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The Perfect Travel Guide for Lake Como:

A woman wandering the quaint streets of Como, Italy

Lake Como was the first destination I visited during my family vacation to Northern Italy in May 2018 with Crawford Concierge and I couldn’t wait to provide you all with my travel guide! Como was absolutely amazing and I truly fell in love with this area in Italy!

Beautiful buildings in Como

For my 26th birthday in June 2017, I traveled to Sicily. It was such a beautiful trip that I couldn’t wait to come back to Italy and explore the North. As I have mentioned before in previous blogs, I am 100 percent Italian! I am 50 percent Northern Italian, 25 percent Central Italian and another 25 percent Sicilian! It is amazing to think that I have been to three out of the four regions my ancestors are from within a year.

Breathtaking views of Lake Como in Northern Italy

During my recent trip to Northern Italy, I visited Como, Venice, Florence, the Tuscan wine region, Cinque Terre and Bologna. They were all magical in their own way!

Discover everything to see, do and eat in this thorough Lake Como travel guide.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.


Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

The Best of Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como Travel Guide:

Transportation to Como:

We traveled to Lake Como from Zürich, Switzerland via train through Rail Europe. The train ride from both cities was absolutely breathtaking. In fact, it was the most scenic train ride I have ever been on! We passed gorgeous mountain lake towns with beautiful chalets and churches. Two beautiful lake towns that blew me away as we rode through them were Züg and Lugano. I will definitely be making my way back there to spend some time at those Swiss lake regions.

Stunning views of Lake Lugano in Switzerland

After we finally arrived at Como San Giovanni train station, we started to walk to our hotel. I was just so thrilled to be back in Italy! The beautiful sounds that filled the air; colorful buildings that surrounded us; the friendly faces we walked past and, of course, the magnificent lake that stood before us made me feel so refreshed. (I keep telling myself that I WILL live in Italy one day!)

You could also get to Lake Como easily by train from Milan. If you are traveling around the country, it is best to rent a car or even take a short flight.

Beautiful buildings in Lake Como Italy

Where to Stay on Lake Como:

A woman enjoying the views of Lake Como from her hotel balcony
A woman enjoying the beauty from her hotel in Lake Como

Once again, Crawford Concierge chose an amazing hotel for us to stay in! The Palace Hotel is a gorgeous 4-star hotel that is located right in the heart of the town of Como, facing the beautiful lake. As I mentioned in my blog post on Zürich, I had to share a room with my two brothers, so we got the Superior room that included a cute balcony. The view from our room was nice as we got to see the mountains and catch views of the lake. My parents, on the other hand, had the best view! Since it was just the two of them staying together, they were able to get the Lake View room.

A woman looking out her balcony in Como

Not only was the location, balconies and view my favorite parts of the hotel, I also enjoyed their breakfast in the morning! Compared to Europeans, Americans mainly enjoy a heavier breakfast. In Europe, you usually enjoy a croissant with some fruit. At the Palace Hotel, they served a typical Italian breakfast consisting of several different croissants (or I should say cornettos – an Italian croissant that includes an almond flavor); an assortment of cold cut meats and cheeses; smoked salmon; different fruits and so much more! I could definitely say it was one of the most fueling breakfasts I’ve had in Southern Europe.

Discover more hotels and Airbnb options in Como.

The beautiful Palace Hotel in Como

Where to Eat on Lake Como:

When it comes to food in Italy, it is nothing short of AMAZING! No matter where you go in the country, you will savor the best food in the world. As I had mentioned in my blog post from Sicily last year, the food in Italy is regional. Since many of you are used to going to a typical Italian restaurant where you could find a range of different meals, it is opposite in Italy.

In the north, you will find creamier and heavy dishes. That is because it gets pretty cold during the wintertime and the heavier meals are more comforting. In the south, lighter dishes are more common. There are many fascinating facts about Italian food and cuisine!

