We Fell In Love With Lake Como

We just adore Italians! They are so warm and friendly and they possess a remarkable ability to engage in lively conversations about just about anything under the sun. Whether it’s discussing the latest news, sharing stories from their vibrant culture, or simply exchanging pleasantries over a cup pf expresso, Italians have a knack for making you feel right at home.

Going to Lake Como is like something out of a dream, with its fancy villas and stunning lake views. Trust me, you’ve gotta go!

My family and I recently(April 2024) went, and oh boy, it was a blast! Picture-perfect towns, amazing Italian grub, and just total relaxation vibes.

Getting to Como

But here is a thing. How do you get to Como if you are not living in Europe. First we took a flight from Mumbai to Paris to catch-up with our daughter who was joining us. Picture this : jet lag, croissants and loads of hugs – it was a total blast.

Next morning, fuelled by caffeine and excitement we flew to Milan, Malpensa. From there, we had a few options. One, was to take the Malpensa Express which is a bus to Milano Central Station, then, choose from various transport options to Como based on the accommodation.

Since we were headed to Bellagio, which lacks a train station we would have needed to take the train to Varenna from Milano Central Station and then a boat. We were told the entire journey would take about 3 hours! Considering the time and complexity, we opted for an Uber despite the hefty 150 euro fare! The decision paid off, as we reached Bellagio in an hour. So, whether to take the train or opt for convenience, the choice is yours!

The Pretty Town Of Bellagio

I recommend to stay in the town of Bellagio. It is a very central location. And, you know, moving around in a ferry to the closest towns is quite easy since Bellagio is located on the Y-shape intersection of Lake Como. I also consider it the prettiest town of all others. Its narrow cobblestone streets wind their way to colourful buildings adorned with vibrant flowers. Bellagio boasts an array of charming boutiques offering everything from locally crafted goods to high-end designer items. Additionally, the town is renowned for its culinary delights, with lots of cafes, restaurants, and gelatarias serving up delicious Italian cuisine.

Let me tell you about this gem of an apartment we found in Bellagio – the San Giacomo Central Apartment on Booking.com. It was not just fabulous; it was downright dreamy! Located in the heart of the town’s main square, it offers breathtaking views from every angle. One side treats you to the vistas of the main church and the majestic snow clad Alps, while the other overlooks the serene beauty of lake Como. Despite, its central location the apartment is very quiet. I enjoyed sitting in the balcony sipping a glass of wine, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, and watching the world go by – pure bliss. The cafe right below our apartment served excellent coffee and breakfast. The friendly lady who ran the place added to the charm. There’s something magical about sitting in the heart of the square, enjoying classic Italian cappuccino. After all, when it comes to coffee and Italians, they’re a match made in heaven!

So we are in Bellagio and we went for a morning walk where we came across a board that spoke about a one hour tour to see the villas and towns by the lake. The board was outside Lido Di Bellagio.

The plan was to join a group of 20 others on the boat for 29 euros each, but fate had other ideas. Turns out, it was just the three of us on this mid size boat! The weather wasn’t exactly on our side, with rain playing spoilsport. But hey, who needs sunshine when you’ve got a boat all to yourselves. We cruised around like VIPs, soaking in the sights and sounds of Lake Como. We passed by a few villas, one of them being Villa del Balbianello, the spot where they filmed Casino Royale.

Despite the rain, the lake looked straight-up magical. Each villa we passed was jaw dropping and we couldn’t help but feel like we stumbled upon some secret paradise. So our impromptu boat adventure was totally worth it. Rain or shine, Lake Como stole our hearts.

Places to eat In Bellagio

Bellagio is a paradise for foodies. We skipped the lakeside restaurants as suggested by the locals and headed up into town for a culinary adventure which was outstanding. Our first stop was Vecchio Borgo. The Ravioli and the pizzas were out of the world! And what’s a meal in Italy without an Aperol Spritz. Right across we spotted a crowd that had gathered around a gelato joint. We were recommended the pistachio and milk gelato and trust me they were legendary-creamy, dreamy perfection in every scoop. The raspberry sorbet and the dark chocolate were also to die for.

If Pasta is your thing, you absolutely cannot miss La Lanterna. Their handmade pasta is unlike anything you have ever tasted. It is pure culinary bliss – each bite bursting with flavour and made with love. But here is the kicker : don’t even think about leaving without trying their tiramisu. It is served with a creative flair that left us speechless, it was the perfect sweet ending to our meal. The whole place is adorned with art work by talented artists, which one can purchase.

When it comes to the best wine bar experience, we went to this pretty wine bar called Da Aperitivi. It is a wine lover’s paradise. They elevated our experience with a delightful spread of cheese and olives. It was the perfect pairing that made us go back a couple of times during our stay.

If you are looking for a cuppa then head to Cafe Rossi. It is located in the heart of Piazza Mazzini just below the apartment buildings. It is a prime spot with a cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger a little longer. It is a favourite haunt for both locals and visitors alike. Cafe Rossi was more than just a coffee spot for us – it was a cherished morning ritual for four days!. It was below the apartment that we were staying in. It became our go-to destination for a perfect cappuccino fix. We tried the pistachio croissant and a couple of sandwiches which were delicious.

Day Trip To Varenna from Bellagio

Just a half an hour boat ride away is the picturesque town of Varenna. Let me tell you, it’s a real gem! Picture-perfect streets lined with restaurants and stunning views at every turn. As luck would have it, we bumped into a couple of friendly locals who tipped us off about this hidden culinary gem. They led us up a flight of steps to a quaint little restaurant. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The food was fresh, flavourful, and oh-so-satisfying. It was like a taste of Italy straight from as they say mom’s kitchen! It is called Osteria Quatro.

And of course, what’s a visit to Italy without indulging in some gelato. Seriously, every gelato joint we hit up served scoops of heaven. I’m convinced there is no such thing as bad gelato in Italy!

Then we had grand plans to check out villa Monastero located on a hilltop in Varenna. But boy we messed up the timing as it was scorching hot, and the thought of trudging up that hill didn’t seem too appealing at the time. But hey, make sure to go early so that you don’t want to miss out on this gem! As told to us by the locals, there is the picture-perfect view, fairytale gardens with colourful blossoms and the historic interior of the villa which makes it a must see!

While planning our trip, Menaggio popped up as a potential day trip too. However, after chatting with the locals, it seemed more like a bustling town with upscale shopping – not quite the vibe we were seeking. So, we skipped Menaggio and soak up the charm of Bellagio instead.

And with that, it’s goodbye to Lake Como – a journey filled with unforgettable moments, delicious food and the warm embrace of Italian hospitality. Until next time, Ciao!

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