5 Things To Know Before You Go | Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is a pretty magical destination. With it’s glistening water, terra cotta colored town and impeccable food options, it’s not surprising this Northern Italy spot is becoming an increasingly popular destination. As our Airbnb host would say ‘we’re becoming the new St. Tropez’! So whether it’s your first time visiting the area, or exploring a longer follow-up trip, here are a few tid bits to keep in mind as you plan to visit Lake Como.

5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO to LAKE COMO, ITALY

1. How Big Is Lake Como?

   • It’s bigger than you think. When you hear ‘lake’ you might be envisioning the lake in the mountains you grew up frequently with your family every summer. Not quite so here. Lake Como is about 29 miles long by 2.5 miles wide at certain points. Keep this in mind when planning your trip in terms of what area/towns you’re wanting to explore. Getting from one side of the lake to the other is best done by water/boat taxi.

2. Is Lake Como Expensive?

   • This is always a tricky question to answer, because pricing is all relative. Expectations vary based on what country you’re visiting from, your nation’s currently exchange rate, etc. In general, most people agree, Lake Como is certainly one of the more costly places in Europe to visit. And that goes for Italy in general. An average dinner with wine, apps + entree will run around 40-60 euro per person.

3. Do I Need to Make Reservations in Lake Como?

   • Reservations are a thing. A thing you should research and book ahead of time, especially in high season. Calling or emailing in advance to secure your preferred time {and put in any special requests like outdoor table, etc.} will ensure you and your travel companions are welcome taken care of.

4. Best Way to Travel to Lake Como?

   • Most commonly, you’d travel to Lake Como by plane to Milan and than either rent a car or take the train to Lake Como. I’ve personally experienced both ways, so depending on how long you’re planning on staying in Lake Como: by train and by car. Both are pretty straightforward options from Milan’s airport {MXP}.  The train time will depend on what town you’re looking to explore. but having a car with definitely allow for more exploration around the lake.

5. How Long Should I Visit Lake Como?

   • Loaded question! Haha. If you’re short on time, consider a day trip from Milan. The train takes about 30-45 mins, so it’s easy to squeeze it in, and you can still experience the essence of Lake Como! If you have a more flexible schedule, you could literally spend weeks on the lake exploring all the quaint lakeside towns. I would recommend carving out 3-4 days to this area, if you’re tacking it on to other cities/countries.

photos by Julie Livingston Photography

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