Northern Italy is popular for its pesto, truffle, risotto, cured meats and cheeses, gnocchi and tiramisu! (Oh, and I have to mention that gelato is popular no matter where you go in the country, so you will definitely not be missing out on that treat!) Here are some restaurants we enjoyed eating at on Lake Como:

Trattoria Il Solito Posto: After we first arrived in Como and settled into our hotel, we could not wait to start indulging in some amazing Italian food! My friend Ian, who currently lives in Sicily, has traveled throughout the country and provided me with awesome recommendations. The first place he recommended was Trattoria Il Solito Posto, located in the heart of Como. I will admit that this restaurant was probably one of the best places we ate at during our time in Italy. Situated on a quaint side street, we sat outside, enjoyed an amazing bottle of red wine and ate some amazing food. I got squid ink cannelloni with broccoli, lobster meat and fresh ricotta. It was to die for!!!

A delicious cannelloni dish from Como

La Cucina di Elsa: Located right off the Piazza Alessandro Volta, is a quaint family-owned restaurant with amazing seafood pasta dishes and wine! I enjoyed an amazing lobster linguine in a tomato white wine sauce with a fresh bottle of white wine. It was the perfect dinner! This was another great recommendation from my friend Ian.

A pasta dish with lobster meat from Como

Terrazza du Lac Ristorante: During our 7-hour boat tour on Lake Como (I go more into this amazing day below), we visited the beautiful lakeside village of Bellagio. My cousins have a vacation home located in the lakeside town of Menaggio, so they are always making their way around the different villages. My dad’s cousin Tony recommended an amazing and charming seafood pasta restaurant right along the lake in Bellagio called Terrazza du Lac Ristorante. I enjoyed seafood linguine with a glass of white wine. It was awesome!

A seafood pasta dish from Bellagio on Lake Como

Cooking with Paola – The Best Cooking Class on Lake Como:

One of my favorite experiences not only in Como, but during our time in Italy was participating in an Italian cooking class with Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn. Paola is a food blogger of Passion and Cooking and author of the books The Mamma Mia! Diet, Authentic Italian Cookbook: Love is Eating and Love is Eating – Healthy and Tasty Italian Recipes for Family Meals. Born and raised in Como, Paola studied Pharmacy at the University of Milan and received a Master in Medical and Pharmaceutical research in Brussels. She published several articles in international scientific journals and also lived in London, Brussels and Innsbruck.

Two women at a cooking class in Como, Italy

From the moment my mom, cousin Sophie and I entered Paola’s home, we felt so welcomed and part of her family already! After we sat down and got to know each other, we were amazed by how similar our family and traditions were! Even though there are major differences between European Italians and Italian Americans, we still have a lot of traditional similarities.

Three women enjoying a cooking class on Lake Como

During our cooking class, we enjoyed an aperitivo – a Prosecco with prosciutto, salami, cheese and an assortment of breads. We then got to help Paola cook delicious whole-wheat linguine with fresh vegetables and herbs in a white wine sauce; chicken, prosciutto and sage roll ups as well as a tiramisu.

A woman preparing a meal in an Italian cooking class
A delicious pasta dish from a cooking class in Italy
A delicious chicken dinner from Como

Overall, everything tasted fresh and amazing! We even bought one of Paola’s books (signed with a memorable note) and have made a few of her delicious meals since we’ve been home! Overall, this was a fun and great experience. I highly recommend everyone traveling to Como to sign up for one of Paola’s cooking classes. You will have a great experience and feel like one of Paola’s family members!

A cooking class in Northern Italy

Click here to discover more dining options in and around Lake Como.

Lake Como Guided Boat Tour:

A Lake Como travel guide like this should not miss one of the best experiences – a boat tour! During our second day in Como, we did a 7-hour boat tour around the beautiful lake. Once again, if ANYONE goes to Como, you definitely have to do a boat tour! (It is a MUST!) This day on the water had to have been one of the top days ever (along with island hopping in Greece) and I’m not exaggerating!

A travel guide on Lake Como

Through Crawford Concierge, we were able to find a great tour guide, Giacomo, who sailed us around on his gorgeous handcrafted wooden boat. What I discovered on this boat tour was that Lake Como is much larger than I originally thought of! After sailing past the heart of Como, we entered the jewel of the area!

The best boat tour on Lake Como

As we sailed, we spotted gorgeous mansions and colorful villas; some of them owned by celebrities, top CEOs, bankers and world leaders! Here is a list of some popular villas we spotted on our tour.

