When planning a trip to Lake Como, Italy, you might be looking at Bellagio, Varenna, and even Menaggio. These are “the big three” that most people visit.
But you don’t want to miss out on the secret charms of Cadenabbia and Tremezzo! Just a short ferry ride from any of the big three, these two areas are quieter and have their own unique appeal. Not to mention, some iconic sights and incredible restaurants.
This guide is everything you need to know about these underrated Lake Como towns.
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The Best Time to Visit Cadenabbia & Tremezzo, Lake Como
The most popular time to visit Lake Como is summer, when the weather is generally beautiful and most people are on summer vacation. Peak season is June to early September, and low season is around October to March.
While most days in summer are crowded, it’s significantly busier from Thursday to Sunday. So, plan to do the most popular activities from Monday to Wednesday if you can. Even in summer, you’ll find smaller crowds in Cadenabbia and Tremezzo as most people are in Bellagio and Varenna.
Locals say April to early May is the best time to visit. The weather isn’t as hot, although it rains on average 10-12 days out of the month. It’s less crowded than in summer, so you can wander the streets, explore the gorgeous villas, and ride the ferries without fighting the crowds. Just bring your best raincoat and umbrella for those rainy days!
Cadenabbia & Tremezzo Weather
The weather on Lake Como varies seasonally but is fairly mild most of the year as it sits lower in the mountains.
- Spring (March-May): mild temperatures between 50-62°F (10-17°C).
- Summer (June-August): warm, around 77-86°F (25-30°C).
- Autumn (September-November): cools to 47°F to 65°F (8°C to 18°C).
- Winter (December-February): averages 39°F to 46°F (4°C to 8°C).
The weather in Cadenabbia and Tremezzo is at its sunniest during summer, with more rainfall in spring and autumn. However, it’s still beautiful even when it rains, and the showers tend to come and go throughout the day.
How to Get to Cadenabbia & Tremezzo, Lake Como
The best way to get to The best way to get to this area is to take a train from Milan to Lake Como. You’ll want to fly into Milan and then take a train for about an hour and a half to the town of Como. From there, you can either take a bus or the ferry to both Tremezzo and Cadenabbia. The train does not go all the way into either town from Milan.
You can depart from any Milan train station, but there might be more options leaving from Milano Centrale. Search both Trenitalia and Italo Treno to find the best route, times, and prices for you.
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How to Fight Off Jetlag
Unless you’re flying to Italy from somewhere else in Europe, you’re likely going to be dealing with a significant time difference when you land. If you struggle with jetlag, I’ve got some great tips for you:
- Slowly adjust your sleep schedule leading up to your trip. This sunrise simulator alarm clock can help you get up more easily when it’s darker in the mornings.
- Take a nap on the plane if you’ll be arriving earlier in the day (this memory foam neck pillow, sleep mask, and ear plugs are great for this). If you’re arriving later in the day, try to stay awake for at least the second half of the flight.
- Pack little snacks to munch on between meals to keep your energy up (and the hanger away!). You can also buy tasty snacks at the local stores or markets while you’re there. These reusable bags are great to use for travel and on-the-go!
How to Get Around Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, & Lake Como
Both Cadenabbia and Tremezzo, like most towns in Lake Como, are extremely walkable. In fact, there’s a beautiful walking path along the water. The Greenway del Lago di Como, a 10 km hiking path, also winds its way through both towns. Some parts of the lakefront walking path are filled with gravel, so wear comfy sneakers or sandals that are easy to walk in!
As for getting around Lake Como in general, there are a lot of options:
- Ferries: The most popular and scenic way to get around is by ferry. Regular services connect towns up and down the lake, offering slow and fast options at an affordable price.
- Water Taxis: For more flexibility and privacy, water taxis and private boats offer direct routes between destinations, but they are much pricier.
- Buses: A bus network serves the lake area and can be an affordable option for shorter trips, but you’d have to go all the way around if you want to cross the lake.
- Car Rentals: You can rent a car if you prefer to drive, but the roads can be narrow, and parking is limited. You’re also restricted to the “traghetto” ferries that allow cars, so you’ll have fewer options.
