Cernobbio Holidays

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. The name Cernobbio derives from an old convent, 'Coenobium', which was situated where the luxury Villa D'Este hotel can now be found.

While the town is largely made up of terracotta-roofed houses, it also boasts a range of impressive attractions, with La Via dei Monti Lariani – the region’s most spectacular footpath – being one of the best. Starting close to the town, this hiking trail follows an incredible 80-mile route through the foothills and peaks around the lake’s edge, and is a must-do, even if you only follow a small section of the trail. One of the town’s lesser-known gems is the beautiful Il Giardino della Valle (Valley Gardens), which can be found nestled in Mount Bisbino’s foothills.

There is a good selection of restaurants and cafes on offer, ranging from lively bars to busy gelaterie, and from authentic trattorie to classy modern restaurants. In terms of getting out and about, Cernobbio is just a short drive from Como, and close to many smaller towns strung along the lake’s shore.

Handpicked Hotels in Cernobbio

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

Hotel Villa D'Este

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Find out more about Hotel Villa D'Este

Sheraton Lake Como

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Find out more about Sheraton Lake Como

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.

Introduction to languages

Listen to our Learn Italian podcast, where we cover everything from basic to intermediate phrases.

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 is 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 quality olive oils, 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 when holidaying 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 while you’re around Lake Como – it’s a type of sweet vanilla and lemon pancake.