  • George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra in the town of Laglio.
George Clooney's villa on Lake Como
  • Richard Branson’s Villa La Cassinella in the town of Ossuccio.
Richard Branson's villa on Lake Como
  • Gianni Versace’s Villa Fontanelle (now owned by a Russian restaurateur) in the town of Moltrasio.
Versace's villa on Lake Como in Italy

While we continued to sail through heaven on earth, Giacomo brought us over to a hidden gem right off the lake. There was a little stone bridge that led to a gorgeous waterfall! I will definitely admit that this was much more beautiful to see in person. If only that moment lasted forever…

A hidden waterfall on Lake Como
A breathtaking hidden waterfall on Lago di Como

We continued to sail along the lake and made our first stop in the town of Varenna. When we finally got to the dock and stepped off the boat, I was amazed by all of the vibrant colors that I was surrounded by! This beautiful fishing village dates from the eleventh century.

A woman enjoying a beautiful day in Varenna
The beautiful streets in Varenna, Italy

One of the first things we did when got to Varenna was stroll through the gorgeous cobblestone alleyways. We caught breathtaking glimpses of the lake amongst the gorgeous architecture and historical monuments. The Church of San Giorgio was also beautiful to see! Oh how I dream to be back here.

The beauty of Varenna on Lake Como
A woman wandering the streets of Varenna

After exploring the quaint and charming town of Varenna, we hopped back on the boat and headed to the beautiful village of Bellagio – known as The Pearl of Lake Como. Bellagio is located halfway between the two southernmost branches of the lake. It is famous for its pastel-colored villages, gorgeous views and charming culture. I will admit though, that Bellagio was definitely more popular with tourists than Varenna, but it was still a beautiful experience.

The gorgeous views in Bellagio on Lake Como

During our time in Bellagio, we got lunch, strolled through the alleyways and streets and also got gelato (of course)! We had such a lovely time there!

The beautiful Italian architecture in Bellagio

When we got back on the boat, we sailed to the outskirts of Bellagio to explore the gardens and area of i Giardini di Villa Melzi – the summer residence of Francesco Melzi d’Eril, vice president of the Italian Republic that was founded by Napolean in the early 1800s. This area was definitely the most quiet out of all of the villages we visited on the lake. I loved strolling through the beautiful gardens and town. It was so peaceful and lovely.

A breathtaking shot of the mountains surrounding Lake Como
Beautiful stone buildings on Lake Como

The last stretch of our boat tour was spent relaxing on Locanda dell Isola Comacina. This unique island on Lake Como is secluded, includes walking trails, fishermen houses, a small Romanesque-style church called S. Giacomo and a rich history and culture. One of the highlights of visiting this island was enjoying an Italian beverage such as an Aperol Spritz (a wine-based cocktail commonly served as an appertivo in Northern Italy). This bar, called La Botte, overlooks the gorgeous lake and offers a friendly service and comforting atmosphere! I highly recommend visiting if you do a boat tour on Lake Como.

Breathtaking views of the Italian Alps from Lake Como
Mountains on the lake in Northern Italy

Overall, we had such an amazing day on Lake Como and I would do anything to go back there right now. It was that awesome!

A beautiful building on Lake Como

Cable Car in Como:

Another must-do activity that we unfortunately didn’t have time for during our few days in Como was taking the Pigra Cable Car to the top of the mountains. Apparently this is where you could get the most magnificent views of the entire lake! Whenever I go back to Lake Como, this is definitely something I will make sure I don’t miss out on again.

The sun shining in Como, Italy

You could find more to see and do during your time on Lake Como through TripAdvisor.


A Lake Como Travel Guide for Everyone:

A woman enjoying the views on Lago di Como

I hope you all enjoyed reading my travel guide on Lake Como! This guide is perfect for anyone traveling to Como, especially during the warmer months. Overall, Lake Como is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have visited during my travels and I highly recommend everyone to see this area (located in the Italian region of Lombardy) if you travel to Northern Italy. If you have any questions about my trip to Italy, please feel free to send me an email at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!

