Weekend Exploration of Lake Como: Activities and Sightseeing Recommendations
As the first slivers of sunshine kissed the snow-capped mountains and gave the pebbled shores of Lake Como a golden glow, the picturesque villages nestled along the hillsides appeared like vibrant specks against the panorama. Kick off a lengthy weekend adventure in Lake Como with a lake-bound journey, gliding through the quiet waters as your boat glides between a multitude of lively little towns and serene villages.
At the crack of dawn on a chilly morning, few tourists joined me on the hour-long tour looping back to Como, the main city on the lake, but the sight of commuters making their way to work left me seething with envy at the prospect of a daily commute like that.
With Lake Como serving as a popular hub for tourists, many travelers use the city as a starting point to embark on a variety of boats ferrying visitors and residents to the diverse towns and hamlets scattered across the lake.
Como: The Crown Jewel of Lake Como
Upon my arrival in Lake Como, shrouded in twilight, the labyrinth of ancient houses and medieval structures that formed the narrow cobblestone streets glowed softly under the Blue Hour. Shop windows brimmed with products synonymous with Lake Como, such as olive oil, limoncello, and exquisite silk, while diners huddled together on lakeside terraces, warmed by heater flames.
The towering Duomo of Como, adorned with intricate statues, dominates the town square, overshadowed by the architectural diversity of two neighboring structures: the town hall and a magnetically fascinating church. Wander down the side streets, where you'll encounter historic churches, theaters, and picturesque wooden balconies of centuries-old homes.
Checking into Hotel Metropole Suisse for a night's rest provided both a comfortable respite and an enviable location with a spectacular view over the water, where I sat basking in the romantic scenery from my window until it was time for dinner.
Cocktails and Delectable Dining in Como
The world of nightlife in Como offers a range of experiences, from intimate piano bars adorned with antique artwork to modern dining spaces bathed in style. At Caffè Teatro, we took over one of the secluded dining rooms in this seemingly small, yet unexpectedly spacious establishment, and wasted no time diving into red wine to warm our chilly hands.
The food in Lombardia boasts a heartier flavor profile than one might expect from Italian cuisine, and our meal at Caffè Teatro proved to be nothing short of extraordinary, offering unforgettable beef tartare, mouthwatering Ragu pasta, and tantalizingly tender grilled duck breast, more than living up to its theatrical name.
Feeling the magnetic pull of Lake Como, it was with a heavy heart that I reluctantly boarded the one-hour ferry loop, preparing to depart for Bellagio, the "pearl" of Lake Como. But dazzled by the possibility of a future visit, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of excitement for what lay ahead.
Bookmark Lake Como as an essential destination on your must-visit list on your unforgettable Italian voyage.
Discover the Panoramic Vistas of Brunate
Historically home to some of the first luxury hotels in the region, Brunate offers breathtaking views over Como City and Lake Como. If indulgence is your style, booking a room in this high-end property with a postcard-perfect vista from your balcony is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Those seeking the stunning vistas without shelling out for a high-end room can take the funicular to Brunate instead. The funicular carts, equipped with modern amenities while still maintaining the charm of history, will ferry you to extraordinary viewing spots every 15–30 minutes, depending on the season. The round-trip ticket costs approximately five euros.
Onward to Bellagio and the Ghisallo Cycling Museum
To reach Bellagio, one of Lake Como's most beloved and beautiful spots, I decided to drive, but during warmer months, taking a boat transfer is a more scenic option. The advantage of traveling by automobile, however, is that you'll get to appreciate the views from above the lake, allowing you to truly grasp the impressive scale of the landscape.
The route to Bellagio will take you near the Swiss border, where you can marvel at a stunning canvas of two countries' peaks instead of just one. One must-see stop on this drive is Magreglio, where the Ghisallo Cycling Museum offers glimpses of Bellagio and a delightful contrast of snow-capped mountains when visiting during the winter months.
