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Ordinary Traveler / Blog / Italy / Lake Como Travel Guide & Packing Tips: Everything You Need to Know

Lake Como Travel Guide & Packing Tips: Everything You Need to Know

By Christy Woodrow, Last Modified: June 5, 2019

Lake Como Travel Guide + Packing Tips

Our in-depth Lake Como travel guide covers the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to pack, things to do, and more!

Nestled in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region at the foot of the Swiss Alps, Lake Como is known for its dramatic scenery, Renaissance architecture, and relaxing villas. While formerly synonymous as being an escape for the rich and famous, Lake Como has become a favorite for all types of travelers seeking sunshine, beautiful lakeside villages, and incredible views.

Lake Como Travel Guide + Packing Tips

 

Table of Contents

  • Lake Como, Italy Travel Guide + Packing Tips
    • The Best Time to Visit Lake Como
    • How to Get to Lake Como
    • Weather in Lake Como
    • Where to Stay in Lake Como
    • The Best Way to Explore Lake Como
    • Best Things to Do in Lake Como
    • Lake Como Packing Essentials
      • Plan Your Trip to Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy Travel Guide + Packing Tips

 

The Best Time to Visit Lake Como

Tourist high season in Lake Como falls over July and August, when the weather reaches 30 degrees celsius regularly. To still take advantage of sunshine-filled days but with fewer crowds, consider traveling there in the spring (April to May) or the fall (September to October).

 

How to Get to Lake Como

Just an hour from Milan, Lake Como is excellent as both a day trip and as a destination of its own. While the region is easily accessible by car, depending on the time of year (the summer months being the high season), the roads can get rather congested and parking can be limited.

Alternatively, consider taking the train to Lake Como. A train ride from Milan to Lake Como is roughly two and a half hours and prices are extremely affordable.

Lake Como Travel Guide + Packing Tips

 

Weather in Lake Como

The climate in Lake Como is fairly pleasant year-round with temperatures rarely dropping below 0˚Celsius (32˚F). In the summer months, average daily temperatures range from 20-25 (68-77˚F) degrees, while in the winter months the average temperature usually hovers around 5 degrees (41˚F). Springtime in Lake Como is also fairly balmy, but the odd heavy downpour is to be expected.

Read more: 10 Places You Can’t Miss in Italy

Lake Como Travel Guide + Packing Tips

 

Where to Stay in Lake Como

 

Varenna

For those of you looking for a good mid-range option in Varenna, consider the Hotel Montecodeno. This property is an easy three-minute walk from Lake Como, is just steps to the ferry dock, and offers a bike rental.

For a more upscale Varenna stay, consider the Hotel Royal Victoria. This hotel offers panoramic views of Varenna and features lush gardens, two restaurants, and a swimming pool.

Como

For a mid-range option in Como, check out Hotel Borgovico. Just 400m from the train station and a 15-minute walk from the historic center, this hotel provides modern interiors and a breakfast buffet.

For something a little classier in Como, consider Hotel Como. This property features a rooftop garden, swimming pool, bar, and is just 1 km from the city center.

Tremezzo

For those of you looking to stay in elegant Tremezzo, consider the Hotel Bazzoni. This property is in the town center and features gorgeous views of Lake Como as well as an outdoor pool.

Read more: Where to Stay in Lake Como, Italy (And The Best Hotels in Each Town)

Lake Como Travel Guide + Packing Tips

 

The Best Way to Explore Lake Como

The easiest way to explore the different towns in Lake Como is to take advantage of the frequent ferries that service the area. Daily ferry schedules and tickets can be found at each of the terminals.

The towns in Lake Como are easily walkable, or consider renting a bike from one of the many hotels in the area offering the service.

Lake Como Travel Guide + Packing Tips

Read more: Italy Travel Tips: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

 

Best Things to Do in Lake Como

 

Explore From the Water

Ferry trips excluded, one of the best ways to truly experience Lake Como is to get out on the water. There are many options for activities and equipment hire, including kayaking, canoeing, motor boating, parasailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

Visit the Enoteca Principessa Winery

Located in Bellagio right where the lake divides into its two Y-like branches, this winery will educate and guide you through the history of wine in the area. Enoteca Principessa is a must-see for any wine connoisseur making their way through Lombardy.

Hike Monte Crocione

If you’re a nature lover, consider making the 7-8 hour hike to the top of Monte Crocione out of Tremezzo. The hike offers amazing views of the alps, and it features a large historical cross at the peak.

Visit Forte Di Fuentes

For the history buffs out there, the Forte Di Fuentes ruins date back to the time the area was under Spanish control. Located in the Northern part of Lake Como by Colico, the 17th century fortress was once a military base used by the Spanish governor of Milan.

Take a Cooking Class

Is there a better way to experience the best of Italian cuisine than to learn how to make it? Dive right into Italian and regional traditions and culture, and indulge your taste buds all at the same time. Top-rated cooking classes are offered in Bellagio, Como, and Mandello del Lario.

Read more: 5 Towns to Visit on Lake Como

 

Lake Como Packing Essentials

 

Stylish Clothing: It’s no secret that Italians are very stylish people. Be sure to pack classy, yet breezy blouses, and plenty of sundresses. Jury’s out on whether or not shorts are an Italian fashion faux pas, but if you’re unsure then simply opt for maxi skirts.

Also, Italian women are heel wearers, so bring along a pair of comfortable block heels or wedges. If you prefer flatter shoes for exploring, a pair of flats or comfortable sandals will do the trick.

Accessories: Classic Italian accessories include pashminas (especially helpful as a cover-up inside churches), oversized hats, cross-body bags, and elegant jewelry.

Bug Repellent & Sun Gear: Protect yourself from the elements and pack along bug spray, sunscreen, and a pair of sunglasses. For a deet-free bug spray alternative, try out avon skin so soft.

Swim Gear: Whether you get out on the lake or spend time in your hotel’s swimming pool, always remember to pack a swimsuit!

Still not sure what to wear in Lake Como? Visit our Italy Packing List!

 

Plan Your Trip to Lake Como

After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights and accommodation.

Flights: Momondo is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. The calendar feature shows the cheapest days to fly in your preferred month of travel.

Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust World Nomads, which we’ve used for the past 8 years.

About Christy Woodrow

Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego. She has been traveling around the world with her partner, Scott, since 2006. Join them in their quest to find off-the-beaten-path destinations by signing up for weekly emails. You can read more about her on our about page.

Filed Under: Italy

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Francie says

    Hi, what do you think women are wearing mid October when it’s cooler?

    Reply
  2. Paul says

    What would you advise men to wear in Lake Como? My wife and I will be there the last two weeks of September.

    Reply
    • Christy Woodrow says

      Hi Paul. Scott didn’t come with me on this trip, so I don’t have specifics, but I’d look up a good men’s packing guide to Lake Como. I’m sure there’s something helpful. Enjoy your trip!!

      Reply
  3. Anita says

    This looks so beautiful! I love it! Hope I will come there one day and see it with my own eyes

    Reply

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