Lake Como or Lago Di Como is a picturesque destination in northern Italy known for its stunning mountain backdrop, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal settlements. There are many activities to enjoy in the area – exploring the local villas and gardens was our favorite. Located ~2 hours away from Milan, this is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the pristine lake, while indulging in village hopping, gelato-tasting or just aimlessly walking the extremely instagram-worthy narrow streets! Como is the main town – most tours start from here. We drove from Como to our AirBnB at Sala Comacina, stopping at several villas along the way.
Bellagio is a picturesque village located on Lake Como in Italy. It is located halfway between the southernmost branches of the lake and is known for its beautiful villas and gorgeous gardens. It is the most popular destination for tourists in Lake Como. Pro tip: Do not expect restaurants/cafeterias in Bellagio to open before 11am, so early birds should grab breakfast elsewhere before heading out to dreamy Bellagio! We grabbed breakfast at Sala Comacina before taking a small ferry to Bellagio.
Varenna is the quintessential Lake Como village, having a long history dating back to the Iron Age and was once a major commercial and geographic center on the lake. Varenna is known for its charming fisherman’s houses and its relaxed atmosphere. We loved this charming relaxed village much more than the din and bustle in the more touristy Bellagio. Visitors to the village can relax by the lake, visit the gardens of Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, and enjoy a meal at one of the many lakeside restaurants.
