Romantic Vacation Ideas
Lake Como Italy

Some of my favourite romantic vacation ideas take place on Lake Como Italy (Lago di Como). Lake Como, the third largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest lakes in Europe, is located in Lombardy, Italy.

Lake Como is one of the most popular vacation spots for people looking for romantic vacations in Italy.

This area has been a popular retreat for the rich and famous since Roman times.

The lovely villas and palaces dot the shores of this artistic and cultural gem.

Many celebrities have homes on Lake Como which is regarded to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

A Collage of Beautiful Lakeside Towns
and Villas on Lake Como Italy

From the air and on maps, Lake Como is shaped like a “Y”. Lake Como is actually named after the city of Como.

As part of your romantic vacation ideas, plan a stay in Como, Italy or a day trip to this lakeside city.

On my recent visit to Lake Como, I picked up a brochure and map of the villages and villas located on this spectacular lake.

There are so many lovely places to visit on various locations of the lake and you could easily spend a week or several weeks boating to the lakeside villages and wandering around the narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.

Ideal Climate for Your Romantic Vacation Ideas

In the Lake Como region, the weather is generally mild.

Although it is in the northern part of Italy, Lake Como is blessed with Mediterranean-like climate where tropical and sub-tropical plants can grow year-round.

The lake helps to maintain a higher temperature in the region during the winter but you will see some snowfall mostly in the higher elevations.

The temperatures range from 13 °C (55 °F) in December to 30 °C (85 °F) or hotter in July and August. Rainfall is the heaviest in early summer during the month of May, while the winter months see the least amount of rain.

Romantic Vacations at Famous Lakeside Villas

For more romantic vacation ideas, consider a visit to one of these beautiful lakeside villas. While some of these villas are museums, they are located near great vacation spots.

Here are a few lakeside villas which are perfect either for a visit or a place to rest and relax on your romantic vacations.

Villa del Balbianello

This villa is located at the western shore of Lake Como near Isola Comacina.

It was built on the site of a Franciscan monastery in 1787 and today houses a museum devoted to the work of the explorer Guido Monzino.

In your romantic vacation ideas, include a daytrip to the Villa del Balbianello as it is famous not only for its elaborate terraced gardens but also for several movies scenes which have been filmed here, including Star Wars ll and the James Bond movie, Casino Royale.

The Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo

The Villa Carlotta is located in Tremezzo and faces the Bellagio peninsula. This is one of the last stops before you reach Bellagio by boat.

If you are looking for romantic vacation ideas, Villa Carlotta is superb place to visit with manicured Italian gardens, water fountains, sculptures and a view overlooking Lake Como.

This villa houses a spectacular museum worth exploring as part of your relaxing day on Lake Como.

Villa d'Este at Cernobbio

The Villa d'Este was built in 1568. The gardens are landscaped in the English style and the luxury villa is known to attract celebrities.

Villa d'Este in Cernobbio on Lake Como is a luxury hotel not far from Como. It is easy to get to but if you are not staying at the hotel, have your hotel contact Villa d'Este to place you on their guest list for the day you plan to visit.

The Villa Melzi

Located at the southern end of Bellagio, the Villa Melzi was built in the neo-classical style. The villa includes a park with an orangery, a chapel, statues and a Japanese garden.

The gardens are typically planted with huge rhododendrons, as you will often see on Lake Como.

Villa Serbelloni

The Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio is not only a luxury hotel but also houses the Bellagio Study and Conference Center, and a residential center set up and managed by the Rockefeller Foundation since 1959.

This is the large majestic villa that you see from Lake Como if you are coming by ferry or hydrofoil.

If you are not planning to stay at Villa Serbelloni, plan other romantic vacation ideas such as a stroll in their English gardens, or dining in Villa Serbelloni's Michelin-starred restaurant, one of the best-respected in Europe or enjoy the meal on their terrace.

Lake Como Boat Schedule

When planning your romantic vacation ideas, keep in mind that the ferries take twice as long as the hydrofoils to get you to your destinations.

If you have plenty of time then take the leisurely ferry, but if you arrive to Como, Italy late in the day and have to make it to your hotel somewhere on Lake Como, take the hydrofoil which will cut your travel time in half.

Be advised that not all the ferries or hydrofoils stop at all the villages.

Check out this link for Lake Como travel destinations and schedules:

Lake Como Ferries and Hydrofoils

Travel Italy with Ferries and Hydrofoils on Lake Como

Most of these locations can be reached either by ferries or the fast hydrofoils that fly up and down Lake Como.

Today there are three main types of Lake Como transportation service; the regular slow ferries, the ferries which transport cars, and the fast hydrofoils.

Here is a list of towns for great romantic vacation ideas and vacation spots which dot the perimeter of the Lake Como, starting from Como and include stops on both the western and eastern coastlines:

Como Tavernola Cernobbio Blevio Moltrasio Torno\Urio Faggeto L. Pognana L. Careno Nesso Brienno Argegno Sala C. Isola C. Lezzeno Campo Lenno

Tremezzo Villa Carlotta Cadenabbia S. Giovanni Bellagio Menaggio Varenna Bellano Dervio Cremia Pianello Musso Dongo Gravedona Domaso Piona Colico

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