Set against the lush foothills of the Italian alps, Lake Como is a glamorous destination that’s brimming with beauty and romance. The shimmering blue water is lined with colourful buildings, beyond which tree-covered hillsides and snow-capped mountains rise up in striking splendour – it’s no wonder that this northern Italian region has been used as the setting for countless films, television shows and even music videos. Lake Como is easily accessible from places like Milan and Lugano and is therefore a popular day-trip destination. While you could easily spend weeks or even months exploring this amazing place, it’s possible to experience its highlights in just a few hours. To find out how, read on for our guide on the best way to spend one day in Lake Como.
- Take in the View from Sacro Monte di Ossuccio
- Tuck into Some Lombardy Cuisine
- Enjoy a Cruise Along the Lake
- Spend the Afternoon in the Golden Triangle
- Take in the Sunset
Take in the View from Sacro Monte di Ossuccio
This sacred mountain is one of nine UNESCO World Heritage-listed groups of chapels in northern Italy, collectively known as the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy. The steep but rewarding climb up Sacro Monte di Ossuccio is punctuated by 14 small chapels featuring frescoes and artifacts, and culminates in a beautiful church and an unmatched view over olive groves, the Isola Comacina and the shimmering lake. The climb takes around 30 minutes, and you can rest and refuel in the small café at the top. We recommend tackling the walk before the midday sun, or leaving it until the evening for cooler temperatures. Visit at sunrise for a truly serene experience.
Tuck into Some Lombardy Cuisine
After all that walking, you’ll likely be ready to enjoy some traditional Italian cuisine - perhaps a divine plateful of fritto misto (mixed fish) or a bowl of perch risotto and a glass of local wine. Just remember to save room for a delicious cutizza (Italian crepe) or a helping of fragola con gelato (strawberries with ice cream). Not far from Ossuccio, Lenno is a beautiful lakeside village known for the enchanting Villa Balbianello, featured in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale. Despite this, it’s quieter and less touristy than many other villages along the lake, and is therefore the perfect place to enjoy some local cuisine in tranquil surroundings. It’s also famous for its fruity olive oil, so don’t forget to pick up a bottle as a souvenir. If you’d prefer to head somewhere livelier for lunch, hop on the ferry and choose from one of Como’s many picturesque villages, all featuring terraces where you can enjoy your meal as the lake sparkles beside you in the sunlight.
Enjoy a Cruise Along the Lake
One of the best ways to get around Lake Como is, perhaps unsurprisingly, on the lake itself. Regular ferries not only get you from A to B, but are also an ideal way to take in the spectacular natural scenery and beautiful villas that line the banks of the lake. Board the ferry at Lenno and cruise down the glittering water surrounded by mountains and greenery; alight at one of Lake Como’s three spectacular towns known collectively as the Golden Triangle: Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio. Tickets for the ferry can be bought in advance online, or you can purchase tickets for the express services at the ticket offices on the ground. However, the slower routes give you more time to soak up the sights and sounds of this beautiful region as you go. Around here, it’s about the journey as much as the destination.
Spend the Afternoon in the Golden Triangle
These three lakeside towns are famous for a reason. Located roughly where the lake divides into two branches, each offers beautiful views and is home to historic villas, beaches and charming streets lined with restaurants and shops. If you only have time to visit one, we recommend Bellagio, known as the ‘Pearl of Lake Como’. Small but packed with charm, it’s full of art galleries, boutiques and winding romantic streets, and is where you’ll find the exotic Melzi gardens. If you need to cool off, skip the Lido de Bellagio and head to the more relaxed public beach of San Giovanni, a free pebble beach where you can take a dip in the cool water and take in some of the region’s best uninterrupted views across the water. Because Bellagio is so popular, it can get pretty crowded in high season. If you’re after a more relaxed experience, spend the afternoon in Varenna instead, which is arguably just as beautiful and features an enchanting old town, botanical gardens and a couple of small beaches.
Take in the Sunset
The perfect way to end your one day in Lake Como is undoubtedly by taking in the region’s spectacular sunset. Bellagio’s unique position between the two branches of the lake makes it an ideal sunset spot. As the golden light reflects on the town’s beautiful buildings, you get a different perspective of this amazing place. For a more immersive experience, head out on a sunset kayaking tour and bask in the lake’s true tranquility. Truthfully, however, this time of day is pretty special wherever you are in Lake Como. Grab a seat on a waterside terrace and sip a glass of bubbly or Aperol spritz as you watch the sky’s vibrant colours reflect in the darkening water. As the evening begins, the lake’s shoreline begins to glitter in the darkness, taking on a whole different kind of magic. All that’s left to do now is decide whether you want another drink before you seek out a spot in a local restaurant to once again feast on the flavours of the region. This is the life.
Header image: Faustine Poidevin