Budget Travel Tips for Lake Como: Read Before You Go

Lido of Lenno

With summer fast approaching, long lazy summer nights in Italy seem like a dream BUT here, I help you make it a reality. Without a doubt, one of the most luxurious spots in all of Italy is Lake Como. So, you may be asking, does it cost a fortune? Is it even possible to visit on a budget? Well, with some insider tips and smart sacrifices, you can experience all Lake Como has to offer without spending like George Clooney (when he visits his Italian vacation villa).

Varrenna, Italy

Lake Como is in northern Italy and is an easy trip from Milan to work into your Italy itinerary. Being Italy’s biggest metropolis but not as renowned as Rome, you can easily find cheaper flight fares to Milan. I recommend, if possible, staying at least 3 nights and at least one night in Milan. After booking your flight you’re gonna need a place to stay right?

Varrenna, Italy

Flying into Milan: This past year I have been watching flight prices like a hawk! When choosing a getaway I almost always base my choice on affordable airfare. Milan kept coming up and when I looked at a map and saw that Lake Como was near by I immediately jumped at the challenge of doing it on a budget. My choice for a perfect base is the charming town of Varenna. Here you can feel like a king or a queen on a shoestring budget. This beautiful town is close enough to the rail station but far enough away from the glitz and glam of the CBD - I fell hard for this place and I am sure you will too.

View from my Air-BnB

Day 1- Almost every flight to Europe begins with an overnight flight so rest well young grasshopper because you’re gonna need your legs. Flying in/out of Milan I’m saving the city life for my last day as I’m here to escape. Getting to Varenna is easiest by train. It’s a simple ride from Milan Centrale (center of the city) to Varenna. On the train you are met with some of the most colorful splashes of blue you’ll ever see. Pro tip: be sure to sit on the left side for the best views of Lake Como! After arriving at what has to be the smallest train station in all of Italy I was actually met by my host for 3 days, Maria. I found just the cutest, budget-friendly place in the center of town with a side view of the lake by booking far in advance - 5 star service and communication as well. After a chuckle from Maria (due to my lack of luggage), we make our way to the place. With roads so small the locals joke "give way or get out of the way." Varenna is without a doubt my favorite town on the Lake. With summer is full swing, I headed out to find the local watering hole. Clinging on the edge of town almost forgotten is Lido Beach. I’m telling you, some of the best views can be found here. Perfect for sipping on a beer with your feet in the water and a view of the magnificent alps in the background. Having settled in to my town I called it a night.

Belaggio, Italy

Day 2: Everyone has seen the Instagram photos of wooden boats with leather seats promenading their way past Lake Como villas. The vision that everyone has for a trip to Lake Como... but that can quickly evaporate when you discover the price of renting one of those private taxis. Your budget tip is to use the ferry instead as you can ride around the entire lake for a fraction of the price. I purchased a multiple pass for only $18 unlimited use to get around the whole Lake at my leisure. First up this day is the charming lake town of Bellagio. Just a short ride on the ferry I had arrived on the crown jewel of Lake Como. While there are a lot of tourists here, this town still retains a rather charming atmosphere. I just loved that I wasn’t in a hurry to cross off any items on a must do list. Here, I was able to just get lost and wander the back streets. If you have time, make sure you go kayaking on Lake Como. Your journey starts here as you paddle along Pescallo Bay and gaze at all the waterfront villas. After a full day I retreated to my own personal villa across the lake in Varenna.

Villa de Balbianello, Lenno, Italy

Day 3: This day I woke up around dawn and took the first ferry to Villa del Balbianello. This place will leave you breathless due to its beautiful terraced gardens and picturesque structures. Located on the tip of the Lavedo headland, in the locality of Lenno, this place has it all. Some of the most spectacular views I have ever seen. Villa del Balbianello has been used as the setting for several movies, including A Month by the Lake, Casino Royale, and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. When you visit the villa, you should try your hand at identifying key areas featured in these movies! Open from mid-March to mid-November (please check on Google or on the official website). Opening times: 10am - 6pm (last admission to visit the park is at 5pm.). Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays (except on holidays). On my way out I was surprised to know that Benito Mussolini’s demise was met here near the villa just outside the town of Lenno. The brutal dictator took refuge near the lake but was captured and shot here. Standing on the spot where it happened, you can’t help not to be intrigued. Also, close by there is a great swimming hole where a lot of the locals go to drink beer and be merry. I must head back now as I leave early for Milan.

Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy

Day 4: I have to admit Milan wasn’t love at first sight for me - but you should definitely give it a chance. If you have just one day here, make it count as it’s worth it. No trip is complete without seeing the cathedral. Duomo di Milano is probably one of the finest in all of Europe. Regal and imposing, the front view of the Milan Cathedral, complete with pigeons hanging out in the square, is easily one of the most iconic images of Milan. Just passed the duomo is a bright, airy and pretty the 18th century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a downright luxurious place to do some shopping: if you are hoping to memorialize your trip to Milan with a pricey purchase from Prada, Versace, Gucci, Armani, or many others, this is the place to do it! Even if you’re not planning on doing any shopping, the Galleria is worth walking through: the glass ceiling gives the entire place a soft glow, and the path through the Galleria leads right from the Piazza del Duomo to the nearby Piazza della Scala. Worn out from my walk I retire to my own little duomo near the train station as I return to reality in the morning.

So, much did I spend?

• Airfare EWR <-> MXP: $363

• Accommodation(s): $253

• Train: $23

• 3-Day Ferry Pass: $18

• Food & Beer: $300