Lake Como Holidays

Visit the famous Lake Como

If you are seeking inspiration, Lake Como holidays are swathed in creativity. From grand lakefront mansions, to Michelin-starred restaurants, Lake 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 Bernina Express for breathtaking scenery.

Holidays to Lake Como offer visitors a true taste of Italian luxury, romance and beauty. A favourite destination for honeymooning couples, as well as the rich and famous, Lake Como is a popular break for a romantic Italian getaway. Located not far from Milan, the lake is one of Italy’s most beautiful places 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 enjoying 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 Lake Como, quiet Bellano, and striking Argegno near to George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra, 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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Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

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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 Lake Como. 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 in Lenno with sun loungers and a dedicated swimming spot.

If you’re looking for a more active Lake Como holiday, take a hike along one of the lake’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.

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 trip, which will take you around some of the more spectacular parts of the lake, as well as some of its most magnificent Lake Como villas? You can also spend your time visiting some of the lake’s most picturesque towns and villages, such as Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como, 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 Lake Como’s most romantic restaurants.

Things to doBellagio and Villa MelziVisit one of the most prestigious towns on Lake Como and explore the botanical gardens of Villa Melzi.Find out more about Bellagio and Villa Melzi

Things to doVilla BalbianelloTake a trip by private boat which will show you one of the loveliest villas and gardens on Lake Como, Villa Balbianello.

Things to doVilla CarlottaVilla Carlotta, located in the town of Tremezzo along the lakeshore, offers some of the most beautiful botanical gardens on Lake Como.Find out more about Villa Carlotta

Lake Como Specialities Fish is an obvious specialism on the shores of Lake Como, and freshwater fish such as trout, shad (like sardines) and perch are caught here daily. You’ll find fish cooked every way on the menus here - grilled and fried or mixed into risottos and pastas. One of the most typical dishes is Risotto con Filetti di Pesce Persico (risotto with perch fish fillets), which is often flavoured with butternut squash, sage and parmesan.

Lake Como Specialities The fertile shores around Lake Como are ideal for olive groves and vineyards, so it’s no surprise that the region produces some great Italian olive oils and wines. One of the best wine growing areas nearby is Valtellina, just north of Lake Como, which produces excellent reds such as Valtellina Superiore and Rosso di Valtellina. To taste some of the best olive oils in Italy, head to the town of Lenno, which has been producing cold pressed olive oil since the 19th century.

Lake Como Specialities Besides the famous Italian desserts such as gelato, something you have to try while on holiday in Lake Como is Miascia – Italy’s answer to the UK’s bread and butter pudding. It’s made from stale bread, milk, eggs, sugar, butter, apples, pine nuts, and raisins and can be topped with anything from chocolate to crumbled macaroons. Cutizza is another dessert to try on your Lake Como holiday – it’s a type of sweet vanilla and lemon pancake.

Destinations in Lake Como

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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Villa del Balbianello at lake Como in Italy

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 the prettiest towns in Lake Como, offering a serene base from which to explore the best that the lake has to offer.

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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.

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Varenna

Varenna is a peaceful village on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The mix of traditional pastel-coloured houses with the elegance of authentic Italy, Varenna offers luxury Italian holidays at its finest.

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Lake Como Multi Centre Holidays

Take a look at our suggested itineraries for inspiration, or call our personal travel planners on 01293 765055* for a bespoke multi-centre

8 day suggested trip

Lake Como and Milan

From £1495 per person

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Cross over into Switzerland and take the Bernina Express
Explore Lake Como's picturesque towns by ferry
Visit opulent lakefront villas and gardens
Window shop and sightsee in Milan

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11 day suggested trip

Venice, Lake Garda and Lake Como

From £2165 per person

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Admire the Venetian villas on the shores of Lake Como
Savour wines in the rustic vineyards surrounding Lake Garda
Visit to the largest island of the archipelago – Venice Lido

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8 day suggested trip

Lake Maggiore and Lake Como

From £1299 per person

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Combine two of Italy's greatest lakes in one trip
Sample the delights of Italian cuisine on the shores of Lake Como
Set foot on the islands of Lake Maggiore

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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 765055*.

/holidays/italy/lombardy/lake-como/como-and-lugano-excursion/Como & Lugano Visit the finest and most elegant town in Switzerland, Lugano, before continuing to the fascinating city of Como.

/holidays/italy/lombardy/lake-como/lake-como-wine-tasting/Lake Como Wine TastingVisit the Sorsasso winery located in Domaso, the northern part of Lake Como and enjoy a tasting of the local wine alongside some delicious cold cuts and cheese.

/holidays/italy/lombardy/lake-como/st-moritz-and-the-bernina-express-excursion/St. Moritz & The Bernina ExpressTake in the panoramic views from the Bernina Express and visit the famous Swiss holiday and Ski resort, St. Moritz.

/holidays/italy/lombardy/lake-como/the-fabulous-villas-of-lake-como/The Fabulous Villas of Lake ComoEnjoy a guided boat tour of the villas of Lake Como. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views.

Handpicked Hotels in Lake Como

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

Recommended

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Albergo Lenno

Family-run hotel located in peaceful town of Lenno
Restaurant with picturesque views of Lake Como

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Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Floating heated swimming pool and beach with spectacular views
Excellent Italian cuisine served on panoramic terraces

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Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Grand Hotel Victoria

Blends classic features with a modern, contemporary style
Enjoy the beautiful gardens

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Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Situated on the corner of Bellagio, just a short walk to the centre
Large swimming pool on the waterfront with beautiful views

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Recommended

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
15 minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio

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Recommended

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Hotel Du Lac

Situated in the centre of Bellagio opposite the main boat landing stage
Panoramic roof terrace with sunbeds and beautiful views of Lake Como

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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 Bristol, Manchester and East Midlands and take approximately 2 hours.

When to go

Lake Como is a summer destination, with the season generally running from April to October. The busiest time for holidays in Lake Como is July and August, with the hottest temperatures. The best time for swimming in Lake Como 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 Lake Como weather, 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

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.

On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.

On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Lake Como Holidays

Visit the famous Lake Como

Your plans, our expertise

Enjoy the beauty of Lake Como

Things to do in Lake Como

Destinations in Lake Como

Lake Como Multi Centre Holidays

From £1495 per person

From £2165 per person

From £1299 per person

Excursions and experiences in and around Lake Como

Handpicked Hotels in Lake Como

Albergo Lenno

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Grand Hotel Victoria

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Hotel Du Lac

Flight Information

When to go

Visa Information

Tipping

Introduction to languages

What our customers think