A Destination Guide

Lake Como is a little like Paris—I don’t need to sell you on it. 

The breathtaking landscapes, the light, the villas, the food, the wine, the lake, George Clooney… 

Lake Como is no longer a best-kept secret, in part to George himself. The word is out and the world has answered: we love it. 

From a photographer’s perspective, it doesn’t get much better. The beautiful villa venues hardly need a stitch of design to be beautiful. But goodness, when you add beautiful design, it’s simply a dream! 

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of returning to Lake Como time and time again—for weddings, editorial shoots, engagements and pre-wedding sessions. And each time I visit, I find something new. A new restaurant that has me craving Italy the moment I leave; or locations that have me inspired to create my next project there. 

Today, I’m opening up my journal to share a few of my favorite gems from Lake Como. These are the  places where I can’t wait to return and to capture gorgeous events at once again. 

So whether you are looking for a Lake Como travel guide or a Lake Como wedding guide, I’ve got you covered…

The Best Lake Como Venues

Villa Balbiano

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A timeless classic, Villa Balbiano is arguably one of the venues that really helped set Lake Como on the make for weddings. It’s breathtaking, and from the views of the lake, the stunning villa, the pool (can you say pool party brunch?) it’s hard to beat. Picture perfect. 

Villa Sola Cabiati

The villa’s interior walls are something of a daydream, beautiful Italian pastels that are begging for a bride to get photographed there. Step out the front door and you’re steps away from the lake and your boat to whisk you away. From an intimate ceremony or rehearsal dinner to a pre-wedding shoot, this villa has endless potential.

Villa Erba

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This villa truly feels like an Italian movie set. In fact, the last time I worked here we stayed at an Airbnb next door and caught glimpses of them filming the movie Murder Mystery with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler! The back terrace is an incredible ceremony location and the photo angles abound!

Villa Pizzo

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The Villa Pizzo has lots of beautiful corners that I have gotten to know well in our shoots here. One of my favorite shoots for Monique Lhuillier was set here. It always inspires my creative imagination.

The Best Lake Como Hotels

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

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A true bucket list destination on the lake. I’ve admired the Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s chic pool and regal rooms for years, and while I’ve never stayed here, I always make a point to come by to snap some photos, order an aperol spritz and a bowl of pasta. It’s regal and the perfect place to people-watch the afternoon away. Oh, and the pizza in the garden? Hidden gem. 

Villa D’Este

A destination in itself where you will likely spot a celebrity or two, this Como classic has everything you think it does: white glove service, gilded and glorious.

Il Sereno

A modern alternative to the Lake Como glamour, this hotel is tucked away from the busiest areas. Here, one can truly escape it all and take in the serenity of the lake.

The Best Lake Como Restaurants

Locanda La Tirlindana

Sala Comacina

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After charting your way through this small, lakeside town made up of mostly locals, you’ll stumble upon this hidden gem set at the edge of the lake. It’s like stepping into a movie. And the lemon ravioli—you’ll never forget it.

El Gato Nero

Cernobbio

Reportedly George Clooney’s favorite restaurant on the lake. 

Need I say more?

Al Veluu

Tremezzina

My personal favorite. The owner usually starts by sharing the specials that he grew in his own garden a stone’s throw away, while pouring some delicious, dry Gavi. Perched high above the lake, you can take in the expanse of the surrounding view from Al Veluu. Last time I was here, I started Googling “Lake Como real estate.” It’s that good.

Albergo Ristorante Plinio

Lenno

On one trip to Como, we stayed at a hotel nearby while working at Villa Balbiano. During our stay, we visited Albergo Ristorante Plinio no less than 6 times. Since then, it’s always a lunch stop while in Lake Como. The dishes are simple and wonderful and have the feel that your Italian friends are cooking for you. All while sitting next to a lake in the charming town of Lenno.

Must-Do in Lake Como

Grab olive oil in Lenno from Premiato Oleifico Vanini Osvaldo. 

I’ve been known to check a case of this stuff at the airport.

Take an afternoon stroll through Bellagio.

It’s crowded and touristy, but still a must-see.

Enjoy a boat ride on the lake.

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Whether it’s hopping on the high-speed ferry, grabbing a ride on Como’s classic (and very Instagram-worthy) wooden boats, or renting a little boat yourself, getting on the lake is a must. One afternoon, Chad and I went fake house-hunting on the lake and even passed by George’s place!

Hike through the less traveled areas of Lake Como.

The lake has incredible hiking on the Greenway del Lago di Como (The Greenway of Lake Como), a 10km hike that passes through the towns of Colonno, Sala Comacina, Tremezzina and Griante to amazing mountain top trails overlooking it all. You could spend days exploring!

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If you’re in the midst of wedding planning and exploring possible destinations, I would be remiss not to mention Rachel Birthistle and Taimar Birthistle-Cooke of The Lake Como Wedding Planner. They are my go-to Lake Como gurus and have personally introduced me to most of these amazing places. Whenever someone is planning a wedding or shoot on Lake Como, they are the first name that I bring up.

Have any favorite Lake Como spots I need to seek out? Let me know in the comments below!