Breanna-May & Vincent
Things To Do
🍽️ Mangia!
Lake Como is known for fresh lake fish, delicious cured meats—especially bresaola—and above all polenta, a must-try when you’re in the area. Here are our favorite restaurants in Bellagio: 🍷 Aperitivo Et Al: This iconic spot is an aperitivo bar and incredible wine store. Pair your glass with delicious small plates, and you’ve got the perfect start to your evening. 🍝 Trattoria San Giacomo: A Bellagio staple, this cozy trattoria doesn’t take reservations. While you wait, grab a glass of wine from Aperitivo Et Al right across the street. 🍝 Bilacus Ristorante: For a more elevated dining experience, Bilacus offers outstanding food and a romantic setting. 🍝 La Pergola Ristorante: Tucked away from the bustling downtown, La Pergola boasts our favorite lakefront view. If the truffle tasting menu is available, don’t hesitate. 🍝 Bistrot Antichi Sapori: This classic Italian bistro is a great choice for a laid-back meal. Their tiramisu is served in a potted planter!
🧭 Explore the charming towns of Lake Como
One of the best ways to experience Lake Como is by hopping between its picturesque lakeside towns. The lake is well-connected by ferries, making it easy to explore beyond Bellagio. Be sure to visit Varenna, home to the picturesque Promenade of Lovers, and Menaggio, which offers a charming blend of Italian and Swiss influences. A few tips for smooth sailing: 🎟️ Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. 🕒 Travel outside peak hours (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) for a more relaxed experience. 🚗 Bringing a car? Some ferries allow vehicles, making it even easier to explore!
🌼 Discover The Lake's Famous Villas & Gardens
Lake Como is home to breathtaking gardens and villas, making for a perfect summer adventure. We recommend going early to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the beauty of these iconic spots. Here are a few of our favorites: 🏛️ The Gardens of Villa Melzi (Bellagio) Located right in downtown Bellagio, these stunning gardens showcase rare and exotic plants with an elegant Italian touch. You'll also find a serene Japanese pond and an Arabian temple—both offering incredible photo opportunities. 🏛️ Villa del Balbianello (Lenno) Arguably the most famous villa on the lake, Villa del Balbianello is truly spectacular. Its breathtaking views have even made it a filming location for Star Wars and Casino Royale. 🏛️ Villa Monastero (Varenna) Set along the waterfront in Varenna, this villa boasts stunning botanical gardens and a museum that tells the fascinating story of its history as a women’s monastery.
⛵ Rent a Boat
The best way to experience Lake Como is from the water. Many companies offer private boat rentals, and some even allow you to captain your own boat—no license required. Spend the day cruising the lake, fishing, docking at a secluded beach, or simply soaking in the stunning views. Don't miss the Orrido di Bellano, a breathtaking waterfall only accessible by boat! Here are a few great rental options: 🚤 Bellagio Boat Tour: https://bellagioboattour.com/ 🚤 Well Como Lake Boat: https://wellcomolakeboat.com/ 🚤 AC Boat Rentals: https://www.acboatrentals.com/en/ 🚤 Lake Como Boat: https://www.lakecomoboat.eu/
✨ Book an unforgettable experience
Whether you're interested in an Italian cooking class, a wine tasting, or a guided history tour, there’s something for everyone. We recommend exploring experience websites to find the perfect tour or activity for your visit. Simply enter your travel dates to see what’s available and book an adventure that suits your style: 📍GetYourGuide: https://www.getyourguide.com/ 📍Viator: https://www.viator.com/
⚓ Expert travel tips for exploring Lake Como
Looking for more ideas? If you're still searching for inspiration, check out these expert travel tips for even more ways to make the most of your time in Lake Como: 🔎 Conde Nast: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-things-to-do-in-lake-como 🔎 Travel + Leisure: https://www.travelandleisure.com/lake-como-italy-8647041 🔎 https://www.forbes.com/sites/everettpotter/2023/06/04/italys-amazing-lake-como/
🇮🇹 Planning an Italy trip around the wedding?
Here are some of our other favorite spots in Italy: 🇮🇹 Siena: Our favorite place. Steeped in beauty, incredible history, and known for its regional cuisine (hello, truffle) - Siena is our answer when people ask us where our favorite place is. And that’s not just because it’s our last name (or soon to be last name 😉). 🇮🇹 Florence: Where Bre studied abroad, the city is known for its unparalleled art scene and renaissance architecture. It’s hard not to fall in love with La Bella Firenze. 🇮🇹 Bari/Matera: Go to Bari for the focaccia pizza and orecchiette - then head to Matera. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sassi (ancient cave dwellings) are known as some of the most unique landscapes in Europe! 🇮🇹 Sardinia: The Caribbean of Europe, Sardinia is a beautiful island above Sicily. Incredible seafood, clear blue water, and a thriving wine region - it’s the perfect beach escape. 🇮🇹 Rome: It’s Rome, it doesn’t need an introduction. If nothing else, go for the carbonara! 🤌