- Bicycles: You can find places for bike rentals, and some areas have dedicated cycling paths for a leisurely way to explore.
How to Navigate the Ferries
The Lake Como ferries and timetables can be tricky to understand at first. If you don’t plan properly, they could throw off your entire day, and you might not have time for some of the things on your itinerary. But once you figure it out, you’ll be riding them like a local!
Check out my other post on Lake Como for more info on navigating the ferries.
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Best Places to Stay in Cadenabbia & Tremezzo, Lake Como
Cadenabbia and Tremezzo may be less popular towns than the big three, but they’re definitely known by locals and tourists alike. There also aren’t as many hotel options in either town as there are in Bellagio and Varenna.
It’s best to book your accommodations here as soon as you can, especially if visiting in the peak season.
Hotels in Cadenabbia, Lake Como
When I spent a week in Lake Como, I stayed at the Albergo Villa la Mirabella and absolutely loved it! It’s a cute, local-run hotel in a renovated villa with a rooftop pool and extensive gardens. My room was a great size and had its own large private balcony with lake views.
There’s an adorable breakfast room and outdoor patio overlooking Lake Como with incredible views. I started every morning here with a traditional Italian breakfast of bread, meats, cheeses, pastries, and coffee. They also cook dinner each night, which you can sign up for the night before.
Hotels in Tremezzo, Lake Como
Again, Tremezzo doesn’t have as many hotel options as the more popular Lake Como towns, but it does have one of the most iconic hotels. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a stunning, 5-star lakefront hotel that’s popular with celebrities. It has two large pools, one of which is located right on the water.
The spa onsite is huge, with a sauna, steam rooms, a Mediterranean bath, and ice fountains. When you book a spa service, you gain private access to these amenities, plus the heated infinity pool. It’s a great way to spend your morning or afternoon!
Other Accommodation Options
Because Cadenabbia and Tremezzo have fewer hotel options, you might also consider staying in a vacation rental. VRBO has great options, from cozy apartments to spacious villas with private gardens and lake views. You’ll have more space and privacy, and it’s often more affordable for longer stays or group travel.
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Most rental homes also have kitchens, so you can prepare your own meals using fresh, local ingredients from Bellagio’s markets. If you want to “live like a local,” this is the way!
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Things to Do in Cadenabbia & Tremezzo, Lake Como
You might think there aren’t as many things to do in Cadenabbia or Tremezzo as “the big three” towns, but you’d be mistaken! You can explore two of the most gorgeous, iconic villas and gardens in Lake Como, enjoy delicious food, and wander the local shops.
It’s also a good jumping-off point for exploring the rest of Lake Como, as you can easily catch a ferry from either town without waiting in huge lines.
Explore the Villas & Gardens
Two of the most well-known villas and gardens in Lake Como are located in the Cadenabbia/Tremezzo areas: Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello.
Villa Carlotta has over three centuries’ worth of collections and gardens that would take you hours to explore. It’s absolutely gorgeous! They have citrus tunnels, a bamboo forest, rose gardens, hydrangea, tropical plants, and so much more. The museum inside the villa is full of marble, precious art and statues, centuries-old furniture, and amazing views of Lake Como. It’s definitely worth a visit!
Villa del Balbianello is probably one of the most iconic things to do in Tremezzo because of its ties to some very famous movies. It’s featured in major movies like Casino Royale and Star Wars! If you’re a fan, make sure to get a photo on the balcony, just like Anakin and Queen Amidala. The villa itself is incredible; it’s so beautiful, from the architecture to the enormous collection of antiques and artifacts inside.
Take a Boat Ride on the Lake
No visit to Lake Como is truly complete without experiencing the magic from the water. Regular ferry services provide a convenient and scenic way to explore the lake’s many sites as you travel from town to town.
But for a more unique and intimate experience, consider hiring a private Lake Como boat tour for a bespoke tour of the lake’s most beautiful villas and hidden coves. You can learn a lot from your local guide that you wouldn’t be able to from simply using public transportation.
