Tour the Lake like a Rock Star!

There are several boat rental companies on the lake, but if you are looking to tour the water front villas like a rock star look no further than Como Classic Boats.  They are based out of Laglio (where Mr. Clooney lives) and have elegant wooden Rivas you can rent by the hour with a captain. Pull up to that restaurant in style and see Lake Como from its best angles. These romantic, glamorous boats are perfect for weddings, of course. If you'd like to rent a perfectly fine fiberglass boat on your own, or 'con capitano', two longstanding company options are listed below as well.  A nautical driving license is not required for 40 HP engines, above that you'll need a licensed captain. 

 

Como Classic Boats

Via Vecchia Regina 48

Laglio

Comoclassicboats.com

info@comoclassicboats.com

 

Non Solo Barche is located right on the Cernobbio Riva, steps from the

Cernobbio/Villa d'Este traghetto (ferry) stop.

Taxiboatcernobbio.it

info@cernobbiotaxiboat.it

 

Cantiere Mostes is located on the other side of the lake, in Fagetto Lario.

Depending on where you are staying, this might be more convenient for you. 

They have fiberglass and wooden boats.

Cantiere Mostes

Via Alle Rive 19

Faggeto Lario

Rentfunboats.com

info@mostes-faggeto.com

 

 

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Meet Me at the Lido

The locals head to their local Lido to escape the heat. Even though a few have a spit of sand, you will mostly find a nice lake side pool, a restaurant, bathroom/dressing facilities with umbrellas and lounge chairs for rent.   Almost every town has one.

 

Lido di Cernobbio

Piazza Risorgimento 5

Cernobbio

Gorgeous views of the lake of course, but also Villa Erba right next door. The lido has a baby pool and a large, adult pool. The restaurant has excellent pizza.  Get there early on Summer weekends for a spot!  Opens at 9:00am, until 7:00pm.  LidodiCernobbio.com

 

Lido Villa Olmo

Via per Cernobbio, 2

Como

This one is big, with two swimming pools and a natural little beach.  They have parking, which is a huge plus, but get there early. Opens at 9:00am, until 7:00pm.  LidoVillaOlmo.it

 

Lido di Moltrasio

Via Regina 27A

Moltrasio

This lido boasts a two-tiered diving platform into the lake and a buzzing restaurant. It is right near the Grand hotel Imperiali in Moltrasio.  No pool! but a lake side area with umbrellas & lounge chairs to rent for the day.

 

Lido di Lenno

Via Comoedia, 1

Tremezzina / Lenno

Lido di Lenno also has sand and is near Villa Balbianello, one of my favorite lake "To Do's.  This is were you would get on board a small shuttle boat to take you over to the villa for a tour.  There's a restaurant, facilities, umbrellas & lounge chairs for rent.  lidodilenno.com

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Magnificent Villa & Garden Tours

A visit to one of these grand lake side villas is top on my list when I have guests in town.  Aside from the beauty of the villas themselves, you can meander through old growth gardens with rare species of trees and manicured flower beds. Each lake front property has its own unique surprises. The FB & Instagram "likes" will come flooding in.  They are easily accessible by traghetto (ferryboat).

 

Villa Balbianello

It's last owner was Guido Monzino, an explorer & adventurer. Entry onto the property is 10 euros but for an extra 10 euros you can have a guided tour inside the villa; visiting his study and attic room with collections from his many expeditions.  Scenes from Star Wars and Casino Royale were filmed on the property's gorgeous grounds.  Located in Tremezzina, there are two trails that lead up to the villa; a short one (20 mins) and a longer path (45 mins).  Alternatively, you could go to the boat basin near the Lenno Lido (community pool) and catch a ride on a water taxi for 3.50 euro per person directly up to the villa's gate.  The approach from the water is worth doing.

Closed Mondays & Wednesdays. Open from 10am - 6pm mid March to mid November.  Last entry into the villa is at 4:30. www.visitfai.it/VilladelBalbianello

 

Villa Carlotta Museum

The villa was built in 1690 for the Clerici family whose fortune was made in the textile business. Later, it was purchased (in 1843) as a wedding present from Princes Marianne of the Netherlands to her daughter, Carlotta. The villa is famed for its sculptures, paintings & amazing varieties of azelias and rhododendrums, as well as its cedars & sequoias on the property.  Located in the town of Tremezzo, it has its own traghetto (ferry) stop: "Tremezzo - villa Carlotta".  Admission is 10 euros for an adult, 5 for students & free addmission for children under 6.  Opening times vary, so it is best to check the website:  VillaCarlotta.it

 

Villa Melzi

A beautiful neo classical villa built from 1808-1810, located in Bellagio.  Named for it's owner Francesco Melzi, a duke and a Vice President of the Italian Republic under Napoleon.  Most visitors to the lake go to Bellagio, and if you do it would be a shame to miss this spectacular property right next door.  There are species of trees collected from all over the globe.  The villa itself is not open to the public, but there are interesting architectural structures on site to see: a family chapel, grotto, moorish pavillion and many sculptures.  Open from 9:30am - 6:30pm.  Admission is 6.50 euro for adults, 4 euro for students.  Free for children under 12.

Open from the end of March to the end of October.  www.GiardinidiVillaMelzi.it

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Cooking Classes!

Cooking classes are a fun thing to do as an experience if you are in town for more than a couple of days.  It's a nice way to bring something home with you that will last: a new recipe in your repertoire!

 

Amy's Cucina

Italian pasta making classes (in English)  in Como. Think tagliatelle with seasonal "sugo" or sauces. Includes an elegant sit down lunch eating what has been prepared.  Amy has an Italian chef on hand to assist in getting your fresh pasta making skills up to par.  Classes run from 9:30am - 2:00pm.  Amyscucina.com

To Book:  Amy@Amyscucina.com

 

Pasta Matta

Fresh pasta classes including tortelli (similar to ravioli), lasagna and gnocchi, but they do lots of other courses such as risotto, sweets.  Also special classes for kids & teens.  Valentina, who runs the classes, speaks Italian & English. Typically they run 2-3 hours for adults and 1,5-2 hours for children.  Pastamatta.com

To Book:  tel: Valentina 329 432 4503,  email: pastamatta.cf@gmail.com

 

Make Bake Como

Learn how to make organic breads, cantuccini and other Italian specialties, then sit down to a nice lunch eating what's been prepared.  Katie, who runs the classes from 10:00am - 2:00pm , speaks English & Italian.  MakeBakeComo.com

To Book: Katie@makebakecomo.com

 

 

 

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