Kathi's & Ivan's tips for Lake Como

Katharina
Kathi's & Ivan's tips for Lake Como

Restaurants & Bars

Food is an essential part of Italian lifestyle and this is why I have put together for you my favorite restaurants / bars in the area.
Bar Sonia is simple & great, and we are good friends! Make sure you pay a visit for croissants, cappuccino, sandwiches, pizzas, Aperol / Campari Spritz & much more! The view from their hidden balcony is not to be missed! Also their Gelato is super yummy. For the smokers: you can buy your cigarettes here. Bus tickets are also on sale here. Closed on Mondays.
Bar Sonia
49 Via Giacomo Matteotti
Bar Sonia is simple & great, and we are good friends! Make sure you pay a visit for croissants, cappuccino, sandwiches, pizzas, Aperol / Campari Spritz & much more! The view from their hidden balcony is not to be missed! Also their Gelato is super yummy. For the smokers: you can buy your cigarettes here. Bus tickets are also on sale here. Closed on Mondays.
A casual, no-fuzz family trattoria featuring simple (but quite extensive) Italian food and a large, shady garden with views of the lake! It is a great value for money, but please don't expect gourmet food - I usually go for one of their simple, nice pastas.
19 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ristorante La Meridiana
1 Via Aldo Moro
19 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A casual, no-fuzz family trattoria featuring simple (but quite extensive) Italian food and a large, shady garden with views of the lake! It is a great value for money, but please don't expect gourmet food - I usually go for one of their simple, nice pastas.
A good 10 minutes’ drive from Pognana towards Como and then up, you will find a square, next to a church and the restaurant Antica Molina – this village and the restaurant are everything you picture Italy to be! The small menu features local specialties and a cute little terrace. Reservations recommended.
17 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Antica Molina
2 Piazza sant'Antonio
17 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A good 10 minutes’ drive from Pognana towards Como and then up, you will find a square, next to a church and the restaurant Antica Molina – this village and the restaurant are everything you picture Italy to be! The small menu features local specialties and a cute little terrace. Reservations recommended.
A 15-minutes-drive from Pognana towards Bellagio, this long-established restaurant & wine cellar never disappoints. On their covered terrace with beautiful lake view, you quickly forget the time. You can savor local cuisine, it’s especially great to try their fresh catch (fish) from the lake. Reservations in advance are recommended. On-property free parking available.
39 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Crotto Del Misto Ristorante Hotel
10 Frazione Crotto
39 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A 15-minutes-drive from Pognana towards Bellagio, this long-established restaurant & wine cellar never disappoints. On their covered terrace with beautiful lake view, you quickly forget the time. You can savor local cuisine, it’s especially great to try their fresh catch (fish) from the lake. Reservations in advance are recommended. On-property free parking available.
Only a 10-minute drive from Pognana, the village of Torno is probably one of the prettiest little towns at Lake Como and the square at the small harbor is one of the most picturesque you will come across at the lake. At the square, you will find a great bar terrace perfect for a yummy & reasonably priced aperitivo, while sinking in the lake views and the coming/going of the ferryboat. I like this place because it's equally popular with locals as well as visitors and the perfect spot to linger on a late afternoon. Parking here is difficult, so arriving by ferry or bus is definitely preferred.
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Bar Italia Tornoallariva B&B
11 Via Plinio
20 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Only a 10-minute drive from Pognana, the village of Torno is probably one of the prettiest little towns at Lake Como and the square at the small harbor is one of the most picturesque you will come across at the lake. At the square, you will find a great bar terrace perfect for a yummy & reasonably priced aperitivo, while sinking in the lake views and the coming/going of the ferryboat. I like this place because it's equally popular with locals as well as visitors and the perfect spot to linger on a late afternoon. Parking here is difficult, so arriving by ferry or bus is definitely preferred.
Part of a beautiful 5-star all-suites boutique hotel, the glamourous Villa Lario features delicious cocktails and a great quality restaurant with mainly local products in an exclusive setting. The bar & restaurant are upscale and a little pricier than most of the other options around, but worth the treat! It is ideal for a special-occasion lunch/ dinner/ aperitivo or simply spoiling yourself for no reason. The property's luscious gardens right at the lake shore feature unique views. I would recommend to call ahead to confirm opening times & for reservations.
Villa Lario
27 Via Giacomo Matteotti
