Lake: 

Villa Carlotta: magnificent Villa containing works of art, sculptures and paintings with a “one-of-a-kind” botanical garden with greenhouse. It is also well-known because half of our international newly-weds have chosen it as their dream location!!!! 

Villa Balbianello: UNESCO Heritage Site, located in Lenno, on the Lavedo peninsula. This is a magical place which hosts many weddings and celebrity events (see the PDF Villa Balbianello events). You can get to the Villa either by boat or on foot from the Residenza Simona. 

Isola Comacina: the only island on Lake Como. You can get to it by battello (please see PDF for timetable), or from Sala Comacina by boat. Every year, on the closest Sunday to 24th June, they celebrate the traditional feast of San Giovanni with a procession and a fantastic firework display. This brings in thousands of people who “bombard” the region and lake (see PDF for events). The “Locanda dell’isola” is the only restaurant and is very well-known. Using their magical touch, they will make sure you enjoy a magical evening. 

Battello: you can marvel at villas and gardens, some with famous owners that have come to live on the Lario over the past years (see the PDF timetable).

Bellaggio: aka the Pearl of the Lake. Driving along the main road for 2 km, heading towards Menaggio (on the left) where you will find the ferry boat terminal (see PDF for timetable). Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni are worth visiting as well as everywhere between alleys with shops, bars and restaurants. 

On foot:

La Greenway: an easy walk from Colonno to Griante, along a trail that will guide you through and show you mountain paths, valleys and rare views of the Lake. Lasts 3.5 hrs (see attached PDF).

Santuario Madonna del Soccorso - UNESCO heritage site. A lovely walk with lake views along a trail where you can see the the shrines of the Stations of the Cross of Jesus (Via Crucis di Gesu) which have statues with very tall men. It is the 4-valley trail : (see PDF)

Cycling

The Lake is mostly flat, and there are cycle paths and different routes depending on your own ability (see PDF).

Shopping – Milan – Lugano – Fox Town Mendrisio

The Livigno Alps – leave the Residenza Simona and head left, towards Menaggio-Colico and then turn onto the SS 36, towards Chiavenna for 149 km. Apart from taking walks or during the winter ski season, you can “enjoy” a lovely day of shopping (free port).

Madesimo: located in the Valle Spluga, Italian countryside which is furthest from the sea. Leave Residenza Simona and head left, towards Menaggio-Colico for 76km, then turn onto the SS 36 towards Chiavenna. Here you will be able to enjoy beautiful walks, hiking up mountains and finding stunning lakes. There are many restaurants where you can taste typical products such as cheese, polenta, bresaola and game. 

Cycling

The Lake is mostly flat, and there are cycle paths and different routes depending on your own ability (see PDF).

Shopping – Milan – Lugano – Fox Town Mendrisio

The Livigno Alps – leave the Residenza Simona and head left, towards Menaggio-Colico and then turn onto the SS 36, towards Chiavenna for 149 km. Apart from taking walks or during the winter ski season, you can “enjoy” a lovely day of shopping (free port).

Madesimo: located in the Valle Spluga, Italian countryside which is furthest from the sea. Leave Residenza Simona and head left, towards Menaggio-Colico for 76km, then turn onto the SS 36 towards Chiavenna. Here you will be able to enjoy beautiful walks, hiking up mountains and finding stunning lakes. There are many restaurants where you can taste typical products such as cheese, polenta, bresaola and game. YOU CAN FIND PDFs on our Useful Information page. 

La Tirlindana - Sala Comacina - +39 0344041987  - restaurant

Il Ristorante di Paolo  - Menaggio - +39 034432133 - restaurant

Creme Caramel - San Siro - +39 0344 50356 - - restaurant & pizzeria

Locanda dell'isola- Sala Comacina +39 0344 56755 55083 – exclusive and prestigious - restaurant with traditional menu

Velù- Via per Rogaro - Tremezzina +39 0344 40510 - restaurant

Plinio  -Lenno - +39  0344 55158 – traditional menu restaurant 

La Darsena- Via Statale - Tremezzina +39 0344 43166 - restaurant

Azalea- Via Statale – Tremezzina +39 0344 40573 – restaurant & pizzeria

Baia- Cremia - +39 0344 86294 - restaurant & pizzeria

Golf club - Via croce - Menaggio +39 3384844322 - exclusive restaurant

Lauro -Rezzonico- +39 034450029 - restaurant with fish-based menu 

Da Luigi - Acquaseria- +39 0344517052 - - restaurant & pizzeria

Ca dei Matt - Gravedona - +39 034485640 - - restaurant

Trattoria San Giacomo - +39 0344 55382 – restaurant with traditional menu including fish from the Lake

La Baita  Paullo- +39 0344 32195 – traditional menu restaurant 

Lido di Sala Comacina - +39 351 5912210  - restaurant