Lake Como: The In-Crowd Guide to Italy's Most Glamorous Lake

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Lake Como sits at the foot of the Swiss Alps, and the view over the water is so captivating that it has drawn the well-heeled and the well-rested for centuries. Roman senators built villas here. Victorian aristocrats took the waters. George Clooney bought a house and never left. The lake has always attracted people with good taste, and the villages that line its shores reflect exactly that: polished, photogenic, and unapologetically luxurious. Here are the places you actually need to know.

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The main stops on any discerning itinerary are Varenna, Bellagio, Como, Tremezzo, Cadenabbia, and Brunate. Plus a rather well-stocked Armani factory store, for those who like their Italian souvenirs tailored.

La bella Varenna on the lake

Let's start with Varenna, a rather tranquil spot, especially compared to some other villages along Lake Como that are much more touristy. It has a colorful shoreline with pebble beaches, and on a Sunday afternoon, you'll see quite a few people strolling along the passerella or heading towards the little castle, Castello di Vezio. You can walk around the castle and its ruins. Apparently, it is now used by a local falconer who trains his birds of prey here. The tower houses a somewhat eccentric permanent exhibition dedicated to the Lariosaurus, an extinct reptile from the Middle Triassic period.

Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como

After the city of Como, undoubtedly the most famous place on the lake. The best way to get to Bellagio is by taking a boat from Varenna, especially because from the lake the view of the magnificent villas is much better than walking along the shore. Bellagio is what you call stylish; it's full of wine bars and chic boutiques. By contrast, the footpaths and streets are spotlessly clean, and there's not a pothole to be found on the roads. If you haven't lost too much time relaxing with an aperitivo or a glass of wine at 'Aperitivo et Al,' I recommend taking a short walk to the only 'official' attraction in Bellagio: the gardens of Villa Melzi. They are open from late March to October 31 and are just unbelievably beautiful.

The southern city of Como

Compared to the other places, Como is more urban, similar to other medium-sized towns of provincial capitals. Como itself is a lively place, with its vibrant wide boulevard along the shore being a major attraction. The place boasts a long list of conference hotels and has a lively rush hour. The Como Cathedral is hardly a genuine attraction, but it is mentioned in all travel guides; it is beautiful but not worth a detour. The "silk museum" is more interesting, and is located just outside the center.

Como has a nostalgic appeal to me, as it is the first sizeable Italian place across the border with Switzerland. After a long drive, it's a place where you could take an early morning break, or let the kids or dog stretch their legs in the park. Como also has a busy tourist port, with ferry services across Lake Como; most of them depart from Como.

Como has two train stations; from San Giovanni, you can take a regional train directly to Milan in about an hour and a half. From Como Borghi (closer to the lake), you can reach Milan Cadorna in an hour. From the small station, you can also take the local train to the villages on the western side of the lake, especially Cernobbio, Argegno, Tremezzo, Menaggio, and Gravedona.

Tremezzo or Tremezzina on the western shore of Lake Como

Tremezzina is located on the western shore of Lake Como, offering a magnificent view of Bellagio and the impressive gardens of Villa Melzi d'Eril. The name Tremezzina is derived from the fusion of four municipalities: Lenno, Mezzegra, Ossuccio, and Tremezzo. Tremezzo is for many visitors a delight of the senses: so many flowers, plants, romantic gardens, and idyllic villas; it is an enchanting environment. Tremezzo also has some interesting sights you may want to consider visiting; first and foremost, the botanical garden of Villa Carlotta, the most famous villa on Lake Como. The villa has several neoclassical elements and is surrounded by large gardens right on the shore, you can easily spend a day there.

A few kilometers down the road, you could also visit Villa Balbianello (Lenno) or climb to the Romanesque abbey of Val Perlana at 700 m. From Tremezzo, you can take a boat to the only island in Lake Como: Isola Comacina, which is nearly uninhabited and welcomes visitors from March to the end of October. If you're up for a challenging hike, the Monte Crocione might be a good choice; it takes about 7-8 hours, but you'll be rewarded with a phenomenal view of the Alps.

Cadenabbia: the western shore gets a new chapter

Just a short stroll from Tremezzo, Cadenabbia is the kind of place most visitors only know as the endpoint of the Greenway del Lago di Como, the pleasant 10 km walk from Colonno that winds through and above the villages along the western shore, past famous villas, gardens, and even some Roman ruins. But Cadenabbia has always been more than a footnote. In the 19th century it was a fashionable resort in its own right, and the grand old Hotel Britannia Excelsior was proof of that.

That same palazzo has now been transformed into The Lake Como EDITION, which opened in March 2026. The 148-room hotel is a collaboration between Marriott's EDITION brand and Omnam Group, with interiors by Shanghai-based studio Neri&Hu. The restaurant to watch is Cetino, the first Italian outpost of three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco (of Mirazur fame). There's also Renzo, an all-day terrace restaurant under a pergola with panoramic lake views, a floating pool (the largest on Lake Como), and a Longevity Spa with the sort of biohacking treatments that make you feel either 10 years younger or mildly confused, possibly both. The hotel sits just 50 metres from the Cadenabbia ferry landing, so crossing to Bellagio for an aperitivo takes about 15 minutes.