Part of a beautiful 5-star all-suites boutique hotel, the glamourous Villa Lario features delicious cocktails and a great quality restaurant with mainly local products in an exclusive setting. The bar & restaurant are upscale and a little pricier than most of the other options around, but worth the treat! It is ideal for a special-occasion lunch/ dinner/ aperitivo or simply spoiling yourself for no reason. The property's luscious gardens right at the lake shore feature unique views. I would recommend to call ahead to confirm opening times & for reservations.
This small, established family restaurant offers great food and wine as part of a fixed menu. It's great to try some local specialties & enjoy the local hospitality. Their intimate lake view terrace features only a few tables so reservations are essential. In the colder months also the inside is very cozy. If you are up for it, you can walk along the road and then walk down the stairs. Alternatively they have a few parking spots on the road that they will explain to you when you reserve (or you can take the ferry from Pognana, which is for sure the best way to get to this ''insider'' trattoria).
21 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Trattoria del Porto
26 Via del Pontile
21 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This small, established family restaurant offers great food and wine as part of a fixed menu. It's great to try some local specialties & enjoy the local hospitality. Their intimate lake view terrace features only a few tables so reservations are essential. In the colder months also the inside is very cozy. If you are up for it, you can walk along the road and then walk down the stairs. Alternatively they have a few parking spots on the road that they will explain to you when you reserve (or you can take the ferry from Pognana, which is for sure the best way to get to this ''insider'' trattoria).
Peppo's is an institution in Pognana - it's been serving breakfast, coffee, drinks and aperitivo, as well as simple food and pizzas, since 1930. Elena (the owner) and her team are super friendly and easygoing. The view out of the panoramic windows of the main room are simply spectacular! Peppo's is open all days throughout the entire day, except Thursdays. No need to reserve, just pop in. For the smokers: you can buy your cigarettes here. Bus tickets are also on sale here.
Peppo's Bar di Straffi Gianluca
25 Via G. Matteotti
Peppo's is an institution in Pognana - it's been serving breakfast, coffee, drinks and aperitivo, as well as simple food and pizzas, since 1930. Elena (the owner) and her team are super friendly and easygoing. The view out of the panoramic windows of the main room are simply spectacular! Peppo's is open all days throughout the entire day, except Thursdays. No need to reserve, just pop in. For the smokers: you can buy your cigarettes here. Bus tickets are also on sale here.
If you want to mingle with the locals, this is the place. They have a bar / cafe / pasticceria on the lower floor and the trattoria on the upper floor. Great, hearty (and big portions!) food at very affordable prices. Service is very informal and friendly. They do make proper pizzas (also take-away) in the evenings. There is a large (free) public parking just in front.
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
I Tipi Tipici
6 Via Felice Baragioia
12 (рекомендации местных жителей)
If you want to mingle with the locals, this is the place. They have a bar / cafe / pasticceria on the lower floor and the trattoria on the upper floor. Great, hearty (and big portions!) food at very affordable prices. Service is very informal and friendly. They do make proper pizzas (also take-away) in the evenings. There is a large (free) public parking just in front.
47 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ristorante Momi
Frazione Girola
47 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Nestled on the edge of the mountain village Palanzo, this great family-run restaurant has incredible views of the Lake and the mountains. It offers a wide variety of local dishes. In the evenings, they also do aperitivo and pizzas. Open all year around, it is a great insider choice. Best feature - the large rooftop terrace that has a mesmerizing sunset view over the Lake (great for the romantics:).
Casa Del Combattente
Nestled on the edge of the mountain village Palanzo, this great family-run restaurant has incredible views of the Lake and the mountains. It offers a wide variety of local dishes. In the evenings, they also do aperitivo and pizzas. Open all year around, it is a great insider choice. Best feature - the large rooftop terrace that has a mesmerizing sunset view over the Lake (great for the romantics:).
The restaurant at Hotel Vapore in Torno has one of the most romantic spots at the Lake, right on the edge of the lake water front. It offers various Italian dishes, all made with high-quality ingredients. Best for dinner at sunset.
28 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Hotel Vapore
20 Via Plinio
28 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The restaurant at Hotel Vapore in Torno has one of the most romantic spots at the Lake, right on the edge of the lake water front. It offers various Italian dishes, all made with high-quality ingredients. Best for dinner at sunset.

