“I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.” That is exactly the way I felt during a September visit to Lago di Como (Lake Como) in northern Italy. It is sublime. Glittering waters at the feet of Alpine mountain ranges. Photo-opp villages with cobbled alleys and flowered promenades. Baroque villas and impeccably manicured gardens.
Like me, lots of famous people have been seduced by the lake’s beauty and charm. Artists, writers, opera singers and aristocrats have homes on the lake shores. Not to mention Hollywood stars: George Clooney, Madonna, Richard Branson, Sylvester Stallone…
My friend Karen, who knows the lake well, suggested we stop at Lake Como en route to her apartment in Croatia. I had fond memories of previous lake visits and was all in. She chose Varenna, considered one of the prettiest lakeside towns, as our destination for two nights. We enjoyed soaking up the vistas and the captivating ambiance of the lake and town.
The most heavenly time was high above the lakeside town of Tremezzo at the restaurant Al Veluu. Karen has friends who know the restaurant owner. She made a reservation mentioning her friends. We never did meet the owner. The waiter who greeted us was neither impressed nor happy to see us. It was close to 2 p.m.. The restaurant terrace was empty. He, no doubt, wanted to call it a day.
We had the spacious terrace and garden all to ourselves. The divine surroundings and spectacular views made up for the disappointing food. It was calm, peaceful, relaxing. We did not want to leave, but the warm sun was no longer so warm, and we needed to start the trek (taxi then 2 ferry rides) back to Varenna.
Boats are the primary means of transportation for visiting Lake Como. Ferries of all sizes shuttle from town to town. The previous day we took a ferry to Bellagio, the “pearl” of the lake. Years ago husband Bob and I visited this treasure of a town. We visited the park and gardens of the grandiose Villa Serbelloni, hiked in the hills, took boat rides. It was all delightful.
Years later we returned with my mother who was overwhelmed. In addition to the gorgeous views and surroundings, she loved the shops. Bellagio, like most of the towns, has a plethora of boutiques and souvenir shops. On one visit, I purchased a large olive wood basket which I still treasure.
In Varenna, we stayed at an Airbnb which promised a “bella vista” of the lake. What a joke. From a small bedroom window in a corner, if you twisted your neck you could spot the lake. Never mind. We had plenty of bella vistas as we climbed up and down the steep stairways in Varenna that lead to the lake, and strolled the path, Passegiata degli Innamorati (walk of lovers), along the shore.
Lake Como was the perfect start to my much-needed R&R break.
Thanks again to Karen, adventure in Croatia followed. Read all about it in an upcoming post. Don’t miss out.
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For more on Bellagio, read my report on a previous visit- click here.
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Tales and Travel 
Thanks for introducing me to the Lake Como. Sounds like a peaceful place.
It’s going to be a part of the next trip!
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Good choice, Yoshie. I am sure your will like it
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Wow. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous. I’ve never been to Lake Como but I’d certainly like to go now.
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It really is a bit of paradise. I want to go back now,
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Wonderful memories of a lovely trip, Leah. Your pictures are beautiful, as usual.
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All thanks to you, Karen. And, this was just the beginning of our wonderful trip.
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Lovely -want to go now!!-thankyu for a revisit of some of the jewels of the Lakes of Italy !-xx
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So true. Those lakes are rare and precious jewels.
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Hi, nice choice, i like Como too. The lake region is a fantasy land! Thanks
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Hello Thomas and thanks for your input. Well said: “fastasy land.” I want to go back and never return.
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Another one that needs to go on the bucket list!! Clearly I’ll need to check the “room with a view” line before I jump in…😳
Love your work!
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Hi Rob and thanks for your input. That is the second time we’ve been deceived by an Airbnb room with a view. First was a room in Paris promising a view of the Eiffel Tower. Again, it was a mini view from a tiny window. Live and learn…
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Hi Leah,
I’m loving your travel reports. My favorite country is Italy, all of it.
I know your life is difficult now and glad to see that you are taking care of yourself.
Elizabeth
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Hello Elizabeth and thanks for checking in. We live in France, but my heart belongs in Italy. At least we are close.
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Lovely pictures – I still remember staying at Lake Como in early April (in conjunction with Vinitaly) and having a phenomenal view of the lake from the northern end – don’t remember the city, just the experience!
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It’s all phenomenal — and unforgettable.
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Can’t agree with you more about the Italian lakes, Leah; now that we live in the desert, Como is still more delightful.
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Love that place. Easy train ride to Milan for a flight home made it a tempting last stop on an Italian trip. One night we watched fireworks across the lake in Bellagio. Glad we got to travel while we could!
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Lake Como is definitely worth a stop and more. I too am glad we got to travel in better times. I still long to see more however.
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Those lakes are fabulous. I like Lake Garda, too.
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👏Bravo, Leah😊
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