Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of northern Italy, Lake Como has long been a magnet for those seeking a perfect weekend escape. Made even more famous by its most celebrated resident, George Clooney, this stunning body of water offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and Italian charm. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family holiday, Lake Como's glistening waters and picturesque villages provide an idyllic setting for an unforgettable experience.

Getting to Lake Como: Your Journey from Milan

Transport options and travel times

Your Lake Como adventure typically begins in Milan, with several convenient options to reach this stunning destination. A direct train from Milan to Como or Varenna costs approximately €5 and offers a stress-free journey with scenic views along the way. Alternatively, you can drive the 90-minute route from Milan, though be warned that parking can be quite challenging once you arrive at the lake. For those seeking maximum convenience, organized transfers are available but will naturally come at a premium compared to public transport options.

Choosing the Perfect Base for Your Stay

Selecting the right accommodation is crucial for maximizing your Lake Como experience. The lake boasts numerous charming towns that serve as excellent bases for exploration. Varenna stands out as a particularly strategic choice due to its central location and excellent ferry connections to other lakeside destinations. For families seeking affordable options, consider apartments like the Cioccolato in Bonzanigo, offering weekly rates from €599 for four people. Those with more luxurious tastes might explore the possibility of staying in one of the lake's famous villas, following in the footsteps of celebrities who frequent Lake Como. The best time to visit is between May and September when the weather is most favourable for enjoying all the lake has to offer.

Exploring the charming lakeside villages

Bellagio: the pearl of lake como

Often described as the jewel of Lake Como, Bellagio captivates visitors with its elegant ambiance and stunning location at the intersection of the lake's three branches. The town's narrow cobbled streets wind uphill from the waterfront, revealing boutique shops, art galleries, and quaint cafés at every turn. Villa Melzi deserves special attention with its magnificent gardens that showcase a harmonious blend of architectural elements and natural beauty. Take time to savour an authentic Italian espresso at Ristorante Bilacus, where approximately €40 per person will treat you to delicious local cuisine alongside breathtaking views that have enthralled visitors for centuries.

Varenna and menaggio: hidden gems worth visiting

Varenna charms visitors with its colourful houses cascading down to the waterfront and a romantic lakeside promenade known as the 'lover's walk'. The town is home to Villa Monastero, famous for its exquisite botanical gardens extending along the lakeshore. For panoramic views that will take your breath away, make the uphill journey to Vezio Castle, which offers an unparalleled vista of the lake and surrounding mountains. Across the water, Menaggio provides an excellent jumping-off point for exploration with its well-connected ferry services. The town offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a lovely promenade and piazza where you can watch the world go by while enjoying gelato from one of the local establishments.

Activities and Experiences on the Lake

Boat Tours and Water Sports for All Ages

No visit to Lake Como would be complete without experiencing it from the water. The comprehensive ferry network connects all major towns for around €4.50 per journey, making it both practical and scenic. For something special, hire a private speedboat from places like Lido de Lenno, where Igor offers rentals at approximately €40 per hour. Alternatively, self-drive boats are available from €75 to €350 excluding fuel, depending on the type and size of vessel. Active travellers can enjoy swimming at Lido de Lenno, which charges a modest €5 entrance fee, or partake in various water sports available throughout the lake during the summer months. Families will appreciate the range of activities suitable for all ages, making Lake Como an excellent destination for holidays with children.

Villa gardens and scenic walking routes

The magnificent villas of Lake Como are surrounded by some of Italy's most beautiful gardens. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo showcases botanical splendours within a historical setting, while Villa Balbianello in Lenno has gained fame as a filming location for Casino Royale and Star Wars. This stunning 16th-century villa can accommodate 12 guests at the princely sum of €350,000 per week for those with exceptionally deep pockets. For active visitors, the Greenway walk presents an excellent opportunity to explore the western shore. This 10.5km trail from Colonno to Griante takes you through charming villages and offers spectacular views across the water to the mountains beyond. Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be quite hilly, and smart casual attire is recommended for exploring these elegant surroundings.

