Lago di Como

The lake of George Clooney

When I returned to Italy last summer, my best friend Cameron and I were determined to make it to Lake Como. After scouring through recommendations from friends and family, Cameron and I settled on a quaint Airbnb in Menaggio, located on the Western shore of Lake Como.

Just a short ferry ride from the iconic Lake Como towns of Varenna and Bellagio, Mennagio truly is a hidden gem. Beyond being centrally located, Cameron and I felt so welcomed there, and were pleasantly surprised by the lack of tourists.

However, what made our Lake Como experience so special was Omar’s Aperitivo Sunset Boat Cruise. Found from viral TikTok, this boat excursion starts in Argegno, a fifteen/twenty-minute drive from Mennagio via taxi or bus. Sweet Omar showed us around the lake, pointing out popular hotspots like George Clooney’s home and Ponte della Civera, while we sipped on an endless supply of prosecco with new friends.

After our marvelous boat ride, Cameron and I managed to weasel our way into Omar’s family dinner at the local Lido di Argegno. This twenty-five-person dinner party included a live musical performance, a full spread of Italian cuisine, and lots and lots of vino. Needless to say, Cameron and I left Argegno a mere twelve hours later with very full bellies. While not every boat cruise with Omar is accompanied by an Italian feast, I could not recommend this excursion enough!

For more Lake Como recommendations, check out my map here!

What to Know Before You Go!

• Even though Milan is only 50ish miles from Lake Como (depending on where you’re staying), it is still a far journey to get there. Once arriving to Milan you have a few options: car, train + bus, or train + bus + ferry

  • car: rental car or private service, most direct, will take around 1.5 hour to drive 

  • recommended route: take a 40 minute train to Como ($10-$15), then C10 bus to your part of the lake ($4)

  • alternative option: take a 60 minute train to Lecco ($7), 40 min bus from Lecco to Varenna, ferry from Varenna to your destination ($5) 

  • While google maps may suggest you can train directly to Varenna, as of June 2023 this is NOT the case, as a recent mudslide wrecked the train. Check trenitalia for updated train schedules. 

• The only direct ferries are from Varenna. Plan timing accordingly. 

• The C10 bus works perfectly between Menaggio and Como, as well as all the towns in between!!!!

• Reservations Worth While:

  • Activities: Omar’s Aperitivo Sunset Boat Cruise: available on airbnb. Seriously one of the most fun nights of our lives. All you can drink prosecco while on a boat on Lake Como — say less!!!!!!!

While You’re There!

• Free & Fun Activities:

  • Menaggio shopping is lovely. Check out a cute boutique called Venusiana Lake Como!!

  • Bellagio town: the most touristy of the towns, but pretty to walk around and see the mountain views

    • Lido di Bellagio: super nice!! $25 for sun beds for the day, with towels. The water was too shallow to use the slide or the diving board, but imagine that it is super fun when they’re open!!! The food was pretty decent at the club, and we enjoyed our spritz.

  • Argegno: a quieter port town

    • Lido di Argegno: our favorite of the Lidos, also $25 for sun beds for the day, but reduced to $20 after 2:00 pm. The food here was really good, amazing service, and THEY HAVE A POOL!!!! Huge dub, we ate lunch and dinner there. 

    • Omar’s Boat Cruise

• Where to Sip & Sit:

  • Coffee: Caffe Centrale

  • Afternoon Juice: Lido di Argegno 

  • Aperitivo: Ristorante Lago

  • NightCap: Divino 13