What an amazing day cruising on Lake Como! It’s a picture perfect all around! Watching the high hills of the Alps on both sides; the elegant villas and gardens basting in the sun; the charming little towns gathered around the dome or spire of a church, the lake promenades with restaurants and cafes buzzing with tourists; tall cypress trees and cascading flowers reflecting in the almost unreal green water; the countless piers with ferries, water taxis and boats cruising in all directions! Lucky to spend a day, and looking forward to returning for more!
Lake Como : a Y-shaped glacial lake, sits at the foothills of the Alps, elevation 198m above sea level, surface area of 146 sq km/ 56 sq mi , max. depth 425m/ 1394ft. It’s the third largest lake in Italy. The lake is famous for the old glamour historic villas and their lush gardens, the posh resorts, the charming towns, elegant living and dramatically beautiful surrounding nature.
GETTING THERE: Train from Milano Centrale to Vareena about 1 hour and 10 min, cost €7
Train from Como San Giovanni to Milano Centrale , 45-50 min, €5
[Be aware, although the town of Como is relatively small, there are two train stations: Como San Giovanni (higher on the hill) and Como Nord Lago (close to the Marina and Duomo). The train from San Giovanni is direct, from Nord Lago to Milano Centrale there is one change of train at mid point.]
GETTING AROUND:
Fast ferry from Vareena to Como – 1hr, €16
The ferry system is great, there are multiple ferries connecting the most popular towns on the lake. The ferry Vareena -Bellagio /Vareena-Menaggio is about every half hour, $2-$4, takes about 15 min. (distance 3km). There are also private boat or water taxi options available.
ONE DAY ITINERARY:
-train ride from Milano to Vareena
-ferry from Vareena to Como (thru Bellagio)
-train from Como to Milano
FEW DAYS ITINERARY: For tourist purposes, the lake could be divided into 3 interesting areas: around Como, around Bellagio, and around Colico. If you have few days I’d suggest spending couple days in Vareena-Bellagio-Menaggio area since those are within minutes from each. Bellagio is the most expensive from the three, so you may want to make Vareena or Menaggio your base camp. When you are ready to move on, take the fast ferry to Como and spend couple days there. You can reverse the trip depending on your next travel destination, but do not miss on the ferry ride between Vareena and Como- it’s a must-do and your best way to experience and see most of the lake! I’d suggest taking the fast ferry, it’s a little bit more expansive, but totally worth it, the ride is about 1hr (vs 2:30-3:00 on a regular ferry), the lake is narrow so you still get the same gorgeous view!
THINGS TO SEE in Bellagio area:
-VAREENA:Villa Cipressi, Villa Monastero, The Vezio Castle (Costello di Vezio), two public beaches: Fiumelatte and Lido di Vareena-Perledo.
-BELLAGIO:Villa Melzi, Villa Serbelloni (the garden is open certain days from March to November)
-MENAGGIO: old town and town center, lake promenade, Villa Mylius Vigoni
if you have extra time in the area:
-LENNO: Villa del Balbianello
-TREMEZZO: Villa Carlotta
-BELLANO: Bellano horrid formed by Pioverna Torrent.
THINGS TO SEE in Como area:
-COMO: Duomo di Como (Catttedrale di Santa Maria Assunta), Sant’ Abbondio and San Fedele Church, Broletto Palace, Voltiano Temple, Funicular to Brunate
-CERNOBBIO: an aristocratic glamour residence resort, Villa Bernasconi ( open on certain days), Villa Erba (visits by appointment only), Riva di Cheronobbio (lake promenade)
-TORNO: Porticciolo, Santa Tecla and San Giovanni Church
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