Entry Requirements 🎫

• Italy follows Schengen area rules

• A Schengen visa is required for non-EU/EEa visitors

• A valid passport, issued within the last 10 years, and valid for 3 months after intended date of departure

Currency & Payments 💶

• The local currency is the Euro (€)

• Visa, Mastercard are widely accepted

• Cash is usually preferred for smaller shops, cafés, local markets

• Tipping is optional, but always appreciated

• Services charges are often included in restaurant bills as “coperto” (cover charge) or “servizio incluso”, no extra tip is needed

Language 💬

• The official language is Italian

• English is widely spoken in tourist areas, less so in small villages

• Basic Italian phrases are appreciated but not required

• The ideal months to visit are from April to October

• For the warmest weather, July and August are ideal. However, these the usually the busiest months and prices can be a lot more expensive.

• For fewer crowds, April to June and September to October are ideal.

Duration of Stay ⏳

How long you need in Lake Como really depends on what kind of experience you want

• 1 to 2 days - Explore Como Town, take a short ferry ride to Bellagio or Varenna and enjoy a lakefront dinner

• 3 to 4 days - Ideal length to visit Bellagio, Menaggio and Verenna, exploring the must-see villas, experiencing local dining, hiking, cycling, and evening lakeside strolls

• 5 to 7 days - Ideal for a more in depth exploration of lesser known towns, enjoy a slower pace of travel, experience multiple villa gardens, as well as boat excursions

Accommodation 🏘️

• Luxury Hotels and Villas - these offer stunning lake views, private terraces, and full amenities. Ideal for couples, honeymooners or anyone wanting a pampered, scenic experience

• Apartments - offer a private, less touristy feel with larger flexible spaces, private kitchens, and parking. Ideal for couples, families or large groups

• Budget Hotels/Hostels - these provide simple, clean and affordable options usually without a lake view. Ideal for solo travellers, backpackers

Locations 🗺️

• Bellagio offers iconic lakeside views, charming streets and luxury hotels in the heart of the lake, however can be quiet expensive and busy

• Varenna offers a more laid back and picturesque experience, with excellent ferry connections, ideal for those without a car

• Menaggio offers a relaxed and less touristy feel than Bellagio, and is usually more affordable. However, ferries can stop running relatively early (around 7-8pm)

• Lecco is usually more affordable, and less touristy and offers a great base for exploring

Arrival 🛬

• The main international airports are Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN)

• Arrival procedures, including immigration and customs, are generally efficient and well organised.

Transportation 🚙

• Car Rental offers complete flexibility to explore villages, and off the beaten paths spots. Ideal for couples, families and groups. Be aware that some roads can be quite narrow, and some towns may have limited parking or restricted zones for non-residents.

• Ferries offer scenic routes, connecting Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and more. Ensure you check schedules as some routes are seasonal and may be limited in the evening

• Buses offer a cheap and fairly reliable mode of transport between the main towns and nearby attractions. Ideal for budget travellers, and short hops between towns. Make sure you buy tickets in advance, as buses can be crowded during peak seasons

• Taxis/Private Transfers are convenient if travelling in large groups or with heavy luggage. These can be expensive, so always agree on a price first.

Safety & Security 🚨

• Lake Como is generally very safe

• Visitors are advised to exercise caution in crowded tourist areas.

• The national emergency number is 112 for police, 115 for fire and 118 for ambulance.

Dining 🍕

The dining experience in Lake Como is a mix of traditional Italian cuisine and regional specialities

• Trattorias are usually traditional, family run restaurants serving Italian dishes, often at reasonable prices. They have a cozy, authentic feel, and are ideal for pasta, risotto and other local specialities.

• Ristorantes are upscale restaurants, many with lakefront terraces or panoramic views, offering gourmet Italian cuisines, perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners

• Pizzerias are widely available, serving authentic Neapolitan-style pizza alongside light antipasti and salads

• Gelaterias and Cafés are everywhere, serving up ice cream, coffee and pastries, great for a quick treat or afternoon espresso

• Enotecas are small bars focusing on local wines. cheeses and charcuterie

Favourite Spots

• 27metriquadri, Varenna

• Bon Bon, Varenna

Lake Como is world-famous for its stunning historic villas and gardens, many of which are open to visitors:

• Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo- renowned for its magnificent terraced gardens, rare plants and art collection

• Villa Cipressi, Varenna - Historic lakeside villa with beautifully landscaped terraced gardens that cascade down to the water, featuring exotic plants and uninterrupted lake views

• Villa Monastero, Varenna - Beautiful lake side villa with botanical gardens stretching along the shore

• Villa del Balbianello, Lenno - famous for its romantic lakeside terraces and sweeping views

• Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio - offers stunning guided tours of its gardens, panoramic lake views and a historic ambiance

• Large towns like Como, Lecco and Bellagio have good medical facilities

• Pharmacies are widely available, and can provide medical advice and over-the-counter medication

Travel Vaccinations 💉

• Routine travel vaccinations are advised (i.e. Dip/Tetanus/Polio)

Internet 🛜

• Most accommodation, restaurants and cafés offers free Wi-Fi

• SIM cards and eSIMs are easily accessible

• Signal coverage is goof throughout main towns and along the lake shore. However, signal can drop in mountain trails, so download offline maps if hiking.

Power 🔋

• Electricity runs at 230V, using Type C and F plugs

• EU adapters are required for visitors outside of Europe

• Stay in one central base, and explore from there rather than moving accommodation

• If using ferries, plan around ferry schedules, as evening service can be limited, particularly outside summer

• Many villas charge an entrance fee. Ensure you check opening times of each villa, as some close on specific days of the week, and certain times of the year.

• The best lakeside tables typically fill up by 19:00, especially in the summer, so plan in advanced

• Restaurants on the main promenades can be 30-40% more expensive. A short uphill walk often leads to better food and fewer tourists

• Expect slower dining, as meals are meant to be relaxed and unhurried

• Check opening days, as some establishments can be closed midweek