Whether you book a room or simply stop for lunch at the terrace, Cadenabbia suddenly has a reason to be a destination rather than a waypoint. Villa Carlotta is a 15-minute walk south, and the Greenway delivers you right to the doorstep.

Brunate high in the hills with a fabulous view of Lake Como

Brunate is not located directly on the lake; it sits above it and embodies exactly what you would imagine of a typical Italian village. It's worth visiting for the endless views it offers of Lake Como. Brunate can be reached by taking the cable car from Como, which is a fun experience, especially with children.

The Armani Factory Outlet near Lake Como

Imagine acquiring sophisticated suits from Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani at discounts of 40-60%. This becomes a reality at the official Armani factory store nestled near Lake Como in Vertemate con Minoprio. While there are other Armani outlets scattered across Italy, such as in Tuscany, they offer only a limited selection. This location offers an extensive array of items, ensuring fashion enthusiasts can find nearly everything they desire.

As a devoted admirer of Armani, I must disclose a personal observation: the quality of their garments has somewhat diminished over recent years. It's frustrating when a bespoke suit, costing over 1,000 euros, begins to reveal minor imperfections after only a few wears due to fabric quality or craftsmanship issues. Nevertheless, I continue to frequent this outlet because the brand's designs simply suit me best. If the quality is not entirely impeccable, it seems only sensible to purchase at a reduced price.

Discover the Armani Collections

Within the expansive walls of this outlet, you'll find Giorgio Armani, Giorgio Armani Le Collezioni, Emporio Armani, AJ, Armani Jeans, the sports collection, lingerie, children's apparel, and select pieces from Armani Casa. For women, nearly all sizes are available, with a particular abundance in Italian size 42, equivalent to a small size 38 in the Netherlands. Typically, you can expect discounts of about 40-50% off regular store prices.

For men, a dedicated department ensures a comprehensive selection. Prices can still be quite steep, with short jackets ranging from 270 to 400 euros, trousers between 135 and 250 euros, and coats priced from 200 euros into the thousands, especially for leather or fur options. Casual items such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, blouses, and shirts are generally priced between 100 and 200 euros each.

The collections from Giorgio Armani, Giorgio Armani Le Collezioni, and Emporio Armani are displayed together, thoughtfully organized by color to enhance the shopping experience.

Shopping Tip: Before making a purchase, meticulously inspect each item for defects, as a significant portion of the collection is categorized as second choice, indicating potential issues with the garment. This information is also clearly marked on the price tag.

Getting There: Take the Autostrada A9 and exit at Fino Mornasco. From Milan, follow the SS 35 towards Como. The store itself is housed in a distinctive building with an architectural style reminiscent of the East Coast USA, spread across three floors. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30-19:00. Closed on Mondays.

Hotel tips on Lake Como

• The Lake Como EDITION in Cadenabbia (opened March 2026, 148 rooms, Mauro Colagreco restaurant, floating pool, Longevity Spa)
• Hotel Il Sereno
• B&B Aquarelle between Como and Bellagio
• Hotel Belvedere in Bellagio
• B&B Approdo di Sant' Augustino near Brunate
• Corte delle Rose in Bellagio

Nice places to eat or spend some time taking in the aperitivo scene

La vita e bella in Como! (Reservations Tel. 031 302667)
An excellent place….friendly service, a delicious menu, and a wide choice of salads!….reservations are a must!

Vapore and Belvedere in Torno: These two are owned by the same people, everything on the menu is superb, the staff is fantastic, and the view of Lake Como is breathtaking. Reservations are advisable! (Reservations Tel. 031 419311)

Aurora in Lezzeno: Delicious food, friendly staff, and a beautiful view. Reservations are recommended! (Reservations Tel. 031 914645)

Editor's Picks

• Ristorante Aqua Dolce Via Regina, 26, 22010 Carate Urio, Como €€€ 031 400260
• I Tigli in Theoria, Via Bianchi Giovini in Como, 41. €€€€ Tel. 031 305272
• The Marketplace Via Gerolamo Borsieri, 21, 22100 Como, €€ Tel. 031 270712
• Ristorante Navedano in Via Giuseppe Velzi, 4, 22100 Como €€€€ Tel. 031 308080
• Ristorante Il Portico, Via A. Volta, 1, 22070 Appiano Gentile €€€ Tel. 031 931982
• La Locanda del Notaio, Via Pian delle Noci, 22, 22020 Pellio Intelvi (Bellagio) €€€€ Tel. 031 842 7016
• Ristorante La Rimessa, Via Cardinal Ferrari, 13/b, 22066 Mariano Comense €€€ Tel. 031 749668
• Ristorante Mistral at Villa Serbelloni, Via Roma, 1, 22021 Bellagio €€€€€ Tel. 031 956426
• Ristorante Castello in Via Castello, 26/28, 22072 Cermenate €€€ Tel. 031 771563

Photo credits: Julie Maudlin, The Lake Como EDITION photography by Nikolas Koenig