Lake Como Italy Travel Guide

Basic Facts of Italy:

Currency: Euro, Capital: Rome, Time Zone: Central European Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

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22 Comments

  1. Sarah Barthet on April 15, 2020 at 10:53 am

    It’s pretty sad to say but I’ve only ever visited Como for work when we did trips to Lugano. I would love to explore Como as a tourist – the restaurants there were insane (and so much more reasonably priced compared to Lugano!)

    • Taylor Deer on April 15, 2020 at 2:36 pm

      Yes, you totally have to go back! I highly recommend doing the boat tour around the lake as well. 🙂

  2. Tyra Seguin on April 15, 2020 at 11:59 am

    I want to go to Lake Como so bad!! Definitely want to go next time I get to visit Italy – hopefully soon!

    • Taylor Deer on April 15, 2020 at 2:36 pm

      You would love it! Such a fascinating place! 🙂

  3. Maria on April 15, 2020 at 6:35 pm

    Wow this scenery looks amazing!! You’re really making me want to go to Italy again. I have some Italian friends who say that Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places of Italy. And so cool that you did a cooking class!

    • Taylor Deer on April 15, 2020 at 6:49 pm

      Yes, I have to agree with your friends! It definitely is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in Italy along with the Dolomites, Tuscany and a few spots in Sicily. 🙂

  4. Rebecca on April 15, 2020 at 7:39 pm

    This looks unreal! So many amazing options.

    • Taylor Deer on April 16, 2020 at 9:55 am

      Yes, it was so breathtaking!

  5. Cristina on April 17, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    It looks amazing, Taylor! This is one of my top places to visit in Italy 🙂 I really like your tips and I think that cooking experiences are amazing. As a foodie, I definitely want to try new food on my trips. Even better If I learn the recipes to make them at home.

    • Taylor Deer on April 17, 2020 at 11:31 pm

      Como was my favorite spot in Italy! I highly recommend going. It literally took my breath away! Also, you would love Paola’s cooking class. It was so much fun and her family was awesome! 🙂

  6. Demi on August 29, 2020 at 10:48 am

    We had plans to visit this year unfortunately with the situation we had to postponed it . We visited Lake Garda last year.. however I will save this for my much awaited next trip. Lovely post and beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing 💕

    • Taylor Deer on August 30, 2020 at 12:41 am

      Thank you Demi! Lake Como was one of the most beautiful places in the world. You will love it when you eventually go! 🙂

  7. Kelsey on August 29, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    This looks amazing!! And the food!!! I bet the cooking class was a once in a lifetime opportunity! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

    • Taylor Deer on August 30, 2020 at 12:44 am

      You’re welcome Kelsey! Como really is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. I couldn’t recommend it more and the cooking class sure was a wonderful time. 🙂

  8. Lauren on August 30, 2020 at 8:51 am

    What a gorgeous town! Italy is on my bucket list and now Lake Como will sure to be a stop. The boat tour sounds like a perfect way to see the town!

    • Taylor Deer on August 30, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      Lake Como is probably one of the most beautiful areas in Italy. It is so romantic and beautiful! I highly recommend the boat tour when you go. It’s the best way to experience the area!

  9. Shay on August 30, 2020 at 10:13 am

    Your photos are gorgeous! I would love to visit Lake Como, and I really want to take a cooking class in Italy. All the food looks incredible! Amazing post as always. 🙂

    • Taylor Deer on August 30, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      Thank you so much Shay! You totally should go to Como. It really is amazing! 🙂

  10. Vanessa Shields on August 30, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    Lake Como looks amazing and I’m kicking myself that I never visited on one of my four trips to Italy! Adding it to my list the next time I visit for sure. I’d love lounging by the lake, taking cooking classes and eating tons of yummy food!

    • Taylor Deer on August 31, 2020 at 9:11 am

      Yes, you totally have to put it on your bucket list next time you go to Italy. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. 🙂

  11. Farrah on August 31, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    The scenery here is so gorgeous! I’d love to go visit someday! <3 That cooking class sounds like a lot of fun too! :]

    • Taylor Deer on August 31, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      You totally have to! It’s so beautiful Farrah! 🙂

Leave a Comment





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The Perfect Travel Guide for Lake Como:

A woman wandering the quaint streets of Como, Italy

Lake Como was the first destination I visited during my family vacation to Northern Italy in May 2018 with Crawford Concierge and I couldn’t wait to provide you all with my travel guide! Como was absolutely amazing and I truly fell in love with this area in Italy!