Within the Ghisallo Cycling Museum, you'll find a rich history of cycling, with exhibits highlighting the cycling phenomenon within Italy. The short tour will take you from ancient wooden bikes to the cutting-edge equipment used by modern athletes. In the nearby church, numerous bicycles—originally donated as gifts and now preserved—occupy the walls and sanctuary, with the collection outgrowing its original home and migrating to the museum to make room for new pilgrims.
The Magical Enchantment of Bellagio
Descending into the heart of Bellagio, you'll be drawn to its center, where Lake Como points in three distinct directions from the town. A culinary experience at Bilacus, a restaurant specializing in local cuisine, including a delectable perch and rice risotto, will set the stage for a leisurely wander through the beautiful streets of the town.
Despite the vibe of a bustling tourist destination in warmer months, I was lucky enough to visit during the off-season and revel in the blissful quiet that allowed for a serene strolling experience with minimal crowds. A delightful gelato shop even managed to cater to my sweet-tooth cravings on a brisk winter's day.
A Detour to the Charming Hidden Gem: Varenna
Tempted by rumors of a picturesque, less-crowded town, I hopped aboard a boat to Varenna, one of my top-secret discoveries in Italy. With its fairy-tale-like castle and tantalizing botanical gardens, Varenna presented an idyllic tableau that just begs to be explored.
Wandering aimlessly along the lakeside, pausing to sip coffee and admire the picturesque views, Varenna stole my heart as my favorite destination on the lake.
Leaving for Lecco
The Varenna-Esino station offers regular connections to Monza and Milan, but my travels took me to Lecco next, a larger town on the lake where locals go about their daily lives. While Lecco wasn't my favorite stop on the lake, it's still worth visiting for the enchanting views from the water. During the Blue Hour, the shimmering lights dotting the almost flat surface created a mesmerizing reflection upon the water, with the imposing mountains standing like proud sentinels.
As twilight descended, a delightful Aperitivo and its intoxicating ambiance provided the perfect ending to a day spent exploring the captivating landscapes of Lake Como.
"When embarking on a journey through the northern reaches of Italy, spending a weekend in Lake Como is the epitome of style, luxury, and romance," says travel expert [Author's name] of Italy Traveler. "Don't miss out on exploring the enchanting towns and villages that populate its shores, or the delightful cuisine that graces each restaurant and bistro on its shores."
Embracing the Delights of Lake Como
Through various means of transportation—cars, boats, and funiculars—the wonders of Lake Como reveal endless vistas, historic charm, and lip-smacking cuisine. La Bella Vita (The Good Life) awaits!
Sources:
- "Travel Guide for Lake Como Italy". ItaliaTreno.com. https://italiatreno.com/guide-to-lake-como-italy/
- "Ferry Schedules and Timetables for Como-Bellagio Ferry". Navigazione Laghi. https://www.laghi-navigazione.it/en/home
- "Tremezzo, Como". Lombardy.travel. https://www.lombardy.travel/en/destination/lake-como/area/tremezzo-como/
- "Como, Italy: A Beautiful Lakefront City in Lombardy". The Crazy Tourist. https://www.thecrazytourist.com/como-italy/
- "Varenna, Lake Como". LakeComoGuide.com. https://www.lakecomoguide.com/places-to-go/towns-villages/varenna.html
Related Posts:
- Undiscovered Treasures: 25 Hidden Gems in Italy
- Awe-Inspiring Italian Experiences: 12 Must-Dos
- Cervia, Italy: Beaches, Canals, Seafood, and the Famed Saltworks
- 20 Charming Small Towns in Italy
- Emilia Romagna Riviera 7-Day Itinerary: Beaches and Byzantine Mosaics
- Day trips from Bologna: 16 Best Things to Do in Emilia Romagna
- In Como, a popular hub for tourists, visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as olive oil, limoncello, and silk, while enjoying food-and-drink in cozy dining rooms like Caffè Teatro, offering a hearty flavor profile unique to Lombardia.
- Travellers can explore the diverse towns and hamlets scattered across Lake Como by embarking on a variety of boats, with Lake Como serving as a starting point for many travelers seeking a lifestyle immersed in the picturesque landscape and food-and-drink offerings of the region.
