City Breaks //
Posted by Ormina Tours Feb 26, 2025 4 Things They Don’t Tell You Before You Visit Lake Como
Lake Como is a highly sought-after tourist destination, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage. This stunning region has drawn numerous celebrities, including George Clooney, Madonna, and Ronaldinho, who have chosen to invest in luxurious villas here. The area is celebrated for its opulent accommodations, picturesque landscapes, and idyllic lakeside towns. In addition to its crystal-clear waters and charming villages, Lake Como has become a favoured venue for glamorous weddings, attracting couples worldwide. If you’re considering a visit, there are four lesser-known aspects of Lake Como that you might want to know, along with some useful tips to help you plan your Italian Lakes Trip.
1. Hotel and Villa Availabilities
5-star Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Lake Como
Hotel and villa availability, particularly in the Lake Como region, including Bellagio and Menaggio, tends to be booked months in advance. This makes it challenging to secure accommodations since many villas and hotels have limited rooms. Therefore, we suggest planning and making reservations well in advance if you wish to stay in the area. Alternatively, you might consider staying at the nearby lakes, which offer amazing premium 4 and 5-star accommodations with stunning waterfront views at a much more affordable rate, and you could opt for a day trip to Lake Como.
2. Avoiding the peak season
Ferry transfers around Lake Como
Lake Como, like many popular destinations in Italy, can feel crowded during the peak summer season. Visitors often face long lines for various attractions, including ferries, which are essential for exploring the region. As Italy’s most visited lake, Lake Como draws significant crowds, particularly in the summer. To avoid frustration, it’s important to book your accommodations early and pre-purchase tickets for ferries, major attractions, and restaurant reservations.
While ferries provide a scenic and convenient way to travel between towns, they can quickly become overcrowded. Therefore, we highly recommend pre-booking your tickets, as last-minute cancellations can happen. For a more reliable option, private boat transfers are available, although they can be more expensive.
If your schedule allows, consider visiting during the off-peak seasons, such as spring or fall. These periods offer a more peaceful experience with fewer tourists, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the lakeside villages and explore the charming cobblestone streets at your leisure. Additionally, accommodations and flights are usually more affordable during these times.
3. There is more to exploring Como
Sirmione, a medieval town in Lake Garda
While many know about Lake Como and its famous towns like Bellagio and Varenna, lesser-known villages such as Nesso and Torno offer unique experiences away from the crowds. These charming spots feature beautiful architecture and peaceful lakeside walks.
Additionally, we suggest adding nearby lakes to your itinerary, like Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda, and Lake Orta, to make the most out of your Italian Lakes experience. Lake Maggiore is known for the picturesque Borromean Islands, filled with lush gardens and grand palaces. Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, offers various activities, including sailing and exploring medieval towns like Sirmione. Meanwhile, Lake Orta is intimate and enchanting, highlighted by the serene island of San Giulio, celebrated for its tranquility and historical significance.
4. Self-driving is possible, but we do not recommend
Driving around the narrow streets of Lake Como
Navigating Lake Como by car is possible, but it is not the best option. Travel times between lakeside destinations can be quite long due to the narrow, winding roads, and parking in many of the lakeside villages is often limited and costly.
To fully enjoy the stunning scenery of Lake Como, taking a boat trip is highly recommended. Both public ferries and private boat tours provide breathtaking views you can’t experience from the shore. Ferries run from Como to Bellagio and other towns along the lake. We recommend booking your tickets in advance, as boarding lines can be lengthy. Whether you choose a relaxing cruise or a quick transfer between towns, being out on the water is a key part of the Lake Como experience.
View our 5-day Lake Como Itinerary:
Tags:
Italy,
travel tips,
Luxury,
Northern Italy,
Lake Como,
itinerary,
italian lakes
