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Lake Como, Italy

✺ Italy · Europe

Lake Como

Villa gardens, Riva boats and an Aperol on the terrace.

🕯️ Old-world romance🌿 Reset & restore
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Photo: Luca Casartelli · CC BY-SA 2.0

Executive Summary: Lake Como (Italy) is at its prime during May–Jun, Sep. Characterized by old-world romance, reset & restore, it ranks #15 on the Luxe score and is best suited for the two of us planning a a long weekend or about a week journey.

The feeling

Grand villas on a lake framed by the Alps. Travel by ferry between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio.

The scorecard #15 of 63

4.0Luxe score out of 5 · #15 of 63
🍜 FoodExcellent food destination
🏞️ SceneryWorld-famous, breathtaking scenery
🛎️ Luxury staysExcellent luxury hotels and resorts
🛡️ SafetyVery safe for visitors
🧭 Easy to visitEasy: good transport and visitor services
💞 RomanceOne of the world's most romantic places
🍸 NightlifeQuiet evenings, a few bars
🧸 FamilySome things for children
💸 Cost$$$$$Very expensive
👥 CrowdsVery crowded in peak season

Scored across structured editorial rubrics from our notes on Lake Como. How we score →

When to go

At its best Still lovely Off season

Best for
💞 The two of us
Give it
A long weekend or About a week
Right now
October is still lovely.

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✺ Your Luxentravel trip

Three days on Lake Como

Three days of villa gardens, ferry hops and Aperol on a terrace, on a lake framed by the Alps and best seen from the water.

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  1. Day 1

    Bellagio and its gardens

    Morning

    Walk Bellagio's stepped lanes, then visit the lakeside gardens of Villa Melzi.

    Afternoon

    Take a vintage wooden Riva boat tour along the shore, past villas and gardens.

    Evening

    An Aperol on a terrace as the sun sets behind the mountains, then dinner by the water.

  2. Day 2

    Villas of the western shore

    Morning

    Take the ferry to Tremezzo and explore the terraced gardens of Villa Carlotta.

    Afternoon

    Continue to Villa del Balbianello, reached by boat or a woodland path, set on a wooded point above the water.

    Evening

    Return to your hotel for dinner on a terrace overlooking the lake, as ferry lights cross the dark water.

  3. Day 3

    Varenna and the eastern shore

    Morning

    Ferry to Varenna and climb to Castello di Vezio for views over the lake.

    Afternoon

    Walk the lakeside promenade and visit the gardens of Villa Monastero.

    Evening

    Final dinner in Varenna or back in Bellagio, watching the lights across the water.

Where to stay

Bellagio or the Tremezzina for the classic lakefront, or one of the grand old villa hotels on the shore.

Our tip

Leave the car behind; the lakeside roads are narrow and parking is scarce, while the ferries link every village beautifully.

When

Best May–Jun, Sep; still lovely Apr, Jul, Oct.

✺ Make it happen

From daydream to departure

Live from travel partners when you ask: real fares, a walk through the city, guided trips and ferries. You book with them directly.

★ marks Lake Como's best months. We search ±3 days around the middle of the month.

Live fares from Kiwi.com; prices change quickly and are confirmed when you book with them.

✺ Pair it with

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