Lake Como from above, the lake curving between the mountains
The Lake Como guide

Lake Como

Where I'd stay, the doors I can open, and how to get to the Dolomites, Venice or Tuscany after.

Plan my Como trip Where I'd stay
01 · Where I'd stay

Where I'd stay

Pick your end of the lake first. It matters more than people think.

The southern lakeCernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno · closest to Milan
Passalacqua's terraced gardens above the lake
Best honeymoon

Passalacqua

Moltrasio · Read my review →
Il Sereno on the water's edge in Torno
Best lakefront & privacy

Il Sereno

Torno · Read my review →
Villa d'Este in Cernobbio
The icon of the lake

Villa d'Este

Cernobbio · Read my review →
The pool at The Lake Como EDITION
Best spa & gym

The Lake Como EDITION

Cernobbio · Read my review →
Mid-lakeTremezzo, Bellagio · the postcard views
Grand Hotel Tremezzo's floating pool on the lake
Best overall & for families

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Tremezzo · Read my review →
The lakefront at Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio
Best for swimming

Villa Serbelloni

Bellagio · Read my review →

Book any of these through me and you get my Fora perks: breakfast daily, a hotel credit, and an upgrade when one is available. I know these hotels personally, and they always prioritize SWK clients as a result.

02 · The day everyone asks about

A private Riva day

The lake on a classic wooden boat, just your group and a captain. We set the route around what you want to see: a stop at Balbianello, lunch on the water, a swim if it's warm.

More private access
A

Villa del Balbianello

An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
B

Lunch at Passalacqua

A tour or lunch, even if you're not staying there.
C

A vintage Italian car

A drive around the lake.
D

A private arrival

A private car from Milan, straight to your hotel.
DM me for access Or send an inquiry
03 · Before you book

Things I'd tell a friend

  1. 01
    Don't stay in Bellagio. It's crowded. Visit for an afternoon.
  2. 02
    Reserve Passalacqua early. 24 rooms, so it books up first.
  3. 03
    Give it 4 nights. Enough to settle in.
  4. 04
    Hire a private driver. Trust me, Como roads are stressful.
  5. 05
    Go in May, June, September or early October. Most hotels close for winter.
04 · After Como

Where next

Como pairs well with three places. I'll handle the transfer: a private driver, a supercar, or a helicopter.

By supercar or helicopter

The Dolomites

The drive through the mountains is the best part. About 4½ hours into the Dolomites. My Dolomites guide
By driver or train

Venice

About 3 hours east, and easy to pair with a Dolomites stop. My Venice guide
By driver

Tuscany

About 3½ hours south to Florence, then into the hills. My Tuscany guide
DM me for help with transfers
05 · Let's plan it

Thinking about Lake Como?