Towns & Villages

A list of the prettiest towns / villages around the Lake.
Pognana Lario isn't usually coming up as one of the villages to visit around the lake but it's for a good reason that we have picked this off-the-grid-place to be our home. You will see that it quickly conquers your heart featuring splendid views, a quiet, non-touristic vibe and one of the few public beaches around the lake. Just up a few stairs, across the main road from your apartment, you quickly get into the authentic, old town of Pognana Lario (or 'Pognana' as the locals say) with most houses still lived in by one of the 500 local souls. Take your time and explore the town, it’s sleepy charm and amazing views. The village is famous for its 3 churches, with the highest one, San Rocco Oratorio, sitting on the very top of Pognana. Being there, you will quickly understand where this place get’s its reputation for the best sunsets at the lake.
13 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Pognana Lario
13 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Pognana Lario isn't usually coming up as one of the villages to visit around the lake but it's for a good reason that we have picked this off-the-grid-place to be our home. You will see that it quickly conquers your heart featuring splendid views, a quiet, non-touristic vibe and one of the few public beaches around the lake. Just up a few stairs, across the main road from your apartment, you quickly get into the authentic, old town of Pognana Lario (or 'Pognana' as the locals say) with most houses still lived in by one of the 500 local souls. Take your time and explore the town, it’s sleepy charm and amazing views. The village is famous for its 3 churches, with the highest one, San Rocco Oratorio, sitting on the very top of Pognana. Being there, you will quickly understand where this place get’s its reputation for the best sunsets at the lake.
Varenna is a picturesque and historical village, located on the eastern shore of the Lake. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the area. You can easily get there by the public service boat.
395 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Varenna
395 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Varenna is a picturesque and historical village, located on the eastern shore of the Lake. It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the area. You can easily get there by the public service boat.

Towns

A list of the prettiest towns / villages around the Lake.
Nesso is famous for its grand waterfall and the more-than-pretty old town. Definitely worth the short trip from Pognana.
31 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Nesso
31 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Nesso is famous for its grand waterfall and the more-than-pretty old town. Definitely worth the short trip from Pognana.
One of the most charming towns in the area with a beautiful port area and cute restaurants / bars.
34 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Torno, Lombardy
34 (рекомендации местных жителей)
One of the most charming towns in the area with a beautiful port area and cute restaurants / bars.

