In Lake Como I realise a dream I never knew I had: feeling like Id successfully completed a diamond heist and jetting away into the sunset with a lover.
Thats not the reality, to be clear. Im still on the right side of the law.
But driving a boat along el Lago di Como, past pastel hued homes and George Clooneys villa, does make you feel like a badass.
Thats just one experience you need to include if youre planning a visit to Lake Como, in Lombardy.
The good news: you can fit all the luxury and relaxation of a break to the area into one weekend.
Heres what you need to do.
Go on a boat ride
We stay at Il Sereno, a luxury hotel that lets us rent out on of the three Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats to drive along the river.
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Its an incredibly freeing experience – wind in your hair, wide open water ahead of you, gorgeous villas on either side of the banks, that sort of thing.
Youll need to try going full speed, of course, and plot out exactly how far up the lake youd like to go.
If youre up for renting out a boat for the entire day, you can make stops off at lakefront towns Torriggia, Laglio, and Nesso.
Those who want a more laidback experience (lets say you prefer sipping champagne to steering a speedboat) can ask for a ride on Il Serenos Vaporino boat. Bring along an ice bucket and glasses.
Dont panic if youre staying elsewhere; there are plenty of boat rental companies all up and down the lake.
Take the Funicolare Como-Brunate
A steep and speedy train up the mountain takes you up to the village of Brunate, where you can take in panoramic views of the lake.
The train has been running since 1894, running every day (apart from Sunday) every thirty minutes. Its the steepest track in the area, with a gradient of 55%, so feels a bit like a significantly more chill roller coaster.
Ride up with a picnic in tow then relax at the top for an hour or so.
Soak up the views
Common knowledge, but Lake Como is gorgeous.
Make some time to have a stroll around the streets with no planned destination, taking in the tree-lined hills, the boats bobbing on the shore, and the hidden away villas and churches.
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Its gloriously picturesque, and not just for the sake of your Instagram.
You dont need to wedge your weekend itinerary full of activities for every moment. The pleasure of Lake Como comes from taking time to go slow and take in your surroundings.
Shop at the boutiques
As you wander around the towns, keep an eye out for silk scarves – theyre the accessory Lake Como is known for.
Theres more to the silk scarves than the pretty patterns. Back in 1400 the Duke of Milan planted mulberry trees along the banks, which attracted a host of silkworms.
Crafting schools opened, the art of silk-making became more refined, and soon the areas production of silk was world-renowned.
Theres now a museum dedicated to the craft (called the Lake Como Silk Museum, which makes sense), and you can find stunning options to take home in Bellagio.
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Eat delicious food
You cant go to Lake Como without indulging in sauce-soaked pasta, fresh seafood, hunks of bread dragged across olive oil, and bottles of sparkling wine sipped by the water.
Go for a fancy tasting menu at Michelin starred Berton Al Lago – nine courses of shellfish, veal, risotto, and twirled spaghetti – one night, then opt for a more relaxed dinner at the first restaurant you come to following a stroll along the shore.
You dont need to bother researching menus and comparing reviews. Every restaurant you go to will serve up something simple and delicious.
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Once youre done, grab a gelato for dessert. Then have another the next day. You deserve it.
Hit the pool
If you venture over in summer, youll be able to dive straight into the lake from the side of your speedboat.
But when its a little chillier, a heated infinity pool is where you need to be. Same views, same feeling of pure bliss, but with warmth and the option of spaghetti and a glass of wine by the poolside. Thats the dream.
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Where to stay in Lake Como and how to get there:
Where to stay:
We stay at luxurious haven Il Sereno, in the town of Torno.
Every part of it is glorious, all designed with a modern touch by Patricia Urquiola. Walk around the lobby and the suites and youll wRead More – Source
