LAKE COMO

PHOTO DIARY BELOW

LAGO DI COMO

​ITINERARY

EAT

BERTON AL LAGO
VERANDA
​HARRY'S BAR
VILLA BALBIANELLO
VILLA MELZI
MILLESIMO ENOTECA
​

SEE

FUNICOLARE COMO
DUOMO DI COMO
MUSEO DELLA SETA
​VILLA OLMO
OLD TOWN
​VILLA CARLOTTA
​PIONA ABBEY

TOWNS 

​COMO
CERNOBBIO
TORNO
BELLAGIO
​TREMEZZO
​VARENNA

STAY

​IL SERRENO
VILLA D'ESTE
FOUR SEASONS
​

  As a native New Yorker with an on going love affair with Italy, I figured what better post to share today. Both New York and Italy are two places you're constantly seeing on the news each day. Hearing the daily casualty count of Covid seriously saddens me but it also serves as a reminder of how much life both places possess. Crowded New York City has become a ghost town, where gathering with friends is literally illegal. Italy the "affection capital of the world," is a place now were a simple hug is heinous. Despite it all we push forward, the beauty of this world shines brighter than ever before. We must all find that drive, that little flicker of light that brightens our day. For me it's writing ;)  

​*SIPS APEROL SPRITZ*

   This past September I finally found myself in Como. Having traveled to Italy many times it was always a place I anticipated on going but never visited. Knowing the name and the location it didn't occur to me how little I actually knew about the region itself.  
 
Flying into Milan- MXP airport is the best way to reach Lake Como, considering it's only an hour ride by car or train. Where you're visiting from and where you stay can also determine your means of travel. Most if not all hotels will assist you when booking transportation, some even offer boat or sea plane service. I highly recommend due diligence when choosing a hotel. Do the research and find somewhere that suites your wants and needs. The hotel itself makes up for 70% of your experience. Voted the most luxurious hotel in Europe Il Sereno exceeded every expectation. Lake Como is literally all about the hotel and the lake. Exploring the old towns are a nice idea if you have no time constraints but I advise doing all things lakeside. 

LAKE COMO IN A NUTSHELL
Take all the amazing architecture and cuisine that you love in Italy. Add the scenic mountain ranges of Switzerland, the amazing lake itself, topped with the fact that George Clooney is a resident! 

THE LAKE
The lake is the hub of life in Como, with a constant stream of boats from Vintage cruisers (Riva speedboats are my personal favorite) to car ferries as well as seaplanes. Shaped like a wishbone Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, stretching 50km from one end to the other. Along the lakefront are a string of towns, villages, opulent palazzos and gardens. One of the best ways to experience Lake Como is on the water. With so many towns to see I will save you the time and say a few of my fav's. Como obviously, Cernobbio, Torno, Bellagio, Tremezzo and Varenna. The ferry runs from Como to Colico, so its best to plan ahead and map out your day based on locations and ferry schedule. Lunch should be done outdoors at one of the many historic villas/hotels. Nothing beats enjoying a fresh aperitvo, Aperol Spritz to be exact while seated on the veranda, overlooking Lago Di Como. Everything surrounding the lake is charming by default and you truly feel it. Weather wise it's best to travel during months of warm weather between April and October. Planned properly two or three days max is all you need to experience Como. Day trips are great only if passing through from Milan or Lugano in Switzerland. Truth be told only need one boat ride on the lake to feel its magic!

  I intended on adding Italy to my 2020 Summer holiday itinerary but I've accepted that I won't be traveling to Europe anytime soon. For now I will hold onto my sweet memories of the times well spent. I will eat lots of pasta and whole heartedly enjoy each aperitivo every chance I get ....CIAO!