Beautiful buildings in Como

For my 26th birthday in June 2017, I traveled to Sicily. It was such a beautiful trip that I couldn’t wait to come back to Italy and explore the North. As I have mentioned before in previous blogs, I am 100 percent Italian! I am 50 percent Northern Italian, 25 percent Central Italian and another 25 percent Sicilian! It is amazing to think that I have been to three out of the four regions my ancestors are from within a year.

Breathtaking views of Lake Como in Northern Italy

During my recent trip to Northern Italy, I visited Como, Venice, Florence, the Tuscan wine region, Cinque Terre and Bologna. They were all magical in their own way!

Discover everything to see, do and eat in this thorough Lake Como travel guide.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.


Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

The Best of Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como Travel Guide:

Transportation to Como:

We traveled to Lake Como from Zürich, Switzerland via train through Rail Europe. The train ride from both cities was absolutely breathtaking. In fact, it was the most scenic train ride I have ever been on! We passed gorgeous mountain lake towns with beautiful chalets and churches. Two beautiful lake towns that blew me away as we rode through them were Züg and Lugano. I will definitely be making my way back there to spend some time at those Swiss lake regions.

Stunning views of Lake Lugano in Switzerland

After we finally arrived at Como San Giovanni train station, we started to walk to our hotel. I was just so thrilled to be back in Italy! The beautiful sounds that filled the air; colorful buildings that surrounded us; the friendly faces we walked past and, of course, the magnificent lake that stood before us made me feel so refreshed. (I keep telling myself that I WILL live in Italy one day!)

You could also get to Lake Como easily by train from Milan. If you are traveling around the country, it is best to rent a car or even take a short flight.

Beautiful buildings in Lake Como Italy

Where to Stay on Lake Como:

A woman enjoying the views of Lake Como from her hotel balcony
A woman enjoying the beauty from her hotel in Lake Como

Once again, Crawford Concierge chose an amazing hotel for us to stay in! The Palace Hotel is a gorgeous 4-star hotel that is located right in the heart of the town of Como, facing the beautiful lake. As I mentioned in my blog post on Zürich, I had to share a room with my two brothers, so we got the Superior room that included a cute balcony. The view from our room was nice as we got to see the mountains and catch views of the lake. My parents, on the other hand, had the best view! Since it was just the two of them staying together, they were able to get the Lake View room.

A woman looking out her balcony in Como

Not only was the location, balconies and view my favorite parts of the hotel, I also enjoyed their breakfast in the morning! Compared to Europeans, Americans mainly enjoy a heavier breakfast. In Europe, you usually enjoy a croissant with some fruit. At the Palace Hotel, they served a typical Italian breakfast consisting of several different croissants (or I should say cornettos – an Italian croissant that includes an almond flavor); an assortment of cold cut meats and cheeses; smoked salmon; different fruits and so much more! I could definitely say it was one of the most fueling breakfasts I’ve had in Southern Europe.

Discover more hotels and Airbnb options in Como.

The beautiful Palace Hotel in Como

Where to Eat on Lake Como:

When it comes to food in Italy, it is nothing short of AMAZING! No matter where you go in the country, you will savor the best food in the world. As I had mentioned in my blog post from Sicily last year, the food in Italy is regional. Since many of you are used to going to a typical Italian restaurant where you could find a range of different meals, it is opposite in Italy.

In the north, you will find creamier and heavy dishes. That is because it gets pretty cold during the wintertime and the heavier meals are more comforting. In the south, lighter dishes are more common. There are many fascinating facts about Italian food and cuisine!

