaurants become quieter, the waterfronts become more peaceful, and suddenly you feel like you’ve stepped into your own little Italian movie.
Where to Stay on Lake Como: Pick Your Town
The biggest mistake people make when planning Lake Como is assuming it’s one town. It’s not. It’s an entire lake surrounded by different towns, and where you stay can completely change your vacation. Here are some of my favorites.
Bellagio, the Glamorous One
Bellagio is famous for its beautiful waterfront, winding staircases, charming shops and romantic restaurants. It’s a fantastic choice for a first-time visitor who wants to be in the middle of the classic Lake Como scenery.
Varenna, the Romantic One
Colorful buildings, intimate restaurants, beautiful waterfront paths and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. Varenna is one of my favorite recommendations for couples, plus it has a convenient train connection to Milan.
Menaggio, the Laid-Back One
Menaggio has a lovely lakeside promenade, beautiful mountain views and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great option for travelers who want access to the central lake without staying in Bellagio.
Como, the Convenient One
Como is the real city, with the shopping, the restaurants, the history and easy connections to Milan. It’s a good choice if you’re combining Lake Como with a larger Italian itinerary. A lot of people don’t stay in Como because it’s a bustling city. And when I say bustling, don’t picture New York City. It’s not New York City in any way, shape or form. It’s a city compared to all the little towns and villages around the lake.
Here’s where a travel advisor really matters. We’re not just going to look at the prettiest hotel photos. We’re going to figure out how to get you there and which village fits you best. Maybe it’s Como. Maybe it’s Bellagio. Maybe it’s one of the others. We’ll also figure out what happens before and after Lake Como, because it usually isn’t the only place you’re visiting.
Samantha’s Secret Spots on Lake Como
You know I love a beautiful tourist attraction. But what I really love is finding the places that make you feel like you’ve discovered something special. On Lake Como, I’ve got three I want you to know about.
Nesso and the Orrido di Nesso
Nesso is a tiny village with an incredible gorge and waterfall called the Orrido di Nesso. (Please know I don’t speak Italian. Help a sister out.) There’s an old stone bridge, water cascading down between the buildings and a view that looks like it belongs on the cover of a travel magazine. We saw it from the water, on a private boat we rented through our hotel, and oh my goodness, that place was so cool. The pictures I got were phenomenal.
This spot isn’t completely unknown anymore. Social media has definitely discovered it. But we were the only ones on the water, because we went in the off-off season, which was phenomenal. And compared with the bustling center of Bellagio, it can still feel like a different world. Do not miss Nesso. Just know that reaching the bridge involves quite a few steps. One of the best ways to see it is from the water, so rent that private boat. Do a private boat, always.
Brienno
I love the idea of exploring Brienno. (I’m probably saying that wrong. Being Italian, one would think I’d know how to speak it, but I’m all the generations removed. My great-grandmother spoke Italian.) It’s a small village with narrow stone passageways, old houses and a much quieter feel. It’s not somewhere you go for designer shopping or glamour. You go because it’s beautiful and peaceful.
The Gardens of Villa Carlotta
Don’t overlook the gardens of Villa Carlotta. Imagine walking through botanical gardens filled with flowers, tree sculptures and incredible views across the lake. It’s absolutely phenomenal. If you’re visiting in spring, the azaleas and rhododendrons can be spectacular.
Here’s my advice: don’t spend your entire Lake Como vacation chasing the same five Instagram pictures. Give yourself time to wander. When we went, I didn’t even look anything up. We just wandered. At one point we were wandering up through a town and there were waterfalls and a bridge, and we took pictures there. We were wandering through these tiny little streets on a hill, and it was like nothing I’d ever experienced.
Where I Stayed: Relais Villa Vittoria in Laglio
We stayed in Laglio, at the Relais Villa Vittoria, and I’m telling you, it was unreal. We had a huge room with its own parlor, a bedroom and a gorgeous bathroom. But the coolest part was the balcony that went out toward the lake. It was like no place I’ve ever experienced before. The view would have been completely different with the trees in bloom and the bougainvillea all around, but it didn’t matter. The view was unreal.
Our room had massive floor-to-ceiling, old-school villa doors that opened onto the patio, and we didn’t shut the blinds, because nobody out there could see in. In the middle of the night, I woke up to a full moon shining on my face. (An actual full moon.) I was like, what is happening? Is it six in the morning? It wasn’t. It was this gorgeous full moon, so bright that it actually woke me up. I remember taking a picture of it, because this had never happened to me.
The food there was phenomenal, too. We did a pasta-making class and a tiramisu class, all private, because of course I love to do things privately. And it was quiet. There was nobody there. I highly suggest where we stayed.
It also happens to be down the street from George Clooney. One night we wandered the streets of Laglio (we may have just finished a bottle of rosé) and ended up at George Clooney’s house. We giggled so hard. I cannot tell you how many pictures we took, and I was sure we were going to get arrested. We didn’t, thank God. We had the best, best, best time.
Good to know (checked October 2026): Relais Villa Vittoria is a small boutique hotel with just a handful of rooms, and it closes for the winter (its listing shows it closed from November 1 to mid-March), so an off-season trip there means late March or later. Small hotels like this fill up, so plan ahead.
Worth the Splurge: A Private Boat on Lake Como
Lake Como is about luxury. This is the kind of destination where hotels have floating swimming pools, boats look like James Bond would drive them (I went on a couple of those, which was awesome) and lake-view suites cost about the same as your first car.
If there’s one experience I would encourage you to splurge on, it’s the private boat ride. 100% do that private boat ride. Not a giant tour boat with 50 strangers. I’m talking about a beautiful classic wooden boat with your own captain. We did it on a whim on our last morning, because we were leaving that day and we had to get it done. It was freezing, because it was the morning, but it happened to be the most beautiful day, and it was well, well worth it.
