Italy 2026 - Day 4, Lake Como
Day 4 | 8 September 2026
Weather: Another glorious summer day with bright blue skies and fluffy white clouds. Plenty of sunshine, although it became rather hot in the afternoon.
We drove close to two hours from Lake Orta to Griante, where we parked our car and bought ferry tickets. While waiting, we explored the waterfront, admired the magnificent views and checked out the luxurious Grand Hotel Tremezzo. A lovely place to admire, even if we were not checking in!
Our ferry carried both passengers and vehicles across Lake Como, offering wonderful views of the mountains and charming villages along the shores.
First stop, Bellagio, the famous Pearl of Lake Como. Situated where the lake divides into its distinctive Y shape, this picturesque village certainly lives up to its reputation.
After lunch at Enoteca Cava Turacciolo, we wandered through the bustling old town, exploring its cobbled lanes, colourful buildings, boutiques and cafés. We also visited Punta Spartivento, where the spectacular views stretch across the lake in different directions.
Beautiful, but clearly everyone else thought so too. The place was packed!
Next, we hopped onto another ferry to Varenna, often described as the most romantic village on Lake Como.
Our first stop was Villa Monastero, a former medieval convent transformed into an elegant villa with magnificent botanical gardens stretching along the waterfront. We took our time exploring the gardens, admiring the flowers, sculptures and panoramic views. Naturally, the cameras were working overtime!
We then wandered through Varenna's charming historic centre. Narrow stone alleys, colourful houses, little piazzas and cosy cafés gave the village a wonderfully intimate atmosphere.
Our final stop was Passeggiata degli Innamorati, the Lovers' Walk. This beautiful suspended lakeside walkway hugs the cliffs, offering stunning views of the water and colourful waterfront buildings. A fittingly romantic way to end our visit.
Compared with the bustling Bellagio, Varenna felt more relaxed and less crowded. We managed to visit every attraction on our list without feeling rushed, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
By late afternoon, the light had softened, the mountains looked almost dreamy and Lake Como was showing off its romantic side.
Two beautiful villages, two different personalities and countless photographs later, we headed back with another wonderful day of memories.
If I had to choose between Bellagio and Varenna, my heart would go to Varenna. Its quieter charm and beautiful waterfront won me over.
And with weather like this, even our cameras must have been exhausted!