Northern Italy is popular for its pesto, truffle, risotto, cured meats and cheeses, gnocchi and tiramisu! (Oh, and I have to mention that gelato is popular no matter where you go in the country, so you will definitely not be missing out on that treat!) Here are some restaurants we enjoyed eating at on Lake Como:

Trattoria Il Solito Posto: After we first arrived in Como and settled into our hotel, we could not wait to start indulging in some amazing Italian food! My friend Ian, who currently lives in Sicily, has traveled throughout the country and provided me with awesome recommendations. The first place he recommended was Trattoria Il Solito Posto, located in the heart of Como. I will admit that this restaurant was probably one of the best places we ate at during our time in Italy. Situated on a quaint side street, we sat outside, enjoyed an amazing bottle of red wine and ate some amazing food. I got squid ink cannelloni with broccoli, lobster meat and fresh ricotta. It was to die for!!!

A delicious cannelloni dish from Como

La Cucina di Elsa: Located right off the Piazza Alessandro Volta, is a quaint family-owned restaurant with amazing seafood pasta dishes and wine! I enjoyed an amazing lobster linguine in a tomato white wine sauce with a fresh bottle of white wine. It was the perfect dinner! This was another great recommendation from my friend Ian.

A pasta dish with lobster meat from Como

Terrazza du Lac Ristorante: During our 7-hour boat tour on Lake Como (I go more into this amazing day below), we visited the beautiful lakeside village of Bellagio. My cousins have a vacation home located in the lakeside town of Menaggio, so they are always making their way around the different villages. My dad’s cousin Tony recommended an amazing and charming seafood pasta restaurant right along the lake in Bellagio called Terrazza du Lac Ristorante. I enjoyed seafood linguine with a glass of white wine. It was awesome!

A seafood pasta dish from Bellagio on Lake Como

Cooking with Paola – The Best Cooking Class on Lake Como:

One of my favorite experiences not only in Como, but during our time in Italy was participating in an Italian cooking class with Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn. Paola is a food blogger of Passion and Cooking and author of the books The Mamma Mia! Diet, Authentic Italian Cookbook: Love is Eating and Love is Eating – Healthy and Tasty Italian Recipes for Family Meals. Born and raised in Como, Paola studied Pharmacy at the University of Milan and received a Master in Medical and Pharmaceutical research in Brussels. She published several articles in international scientific journals and also lived in London, Brussels and Innsbruck.

Two women at a cooking class in Como, Italy

From the moment my mom, cousin Sophie and I entered Paola’s home, we felt so welcomed and part of her family already! After we sat down and got to know each other, we were amazed by how similar our family and traditions were! Even though there are major differences between European Italians and Italian Americans, we still have a lot of traditional similarities.

Three women enjoying a cooking class on Lake Como

During our cooking class, we enjoyed an aperitivo – a Prosecco with prosciutto, salami, cheese and an assortment of breads. We then got to help Paola cook delicious whole-wheat linguine with fresh vegetables and herbs in a white wine sauce; chicken, prosciutto and sage roll ups as well as a tiramisu.

A woman preparing a meal in an Italian cooking class
A delicious pasta dish from a cooking class in Italy
A delicious chicken dinner from Como

Overall, everything tasted fresh and amazing! We even bought one of Paola’s books (signed with a memorable note) and have made a few of her delicious meals since we’ve been home! Overall, this was a fun and great experience. I highly recommend everyone traveling to Como to sign up for one of Paola’s cooking classes. You will have a great experience and feel like one of Paola’s family members!

A cooking class in Northern Italy

Click here to discover more dining options in and around Lake Como.

Lake Como Guided Boat Tour:

A Lake Como travel guide like this should not miss one of the best experiences – a boat tour! During our second day in Como, we did a 7-hour boat tour around the beautiful lake. Once again, if ANYONE goes to Como, you definitely have to do a boat tour! (It is a MUST!) This day on the water had to have been one of the top days ever (along with island hopping in Greece) and I’m not exaggerating!

A travel guide on Lake Como

Through Crawford Concierge, we were able to find a great tour guide, Giacomo, who sailed us around on his gorgeous handcrafted wooden boat. What I discovered on this boat tour was that Lake Como is much larger than I originally thought of! After sailing past the heart of Como, we entered the jewel of the area!

The best boat tour on Lake Como

As we sailed, we spotted gorgeous mansions and colorful villas; some of them owned by celebrities, top CEOs, bankers and world leaders! Here is a list of some popular villas we spotted on our tour.

