We arrived by train from Zurich to Como at the bottom of Lake Como. We caught the bus for an hour up to the middle of the lake to Tremezzo on the western shore...the road was very winding but very scenic and we listened to the kids from school chattering in Italian along the way. We were staying in Menaggio for 5 nights. We had a two floor flat fully self cont and in walking distance of shops, Piazza, lake and ferry.
We really loved this area. Menaggio is quiet , perhaps because it was October, but it was a great base to see this very pretty lake from ferry rides. The info centre had a really helpful lady who spoke fluent English and one could also use the internet for free for a half hour. Check out the Day pass on the ferry. Although Menaggio does not have many restaurants, it is not far to Bellagio ( 15 mins by ferry) and other small villages up and down the lake. We also took a 1 hour bus tour back into Lugano in Switzerland for the day. Catch the bus at the Lake front opposite the pizza but buy the ticket at the tobacconist shop first.
Nice drive also.
Lugano has Mt Bre, a good shopping centre in the city and is situated on Lake Lugano which has a pleasant city park .
The ride in the ferry up towards the top of Lake Como affords some beautiful views of the imposing Italian Alps looming over the small villages with their church steeples punctuating the atmosphere. The villages have small markets on certain days and one can buy local fruit and veges...which are huge...try the peaches if in season. Also rounds of cheeses and meats are sold.
This was a great start to our holiday of 5 weeks
travelling around Italy by train ...We left for Sestri Levante on the Mediterranean (3/12hrs) by train and WOW is that area something as well. DO GO!

Italy is the most fantastic place on earth. Reasons
1) Amalfi Coast
2) Lake Como.
There is nothing like Lake Como
No question It is a MUST

My wife and I were married on Lake Como, Cernobbio to be exact when we lived there 18 years ago. As English people it was one of the most romantic places to be and to be married, especially with a reception on the Lake at Laglio (of George Clooney fame)

We revisited last year and the memories had not faded, we had lunch at the reception restaurant, the sun shone, the food was excellent as we relived those moments.

This place just oozes romance and charm, so much so we bought an apartment overlooking the Lake.

The summer is warm and the winter this year not as cold, but on a beautiful crisp day it cannot be beaten!

We stayed in a few places, I think the best hotel for view and service was La Darsegna, with a remodeled and new interior aswell. We also tried a bit of self catering at "Bella Vista" near Menaggio which was good, clean, great views. The only hotel that didn't come up to scratch was Albergo Milano in Varenna. Poor rooms, service and noisy.

Its a lifestyle and a get away from it place and is only a train ride from Milan, 1 hour by car from Malpensa and Bergamo and a couple of hours drive to St. Moritz!

What more could a couple want?

For information on the Lake just type Lake Como into Google and you will find the best sites.

When I came the first time to Lake Como I was falled in love for it.
Beautiful places, nice people and good food and wine!!!
We stayed in an private flat on Lake Como and after going back to Germany, I decided to comeing back to Italy, early.
Now I'am living here.
Here are some fotos, I hope you enjoy them.

Many greetings,

Sabine