Lake Como is undeniably one of the most picturesque places you can visit, with its charming towns, serene waters, and stunning mountains. But, after two visits—once on a day trip from Lugano, Switzerland, and another time for a longer stay in May—I can tell you there are a few things that no one really mentions when it comes to traveling to this gorgeous Italian destination.
First off, if you’re visiting Lake Como in May, make sure to pack accordingly. We made the mistake of not anticipating how cold it could get. During our boat tour on the lake, we were absolutely freezing, despite the fact that it was May! The weather can be unpredictable, so don’t be fooled by the summer vibes that you may expect.
Now, while the lake is a major draw, not everything around it is quite as magical as it seems. The town of Como itself is very touristy, and I found it didn’t capture the essence of what Lake Como has to offer. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, I highly recommend doing your research and staying in one of the smaller, lakeside towns, like Varenna. We stayed in Lezzeno, which was charming in its own way, but it didn’t have much in terms of things to do nearby.
Another important tip is to figure out how you’ll get around during your stay. This is something we didn’t quite plan out, and we ended up regretting it. The ferry system is a great way to explore the lake, but we didn’t have the energy to navigate it properly. Instead, we took a two-hour bus ride through the narrow, winding streets of Lake Como to reach Bellagio. While Bellagio was indeed beautiful and worth the visit, that bus ride was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced! It was packed and incredibly uncomfortable.
If you’re planning to rent a car during your trip (as we did), be prepared for some nerve-wracking drives. The roads around Lake Como are not for the faint of heart—narrow, winding, and steep in some parts. We drove to Como and Lezzeno, and while the views were breathtaking, the roads themselves were challenging, especially for those not used to mountain driving.
My overall recommendation is to spend a maximum of two nights in Como itself. Make sure you choose a place with a stunning view and fantastic local restaurants. Don’t get caught up in trying to see everything the lake has to offer. Instead, focus on staying in one area long enough to truly enjoy it. Staying in a more peaceful and less touristy town, with easy access to the lake, will help you truly absorb the beauty of the area without the stress of complicated travel logistics.
Lake Como is spectacular, but the key to truly enjoying it is doing your research ahead of time to avoid the common pitfalls and embrace the serene beauty the lake has to offer!
Travel Essentials for Your Trip to Italy:
Packing smart can make all the difference for your travel experience. Here are a few must-haves:
- A Durable Backpack: Opt for lightweight, sturdy backpack that will fit under and airplane seat for those budget airlines!
- Portable Charger: A reliable power bank ensures your devices stay charged for maps, photos, and staying connected.
- Travel Adapter: Don’t forget a universal travel adapter for international trips.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Exploring new cities means lots of walking—choose shoes that are stylish and functional.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce waste with a collapsible water bottle.
- Packing Cubes: Keep your belongings organized and save space in your luggage.
- Digital Camera: Special memories call for capturing. A digital camera that fits in a purse is perfect to capture those memories.
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