Lake Como is without doubt one of the gorgeous places in Italy to go to, particularly when within the north of the country. Stuffed with centuries-old cities, attractive views and a shoreline that’s second to none, it’s an space of Italy you can’t miss. Not solely that, there’s a heap of the perfect issues to do in Lake Como which can be dotted throughout the lake’s edge.
We completely cherished exploring Lake Como and visited it as a part of our highway journey to Northern Italy. It’s the form of space the place you’ll be able to simply spend weeks soaking within the vibe and historical past (which is in every single place).
Although, you’ll be able to simply get slightly style on a day journey, too. In actual fact, it’s completely straightforward to go to when you’re in Milan and in search of a visit outdoors of town.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your time in Lake Como, I’m sharing a few of our favorite locations that we cherished on our go to. This manner, no matter journey size you resolve, you’ll get a heap of attractive locations to discover!
Have a look, beneath, at the perfect issues to do in Lake Como. Have an incredible Italian journey.
1.) Como
Nestled proper on the southern level of Lake Como, Como is the most important metropolis on the lake’s shores. For those who’re driving up from Milan, it’s seemingly that Como will likely be your first port-of-call.
As soon as right here, be certain that to cease off at Como’s iconic cathedral (signposted Duomo within the metropolis). You see, it’s one among Italy’s most iconic 14th-century Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals and is completely attractive.
The towering marble facade is a marvel, filling one facet of Piazza Duomo on one facet and that includes richly detailed statues and stone carvings. Inside, you’ll spot the medieval rose window and a meticulously carved important altar. You’ll be able to even climb the Como Cathedral’s dome and have a panoramic view of town (which is beautiful).
Additionally, don’t overlook to see the neoclassical Tempio Voltiano, a museum devoted to the work of Alessandro Volta. Tempio Voltiano was erected in 1927 as a commemoration of Volta’s centennial dying anniversary. These days, the museum homes a number of the unique gear utilized in Volta’s monumental analysis.
It’s an amazing spot to go to however even higher when you get caught out with slightly moist climate.
Afterwards, take a gander on the close by Villa Olmo that has probably the most attractive gardens and you may even pop inside, too.
Lastly, for some nice views, ramble on as much as Castello Baradello. From the medieval ruins, you’ll get to see all throughout Lake Como. Although, one factor to recollect is that the grounds are intermittently opened and closed. This implies you ought to be ready for a closed citadel when you arrive.
Read more: Best places in Northern Italy to visit
2.) Brunate
Among the finest issues to do in Lake Como for the views, Brunate’s Terrace is a must-visit when in Como.
Technically simply outdoors the remit of town itself (although it doesn’t really feel prefer it), it’s the form of place that’s excellent at sundown.
Now, to achieve Brunate’s terrace settlement, you might want to take a funicular from the lakefront’s east finish. On the prime, you’ll get an encompassing view of the southern a part of Lake Como, the villages surrounding it, and mountains within the distance.
We cherished it! Plus, there’s a heap of little eating places all with attractive terraces. We stopped off at Capolinea Bistrot for some Italian treats and low.
Plus, you’ll be able to simply see Volta Lighthouse, one other monument devoted to Alessandro Volta. It’s perched proper atop the hill in Brunate.
Read more: Best places in Milan to visit
3.) Bellagio
Round a 50-minute drive from town of Como, Bellagio is one other spot it’s important to go to when driving across the lake.
When you’ve parked up, be certain that to spend a great few hours exploring the waterside promenade, cobbled streets and little eateries that line the paths. It’s completely picturesque and you may simply spend an entire day chilling right here (if not longer, if you wish to take it gradual).
Getting hungry, seize a desk on the vine-covered terrace at Ristorante Bilacus. Alternatively, head down the facet streets and go to La Grotta. Their pizza is the perfect in all of Lake Como.
Now, from Bellagio, you’ll be able to rent your very personal boat and sail the shores of Lake Como. It’s an amazing deal with for an hour, particularly if there’s a couple of of you to separate the fee.
Speaking of treats, for an amazing place to remain, test into the Grand Lodge Villa Serbelloni that’s proper on the shore. Now, it’s expensive however completely price it for a really special day.
4.) Menaggio
Nestled on the western shoreline of Lake Como (and simple to achieve by boat from Bellagio), Menaggio is a dreamy lakeside city to go to.
Now, it’s typically stated that Menaggio’s promenade offers you top-of-the-line views of Lake Como they usually wouldn’t be mistaken! The entire shoreline round Menaggio is gorgeous.
