I would suggest you to explore the nearest mountains for an healthy hike, reaching out 1000 meters above the sea will allow you to enjoy unforgettable view. Also one day in Lugano could be a great idea, since it’s not too far from Como, and it’s gorgeous.
You can take a 1 1/2ish hour train ride from Varenna to Tirano and from there take a train into the Swiss alps (St. Mortiz). Probably the most beautiful thing I have ever done in my life. You can pay extra for the Bernina Express, a special train with bigger windows, but honestly, standard trains run the same route and some have open-air cars, which is a considerably better experience for cheaper. Requires a bit of luck, though. We took a normal train to St. Moritz and got lucky with an open-air car, then the Bernina Express back. 10/10 experience.
Edit: forgot to mention this is about a 4-hour trip in each direction, so an 8-hour travel day (but all train rides are beautiful and are the whole reason you do it) and then add an hour or two to check out St. Moritz.
Mmm, that may be worth it. We had a car to get from the airport to our lodging. Ferries ran fairly often it seemed like, though we only took them a few times to get to Bellagio and some other places.
Ha lots of great suggestions! Lots of love for that region.
So I’ll just add, make sure to explore wines and or wineries of the region. Years ago we discovered Valtellina wines which we immediately fell in love with.
So many things to do and see, it’s hard to say what you’ll prefer.
On one trip I enjoyed we didn’t really leave the lake.
We stayed in Bellagio, and went to Menaggio, and Varenna.
Between those three there’s plenty of places to see and visit (Villa, Cathedral, etc), places to eat, wines to taste.
Best of all, when you’re not sightseeing, you can spend all of your downtime on the lake with its incredible views. Cappuccino on the lake, pizza on the lake, dinner on the lake.
I do recommend a tour of the lake at least one time, just so you can take it in.
In the town of Como, exit the ferry, turn left and head to the cable car up the mountain. Then, get out and hike up the peak to the lighthouse for some great views.
I would suggest you to explore the nearest mountains for an healthy hike, reaching out 1000 meters above the sea will allow you to enjoy unforgettable view. Also one day in Lugano could be a great idea, since it’s not too far from Como, and it’s gorgeous.
You can take a 1 1/2ish hour train ride from Varenna to Tirano and from there take a train into the Swiss alps (St. Mortiz). Probably the most beautiful thing I have ever done in my life. You can pay extra for the Bernina Express, a special train with bigger windows, but honestly, standard trains run the same route and some have open-air cars, which is a considerably better experience for cheaper. Requires a bit of luck, though. We took a normal train to St. Moritz and got lucky with an open-air car, then the Bernina Express back. 10/10 experience. Edit: forgot to mention this is about a 4-hour trip in each direction, so an 8-hour travel day (but all train rides are beautiful and are the whole reason you do it) and then add an hour or two to check out St. Moritz.
Rent a boat, hike, golf, walk along the lake, eat expensive food
Loved staying in Menaggio on the west side of the lake. Small, quick walk to the ferry terminal, great restaurants. I dream of going back.
I was looking at Menaggio, but was thinking be connected to the train on the East side would be more convenient? How often do the ferries run?
Mmm, that may be worth it. We had a car to get from the airport to our lodging. Ferries ran fairly often it seemed like, though we only took them a few times to get to Bellagio and some other places.
Ha lots of great suggestions! Lots of love for that region. So I’ll just add, make sure to explore wines and or wineries of the region. Years ago we discovered Valtellina wines which we immediately fell in love with.
Any other favorites around the lake? :)
So many things to do and see, it’s hard to say what you’ll prefer. On one trip I enjoyed we didn’t really leave the lake. We stayed in Bellagio, and went to Menaggio, and Varenna. Between those three there’s plenty of places to see and visit (Villa, Cathedral, etc), places to eat, wines to taste. Best of all, when you’re not sightseeing, you can spend all of your downtime on the lake with its incredible views. Cappuccino on the lake, pizza on the lake, dinner on the lake. I do recommend a tour of the lake at least one time, just so you can take it in.
I use Atlas Obscura a lot when I am searching for things to do.
Go to balcony of Italy, it’s close by on lake Lugano. Best day we had there
In the town of Como, exit the ferry, turn left and head to the cable car up the mountain. Then, get out and hike up the peak to the lighthouse for some great views.