Nestled in the Lombardy region, this pristine lake attracts those who relish the beauty of untouched landscapes and relaxing surroundings. It's a place where emerald waters gently lap against the shores and towering mountains stand guard, creating a one of a kind backdrop that feels like it's straight out of a painting. From the prestigious Villa d'Este to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo - Whether you've secured a villa on Lake Como or not, our handpicked selection of five-star accommodations promises luxury beyond compare. Completing this guide, we share our absolute favorite restaurants and activities, including insider tips on shopping destinations and a curated list of culinary delights, for the most relaxing and luxurious getaway to Northern Italy.
Our Tip: In case you want to combine the trip to Lake Como with a visit to Milan, make sure to read our Milan, Italy Travel Guide.
Hotels
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Grand Hotel Tremezzo
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, one of the lakes' most iconic hotels, offers everything you're looking for in a five-star experience. Begin your day with a refreshing pool session or a morning workout on the private tennis court, and end the day with a delightful dinner at one of the hotels fine dining restaurants. For signature cocktails and drinks we recommend going to the classy T Bar with stunning views over the hotels over-water swimming pool.
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Villa d'Este
Set amidst a lush 10-hectare park, Villa d'Este stands as one of the most exceptional hotels in Italy, if not in the world. Steeped in decades of history, choosing any of the 152 elegant rooms guarantees an unforgettable and truly special experience during your visit to Lago di Como.
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Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como
The Mandarin Oriental at Lake Como truly is the perfect hotel for a wellness and relaxation vacation. Facilities, including two private spa suites, fitness center and beauty studios are making the spa at Mandarin Oriental to the biggest spa on Lake Como.
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Il Sereno
Il Sereno stands out with a collection of 40 luxurious suites, positioning itself as one of the more modern and cutting-edge hotels among the listed options. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel has earned multiple prestigious awards, making it the perfect choice for people who are looking for a more stylish and contemporary take on the lake.
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Restaurants & Cafes
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Kitchen
Cuisine: Italian | Seafood | Mediterranean | European
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Creative Italian cuisine awarded with one Michelin star.
Location | Via Per Cernobbio, 41A, 22100 Como, Italy
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Mistral Restaurant
Cuisine: Italian | European
Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Large wine collection and unforgettable views on Lake Como located inside the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.
Location | Via Teresio Olivelli, 1, 22021 Bellagio, Italy
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Feel Como
Cuisine: Italian | Modern | Seafood
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Elegant fine dining in the heart of Como, using seasonal and local ingredients.
Location | Via Generale Armando Diaz 54, 22100 Como, Italy
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Il Sereno Al Lago
Cuisine: Italian | International | Contemporary
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: One Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant with stunning interior and exterior design inside Hotel Il Sereno.
Location | Via Torrazza 10 Il Sereno - Lago di Como, 22020 Torno, Italy
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Locanda La Tirlindana
Cuisine: Italien | Seafood | Mediterranean
Vegetarian Friendly
Known for: Authentic Italian dishes and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a dinner with family and friends.
Location | Piazza Giacomo Matteotti 5, 22010 Sala Comacina, Italy
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Bar Il Molo
Cuisine: Italian
Vegetarian Friendly
Known for: Ideal bar for a coffee or snack with outdoor seating with the most beautiful views in Varenna.
Location | Riva Garibaldi, 14, 23829 Varenna, Italy
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Il Gatto Nero
Cuisine: Italian | Mediterranean
Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Stunning location overlooking the lake and romantic atmosphere in the evening.
Location | Via Della Liberta', 69, 22012 Cernobbio, Italy
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Trattoria del Glicine
Cuisine: Italian
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Upscale Italian trattoria with traditional interior and outdoor seating, located in Cernobbio near Villa d'Este.
Location | Via Vittorio Veneto 1, Piazza Santo Stefano, 22012 Cernobbio Italy
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Pasticceria Poletti
Cuisine: Desserts
Vegetarian Friendly
Known for: Traditional pastry shop in Cernobbio offering sweet and salty Italian specialties including cannoncini and brioche.
Location | Via Della Liberta', 69, 22012 Cernobbio, Italy
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Activities
Boat Tour
The best way to explore Lake Como is by boat. Most hotels featured in this guide provide boat taxi services with a private captain in one of the iconic Riva Cruises. While on your cruise, make a stop at the picturesque Orrido di Nesso, a small stone bridge leading over a narrow gorge with an impressive waterfall in the backdrop. Many people come here to take a refreshing dip in the water and enjoy the stunning scenery. One of our favorite towns around the lake is Varenna. The village is known for its colorful houses and perfect for a day trip to explore the wide range of little shops and cafés, without being too touristy.
Visit the Villas
When exploring Lake Como, a visit to one of the many villas is an absolute must. Among them are Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello, and Villa Monastero, showcasing rich historical architecture and offering breathtaking views of the lake. Especially in the spring and summer season, the iconic estates show themselves from their best side.
Shopping
It's no surprise that Lake Como has emerged as a destination for luxury shopping. While we believe that the ultimate shopping experience in Italy resides in Milan (for more details, explore our Milan, Italy Travel Guide), there are still plenty of shops here that cater to your shopping desires. Our top recommendation at Lake Como is Tessabit – its boutiques boast an array of designer brands within a concept store ambiance. Tessabit's stores are conveniently situated in key towns around the lake, encompassing Como, Cernobbio, Menaggio, and Bellagio.
Located in Como on Via Vittorio Emanuele near the Duomo di Como you'll find many more independent boutiques. Stop by at Moresi, an Italian womenswear shop that has been offering genuine luxury knitwear since 1977. Every creation is meticulously designed and crafted in-store. A. Picci is another gem in this locale, specializing in expert tailoring and the sale of neckties and scarves. Notably, everything at A. Picci is hand-sewn and made of pure silk exclusively in Italy.
And make sure to stay alert on social media to ensure you don't miss out on pop-up stores, typically appearing in the summer. These unique boutiques often host esteemed designer brands, as seen this year with Jacquemus, adding an extra layer of variety to your shopping experience.
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