This all being stated, there aren’t many sights to discover when you’re right here – however that’s all a part of its attraction. You’ll be able to simply take a beautiful stroll and absorb the Italian attraction of this timeless spot.
For those who fancy staying in a single day, test into the Grand Lodge Victoria idea and spa. Once more, this may be expensive within the peak summer season months however it’s a beautiful deal with.
Read more: Best places in Northern Italy to visit
5.) Villa Carlotta
Visiting Villa Carlotta is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Lake Como when you’re in search of a lazy day of sightseeing.
Nestled within the Tremezzina Riviera, a Lake Como favorite for guests, Villa Carlotta is unbelievable for its lush gardens and world-renowned work and sculptures.
Now, you’ll be able to greatest go to its gardens in Could, when the entire panorama is brimming with the vivid bloom of camellias and rhododendrons which can be so attractive. I can’t say I’m the perfect at recognising flowers however the perfume of the blooms had been simply unbelievable.
6.) Basilica di Sant’Abbondio
Sure, I do know it’s within the metropolis of Como however I simply needed to point out this in its personal proper!
Whereas Basilica di Sant’Abbondio is predominantly Romanesque in fashion, this Eleventh-century church is a shocking mixture of all of the architectural developments that helped form Como over the centuries. It’s nearly like a timestamp to see the completely different influences that took maintain within the area.
For me, the historic basilica, with its Thirteenth-century frescoes is simply unbelievable to see. I’m such a sucker for church buildings and spiritual buildings in Italy. They’re all so stunning.
Now, whereas the basilica itself is well-maintained and in good situation, some gadgets have been eliminated. For example, the stone carvings beforehand discovered on the exterior of Basilica di Sant’Abbondio at the moment are throughout the Museo Civico (if you wish to take a gander).
7.) Varenna
Simply reached by boat from Bellagio or Cadenabbia, Varenna is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Lake Como when exploring the little communes across the lake itself.
With picture-perfect streets and a shocking lakeside setting, Varenna is a good spot to go to when you don’t fancy battling the crowds in Bellagio within the busier summer season season.
As soon as right here, take a completely chilled stroll via its medieval streets and don’t overlook to take a look at the gardens of Villa Monastero. Oh, and naturally, the walled citadel (full with battlements and a drawbridge) of Castello di Vezio.
8.) Head to the museums
One other Como favorite, you’ve received to take a while to discover a number of the museums which can be perched round Como itself. The Archaeological Museum of Como and the Historic Museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi are two such spots.
Exploring historical pre-history as much as the center ages, it’s the form of place that museum-buffs will completely love. A lot of the reveals got here from native excavations, so that you’ll have a glimpse into the evolution of communities and settlements round Lake Como.
That being stated, you would possibly spot a couple of historical Greek and Egyptian artefacts, too.
However, the Historic Museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi will take you thru the historical past of Como, that includes a set of handmade laces, reveals highlighting native Italian traditions, and particulars of the battle of Risorgimento.
Now, if museums aren’t your factor, perhaps give them a miss and follow exploring Lake Como’s attractive shoreline.
Read more: Best places in Northern Italy to visit
9.) Villa Melzi
Nestled inside Bellagio, Villa Melzi was constructed within the early 1800s by Melzi (who was a complete big-wig throughout the very first Italian Republic (again in Napolean instances).
The entire villa is completely iconic, however so are the gardens and park.
Now, Villa Melzi itself isn’t sometimes open to most people, however you’ll be able to stroll via the landscaped terraces and wander past the water backyard and the white neo-Moorish pavilion.
Better of all, for a couple of cash additional, you should buy a two-day ticket that’s nice when you’re staying in a single day in Bellagio.
10.) Lecco
Round a 30-minute drive from Bellagio, Lecco will seemingly be your final, or first, cease on Lake Como (relying on which approach you drive).
For us, it was our final cease as we headed from Milan, through Como and up the coast through Bellagio to Lecco.
As soon as right here, be sure you cease off on the Palace of Fears; a museum that homes hundreds of reveals with a extremely cool modern artwork assortment. You’ll be able to spend hours inside.
Additionally, don’t overlook to go to the enduring Basilica of San Nicolò that stands proudly in Lecco. It’s stated that the location has been house to some type of spiritual constructing for nearly 1,000 years.
Getting hungry? Cease by Trattoria Corte Fiorina which’s perched proper throughout the metropolis. Their freshly made ravioli with fish from Lake Como is scrumptious.
For a night out, e-book tickets to the Lecco Theatre that’s completely grand. It’s unbelievable to go to, although you would possibly must brush up in your Italian.
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