Lake Como: A Romantic Getaway to Italy's Alpine Lake • The Perennial Style

Lake Como, an alpine lake known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and romantic vistas, is a must-visit destination in Italy. One of the most delightful aspects of Lake Como is the ease with which you can explore the different towns, each with its unique character.

My husband and I recently traveled to Italy to celebrate our best friend’s wedding in Capri, and we decided to extend our stay for our first romantic European getaway since having our two little ones. While we definitely plan to visit again soon and plan a family trip, it was nice to spend some one-on-one time exploring the many idyllic destinations within Italy.

During our three-night stay at Lake Como, we had the pleasure of visiting Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio, and Tremezzo. These towns are centrally located on the lake and are easily accessible by a short ferry ride from one another.

WHERE TO STAY:

When it comes to accommodation, we initially aimed to stay at either the Grand Hotel Tremezzo or Villa d’Este, two iconic and beautiful properties. Unfortunately, both were fully booked. However, our search led us to discover an unexpected gem— the Grand Hotel Victoria.

The Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio exceeded our expectations in every way! Its prime location allowed us to explore the town easily, and their spa facilities were among the best I have ever experienced. The hotel underwent an extensive six-year renovation, which was completed just before the global Covid-19 pandemic hit. The attention to detail in the renovation was exceptional, with features like automatic blinds and floor lights that enhanced the overall experience. From our lake-view suite, the views were straight out of a Disney movie. The hotel also provides guests access to the private Erre Golf Course and will whisk you via golf cart to the nearby Lido Beach Club.

If you’re traveling with children, I recommend staying in Menaggio as it is the flattest town we visited. The Grand Hotel Victoria, with its accessible entrance, eliminates any worries if you have someone in your group with mobility constraints or if you’re using a stroller. Although we didn’t have the chance to see Villa d’Este, it’s worth noting that the Grand Hotel Tremezzo has a few steps leading to the main elevator as well as a staircase leading to the lakeside restaurant and pool, which could pose challenges for some families.

WHERE TO SHOP:

For those interested in shopping, Bellagio is the ideal place. While we were surprised by the limited shopping options at Lake Como overall, the town of Como itself offers a variety of commercial shops, while Bellagio is brimming with boutiques, art galleries, and charming gift shops. Should you choose to stay in Bellagio, consider the Villa Serbelloni. Located at the far point of the town, it offers unobstructed lake views and tranquility away from the crowds.

WHERE TO EAT:

Now, let’s talk about dining. Since the smaller ferries stop running at 8 PM, I recommend selecting a dinner location in the town where your hotel is situated. This time of day provides a peaceful atmosphere as the day-trippers have left. Use your daytime to explore the lake and its surroundings, reserving evenings for enjoying the town’s culinary delights. All the restaurants we tried were delicious, but I want to share the recommendations provided by our hotel concierge.

One notable advantage of staying at the Grand Hotel Victoria was the opportunity to dine at Erre Restaurant, located in a local golf club overlooking the lake. This exclusive dining experience isn’t typically open to the public.

Click here to read our guide on where to eat in Lake Como!

WHAT TO DO:

Rent a boat

We opted for AC Boat Rentals and had a fantastic experience. I suggest renting through your hotel concierge or a company based in the town you’re staying in. In our case, we enjoyed lunch at Giacomo al Lago, the lakeside restaurant at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, and our boat charter conveniently picked us up from the restaurant’s dock. After a three-hour tour, we were dropped off directly at the Grand Hotel Victoria. AC Boat Rentals provided excellent service, even welcoming us with a bottle of champagne and glasses. If you visit Lake Como during the summer when ferry wait times can be long, consider splurging on a full-day boat rental to optimize your sightseeing.

Take a cooking class

Although we didn’t have enough time for this activity, I highly recommend it if you can spare an extra day.

Tour the villas

Booking your tickets in advance is crucial, as the tours tend to sell out quickly. Villa del Balbianello is renowned for its magnificent gardens and served as a backdrop in Star Wars and Casino Royale.

Visit the spa

After a long day of travel, we indulged in a couples massage at the Erre Spa. It was the perfect way to relax and unwind from our journey from California to Italy.

Explore the different towns

As mentioned earlier, each town has its distinct vibe. Varenna, for instance, offers a slower pace, and it’s a delight to see tourists enjoying ice cream there.

No matter how you choose to spend your time at Lake Como, you are sure to fall in love with its charm and authentic Italian atmosphere. If you have previously visited, feel free to share your feedback in the comments.