  • George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra in the town of Laglio.
George Clooney's villa on Lake Como
  • Richard Branson’s Villa La Cassinella in the town of Ossuccio.
Richard Branson's villa on Lake Como
  • Gianni Versace’s Villa Fontanelle (now owned by a Russian restaurateur) in the town of Moltrasio.
Versace's villa on Lake Como in Italy

While we continued to sail through heaven on earth, Giacomo brought us over to a hidden gem right off the lake. There was a little stone bridge that led to a gorgeous waterfall! I will definitely admit that this was much more beautiful to see in person. If only that moment lasted forever…

A hidden waterfall on Lake Como
A breathtaking hidden waterfall on Lago di Como

We continued to sail along the lake and made our first stop in the town of Varenna. When we finally got to the dock and stepped off the boat, I was amazed by all of the vibrant colors that I was surrounded by! This beautiful fishing village dates from the eleventh century.

A woman enjoying a beautiful day in Varenna
The beautiful streets in Varenna, Italy

One of the first things we did when got to Varenna was stroll through the gorgeous cobblestone alleyways. We caught breathtaking glimpses of the lake amongst the gorgeous architecture and historical monuments. The Church of San Giorgio was also beautiful to see! Oh how I dream to be back here.

The beauty of Varenna on Lake Como
A woman wandering the streets of Varenna

After exploring the quaint and charming town of Varenna, we hopped back on the boat and headed to the beautiful village of Bellagio – known as The Pearl of Lake Como. Bellagio is located halfway between the two southernmost branches of the lake. It is famous for its pastel-colored villages, gorgeous views and charming culture. I will admit though, that Bellagio was definitely more popular with tourists than Varenna, but it was still a beautiful experience.

The gorgeous views in Bellagio on Lake Como

During our time in Bellagio, we got lunch, strolled through the alleyways and streets and also got gelato (of course)! We had such a lovely time there!

The beautiful Italian architecture in Bellagio

When we got back on the boat, we sailed to the outskirts of Bellagio to explore the gardens and area of i Giardini di Villa Melzi – the summer residence of Francesco Melzi d’Eril, vice president of the Italian Republic that was founded by Napolean in the early 1800s. This area was definitely the most quiet out of all of the villages we visited on the lake. I loved strolling through the beautiful gardens and town. It was so peaceful and lovely.

A breathtaking shot of the mountains surrounding Lake Como
Beautiful stone buildings on Lake Como

The last stretch of our boat tour was spent relaxing on Locanda dell Isola Comacina. This unique island on Lake Como is secluded, includes walking trails, fishermen houses, a small Romanesque-style church called S. Giacomo and a rich history and culture. One of the highlights of visiting this island was enjoying an Italian beverage such as an Aperol Spritz (a wine-based cocktail commonly served as an appertivo in Northern Italy). This bar, called La Botte, overlooks the gorgeous lake and offers a friendly service and comforting atmosphere! I highly recommend visiting if you do a boat tour on Lake Como.

Breathtaking views of the Italian Alps from Lake Como
Mountains on the lake in Northern Italy

Overall, we had such an amazing day on Lake Como and I would do anything to go back there right now. It was that awesome!

A beautiful building on Lake Como

Cable Car in Como:

Another must-do activity that we unfortunately didn’t have time for during our few days in Como was taking the Pigra Cable Car to the top of the mountains. Apparently this is where you could get the most magnificent views of the entire lake! Whenever I go back to Lake Como, this is definitely something I will make sure I don’t miss out on again.

The sun shining in Como, Italy

You could find more to see and do during your time on Lake Como through TripAdvisor.


A Lake Como Travel Guide for Everyone:

A woman enjoying the views on Lago di Como

I hope you all enjoyed reading my travel guide on Lake Como! This guide is perfect for anyone traveling to Como, especially during the warmer months. Overall, Lake Como is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have visited during my travels and I highly recommend everyone to see this area (located in the Italian region of Lombardy) if you travel to Northern Italy. If you have any questions about my trip to Italy, please feel free to send me an email at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

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Lake Como Italy Travel Guide

Basic Facts of Italy:

Currency: Euro, Capital: Rome, Time Zone: Central European Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

22 Comments

  1. Sarah Barthet on April 15, 2020 at 10:53 am

    It’s pretty sad to say but I’ve only ever visited Como for work when we did trips to Lugano. I would love to explore Como as a tourist – the restaurants there were insane (and so much more reasonably priced compared to Lugano!)

