“When you write the story of two happy lovers, let the story be set on the banks of Lake Como” – Franz Liszt

I spend Easter by Lake Como with my family this year. My grandmother (who has travelled the world and still does it at 77 years!) had invited the whole family for a vacation by the lake. And what a vacation! I had never imagined that Lake Como would be so beautiful, authentic and welcoming. We will be back for sure. Here is a glimpse of a week by the lake:

Photo diary

Our home for the week

Breakfasts by the lake

Great pizzas at La Piazzetta in Argegno

Espressos and marshmallows – what a great combo!

Arriving to Varenna by ferry

Lunch with a view at restaurant Vecchia Varenna

Daytrip to Lugano (Switzerland) and coffee in the sun at Piazza della Riforma

Chocolate shopping at Läderach in Lugano

Beautiful Bellagio

Italian pastries for breakfast

Morning joy on the balcony

Italian house

Lunch on the terrace with Italian specialities

The most beautiful surroundings during Spring time

 Mennaggio main square

Some tips for a vacation by Lake Como:

House rental

We rented our house through the website Happy Holiday Homes. Everything worked well in regards to the house and is very recommendable. However, we also wished to hire a private chef, which they were not very helpful with (even though they do have the service), so we ended up hiring one directly with the owner of the house.

Getting around

It isn’t the easiest to get around by car as there is a lot of traffic and the roads are very narrow. Furthermore it is tricky to find parking near the popular sites. However, a car gives you most flexibility, especially if you also plan to visit Switzerland.

There are ferries sailing all day along the lake, but be aware that some distances may take up to two hours by ferry (depending of your starting point and destination of course), so plan well.

Plan your daytrips well

On Sundays all cycle enthusiasts are out, which makes it difficult to drive along the narrow roads alongside the lake. So if you are headed out on a Sunday, take a ferry and not the car.

Milan

Lake Como is perfect for combining the vacation with some days in Milan. Read my city guide to Milan here.