Tasting lake como: culinary delights

Local Specialities and Where to Find Them

Lake Como's cuisine reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Lombardy region, with fresh fish from the lake featuring prominently on local menus. Le Specialita Lariane in Lenno is renowned for its exceptional fish dishes prepared according to traditional recipes. For authentic Italian pizza that is kind to your wallet, Pizzeria Balognett in Tremezzo offers delicious options for around €8 per person. No culinary exploration would be complete without sampling the local olive oil, and Premiato Oleificio Vanini in Lenno provides visitors with the opportunity to taste and purchase this liquid gold. The lake's microclimate creates ideal conditions for olive cultivation, resulting in oils with distinctive flavour profiles that make for perfect souvenirs or gifts.

Lakeside dining with spectacular views

The experience of dining by Lake Como's shores is as much about the setting as it is about the food. Al Veluu restaurant in Tremezzo exemplifies this perfect combination, offering exceptional cuisine at approximately €92 per person alongside views that justify every penny. For a more casual lakeside meal, numerous cafés and trattorias dot the waterfronts of Bellagio, Varenna, and other villages, serving everything from simple antipasti to elaborate multi-course dinners. As evening falls, the lake takes on a magical quality with lights twinkling from villages across the water. This is the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely dinner, perhaps with a glass of Lombardian wine, while watching the changing colours of the sky reflected in Como's tranquil waters. Remember to bring a pashmina or light jacket as lakeside evenings can become quite cool, even during summer months.

Glimpsing celebrity villas and luxurious estates

Lake Como, nestled near the Swiss Alps in Northern Italy, has long been a magnet for the well-heeled and famous. This idyllic Italian lake offers more than just stunning natural beauty – it's a glimpse into a world of luxury that most can only dream of. Just a 90-minute drive from Milan, Lake Como presents a perfect weekend escape that combines breathtaking scenery with star-spotting opportunities, making it a proper posh destination for travellers seeking a taste of the high life.

George clooney's villa oleandra and its surroundings

The crown jewel among Lake Como's celebrity homes is undoubtedly Villa Oleandra, owned by Hollywood star George Clooney. Purchased in 2001 for approximately $10 million, this magnificent 25-room estate in Laglio features lush gardens, a tennis court, and a swimming pool. Clooney spends roughly four months yearly at his Italian retreat, becoming something of a local fixture. The actor hasn't simply bought property here – he's embraced the community, involving himself in local charities and events.

The area surrounding Villa Oleandra offers splendid exploration opportunities. Nearby Lenno boasts the renowned Premiato Oleificio Vanini for quality olive oil, while dining spots like Le Specialita Lariane serve brilliant fresh fish. For a smashing day out, take the Greenway walk – a 10.5km trail from Colonno to Griante offering spectacular views of the lake and its grand estates. Tremezzo, just a stone's throw away, features Villa Carlotta with its magnificent gardens and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, both worthy of a visit during your Lake Como weekend.

Star-spotting opportunities around lake como

Villa Oleandra has become a fashionable gathering spot for Clooney's A-list mates. The villa has hosted an impressive roster of guests including Barack Obama, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Jennifer Aniston, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and power couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. If you fancy a bit of star-spotting during your Lake Como visit, keeping an eye on the waterfront near Laglio might yield sightings of these famous faces.

Clooney isn't the only celebrity drawn to Lake Como's charms. Fashion icon Donatella Versace, designer Giorgio Armani, film star Sylvester Stallone, pop queen Madonna, and business magnate Richard Branson all own properties around the lake. For those with deep pockets wanting their own taste of Lake Como luxury, several stunning villas are available for holiday lets. Villa Balbiano, a 16th-century marvel with six bedrooms, commands rates from €350,000 weekly, while the eight-bedroom Villa La Cassinella goes for around €164,000 per week. The slightly more modest Villa Rocco Peduzzi, perched 800 metres above the lake, can be yours for approximately €70,755 weekly. For the rest of us, more affordable options like the Cioccolato apartments in Bonzanigo offer a lovely base at €599 per week for four people.