    • Taylor Deer on April 15, 2020 at 2:36 pm

      Yes, you totally have to go back! I highly recommend doing the boat tour around the lake as well. 🙂

  2. Tyra Seguin on April 15, 2020 at 11:59 am

    I want to go to Lake Como so bad!! Definitely want to go next time I get to visit Italy – hopefully soon!

    • Taylor Deer on April 15, 2020 at 2:36 pm

      You would love it! Such a fascinating place! 🙂

  3. Maria on April 15, 2020 at 6:35 pm

    Wow this scenery looks amazing!! You’re really making me want to go to Italy again. I have some Italian friends who say that Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places of Italy. And so cool that you did a cooking class!

    • Taylor Deer on April 15, 2020 at 6:49 pm

      Yes, I have to agree with your friends! It definitely is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in Italy along with the Dolomites, Tuscany and a few spots in Sicily. 🙂

  4. Rebecca on April 15, 2020 at 7:39 pm

    This looks unreal! So many amazing options.

    • Taylor Deer on April 16, 2020 at 9:55 am

      Yes, it was so breathtaking!

  5. Cristina on April 17, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    It looks amazing, Taylor! This is one of my top places to visit in Italy 🙂 I really like your tips and I think that cooking experiences are amazing. As a foodie, I definitely want to try new food on my trips. Even better If I learn the recipes to make them at home.

    • Taylor Deer on April 17, 2020 at 11:31 pm

      Como was my favorite spot in Italy! I highly recommend going. It literally took my breath away! Also, you would love Paola’s cooking class. It was so much fun and her family was awesome! 🙂

  6. Demi on August 29, 2020 at 10:48 am

    We had plans to visit this year unfortunately with the situation we had to postponed it . We visited Lake Garda last year.. however I will save this for my much awaited next trip. Lovely post and beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing 💕

    • Taylor Deer on August 30, 2020 at 12:41 am

      Thank you Demi! Lake Como was one of the most beautiful places in the world. You will love it when you eventually go! 🙂

  7. Kelsey on August 29, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    This looks amazing!! And the food!!! I bet the cooking class was a once in a lifetime opportunity! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

    • Taylor Deer on August 30, 2020 at 12:44 am

      You’re welcome Kelsey! Como really is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. I couldn’t recommend it more and the cooking class sure was a wonderful time. 🙂

  8. Lauren on August 30, 2020 at 8:51 am

    What a gorgeous town! Italy is on my bucket list and now Lake Como will sure to be a stop. The boat tour sounds like a perfect way to see the town!

    • Taylor Deer on August 30, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      Lake Como is probably one of the most beautiful areas in Italy. It is so romantic and beautiful! I highly recommend the boat tour when you go. It’s the best way to experience the area!

  9. Shay on August 30, 2020 at 10:13 am

    Your photos are gorgeous! I would love to visit Lake Como, and I really want to take a cooking class in Italy. All the food looks incredible! Amazing post as always. 🙂

    • Taylor Deer on August 30, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      Thank you so much Shay! You totally should go to Como. It really is amazing! 🙂

  10. Vanessa Shields on August 30, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    Lake Como looks amazing and I’m kicking myself that I never visited on one of my four trips to Italy! Adding it to my list the next time I visit for sure. I’d love lounging by the lake, taking cooking classes and eating tons of yummy food!

    • Taylor Deer on August 31, 2020 at 9:11 am

      Yes, you totally have to put it on your bucket list next time you go to Italy. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. 🙂

  11. Farrah on August 31, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    The scenery here is so gorgeous! I’d love to go visit someday! <3 That cooking class sounds like a lot of fun too! :]

    • Taylor Deer on August 31, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      You totally have to! It’s so beautiful Farrah! 🙂

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