Our 5 Day Lake Como Getaway
The Perfect Itinerary for Exploring Italy’s Most Stunning Lake: Lake Como offers a beautiful blend of natural beauty, charming villages, and rich history. With four days to explore, we set out to discover this stunning region in northern Italy, filled with boat rides, hikes, local cuisine, and even a quick day-trip to Switzerland. If you’re planning your own adventure to Lake Como, here’s a detailed itinerary based on our experience, with tips to help you make the most of your time.
Day 1: Arriving at the Lake
After a slightly delayed start, we landed in Milan around noon. Despite a two-hour delay and an hour waiting for our Hertz rental car, we were finally on our way to Barna, a small village near Menaggio where we stayed for the week. The drive from Milan took about 1.5 hours, winding through scenic roads that offered glimpses of the lake. We arrived around 4 PM, just in time to settle into our home.
Tip: If you’re renting a car, make sure to read reviews and consider insurance coverage options, as well as read the fine print for what you're on the hook for. We ended up with a hefty bill due to inadequate coverage, but more on this later.
That evening, we kept things simple and headed to Bar Trattoria Pizzeria La Cupera in Plesio, a local favorite that we visit every time we’re in Barna. They have pizza and wine at prices you'll never find down closer to the lake. After dinner, we drove down to Menaggio for some gelato and a leisurely stroll along the lakefront, soaking in the charming atmosphere.
Day 2: Exploring Menaggio and Plesio
After a much needed sleep-in, we started our day with coffee and breakfast at Bar Alimentari Petazzi, a cozy café in Plesio. We love going back here because it's a small family owned and operated cafe and we love getting to say hi to the owners year after year.
Later on, we hiked down to Agrituristica la Vecchia Chioderia, a local restaurant and trout farm we love to visit. Usually, we sit there with a beer, play cards, and buy fresh trout to grill at home. Unfortunately, they were closed due to a water main break that day, so we missed out that, but it's still a lovely little hike through the trails that used to connect towns before the roads were built.
We returned home for lunch, enjoying a simple meal on the terrace with lovely views of the mountains and had a little siesta. For dinner, we revisited Trattoria Constantine in Menaggio, a restaurant that holds special memories as we had our rehearsal dinner there when we got married in 2022. The food was excellent, and we wrapped up the evening with more gelato in the town square.
Tip: Staying in Barna or nearby villages like Plesio gives you a quiet, authentic experience while still being close to the more popular towns like Menaggio.
Day 3: A Birthday to Remember on the Lake
My birthday was one of the highlights of our trip, and we celebrated it in true Lake Como style with a Riva boat ride. From 10 AM to 1 PM, we cruised the lake, stopping to admire the beautiful towns of Varenna and Bellagio, as well as some of the lake’s most famous villas, including George Clooney’s residence in Laglio.
After our boat ride, we returned to Menaggio for lunch at a Hotel du Lac in the town square, enjoying delicious Italian dishes with an unbeatable lakeside views of Bellagio. That evening, we joined the Barna locals for a little town festival with food, drinks, and live music. Little did we know, the music would go on until 2 AM... but it added to the authenticity of the experience!
Tip: Renting a boat is a must-do on Lake Como. It gives you the freedom to explore the lake at your own pace and see parts of it that are inaccessible by car. If you're not comfortable driving it yourself, there are plenty of options that include a captain.
Day 4: Day Trip to St. Moritz
We decided to take advantage of Lake Como’s proximity to Switzerland with a day trip to St. Moritz. The drive was about 2 hours, filled with stunning Alpine scenery. We made a pit stop for cappuccino and bratwurst at a roadside food truck, which were incredible.
Once in St. Moritz, we took a chairlift up to the Truts Restaurant, where we enjoyed lunch with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The restaurant there serves incredible beer and a hearty Swiss lunch.
Tip: Don’t forget your passport! Crossing into Switzerland is easy, but you’ll need to be prepared for potential border checks.
Day 5: Hiking and Homemade Gnocchi
Our last full day was spent immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the region with a hike up Monte Grona. The trail was challenging but rewarding, offering spectacular views over the lake and surrounding mountains. On our way up, we stopped at Rifugio di Menaggio, a quaint rest stop only accessible by foot, where we enjoyed a quick drink and took in the views. If you’re planning a longer hike, you can even stay overnight at the Rifugio.
After the hike, we returned to our accommodation and prepared a meal with ingredients we’d picked up that morning from a local market in Plesio—fresh gnocchi, grilled sausages, and an arugula salad. Cooking with local ingredients was a wonderful way to wrap up our stay, and the meal was one of the most memorable of the trip.
Tip: The hike up Monte Grona is a must for outdoor enthusiasts and experienced hikers, but be sure to bring proper footwear and plenty of water. The trails are steep and rocky.
A Bumpy Ride Home
Our final day started off with an unfortunate surprise—a flat tire near Como on our way back to Milan. To make matters worse, there was no spare tire on board. We had to wait for a tow truck and ended up with about $1200 in charges for the tire replacement, tow, and an additional fee for not returning the car to the original pickup location. We also had to shell out an additional $200 for an Uber to the airport. Thanks Hertz!
Tip: When renting a car, always ask if there’s a spare tire included and double-check your insurance coverage to avoid unexpected costs.
Despite the rough end to our trip, our time in Lake Como was unforgettable. The mix of relaxation, outdoor adventures, and local culture made for the perfect start to our trip, before heading to Nice, France. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Lake Como has something to offer everyone.