Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como, in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is the third largest lake in Italy known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three branches that meet at the towns of Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna. At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up the alps to the town of Brunate. 

 
 
  • September marks the end of high season in Lake Como so expect mid to high 70s during the day and mid 60s at night. Due to its positioning as a basin within the alps, the weather tends to be mild and dry.

  • Lake Como is located within the Lombardy region of Italy, 45 minutes from Milan and 3 hours to Venice. Because of its close proximity to Switzerland, you’ll see the Alpine influences on its culture and food.

  • Influenced by its Alpian neighbors and plentiful lake, the cuisine of the area is typically abundant with local mushrooms, lake fish and homemade polentas. Common dishes include fried perch, pizzoccheri, veal milanese, osso buco, risotto and of course gelato.

 
 

Cernobbio

All wedding events will take place in or around the town of Cernobbio, a small, charming village full of cafes, gelaterias & a beautiful waterfront located on the Southwestern tip of the lake. All event transportation will depart from the waterfront in the center of town.

 
 

“Italy was where the soul went to find calm and love, and I wanted to hold the best of it in the palm of my hand.”

— LISA BRENNAN-JOBS - AMERICAN WRITER

Restaurants

  • Harry's Bar

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  • Trattoria Laghee

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  • Osteria Catina Frasca

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  • Albergo Ristorante Pizzeria Giardino

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  • Osteria del Beuc

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  • Olde England

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Cafes & Gelaterias

  • Creama & Cioccolato

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  • Gelateria Sottozero

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  • Pasticceria Poletti

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  • Vincenzo Dascanio Cafe

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  • Bar MGCavour

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Activities

  • Jump On A Ferry

    The lake is beautiful. Spend as much time as you can on it. There are various terminals in the area, Cernobbio is the one nearest the wedding events, and you can take the ferry up and down the lake stopping in as many towns as you’d like. They offer both one way tickets as well as day passes.

  • Rent a boat

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  • Visit Varenna

    Accessible by ferry, Varenna, located on the eastern shore of the lake, completing the golden triangle of Lake Como, along with Bellagio and Menaggio. Varenna has a shaded lakeside promenade, similar to Menaggio, as well as cobbled pathways leading to the old town, similar to Bellagio. Castello di Vezio is the most visited tourist attraction of Varenna. This 13th century castle sits on a hilltop with amazing views of the lake and town. Villa Monastero is one of the few villas that has a museum and is open to the public. Varenna is known for being built into the hillside, so if you visit be prepared for lots and lots of stairs.

  • Visit Bellagio

    The heart of Lake Como at the tip of the point, Bellagio is the town that is most popular (but also most touristy) on the lake. Full of shops, waterfront restaurants and buzzing with tourists, it's worth a visit if you have an extra day. We suggest grabbing lunch at Hotel Suisse. It is accessible by ferry and you could definitely visit Varenna and Bellagio in the same day.

  • Visit Menaggio

    The first time we visited the region, we stayed in Menaggio: a quaint town opposite Bellagio and Varenna with a charming square and a pretty waterfront. It’s accessible by ferry or by car from Cernobbio. There's also hiking into the hills and some of the best gelato at La Fabrico del Gelato. Like-I-could-go-there-every-night-and-eat-that-gelato kind of gelato. Also close by is the Golf Club Menaggio Cadenabbia, one of the oldest and best regarded clubs in Europe, and a taxi from Cernobbio. We suggest booking in advance since it's high season!

  • Visit Como

    City of Como is at the southernmost point of the lake and is a ferry or taxi ride away from Cernobbio. Como is easy to walk around, has lots of restaurants and the best shopping in the area. On a cultural side, Duomo of Como is one of the best cathedrals you can see in Lombardy. There is also an open air market, open on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 8 am to 1 pm, and on Saturdays from 8 am to 6 pm, located next to Porta Torre, the main entrance of the old town. The market runs along the walls from viale Battisti to viale Varese. Lastly, departing from Como, one of the best things to do is to ride the funicular to Brunate and enjoy panoramic views of the lake.

  • Visit Lugano

    If you'd like to spend some time in Switzerland before or after the wedding, Lugano feels similar to Como but has an Alpian flair. It's not far from Menaggio and the drive can be beautiful.

  • Golf at Villa d'Este

    If golfing in Italy is on your bucket list we would suggest taking a day to golf at Villa d’Este’s course. Built in 1926, the Villa d'Este Golf Club features a stunning 18-hole, par-69 course designed by Peter Gannon. Fairways wind their way through chestnut, ash and pine trees and some feature views of Montorfano Lake. We suggest making reservations in advance.