"Lake, mountains, wonderful food" Top 5 Page for this destination Lago di Como by rexvaughan

Lago di Como Travel Guide: 208 reviews and 590 photos

This little lake has got to be one of the most picturesque places on earth! The lake itself is exquisitely lovely and looking north you can see the foothills of the Alps and almost into Switzerland. The town of Varenna where we stayed is amazing. It has a population of about 800 so the pace is very relaxed. There are no big museums or cathedrals or castles, but there is a lovely harbor, a romantic passerella and some of the best food in Italy.

Map of Lake Como

I suppose you could drive around the lake, but why? It is only a few miles across (about 5) and there is excellent ferry service to most anywhere you would want to go. You could easily confine yourself to Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio and have the time of your life by foot and boat. We certainly did.

Varenna

Be sure to take plenty of film or a large capacity card for your digital as there are "Kodak moments" everywhere you turn. This is the little village of Varenna where we stayed. It is almost worth the ferry ride just to get this kind of view of the towns, not to mention the mountains and gardens.

Last visit to Lago di Como: Jun 1996
Intro Written Jan 31, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (7)

Basilica of St. James Bellagio - Lago di Como

Basilica of St. James Bellagio Off The Beaten Path (1)

Bellagio is a more sizeable town than Varenna, but I was surprised to find a magnificent 11th-12th century basilica... more travel advice

Villa Cipressi and the monastery gardens Things to Do (2)

These are manicured lakeside gardens with a lot of interesting architectural features. They are also quite colorful and... more travel advice

Varenna passerella Things to Do (2)

This lakeside promenade provides a relaxing and romantic stroll with views of the lake, some colorful homes and several... more travel advice

On the Point in Bellagio Restaurants (2)

The Punto Spartivento is the point where the lake divides into two "legs" and the location of Bellagio. Right on the... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Take the ferry

Hotels (1)
Outstanding food, magnificent views

Comments (14)

Reply
- Report abuse
ranger49 Mar 9, 2010 at 5:54 AM

Toying with a visit ti Como a bit later in the year. Your lovely page is spurring me on. What a lot you have covered on it!
Reply
- Report abuse
VeronicaG Jul 17, 2007 at 8:13 AM

I viewed Lake Como on the Travel Channel--it looked so enticing! Now after reading your tips, it looks more inviting than ever...thanks for a look at this scenic place!
Reply
- Report abuse
Pawtuxet Dec 6, 2006 at 4:42 PM

I think you found a heck of a deal in a beautiful spot. Gorgeous countryside and lake. We passed thru many years ago. BTW...did you say LIGHT lunch?
Reply
- Report abuse
Jeannette1 Sep 29, 2006 at 6:18 PM

This page brings back some nice memories. We stayed in Mennagio. Nice menu at the hotel you listed but where are the pics of the food? LOL
Reply
- Report abuse
petking Jun 4, 2006 at 11:44 AM

You have the hotel as" $ 40-80. " How about the rate sheet says Dbl.of 160 euro so about $ 192? That's close to real life. Where you thinking Lunch? Petking
Reply
- Report abuse
nicolaitan Mar 21, 2006 at 8:54 AM

very nice page and fotos. We loved Como, stayed in Cernobbio, and hit most of the villages but didn't get to Varenna which was obviously a mistake - went to Milan and Lugano instead. Need one more day. Thanks for sharing. N. >~!
Reply
- Report abuse
BerniShand Feb 25, 2006 at 5:26 PM

my mother had a picture of Lago di Como hanging in the toilet, but it didnt do it justice, looks like another fab place we are going to have to go and see for ourselves
Reply
- Report abuse
tpal Aug 29, 2005 at 5:59 AM

Hi Rex, Lake Como is hands down the best place we've been and Varenna was our favorite town. The pace is truly different throughout the area. I remember having a cappuccino at Albergo Olivedo while waiting for the ferry. Thx for taking me back...Tom
Reply
- Report abuse
hundwalder Jun 22, 2005 at 7:10 PM

Excellemente Lago di Como tips. It appears that you found a great hotel there. ciao !
Reply
- Report abuse
deecat Jun 16, 2005 at 11:18 AM

You've stirred fond memories of Lake Como and especially Bellagio. We really enjoyed the fresh fish, the Alps in the distance, the beautiful villas, and the enchanting people. Thanks for this delightful tour.