Finally, an honest take on Lake Como

The Honest Take on Lake Como

If you have heard of Lake Como it is probably because you have seen your favourite influencer post their visit all over the social media or heard of the famous Bellagio where celebrity marriages take place. It is affluent, picturesque and relaxed. How could a teacher from Ireland possibly holiday there on such a salary? Here is the honest review and itinerary inspiration to make your dream trip to Lake Como possible.

Within the last 4 years I have spent 2 trips in Lake Como. Now, when I say Lake Como I am not referring to the town of Como, rather on the lake itself. I have gotten the opportunity to explore multiple towns on the lake.

4 Years Ago

Lecco

In 2022 I spent 10 days in Lecco - a large town located on the southeast part of the lake, close to Bergamo. Lecco combines the authenticity of Italian hospitality, cuisine, and café culture with a buzz of modernity as you move from the lakefront through the streets behind full of shops worth visiting.

Bear in mind I was not as good at noting the spots worth a visit for food, coffee or sights as I am now. However, I do remember the most worthy spots that I am going to share with you.

Lungolago di Lecco

A walkway of Lecco with mountain views and a small stony beach along the walkway. This is one of the only spots you can sunbathe in Lecco. It is rare to find a sandy beach on the Lake. However, I have found one. Keep reading to find out.

Sunflower

A cocktail bar located along the beachfront with amazing lake views. They curate great cocktails and have a good vibe accompanied by groovy music.

Imbarcadero Lecco

If you are looking for another bar with lake views, you don't get much better than this. It is literally built onto the shore of the lake. Again, good vibes and good drinks.

Hemmingway

A nice restaurant located on the main street of Lecco's Piazza. I would always recommend eating off the main square of a town - a lesson I have learnt through all my travels as it can be more expensive and often less authentic cuisine. However, we ate twice here, take from that what you will.

Mare Mio

If you do one thing here, it must be to get the shrimp sandwich from Mare Mio. This quick lunch warranted almost a daily visit. I cannot remember the exact name  of this on the menu, but it was a soft roll with mayo, shrimp and lettuce. Fantastico!

The Present

This year we made our return the Lake Como, staying in Menaggio. I was limited to my movements here due to being post hip surgery, meaning this was very much relaxed. Menaggio was the perfect place for this.

Menaggio

Located on the western side of the lake, closer to Milan Malpensa than it is to Bergamo, is Menaggio. A small town sprawled thinly across the shore of the lake. There are 2 beaches in which you can swim, with one being public and the other a beach club. A handful of incredible restaurants and home to a great patisserie.

Pasticceria Cassera Moretti

Calling all coffee and sweet treat lovers! This patisserie is not to be missed. 2 cappuccino's and 3 sweet treats - €7.90. Every morning we had a pastry and coffee here, and often returned in the afternoon. Handcrafted treats and pastries made to perfection. 

Osteria il Pozzo

Traditional Italian cuisine and perhaps the best meal we had on this trip. Super friendly service and the food was impeccable. I would recommend booking a day in advance at the restaurant and sit inside for the best atmosphere regardless of the weather.

Ristorante Dal Tato

Another great restaurant in Menaggio that is a must try. A great view overlooking the lake in an intimate atmosphere. The food is top quality. I would again recommend booking in advance by a day.

La Grolla

Seafood restaurant serving up tasty fresh fish located right beside Victoria Beach Club. If you are looking to escape the outrageous food prices in the beach club then pop out for an hour to La Grolla.

Victoria Beach Club

It is hard to find a beach on Lake Como to swim - surprisingly. You have two options; the public beach the far side of Victoria or the Beach Club. It costs €200 for 2 beds with water, towels and fruit included. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes. Bear in mind, there are cheaper beds available. Check out their site and book in advance.

Why is it worth it? 

For our situation, we wanted to relax and swim. Victoria offered that plus great music playing throughout the club, friendly service, an infinity pool with the best view of the lake and good drinks. The food is good there, however I would recommend leaving to go to La Grolla beside the club for lunch to save some money and eat good fish. 

Re Di Quadri

Aperitivo? Check! The Italians do a lot of things right, and this is one of them. Re Di Quadri is a wine shop and bar with an exhaustive menu of wines, spritz, and some local beers. Wine is as cheap as €5 per glass and spritz for €10. You grab a seat outside, beckon a waiter, and order. Your drink arrives with a small charcuterie board perfect for aperitivo and is free of charge.

Varenna

On both visits to Lake Como, Varenna was a town which we visited for a day. Secret beaches, great food and cafés, and romantic settings. Is it worth a visit? Yes, continue reading to find out why.

Secret Beach

The secret beach which has become not so secret anymore. It is small. Really small. Depending on the water level in the lake, it consists of some rocks you can sit on. That is all. But this is quiet and perfect for a swim. It is located en-route to  Villa Monastero. You cannot miss the sign for it. There is a public beach too which is quite busy but perfect for sun-lounging.

Lake Bakery

Focaccia, cannoli and friendly service. This bakery located beside the secret beach is perfect for a quick snack.

Al Barilott - Hidden Gem!

Café, tabacconist, bar and shop. If you want a good coffee or alcoholic drink, this is your spot. Order at the counter and wait at the bar for your drink. Authentic, intense, down-to-earth experience of true Italian culture.

Il Cavatappi

A small restaurant serving up some beautiful pasta dishes. Get here before the rush at lunch time as there will be a queue. Ravioli with ricotta and lemon and the seafood gnocchi are my recommendations.

Villa Monastero

Worth it? Yes, simple.

Bellagio

Do yourself a favour and avoid Bellagio if at all possible. Dubbed the pearl of Lake Como where celebs and alike get married, it offers very little. Intense tourism, expensive food, and laced with jewellery shops, there is very little to actually do. Also very little spots to swim in the lake.

If you are going, it is a nice town, don't get me wrong. There are nicer, however. Here are my tips and recommendations.

Transport

Any form of transport during the summer after early morning will be packed with tourists heading towards Bellagio. Get up early and get home early.

Bar il Rosso

If you are like me and research TikTok for your café recommendations you will find some videos on various cafés in Bellagio. Few are found about Bar il Rosso. Ignore the other recommendations and get a proper coffee with authentic pricing on the lakefront of Bellagio in Bar il Rosso - a traditional café and bar with authentic interior.

Villa Melzi

A botanical garden and villa stretching along the lake with picture-perfect views. I definitely recommend this for a walk and pictures.

Pricing

Menaggio definitely worked out the cheapest. Operating on a teacher's budget, Lecco or Menaggio is my recommendation with Varenna perfect for a day trip.

Bellagio is typically €2 - €3 more expensive in all aspects due to the large number of tourists and it's 'upper-class' vibe.

Typical menu prices:

Coffee - €1.80 to €3

Lunch - €18 to €22PP excluding drinks

Dinner - €35PP

Alcohol - €5 Wine and Beers, €10 to €12 Spritz

Transport - Ferry Return €15 to €22 dependent on destination

To be fully transparent, due to a recent surgery I felt it best to arrange airport transfers to avoid a 2-3 hour public transport journey to and from Menaggio. This cost roughly €280 total. Lecco is certainly the easiest to access from the airpot with trains.

Is Lake Como do-able on a budget? 

Yes, but be wary about towns such as Varenna and Bellagio that are slightly more expensive and offer less.

Do I recommend it?

Yes, this is a must do trip.