Sightseeing

My choice of the sightseeing spots around the Lake.
Located in Tremezzina, within a short distance from Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta is another example of how architecture can perfectly blend with the beauty of nature and art. The whole complex extends over a 70,000 m2 (17 acres) area of gardens and museum. It is one of the most beautiful examples of the royal splendor of Lake Como.
421 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Вилла Карлотта
2 Via Regina
421 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Located in Tremezzina, within a short distance from Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta is another example of how architecture can perfectly blend with the beauty of nature and art. The whole complex extends over a 70,000 m2 (17 acres) area of gardens and museum. It is one of the most beautiful examples of the royal splendor of Lake Como.
At the very tip of the Dosso di Lavedo, a wooded promontory on the shores of Lake Como, is the Villa del Balbianello, built in the early 18th century, famous not only for its beauty but also for having hosted many well-known intellectuals in exile during the Italian Risorgimento. Commissioned by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini and built over the remains of an ancient Franciscan monastery (although the facade of the original church is still intact), after the Cardinal’s death it passed down to Count Luigi Porro Lambertenghi. The Count was a very active supporter of the Unification of Italy and turned the villa into a hub for intellectuals who supported the Cause, even hiring the famous author Silvio Pellico as a tutor for his children. The upper floor of Villa Balbianello is dedicated to Guido Monzini, former owner of the villa and leader of the first Italian expedition to Mount Everest. For movie fans - Villa del Balbianello has been used as the setting for several movies, including A Month by the Lake, Casino Royale, and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
337 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Вилла дель Бальбьянелло
Via Guido Delmati
337 (рекомендации местных жителей)
At the very tip of the Dosso di Lavedo, a wooded promontory on the shores of Lake Como, is the Villa del Balbianello, built in the early 18th century, famous not only for its beauty but also for having hosted many well-known intellectuals in exile during the Italian Risorgimento. Commissioned by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini and built over the remains of an ancient Franciscan monastery (although the facade of the original church is still intact), after the Cardinal’s death it passed down to Count Luigi Porro Lambertenghi. The Count was a very active supporter of the Unification of Italy and turned the villa into a hub for intellectuals who supported the Cause, even hiring the famous author Silvio Pellico as a tutor for his children. The upper floor of Villa Balbianello is dedicated to Guido Monzini, former owner of the villa and leader of the first Italian expedition to Mount Everest. For movie fans - Villa del Balbianello has been used as the setting for several movies, including A Month by the Lake, Casino Royale, and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
The Gardens of Villa Melzi strech out along the lake shore and are armoniously inserted into the hilly scenery of the Bellagio peninsula that divides the two branches of Como (Lario) lake. Inland, the Villa, the Chapel and the orangery, today transformed into a historical museum, are splendid expression of neo-classical style and as such stated national monument. This architectural complex was realized between 1808 and 1810 for Francesco Melzi d'Eril, Duke of Lodi, Vice President of Italian Republic under Napoleon and afterwards Gran Chancellor of the Napoleonic Reign of Italy. Francesco Melzi d'Eril relied upon the architect and decorator Giocondo Albertolli, an architect of great importance during the neo-classicism. The Villa that became the Melzi's residence at the end of his political career and afterwards his summer residence until his death was decorated and furnished by some of the most famous artists. The English styled gardens, enriched with sculptures, was designed by the architect Luigi Canonica and by the botanist Luigi Villoresi, both responsible for the arrangement of Villa Reale park in Monza. Through the contribution of great artists and artisans and the special concordance between them and Francesco Melzi the whole complex was shaped like a place of rare harmony and was admired, among the others, by Stendhal who described its beauty in his book "Rome, Naples, Florence".
179 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Сады Виллы Мельци
Via Lungo Lario Manzoni
179 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Gardens of Villa Melzi strech out along the lake shore and are armoniously inserted into the hilly scenery of the Bellagio peninsula that divides the two branches of Como (Lario) lake. Inland, the Villa, the Chapel and the orangery, today transformed into a historical museum, are splendid expression of neo-classical style and as such stated national monument. This architectural complex was realized between 1808 and 1810 for Francesco Melzi d'Eril, Duke of Lodi, Vice President of Italian Republic under Napoleon and afterwards Gran Chancellor of the Napoleonic Reign of Italy. Francesco Melzi d'Eril relied upon the architect and decorator Giocondo Albertolli, an architect of great importance during the neo-classicism. The Villa that became the Melzi's residence at the end of his political career and afterwards his summer residence until his death was decorated and furnished by some of the most famous artists. The English styled gardens, enriched with sculptures, was designed by the architect Luigi Canonica and by the botanist Luigi Villoresi, both responsible for the arrangement of Villa Reale park in Monza. Through the contribution of great artists and artisans and the special concordance between them and Francesco Melzi the whole complex was shaped like a place of rare harmony and was admired, among the others, by Stendhal who described its beauty in his book "Rome, Naples, Florence".
The Sacred Mountain of Ossuccio This Unesco heritage sight is one of our favorites (to the extent that we got engaged here, in front of the church on top of the mountain). It is one of the nine sacred mountains in Lombardia and a great place for a beautiful hike. The steadily increasing path will lead you past 14 chapels through shaded olive groves and offers you magnificent views of Lake Como and the mountains. These chapels were built between 1635 and 1719, mainly in the Baroque style. Elegantly curved arcades on slender columns create a connection between the landscape and the individual buildings. Frescoes decorate the inside of the chapels, make sure to stop at each and follow the story. More than 200 life-sized statues, created by the artists Agostini Silva, show scenes of the mysteries of the Rosary. The very lively figures were predominantly made of terracotta. At the end of the path, besides a fantastic panorama, you will find the church Madonna del Soccorso. Here, at the 400-meter high, the work on the Sacred Mountain began in 1635. In 1637 the pilgrimage church was completed. The main altar with the magnificent representation of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary is the last scene of the pilgrimage. If you are up for a great hike, we definitely recommend to include this one on your list 😊
18 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ossuccio
18 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Sacred Mountain of Ossuccio This Unesco heritage sight is one of our favorites (to the extent that we got engaged here, in front of the church on top of the mountain). It is one of the nine sacred mountains in Lombardia and a great place for a beautiful hike. The steadily increasing path will lead you past 14 chapels through shaded olive groves and offers you magnificent views of Lake Como and the mountains. These chapels were built between 1635 and 1719, mainly in the Baroque style. Elegantly curved arcades on slender columns create a connection between the landscape and the individual buildings. Frescoes decorate the inside of the chapels, make sure to stop at each and follow the story. More than 200 life-sized statues, created by the artists Agostini Silva, show scenes of the mysteries of the Rosary. The very lively figures were predominantly made of terracotta. At the end of the path, besides a fantastic panorama, you will find the church Madonna del Soccorso. Here, at the 400-meter high, the work on the Sacred Mountain began in 1635. In 1637 the pilgrimage church was completed. The main altar with the magnificent representation of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary is the last scene of the pilgrimage. If you are up for a great hike, we definitely recommend to include this one on your list 😊

