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Italy

Lake Como travel guide

Grand villas, mountain views and private boats on Italy's most elegant lake, one hour from Milan.

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Photo: Luca Casartelli · CC BY-SA 2.0
Best time to visit
May-June and September; most hotels open April-October
Flight from the Gulf
Fly to Milan (about 6.5 h direct from the Gulf)
Airport
Milan Malpensa (MXP), about 1 h by car
Time difference
2 h behind Riyadh in winter, 1 h in summer
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Italian
Visa
Schengen visa (UAE passports visa-free for short stays)

Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down Y, framed by green mountains and dotted with pastel villages and historic villas with gardens running down to the water. Since Roman times it has been a summer retreat for the wealthy, and today it is one of the most romantic places in Europe.

The heart of the lake is the “golden triangle” of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, linked by ferries every few minutes. Spend your days visiting villas and gardens, take a private boat around the lake, ride the funicular from Como up to Brunate for the views, and end the day with dinner by the water.

Lake Como is seasonal: most lakeside hotels open from about March or April to early November. Summer is warm and lively; May, June and September are the most pleasant months.

Things to do in Lake Como

The places our guests love most, with the time you need and how to avoid the queues.

Stepped lanes with silk and leather shops, lakeside cafés and the gardens of Villa Melzi. The tip of the peninsula, Punta Spartivento, has the best view…

Half day

The most photographed villa on the lake, on a green point surrounded by water, famous from many films. Arrive by boat - the best way to…

1.5 hours

A magnificent villa with a museum and huge botanical gardens, spectacular in April and May when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in flower.

2 hours

A tiny village of pastel houses with a lakeside walkway, the gardens of Villa Monastero and the ruins of Vezio Castle above.

Half day

A seven-minute ride up from Como to the village of Brunate, called "the balcony of the Alps", with views over the lake and the mountains.

1-2 hours

The lively town at the southern tip of the lake, with its marble cathedral, shopping streets and the lakeside promenade to Villa Olmo.

Half day

Hotels in Lake Como

Hotels we know and recommend. Send your dates: we book the best rate for you and confirm on WhatsApp.

Summary

Lake Como ★★★★★

Cernobbio

Floating pool · Historic park

Best priceon request
Summary

Lake Como ★★★★★

Tremezzina

Pool on the lake · View of Bellagio

Best priceon request
Summary

Lake Como ★★★★★

Blevio, near Como

Spa · Pool on the lake

Best priceon request
Summary

Lake Como ★★★★★

Bellagio

In Bellagio · Lakeside pool

Best priceon request

All hotels in Lake Como

Tours, packages and transfers in Lake Como

Private day trips with your own driver and guide, complete holidays, and airport transfers at a fixed price.

Where to stay in Lake Como

BellagioThe "pearl of the lake" on the tip of the peninsula, with lanes of shops and views of all three branches. Perfect central base.
Cernobbio and Como townClose to Milan and the airport, with grand hotels and the funicular to Brunate.
Tremezzina and MenaggioThe western shore facing Bellagio, home of Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello and famous lake hotels.
VarennaA small, colourful village on the eastern shore with a train to Milan. Quiet and romantic.

Halal food and prayer

Kashmir Grill House Halal Pakistani · Via Milano, Como town Halal lamb karahi, seekh kebabs, butter chicken and biryani - the most reliable halal address around the lake.
Lake fish in Bellagio and Varenna Seafood & veggie Lake fish and risotto · Lakeside villages Try perch fillets with risotto (risotto al pesce persico), a local speciality, at the lakeside restaurants of Bellagio and Varenna. Ask for…
Halal meals in the lake hotels Halal on request Hotel restaurants · Villa d'Este, Tremezzo, Bellagio The large lake hotels are used to Gulf guests and can often prepare halal meat dishes with a few days' notice. We…

Halal status is what the restaurant tells its guests and can change. When you book with us, we check it again before your trip.

Tips for your trip to Lake Como

  1. A private boat for half a day is the best way to see the villas - ask us to book a driver who knows the lake.
  2. Ferries are cheap and easy; the fast boats (aliscafo) between Como and Bellagio save time.
  3. Roads around the lake are narrow and busy in summer. With children and luggage, a driver is much easier than renting a car.
  4. Many villas close on certain days and outside the season - check the opening times before you go.
  5. Book lakeside restaurants for sunset in summer; the best tables go quickly.
  6. Combine with Milan for shopping, or cross into Switzerland - Lugano is only 30 minutes from Menaggio.

Questions

How many nights do we need on Lake Como?

Two or three nights are ideal. A day trip from Milan is possible but rushed.

Is Lake Como good for children?

Yes for relaxed families - boat rides, gardens, swimming pools in the hotels and the funicular are big hits. It is less suited to children who need lots of activities.

Can we swim in the lake?

Yes, at lidos and beaches in summer, though the water is cool. Many hotels have floating or lakeside pools.

Can you book a private boat and driver?

Yes. We arrange airport transfers from Milan, a private boat with captain and a car for day trips.

Read before you go to Lake Como

Plan your trip to Lake Como with us

Hotel, car with driver, tours and restaurants: tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply in Arabic or English with a full plan and one price. No payment until you confirm.

  • Reply within a few hours
  • Family rooms and halal restaurants checked for you
  • Support on WhatsApp during the trip
Travel dates
Travellers

Photo credits

Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their free licences.