Lake Como, Italy – the place of romance and dreams

Lake Como. Our minds were full of elegant meals by the edge of misty waters, of cocktails at sunset with the sun setting over the mountains, of little boats playing in the shining surface of one of the world’s most glamorous lakes.

And George Clooney.

Mr and Mrs Romance - Lake Como Italy

Como failed in only one respect. George wasn’t home. The rest of it was even more remarkable than we were expecting.

The train from Milan was quick and painless. Here’s our post on how to get to Lake Como from Milan.

Mr and Mrs Romance - Varenna on Lake Como Italy

Mr & Mrs Romance - on the train to Lake Como

Before long the Bergamo Alps were staring into our train carriage, and the glint of the lake sparkled and glittered. From the station, we crossed the tracks and headed down towards the edge of the lake and to the town of Varenna.

Mr and Mrs Romance - Varenna - Lake Como Italy

Mr and Mrs Romance at Lake Como Italy

Mr and Mrs Romance - Lake Como - Italy

Mr and Mrs Romance - exploring Varenna at Lake Como Italy

Mr and Mrs Romance - Varenna at sunset - Lake Como Italy

Varenna is just one of many little towns dotted along the shores of the lake. They all have this amazing ability to awe you as you walk their cobbles. They nestle in against the hills and mountains of the lakeshore, and make you wish you could stay there forever.

You try not to dream of having a little house here.

Mr and Mrs Romance in Varenna at Lake Como Italy

Or a little boat to wander from town to town on. Or maybe a really big boat! There are both on Como – and everything in between. We had neither, so we made do with the ferry service that runs from Varenna.

Views from the ferry were even more heart rendering because we were only staying the day. We made the most of it though, and the ferry dropped us at the town of Bellagio, which was beautiful as well.

Mr and Mrs Romance - ferry rides on Lake Como Italy

Mr and Mrs Romance in Bellagio at Lake Como Italy

In Bellagio, we left the busy port behind us and headed as far away from the crowds as we could. We wondered the streets and looked for a spot to refresh. We found it after a fair walk and were glad of our search. The little bar – La Punta – faced back towards Varenna and was excellent.

Mr and Mrs Romance - Streets of Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Mr and Mrs Romance - Beautiful Bellagio Lake Como Italy

Mr and Mrs Romance incredible sunset at Lake Como Italy

Heading back to Varenna, our ferry ride was treated to an impressive sunset that dipped behind the side of a mountain. We watched the light fade from a waterside restaurant – Bar Il Molo – over our cocktails and dinner.

Mr and Mrs Romance sunset at Lake Como Italy

Mr and Mrs Romance evening at Lake Como Italy

From the quaint little bridges along the water’s edge and the stony paths that jut out over the lake to the delicious gelaterias and hidden bars under archways, we’ll miss Como. It’s one of those places that, now we think back on our day there, seems even more like a dream than what we imagined it would be.

It’s just lucky we were heading back to Milan. Many other places would have been an anti-climax too big to bear.

Images by Mr and Mrs Romance.

8 Comments

  • […] our quick guide to Como and also how to get to Como from Milan by […]

  • […] me but I didn’t want to spend all day on my hair. I quickly pinned up my hair so we could escape to Lake Como for the afternoon. It was one of the most perfect […]

  • Reply October 26, 2017

    Alfredo & Sobie Toledo

    We plan on visiting Lake Como November 22-23 of this year. Can you recommend a nice hotel, or bed and breakfast for a one night stay in Lake Como.

    • Reply October 26, 2017

      Mr Romance

      Hi Alfredo and Sobie. You must be excited about your visit to the beautiful Lake Como. We love it there. As I mentioned in the post, we visited Varenna and Bellagio for the day and did not stay the night there. However, we do have a lovely hotel recommendation for Milan, which is only a short train ride away.

      On the other hand, if you want to stay near the lake, I’m sure there will lots of options there in November, as it’s not peak season. We looked recently and there are plenty of AirBnB options in Varenna too, which I think could be better than hotels.

      I hope this helps and that you have a lovely time at Lake Como.

      Cheers – Jim

    • Reply June 4, 2018

      Judith Bonner

      We would like a bed and breakfast in Ballagio or varenna From Sep 26-October 8 or 10 any suggestions.

      • Reply June 6, 2018

        Mr Romance

        Hi Judith. Really glad you’re heading to Lake Como. What a beautiful place. Unfortunately, we haven’t stayed overnight near Lake Como – this guide is only about our daytrip there. However, I believe there are plenty of AirBnB places around Bellagio and Varenna that would be perfect for an overnight stay. Best of luck with your planning and enjoy this beautiful part of Italy. Jim

  • Reply September 14, 2018

    john gilroy

    Just did your trip to Lake Como. Great call on going to Verrana instead of Como. Quick trip from main station. Rented a boat and did a two hour tour of the lake. Amazing place. Next time we are staying there! Thanks so much.

    • Reply September 16, 2018

      Mr Romance

      Hi John. So glad you had a good time at Lake Como – and so happy our story helped you! It’s so beautiful there, isn’t it? Great idea with the boat too. I think we might try that too – we’re heading back to Lake Como today funnily enough. Cheers – Jim

Leave a Reply