Lake Como Guide

We took a trip to Lake Como in June of 2022 and it is one of our most favorite and special memories of our relationship. We’re so excited to bring our favorite people here with us to tie the knot!

Lake Como is located in Northern Italy, in the Lombardy region near the Swiss border. The lake is an upside down Y shape and is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. It is surrounded by the Alps and it’s colorful villages and historic villas. The town of Como itself is located at the base of the lake and is the gateway to the rest of the region. Our venue is located in Laglio, 14 km (8.5 miles) from the town of Como.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Lake Como. We hope you’ll take some time to explore this beautiful place!

Ciao Como!

Our favorite things to do in Lake Como

  • Explore Varenna

    The most beautiful village in Centro Lago. Colorful builings, winding cobblestone alleys, and some of the best food and gelato in Lake Como. Go for a lakeside promenade on Passeggiata Delgi Innamorati ("Walk of Lovers") before dinner or spend an afternoon in the botanical gardens of Villa Cipressi. 

  • Visit botanical gardens

    Lake Como is known for it’s opulent villas and stunning lakeside botanical gardens. Along with Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero in Varenna, other great gardens to visit are Villa Carlotta in Tremezzino (check out the T bar and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo next door), and the Melzi Gardens in Bellagio. Purchase tickets ahead of time on their websites.

  • Villa del Balbianello

    One of the most beautiful and famous villas in Lake Como. Star Wars fans will recognize this as planet Naboo where Anakin and Padme were married. The villa was also seen in James Bond Casino Royale. Tours of both the interior and gardens are available on their website.

  • Boat rentals & tours

    The best way to experience Lake Como is out on the water. Boat rentals are available by the hour, for sunset, or for a ½ or full day. You can rent a boat with Nautic Planet (no boating license required) or take a private boat tour. During the wedding weekend, we will be planning a group boat day on Saturday, June 27th (weather permitting). More details to come!

  • Lido day (beach clubs)

    A Lido is a private beach club in Italy, an essential for Italian summer. Sun loungers are available for rent, and all Lido’s have onsite bars and restaurants. There are few places you are actually allowed to swim in Lake Como, so the Lido’s are the best places to visit if you want to cool off in the lake. Some of the best Lido’s for a beach day on the lake are Lido di Bellagio, Lido di Cernobbio, and Lido di Lenno.

  • The restaurants (!!!)

    You’re in Italy so it’s all about the food! The aperitivo’s, the fresh seafood, the pasta, the wine. Here is a list of some of our favorite restaurants + ones on our list to visit.

    Il Cavatappi , Varenna Mon Amour (Varenna)

    Alle Darsene di Loppia (Bellagio)

    Materia , Harry's Bar , Ristorante Veranda At Villa D’Este (Cernobbio)

    Restaurant La Fagurida , Red and White Wine Bar (Tremezzino)

    Crotto Dei Platani (Brienno)

    La Locanda del Cantiere (Laglio)