Groceries

The places where you can buy the essentials for your stay.
A small, family-run mini market for shopping the basics. Open in the morning and late afternoons (Sunday usually until lunch).
Riva Eugenio
118 Via Giacomo Matteotti
A small, family-run mini market for shopping the basics. Open in the morning and late afternoons (Sunday usually until lunch).
This mini market, including a great butcher with high-quality meat products (feeding locals since 1965), and is perfect for everything you might need. It is the local point of references for doing groceries. Here there is also an ATM. Of course prices are higher than in a larger supermarket so if you are looking to do bigger shopping, I still recommend to go to Como (Esselunga for example).
10 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Macelleria Pennino Como [ATM Cash Machine]
36 Via Matteotti
10 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This mini market, including a great butcher with high-quality meat products (feeding locals since 1965), and is perfect for everything you might need. It is the local point of references for doing groceries. Here there is also an ATM. Of course prices are higher than in a larger supermarket so if you are looking to do bigger shopping, I still recommend to go to Como (Esselunga for example).

Beach

A very unique spot - great for swimming, spending the day at the beach, having cocktails and simple food (pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salads and tartars). Relaxed and very laidback atmosphere.
39 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lido di Faggeto Miamilaryo
5 Piazza Cesare Scotti
39 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A very unique spot - great for swimming, spending the day at the beach, having cocktails and simple food (pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salads and tartars). Relaxed and very laidback atmosphere.
It is one of the 2 bathing spots in Pognana. There is space to put your towel and a ladder from where you can dip into the Lake for a refreshing swim:) Popular place with locals.
San fedele pognana
It is one of the 2 bathing spots in Pognana. There is space to put your towel and a ladder from where you can dip into the Lake for a refreshing swim:) Popular place with locals.
One of the bathing spots in Pognana, Lido di Quarzano, is the only ''beach-like'' spot in town. Great for relaxing and for going for a dip / refreshing swim in the Lake.
Lido di Quarzano
One of the bathing spots in Pognana, Lido di Quarzano, is the only ''beach-like'' spot in town. Great for relaxing and for going for a dip / refreshing swim in the Lake.

Рекомендации для путешественников

Что взять с собой

Duffle bafs and backpacks

Lake Como's shores are positioned on the lower Alps (mountains), so almost always the shores are hilly, which means that most of the time you would need to walk stairs. For this reason, I strongly recommend of not taking large suitcases but rather opt for duffle bags and backpacks, so that you it is easier to move around.