Only 48 hours for Lake Como! When history, culture and natural wealth intertwine, places like Lake Como are born. Surrounded by towering peaks and sparkling blue, this Alpine wonder in Lombardy has always been considered an idyllic escape. In the following lines, we invite you to experience 48 hours with us in this Italian jewel, where every step and view merge into an unforgettable romantic narrative.
48 hours for Lake Como is our guide for all those who have no more time for this destination than a romantic two-day getaway. Lake Como, wrapped in the alpine blanket of northern Italy, is a place where the four seasons are reflected with special grace and drama. Air conditioning here is the goods, with warm summers and mildly cold winters, making Como attractive to visit all year round. Spring brings an explosion of color as the flora awakens, and in summer the lake's silver surface blends with the azure sky. Autumn dresses the landscape in fiery hues, and winter plunges everything into a peaceful silence, interrupted only by the whisper of falling snow.
This magical corner of the world did not go unnoticed; many celebrities, from Hollywood stars to literary giants, have found their peace in the luxurious villas that reign along the banks. George Clooney, Madonna, and even the writer Mark Twain are among those who fell in love with this peaceful retreat that combines natural beauty with a touch of luxury.
Lake Como it is not just a destination; it is a symbol of eternal luxury and peace that has attracted many in search of shelter or inspiration. Thus, from the very first sight of its shining waters, we are overwhelmed by the feeling that we have stepped into the scene of countless stories that have been intertwined over the centuries, between the walls of the villas and under the gentle sky of Lombardy.
In the following, we will explore how we can experience a fraction of this luxury in just 48 hours (48 hours for Lake Como), which has attracted the world's elite. From a visit to the lighthouse that watches over Brunate to lunch in the shade of ancient olive trees, every moment spent on Lake Como is the promise of an indelible memory. So – 48 hours for Lake Como!
First day: The magic of Como in the morning and the ascent to Brunate in the afternoon
Let our beginning of the first day in the city of Como, where you wake up to the early morning light pouring over the calm lake surface. After the obligatory morning walk along the coast, where the first rays of the day are felt, we head to the mighty cathedral Cathedral of Como. Its Gothic towers not only bear witness to a rich history, but also provide shelter for a moment of silence and reflection.
After the spiritual retreat, we surrender to the charms of local pastry shops. There, among the sweet delicacies, we also find the energy for further exploration. A visit to the Museo Didattico della Seta reveals more about the city's rich silk heritage, after which we go shopping in boutique shops, where we can choose handmade silk products for souvenirs or gifts.
When the sun is already high in the sky, we take the gondola up to the Brunate viewpoint. Breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding peaks await us here. We must go to the Volta lighthouse, where history meets romance. The walk is about 20 minutes and it is important that we wear appropriate footwear for this part of the journey, as the slopes can be quite challenging and sports shoes become essential equipment. But the magical and by far the most beautiful trip to Lake Como is responsible for everything.
When we return by boat to the city of Como it's time for late lunch. We choose an authentic trattoria, we can also go to the embankment of the lake, where we can enjoy refreshments after all the adventures experienced. With a plate of local specialties, such as risotto with lake fish or home-made noodles with truffles, let's get ready for an evening of romance. As the sun sets, the boat takes us along the lake, which turns into a silver road in the moonlight, giving us the feeling that we have escaped reality for a moment. Food prices in Italy are not exorbitant, so treat yourself to good food and don't look too much at the bill.
So our first day among the wonders of the lake Como he concludes, full of experiences that promise to make his memories last forever.
Other day: Exploring the coast to the pearl of Bellagio
Early in the morning, by car or by well-developed public transport - the boat - we head north, along the coast, which is filled with breathtaking views. Our route takes us past picturesque villages such as Nessa, where we stop and admire the mighty waterfalls flowing into the lake. We continue our journey towards Bellagio, the "Pearl of the Lake", which lies on the top of the peninsula where the lake splits into two parts.
Bellagio, boasting at the junction of the three long arms of Lake Como, is a place that many describe as the most beautiful in the world. This picturesque local gem is anchored on the tip of a peninsula that dips into the lake like an elegant finger of fate. Bellagio is known for its terraced gardens that slope down to the water, charming streets that invite slow exploration, and views that reflect a millennia-old story of glamor and sophistication.
With its narrow cobbled streets lined with boutiques, art galleries and cafes, Bellagio is more than just a stopover; is a destination in itself. Here we can lose ourselves in the luxury of Villas such as Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi, whose gardens are open to the public and offer not only a walk through history, but also breathtaking views of the blue of the lake.
Bellagio it is also a gathering place for foodies, as it offers many restaurants that pride themselves on local and fresh ingredients. Dinner is often followed by live performances by local musicians playing traditional Italian tunes in the background while the lights of the riverside towns twinkle in the distance.
V Bellagio time runs differently. Its rhythmic beat adapts to the steps of visitors, and its beauty is revealed in every detail - from the blooming camellias to the smiles of friendly locals. Bellagio is not just one of the stops on the journey of a visitor to Lake Como, it is a place where stories and dreams meet, intertwine and are forever etched in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to visit it.
Bellagio therefore, it welcomes us with its narrow cobbled streets and luxurious villas that tell the stories of the past. We enjoy lunch in one of the local trattorias, where we are spoiled with specialties such as "risotto con filetti di pesce persico" (risotto with fillets of perscito).
In the afternoon we take time for a real romantic experience - a boat ride to Varenna. This picturesque a seaside place charms us with its elegant architecture and serenity. We explore castles and gardens such as Castello di Vezio, which stands sentinel over the lake.
Safe, a smaller and quieter town compared to the glitz of Bellagio, is like a hidden gem resting on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The distinctive red houses huddled along the lake shore create a beautiful palette of colors that, at sunset, seem like something from an artist's palette. The small town is like a haven of peace, where visitors can experience the authenticity of Italian lake life.
Walk around fishing promenades in Varenna it is like traveling through time; paved paths lined with vibrant flower beds lead past inviting cafés and restaurants offering traditional Lombard cuisine. Varenna is also home to outstanding historical sites such as Villa Monastero and Castello di Vezio, which stand as witnesses of the centuries.
Villa Monastero, with its long and narrow stretching garden, is admired by visitors for its exotic plant species and the panoramic view of the lake spread out in all its grandeur. Castello di Vezio, standing proudly on a hill above the city, offers not only a historical insight into the region's past, but also one of the most beautiful views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
V Safe visitors can also indulge in learning about local crafts such as boat building – a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Here, the time we spend by the lake is truly a time to rest and renew the spirit, as we are surrounded by natural beauty and silence that fills the soul and calms the mind. Varenna is not just a stop on the way - it is a destination where history, culture and natural beauty intertwine, weaving together into an unforgettable experience.
This article is for those looking for inspiration for their next trip and for all romantic souls who want to capture time in the embrace of beauty and history. Lake Como is not just a destination; is a journey into the heart of magic.
Proposal for romantic accommodation in high style
Il Sereno Lago di Como
When you write a story about two happy lovers, the setting should be on the shores of Lake Como." The words of the 19th century composer Franz Liszt still resonate with a special reality when you cross the threshold of the Il Sereno Lago di Como hotel. A visit to this extraordinary haven of luxury, which opened its doors in 2016, is like a journey through time, where unspoiled nature intertwines with the clean lines of modern design.