We are planning to spend a week in the Lake Como area in early September. We will have a car. What towns, or areas is best to stay in. We will want to explore the Lakes region
Posted by
Sunriver
1321 posts
Having a car might not be a benefit around the Lake as the best way to get around is by water taxi. We like Bellagio for our base but make sure your hotel has parking available as there really is no public parking. I think that is pretty much the same for most of the mid-lake towns.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15247 posts
In the Midlake, which is the most beautiful part of the lake, I’ve stayed only in Bellagio and Menaggio. ive been to Varenna a few times but not overnight with a car.
Based on my experience, since I usually have a car, I prefer to stay in Menaggio, mainly for two reasons:
1 - Parking options in Menaggio are the best. There are several free parking spots, and two free parking lots within walking distance of the pedestrianized town center. Even in July, I had no problem finding parking. I cannot say the same thing about Bellagio or Varenna, where parking is more difficult (at least in July when the lake is packed).
2 - From Menaggio I can drive to Lugano (Switzerland) in 40 min for a quick day trip (or even just for dinner) to that beautiful city.
To visit lake Como itself, you won’t need the car much, as the ferries are very convenient. You might want to drive, besides when you go to Lugano, when you visit other towns on the same shore as Menaggio, e.g. Laglio (George Clooney’s House), Cernobbio, Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina, Mussolini’s execution spot in Azzano.
However to visit areas on the opposite shores, it’s easier by boat.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15247 posts
Last trip at lake Como I stayed here.
http://www.hotelgarnicorona.com/
Had a great room with a view facing Bellagio.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1566 posts
I found Bellagio and Varenna far more attractive than Menaggio, though I did stay on the west side of the lake for over a week in this small apartment just north of Lenno: https://www.casadelportico.it/zoom-6/ (nice landlord).
The west side is more practical for visiting Lake Maggiore, Lugano and Morcote (nice hiking above it). Make some time for Bellinzona - three castles and a pleasant little old town (take the side roads, don't bother with the vignette).
If not too far for you, I loved Orta San Giulio and its tiny island to the west, though it's not everyone's cup of tea.