lake como area

A few years ago, we stayed in Bellagio for a week, and we absolutely loved it. We flew into and out of Milan, and we rented a car to get to/from Bellagio. We also used the car to drive to Lugano (took the car on the ferry to get across the lake first), and we used it another day for exploring the area.

No nightmares! It was an absolutely glorious week.

Ron, my recommendations would be the mid-lake towns that Kent suggested - Varenna or Bellagio. Varenna is a good choice as it's easy to reach by rail from Milan, so a car isn't really needed. Bellagio tends to be a bit "pricey", so staying in Varenna would probably be a bit more cost effective. Bellagio can be easily done as a day trip from Varenna (about 20 minutes on the Ferry, which leaves from the dock in front of Albergo Olivedo).

Check Rick's Italy book for more detailed information on each location.

Cheers!

We were there 2 years ago for my sister's wedding. The roads are curvy and parking a pain. The roads are also extremely narrow with some hair pin turns.

I wouldn't recommend driving. Take the train, ferry and bus to get around.

The most popular area is Bellagio. From Milan you can take the train, then select the ferry to take you there. There's multiple ferries (which I ended up discovering after we picked the wrong one!)

All the ferries will take you around the lake. There's some that are more "express", which means fewer stops. The one we picked (the first ferry) took us all around the lake before taking us to our stop. It was fun the first hour....but after a long day, we just wanted to find my sister's villa!

When you want to take a bus, be sure to buy your ticket at the tobac shop first. Unlike here, you get your ticket before you board.

Bellagio is absolute beautiful but can be pricey. I stayed at Villa Belvedere in Argegno a little town across the lake and just loved it. It has a ferry stop virtually at the door and is easy to get around the lake from. The hotel is right on the lake - you can feed the fish at breakfast. They do have a car park but I would suggest using the ferry and the bus to get around. It's just easier and less stressful and no need to hunt for a parking spot.

Thanks guys...Am actually arriving in Munich and plan to drive to austria and then Italy.Will park the car in one of the hotels and take the ferry as suggested.Any good hotel suggestions in the Verrana/Bellagio areas? Hopefully the hotels will have safe parking.

Ron - will you be staying for a week? If so, I can recommend a place to stay in Bellagio. But, they do have a 1-week minimum.

No Leslie..I think it would be a maximum of 3 days.

Varenna, Menaggio, Bellagio. I've stayed in the first two and visited the third. Ferry travel is easy from all three. Menaggio probably has the most lodging choices at different prices, and has bus service to Milan, Como, and Switzerland. I stayed at the hostel there a few years ago and enjoyed it. In Varenna I stayed at Olivedo a couple of times; it is convenient to the train and ferry. For walking pleasure, I choose Varenna and Bellagio. For most budget choices I choose Menaggio.

Ron, I find Varenna is a convenient location for Lago di Como, as it has easy rail access and good Ferry connections to other points on the lake. I had a very enjoyable stay at Albergo Olivedo (the Ravioli is fantastic!). You might check Rick's Italy book for listings in Varenna to get a good idea on the range of lodgings available. One point to mention, I believe Olivedo requires "half board" at certain times of the year (if that's a concern for you?).

Happy travels!