Lake Como Holidays

Visit the famous Lake Como

If you are seeking inspiration, then Lake Como is swathed in creativity. From grand lake front mansions, to Michelin-starred restaurants, Como offers something for everyone. Visit Villa Balbianello and take a walk around a pristine 18th century example of a Villa, or take a train journey on the Bernini Express for breathtaking scenery.

Holidays to Lake Como offer visitors a true taste of Italian luxury, romance and beauty. A favourite destination with honeymooning couples, as well as the rich and famous, Lake Como is a popular break for a romantic getaway. Located not far from Milan, the lake is one of Italy’s most picturesque, and is surrounded by dramatic peaks, charming medieval towns and villages, as well as grand, luxurious hotels and villas.

Spend some time browsing the boutiques in elegant Bellagio, admiring the gardens in Tremezzo and Varenna with its ice cream coloured houses. It may be busy and popular but there are several untouched villages off the beaten track to explore further – including Lecco in the south east corner of the lake, quiet Bellano, and striking Argegno, which is backed by tall peaks. The town of Como shouldn’t be overlooked either – the gateway to the lake, most travellers are only passing through, but stop a while to explore its historic Medieval centre and take in the views from its lakeside promenade.

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Did you know?

Milan is only a 45 minute train journey away!
 
The perfect opportunity to combine scenic walks around Lake Como with shopping in Milan.
 
Call one of our Italy Experts who will build you a custom holiday experience.

 

Our suggested trip itinerary

Enjoy the beauty of Lake Como

Holidays to Lake Como offer a great variety of dining options, but if you’re looking for somewhere unique with an interesting history, head to Crotto dei Platani - one of the oldest restaurants on the lake. Open since 1855, it’s located in a cave-like cellar, right on the shores of the lake in Brienno, and was even used as a smugglers' cave in the 1930s. Choose to sit down inside the atmospheric cellar or outside by the lake shore under the stars.

Do as the locals do and act like you’re at the seaside, by making a visit to the Lido de Lenno – a small artificial beach with sun loungers and a dedicated swimming spot.

If you like to be a little more active, take a hike along one of Lake Como’s prettiest walks. Colonno to Griante takes you via the quaint villages of Sala Comacina, Ossucio, Lenno and Mezzegra. It takes approximately two hours, but you can always take your time, stopping to explore the villages along the way.

Destinations in Lake Como
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Bellagio
Holidays to Bellagio have long been associated with luxury, opulent architecture and unrivalled natural beauty. 
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Cernobbio
Located just a few miles from Como, Cernobbio is a typical Italian town, situated on the edge of the lake and just in front of the majestic Monte Bisbino.
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Lenno
Lenno is a pretty little village, set around a picturesque horseshoe bay that looks across to the neighbouring town of Bellagio.
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Menaggio
Menaggio is one of Lake Como’s prettiest towns, offering a serene base from which to explore the best that the lake has to offer. 
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Moltrasio
The small town of Moltrasio is located on stunning Lake Como, and is renowned for its period villas that beautifully line the lake’s shores.
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Tremezzo
Located on the western shores of Lake Como, Tremezzo has a particularly mild climate, and a well-to-do atmosphere thanks to the beautiful villas that nestle on its shores.

Excursions and experiences in and around Lake Como

Experience more of Italy by adding an excursion to your holiday. Below is a selection of our most popular group excursions in this area.

In addition we can also arrange private tours and experiences tailored to your individual requirements.

To pre-book please call our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 762410*.

Handpicked Hotels in Lake Como

Discover the real Lake Como while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Things to do in Lake Como

There are many things to do on holidays to Lake Como, whether you feel like a relaxing and romantic break, taking it easy or being more active and exploring. You can’t beat a walk around the lake shore, admiring the views of the bottle green mountains tumbling down to meet the deep indigo waters.

To get to know the lake and its surroundings a little better, why not take a boat tour, which will take you around some of the more spectacular parts of the lake, as well as some of its most magnificent lakeside villas? You can also spend your time visiting some of the lake’s most picturesque towns and villages, such as Bellagio, Bellano, Cadenabbia and Colico. These all offer an idyllic setting where you can amble along cobbled streets, peering into boutiques and admiring the views from small lakeside cafés, while you enjoy a coffee and pastry. Or maybe you’ll spend your time rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous at some of the lake’s most romantic restaurants.

Flight Information

The closest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa (MXP). Direct flights to Milan are available from Birmingham, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester and take approximately 2 hours.

Direct flights to Milan Bergamo (BGY) depart from London Stansted, Bristol, Manchester, East Midlands and Belfast and take approximately 2 hours.

When to go

Lake Como is a summer destination, with the season generally running from April to October. Temperatures are at their hottest in July and August and this is when Como is at its busiest. The ideal time for swimming in the lake is from July to September when the water temperature exceeds 20 degrees. The climate in the spring and autumn is still warm which makes it perfect for visiting at the beginning or end of season too. For those who want to avoid the busiest crowds but still enjoy warm temperatures, May, June and September are ideal months to visit.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

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