You’re cruising across the lake with the wind blowing through your hair, passing magnificent villas while your captain tells you about them. That’s how I saw Nesso from the water. You can see George Clooney’s house and the Villa del Balbianello. You can usually arrange these private boats through the property you’re staying at, or call Fabulous Adventures Travel and we’ll hook you up with one, because it’s so much fun and we’ve done it before.
And here’s my favorite part. You’re not rushing. You’re not trying to find parking. You’re not worrying about the ferry timetable. You’re simply enjoying the lake. It really is the coolest thing.
Tourist Trap or Totally Worth It?
Now it’s time for one of my favorite games.
Bellagio: Totally Worth It
You know the photos: the famous stone staircases, the beautiful little shops and the waterfront restaurants. Is it worth visiting? Absolutely. Bellagio is beautiful. Can it be crowded? Yes, depending on the time of year you go, and I’m trying to push you toward a different time. Don’t go in the summer. Some restaurants are more expensive because of their location, and yes, you’ll probably see about 200 people trying to take the exact same photograph. But there’s a reason people love it.
Sometimes you can’t go off the beaten path. You just have to do the things that are there and check the box. You went to Rome, you saw the Colosseum. Sometimes you just have to do it. My advice: visit early in the morning, or stay overnight so you can enjoy the village when it’s a little quieter.
Villa del Balbianello: Totally Worth It
Villa del Balbianello (it took me a few tries to say that one on the show) is a historic villa on a wooded peninsula with spectacular lake views, terraced gardens and movie-worthy architecture. You might recognize it from Casino Royale or Star Wars. It’s one of the most photogenic places on Lake Como, but you need to plan ahead. Visits are scheduled and tickets can sell out, especially during busy periods, so get your tickets ahead of time.
Good to know (checked October 2026): Villa del Balbianello, near Lenno, is run by FAI, Italy’s national trust, and booking is required. It is normally closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the villa’s interior is seen on a guided tour of about 50 minutes (a park-only ticket is also offered). You reach it on foot from Lenno, about a 25-minute uphill walk, or by taxi boat from Lenno. Opening dates change through the year, so check the FAI website before you go.
Fancy Lakefront Restaurants: Not Necessarily a Tourist Trap
The fancy lakefront restaurants come with a stunning view and an equally stunning bill. Tourist trap? Not necessarily, but here’s the thing. Sometimes you’re paying for the food. Sometimes you’re paying for the view. Sometimes you’re paying for the privilege of sitting in Italy sipping an Aperol spritz and pretending you have absolutely no responsibilities. And you know what? That’s okay. Spend it, that one time. Go ahead and try it, because that’s my kind of luxury.
The Bites You Can’t Miss on Lake Como
Lake Como might be famous for luxury villas and celebrity sightings, but the food deserves its own standing ovation. There are a lot of things you can’t miss, so it’s really hard to pick, but start here.
Risotto con pesce persico. This is the traditional dish, creamy risotto with lake perch, and it’s a regional specialty. I don’t even like fish, but anything risotto is going to be great to me. If you see it on the menu of a restaurant known for local cuisine, give it a try.
Pizzoccheri. This dish actually comes from the nearby Valtellina region, but you’ll find it around Lake Como too. It’s made with buckwheat pasta, potatoes, cabbage and other greens, cheese and butter. Basically, it’s comfort food wearing an Italian passport.
And the pasta was unreal there. It doesn’t matter what you order. You’re in Italy, eat some pasta. It’s going to be amazing.
My Lake Como Travel Hacks
1. Don’t Automatically Rent a Car
It’s hard to drive in Italy, truly, and parking can be challenging at the lake. I had a private driver take us from Venice over to Lake Como. It was a long ride and the traffic was absolutely horrific, but it was well worth having the driver. So don’t drive. (More on choosing between trains, rental cars and ferries in Europe.)
2. Understand the Ferries
The ferries are one of the best ways to explore Lake Como, because they take you between the villages. Figure them out before you get there. If you stay in Bellagio, Varenna or Menaggio, you generally have convenient connections around the central lake area.
Good to know (checked October 2026): the public boats on Lake Como are run by Navigazione Laghi, and the short crossings between Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia are the easiest way to hop around the central lake. Timetables change between the summer and winter seasons, so check the current schedule on the Navigazione Laghi website before you plan your days.
3. Timing Is Everything
My favorite months to consider are May, June and September. I went in March and absolutely loved it, so you can even go in April, or in October and November, and still experience it. July and August are going to be super hot.
Lake Como Hotels Worth a Look
I stayed at the Relais Villa Vittoria, and it was unreal. But here are a few more hotels you’re going to want to check out.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo: one of the iconic grand hotels of Lake Como, known for its glamorous atmosphere, lake views and famous floating pool.
Passalacqua: an intimate luxury villa hotel with extraordinary gardens, beautiful interiors and a romantic Italian estate atmosphere.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como: I did look at the Mandarin, but ultimately I wanted the Italian villa experience.
Should you go modern or classic villa? I can’t decide. I saw a brand-new, very modern hotel on the lake that I wanted to stay at. It still had the Italian elements, but it was luxury modern, and it was really interesting. The villa is that classic feeling, though. It’s one of those things.
Ready for Your Own Little Italian Movie?
Lake Como really is phenomenal, and I absolutely loved it. Your vacation should come with unforgettable memories, not 17 browser tabs and a nervous breakdown. If you’re dreaming of Lake Como and have no idea where to start, my team at Fabulous Adventures Travel would love to help get you there, whether it’s Lake Como, a Disney trip or your next cruise. Travel smarter and vacation harder. Want the whole conversation? Watch the Lake Como episode.
