"Isola Comacina - Peaceful Retreat" Isola Comacina by tpal

Isola Comacina Travel Guide: 3 reviews and 4 photos

Carol sketching chiesa di San Giovanni - Isola Comacina

Lake Como's Solitary Island

There is only one island on Lake Como and our "villa" was directly across from it. Every morning the same three fisherman would appear in the narrow straight between us in Ossuccio and Isola Comacina. They never seemed to catch much but as I have long suspected, most fishing has more to do with "going fishing" than with the "fish"!

The ferry boat from Argegno dropped us off at a much less sophisticated dock than we had seen previously. There was no ticket booth and only a single dock employee. There also was no town. Just a snack bar fashioned out of a huge reclaimed wine barrel and some rustic tables and stools made out of tree limbs. We had read that there was a well known risitorante somewhere but it was not immediately evident. In any event, this was definitely not a high volume stop.

The ferry boats made infrequent stops on the island so we knew we would be there for several hours...interesting or not, so Carol decided to bring her sketch book and look a worthy scene to capture. That effort was not very difficult. What an enchanting, peaceful place.

We followed a somewhat defined path to the site of the abandoned Church of San Giovanni which was built on the ruins of a Roman structure. Carol settled in to capture the moment and I set out feed my archeological cravings. We spent about four hours on the island relaxing and enjoying each other's company. This is a vacation after all.

Please click below if you are interested in seeing all my Lake Como Tips.
Lago di Como

Last visit to Isola Comacina: Sep 2004
Intro Updated Nov 11, 2004
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Reviews (3)

Tom & Carol,,,as good as it gets! - Isola Comacina

Cappuccino and Local Color Favorites (1)

Our visit to Isola Comacina was perhaps the most relaxing portion of our trip. Probably because there is so little to... more travel advice

The Church of San Giovanni - Isola Comacina

Charming But Sadly Alone Things to Do (2)

When you explore Isola Comacina you have to wonder why the ancient Byzantines of the area thought it was such a great... more travel advice

Basilica di Sant' Eufemia - Isola Comacina

Ruins, Ruins and More Ruins Things to Do (2)

Isola Comacina has been inhabited since Roman times though there's not much easy evidence of this. There are, however,... more travel advice

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Comments (5)

hojasdehierba Oct 29, 2006 at 4:54 PM Report Abuse

Seven churches... ! Really unusual. Very nice writing, as usual on your pages. Thanks
Nemorino Mar 1, 2005 at 12:47 PM Report Abuse

Looks and sounds great! I always like places that have no cars.
evona Jan 9, 2005 at 9:38 AM Report Abuse

I like the old churches... and ruins. Interesting place. I go to make me a capuccino :)
Aurorae Dec 4, 2004 at 9:50 AM Report Abuse

Have you been to a little village across the island,Sala Comacina?We were there about 2 weeks ago,and saw a couple looking exactly like you,they were the ONLY people walking there except us(that is how I remembered:)but the odds that it was you are null!
Trekki Nov 20, 2004 at 11:44 AM Report Abuse

Don't believe what people say :-) if Cappuchino tastes, then it doesn't matter what time it is :-) Your island trip looks fabulous :-) Any chance that Carol shows her sketches here ?