We are spending 10 days or so hiking in Switzerland in early June. Afterwards, we are planning on spending a few days relaxing at Lake Como. I've found a beautiful apartment in Torno (near Como) but understand Varenna, or any mid-lake town is a better location. Opinions?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
"but understand Varenna, or any mid-lake town is a better location."
That's a tough comparison, the views from both areas are spectacular.
I guess many (Rick for one) would give an edge to the views from the mid-lake area. The "postcard" panoramas in Rick's TV shows are filmed from the mid-lake villages of Varenna and Bellagio, and from out on the water in the triangle formed (if you drew lines on a map) from Varenna across the lake to Menaggio, then southeast to Bellagio, and back up to Varenna.
Nothing shabby about the vistas from Torno northward, up the lake, either. Some would say a bit more constricted than the mid-lake views.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Hi Ellen. I can't commend on Torno/Como but I can tell you that we stayed in Varenna in September & loved it. I had planned to visit Como but after several people on this site told me not to bother, I didn't! I've been told that there's not a lot to do in Como & that it's not as nice as the mid-lake section.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Ellen,
I've never stopped in Torno, but was back in Varenna again in June. One thing to consider is what type of facilities are available in whichever area you choose (ie: restaurants, sightseeing attractions, boat access, etc.).
Varenna has some wonderful small restaurants, and also easy access to Bellagio, Mennaggio or other spots on the lake. The boats depart from in front of Albergo Olivedo (the Ravioli is wonderful there, BTW).
You might ask this question on the Lonely Planet/Thorn Tree message board to see what kind of response you get.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Argegno, Lake Como, Como, Italy
7 posts
Torno is lovely but there is not a lot to do there - 1 great restaurant though, the Belvedere and you can get the ferry to all other parts of the lake. I would say Varenna is preferable to Torno, but I would also suggest other parts of the Lake, which are equally, if not more interesting - one of them being the quaint lakeside resort of Argegno. great for access to all other parts of the lake as ferries, hydrofoils and buses stop there regularly. happy to help with villa/apartment rental or hotel suggestions, if you need any more help One more tip IGNORE the comment on Como town - it is a lovely, historic and stylish place and well worth a trip. For constant info on Lake Como follow http://lakecomoexpert.blogspot.com/ OR
http://twitter.com/lakecomoexpert