Lake Como: Beautiful Villas, Bellagio, a Private Wooden Boat Trip & a Little Italian Magic
There are some places that you’ve seen so many times in photographs that you wonder whether they can possibly live up to the expectation. Lake Como absolutely does.
With its dramatic mountain backdrop, beautiful blue water, grand historic villas and picture-perfect Italian towns, it has an elegance that feels almost effortless. Everywhere you turn there seems to be another view worth stopping for.
Our time at Lake Como was a mixture of exploring, admiring some of its famous villas, wandering through beautiful Bellagio and, one of my favourite experiences, taking a private trip on a traditional wooden boat.
A Private Wooden Boat on Lake Como
There was something very special about stepping aboard a beautiful wooden boat and heading out onto the lake.
Once you’re away from the shore, you get a completely different perspective of Como. The mountains seem even more dramatic from the water, with little villages and colourful houses dotted along the shoreline beneath them.
It was peaceful, glamorous and wonderfully Italian — one of those experiences that feels every bit as lovely as you imagined it would.
Cruising along with the sunshine reflecting on the water, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Italy, was definitely a highlight of the trip. And, of course, it made for some gorgeous photographs too.
The Famous Villas of Lake Como
Lake Como is almost as famous for its magnificent villas as it is for the lake itself.
Scattered around the shoreline are grand historic houses surrounded by elaborate gardens, terraces, fountains and towering trees. Some are tucked away behind greenery, while others sit proudly overlooking the water.
Seeing them up close gives you a real appreciation for just how beautiful and detailed they are. The architecture, gardens and spectacular locations make it easy to imagine the glamorous lives that have been lived here over the years.
Some of Lake Como’s villas have also found fame on screen and have welcomed their fair share of well-known visitors, adding another little layer of intrigue to an already fascinating place.
Even if you aren’t particularly interested in history or architecture, they are difficult not to admire. They are simply part of what gives Lake Como its distinctive character.
Wandering Through Bellagio
Then there’s Bellagio — probably one of the most recognisable towns on Lake Como and certainly one of the prettiest.
Bellagio is everything you hope a little Italian lakeside town will be. Think cobbled streets, colourful buildings, flower-filled balconies, tiny shops and inviting cafés, all surrounded by incredible views.
One of the nicest things to do here is simply wander.
The narrow streets climb away from the waterfront, with stone steps leading between boutiques, restaurants and beautiful old buildings. Every so often, you turn around and catch another glimpse of the lake between the houses.
It’s busy and popular for good reason, but there are still those lovely little moments when you find a quieter corner, stop for a coffee or just stand and take in the view.
It’s somewhere that encourages you not to rush.
The Beauty of Lake Como
What struck me most about Lake Como was how much variety there is around the lake.
One moment you’re surrounded by the grandeur of historic villas and manicured gardens, the next you’re wandering through the little streets of Bellagio, and then you’re out on the water with nothing but mountains and lake views around you.
It manages to feel glamorous without losing its charm.
And while the famous sights are certainly worth seeing, some of my favourite memories are the simple ones — looking out across the water, discovering a pretty street, stopping to admire a view and enjoying that slower Italian pace of life.
Until Next Time, Lake Como
Lake Como was every bit as beautiful as I had hoped.
From exploring Bellagio and seeing some of the lake’s incredible villas to experiencing the water from a private wooden boat, every part of the trip offered something different.
It’s romantic, elegant and incredibly photogenic, but photographs never quite capture the feeling of actually being there — the mountains surrounding you, the sound of the water and those seemingly endless Italian views.
Lake Como is definitely one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
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