Locanda la Tirlindana in Sala Comacina: The perfect stop for lunch on a boat day, located in the charming harbour of Sala Comacina, and home to the most mouth-watering homemade lemon ravioli.
Trattoria del Glicine: One of our favorite family-run restaurants located in the hills above Cernobbio. Escape the tourist spots and head where the locals go for authentic home cooking on the wisteria-covered terrace.
Harry's Bar: This couldn't be a more convenient location for those staying at Hotel Miralago. Just steps from the doorstep you'll find Harry's simple, classic Italian dishes and a picturesque European lunch on the piazza.
Gatto Nero: A Lake Como classic famous for their beautiful terrace in the hills and stunning view of the lake below. Make sure to request a table with a view!
Cantina Frasca in Cernobbio: One of our favorite casual restaurants on the streets of Cernobbio to pop into for a fabulous plate of authentic pasta or pizza and a fun conversation over wine.
Lake Como is best experienced by boat! We highly recommend scheduling a boat ride during your visit.
Public ferries will allow you to explore the charming, centuries-old villages and villas that are dotted around the lake's edge. We recommend taking the express ferry to your destination to avoid stopping in every single village.
Our favorite villages to explore are Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. In Varenna, you will find the studio one of our favorite artists, Annamaria Rivolta, who paints beautiful watercolors of Lake Como.
To schedule a private boat tour, we recommend:
Lido di Cernobbio: A lakeside pool, restaurant, and cocktail lounge located in the main square of Cernobbio, just steps from Hotel Miralago.
Lido di Lenno: A popular beach club and restaurant further up the lake, near the town of Bellagio.
Water Experience Center: Another fun way to experience the lake: by wakeboard, waterskis, or paddle board!
One of the best views of the lake is from the small resort town of Brunate, which can be reached from the city of Como by funicular, a cable railway that has been in operation since 1894. From Brunate, a 30 minute hike will take you to the fabulous view of the lake from the Volta Lighthouse.
Villa Balbianello: This 18th century villa is famous for its stunning terraced gardens and panoramic views of the lake, so it's no wonder it has served as a backdrop for James Bond and Star Wars films.
Villa Carlotta: A beautiful 17th century villa surrounded by botanical gardens.