TravelbuddiesLifestyle- TravelbuddiesLifestyle
- Lake Como Highlights
- This article contains adverts
Only about four hours separate me, Petra, from one of the most enchanting corners of Italy: Lake Como. Nestled between alpine peaks and elegant villages, it’s a destination that feels worlds away, yet is close enough for a spontaneous weekend getaway. The drive through the Swiss Alps already sets the mood – majestic views, winding roads, and the sense of leaving everyday life behind.
Travel Tip for Getting to Lake Como
If you’re arriving from the north, it’s well worth exiting the highway early at Lugano. This elegant city on the shores of Lake Lugano invites you to linger with its palm-lined promenade and stylish cafés. From there, a scenic drive takes you east along the lake, through rolling hills and charming Ticinese villages, until you reach Menaggio on the western shore of Lake Como. A beautiful introduction to a weekend steeped in Italian charm.
Como – the First Impression
On our first visit, we stayed in Como, a lively city with historic charm and great restaurants. While it’s a wonderful place to stroll and soak up the lake atmosphere, we found that getting out of the city each day for excursions was a bit of a hassle. The traffic slowed us down, and reaching the quieter, more picturesque villages took time. Since then, we’ve learned to stay in one of the smaller towns directly on the lakeshore – and that has made all the difference.
Following the Lake Road: From Cernobbio to Menaggio
One of the greatest pleasures at Lake Como is driving along its winding lakeside roads. On one side, the deep blue water stretches out before you; on the other, steep slopes rise, dotted with tiny villages clinging to the cliffs. The roads are often narrow, and oncoming traffic can test your nerves – but that’s exactly what makes the experience so unique.
Between Rovenna and Torriggia, we always take the lower coastal road, which winds through a series of charming little towns. In Laglio, you can catch a glimpse of the famous Villa Oleandra – George Clooney’s residence. It sits quietly by the water’s edge, almost hidden behind ancient trees.
Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta
In Tremezzo, the magnificent Villa Carlotta awaits – one of the most beautiful and historically rich villas on Lake Como. Its expansive gardens are a botanical paradise, where camellias, azaleas, and hydrangeas bloom in abundance. Palm trees and cypresses frame sweeping views of the lake, while the mountains on the opposite shore rise in the distance.
Inside the villa, you’ll find marble sculptures by Canova, romantic paintings by Hayez, and elegant furnishings that speak of a bygone era of grandeur. The combination of art, history, and nature is simply breathtaking.
You can find more information about Villa Carlotta on its official website.
Lenno & Villa del Balbianello
In Lenno, perched on a wooded promontory, lies the elegant Villa del Balbianello – a place straight out of a dream. During our visit, we chose the most stylish way to arrive: by taking a small boat from the Lido di Lenno. Even the short ride across the water felt magical – the lake sparkled in the sunlight, seagulls circled overhead, and the villa slowly came into view, majestic, romantic, and almost unreal in its beauty.
It’s no surprise that scenes from James Bond – Casino Royale and Star Wars were filmed here. The loggias, garden paths, and meticulously designed terraces speak of a time when great stories were still set in spectacular locations.
Menaggio & Varenna: Two Sides of Lake Como
Menaggio has a cheerful, lively atmosphere. The lakeside promenade is lined with palm trees and vibrant flowers, and the cafés exude a relaxed, easygoing charm.
If you’re in the mood for sunbathing and a swim in the lake, you can do so at the Victoria Beach Club of the Grand Hotel.
From Menaggio, you can also catch one of the car ferries to Varenna or Bellagio.
Varenna and Villa Monastero
Varenna, on the eastern shore of Lake Como, is one of the most romantic places on the entire lake. Pastel-colored houses climb the steep hillsides, narrow alleys lead down to the water, and oleander and bougainvillea bloom in every corner.
At Villa Monastero, a former monastery complex, we strolled through exotic gardens, past ancient statues and shady arcades. The atmosphere was calm, almost reverent – a place to breathe deeply and simply marvel.
For photographers, this villa offers an abundance of inspiration.
Bellagio: Yes, It’s Touristy – But Still Easy to Fall in Love With
Few places on Lake Como are photographed as often as Bellagio – and for good reason. Often called the “Pearl of the Lake,” it sits on the promontory where the lake’s three branches meet, enchanting visitors with cobbled lanes, blooming balconies, and spectacular views over the water. Yes, Bellagio is touristy. Especially around the harbor, cafés and restaurants are lined up one after another, bustling with visitors from all over the world.
To escape the crowds, we chose a more elegant alternative: a visit to the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. This historic five-star hotel, once a noble summer residence, offers a peaceful, refined oasis just steps away from the busy streets. We enjoyed an excellent cappuccino on the magnificent lakefront terrace, gazing out over the shimmering water and the surrounding mountains. The hotel restaurant is also a lovely spot for a light lunch – stylish, relaxed, and far removed from the bustle outside.
Bellagio is easily reached by ferry, for example from Menaggio or Varenna. But if you enjoy the drive, you can – as we did – take the spectacular coastal road from Como. Curve after curve reveals another breathtaking view of the lake, passing old villas, olive groves, and cypress trees. The journey alone is an experience in itself.
Exploring Lake Como by Boat: The Most Scenic Way to Travel
One of the most beautiful ways to experience Lake Como is from the water. Regular ferries and excursion boats depart not only from Como, but also from charming towns like Cernobbio, Tremezzo, Menaggio, and Bellagio. Whether you choose a public ferry or one of the historic hydrofoils, the view from the lake—of gently curving shores, majestic villas, and quaint fishing villages—is simply unforgettable.
We took the opportunity to explore several towns not by car, but by boat. Cruising across the water with the wind in our hair, the sun dancing on the waves, and the soundtrack of Italian life in the air made us feel like we were part of a classic film. It was a peaceful, scenic alternative to driving—and every crossing became an experience in itself.
For those interested in current schedules and routes, a helpful overview can be found here.
A Hidden Gem: Nesso
On our way to Bellagio, we stumbled upon another hidden treasure: Nesso, a fairytale-like village clinging to the cliffs. This tiny place is famous for the Orrido di Nesso, a deep gorge where the Tuf and Nosée rivers converge to form a dramatic waterfall that plunges directly into the lake. The best view is from an ancient stone bridge that looks as if it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. It was a magical moment—one that stayed with us long after we left.
Conclusion: Lake Como – A Place to Return To
Our time at Lake Como has always been more than just a short break. Each visit has felt like a brief escape into another world—elegant, unhurried, and rich in sensory beauty. We’ve dreamed in historic villas, strolled along flower-lined promenades, sipped cappuccinos in sleepy villages, and soaked up the Italian dolce vita in its purest form.
And, as so often happens on journeys like this, we knew on the drive home:
we would be back.