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Have a Spa Day
I mentioned the spa at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo earlier. It is so worth spending some time here—I saved a whole afternoon on my trip for it! Before my massage, I had private access to the sauna and Mediterranean steam and shower rooms. The sauna has a nice view of the lake to enjoy while you sweat and de-stress.
My massage started with a dry brush and mud mask, and it was so relaxing (grazie, Frederica)! After that, I had access to hang out at the infinity pool for as long as I wished. This is why you should reserve at least a whole morning or afternoon, so you can fully enjoy all the amenities on offer.
Walk the Greenway del Lago di Como
As I mentioned before, the Greenway del Lago di Como is a 10 km hiking/walking path that stretches from Colonno up to Griante. You’ll pass through seven towns on your journey, enjoying beautiful lake views and local food and shops along the way.
Pass by olive groves, churches, villas, beaches, and more. If you have the time to take even a short, leisurely stroll between two of the towns, I highly recommend it.
Visit Nearby Towns
The central location of Cadenabbia and Tremezzo makes them an ideal base for exploring the many other gems of Lake Como (and it’s way easier to get a ferry from here without the long lines of other towns):
- Bellagio: Often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is renowned for its luxurious hotels, high-end boutiques, and stunning gardens.
- Varenna: This charming and picturesque village on the eastern shore of Lake Como is known for its colorful houses clinging to the hillside, its romantic waterfront promenade, and attractions like Villa Monastero and Castello di Vezio.
- Menaggio: This charming town boasts a beautiful lakefront promenade perfect for evening strolls and people-watching. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is a great spot for families, with lidos and a central piazza.
- Bellano: Home to the awe-inspiring Orrido di Bellano gorge, a natural wonder carved by glacial waters. Visitors can walk along suspended walkways to witness the dramatic power of nature.
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Cadenabbia Restaurants
There are some incredible restaurants in Cadenabbia that you just have to try! My favorites are Vittoria 1894 and Ristorante ‘Belle Ile.’ I actually went to Vittoria 1894 twice, once for an aperitivo and once for dinner!
Vittoria 1894 is a cute bar/restaurant with additional dining right on the water. For my aperitivo, I enjoyed a peach Bellini, bruschetta with buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and pesto, and bruschetta with burrata and truffle. For dinner, I had the truffle risotto and affogato for dessert. It was all SO GOOD!
Ristorante ‘Belle Ile’ has a gorgeous outdoor dining area covered in a canopy of floral vines. I thoroughly enjoyed some wine and a risotto with lime and prawns, which was absolute perfection! I finished dinner off with chocolate gelato for dessert. Molto buono (very good)!
Tremezzo Restaurants
There are several lakefront restaurants in Tremezzo, some standalone and some inside the various hotels. I recommend Grand Hotel Tremezzo for an Aperol spritz and amazing views at the Ristorante L’Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar. Book ahead to get the good tables on the terraces (especially in the summer).
I had lunch at Cantina Follie, a cute little wine bar with a vine-covered terrace and views of the lake between neighboring buildings. They have a fantastic wine list with meat and cheese boards. You can choose a pairing or order them à la carte. I highly recommend this spot!
La Locanda was a local recommendation, and it did not disappoint! I ordered a bottle of Chianti Classico, a prosciutto and melon appetizer, and tagliatelle carbonara for the main course. If you don’t finish your wine, they’ll recork it for you to take back to your accommodations.
More Tips for Visiting Cadenabbia & Tremezzo, Lake Como
Learn Some Italian Phrases Before You Go
Before your trip, try to learn some Italian to help you order food, ask for directions, and buy things in the shops run by locals who don’t speak a lot of English. In general, it’s considered good etiquette to make an effort at the local language, no matter where you travel.
Babbel and Rosetta Stone are great resources for this; you can start as a beginner or take more advanced lessons if you already speak some Italian.
Planning a Lake Como Trip?
Enchanted by Lake Como? While Bellaio is iconic, there’s so much more to explore! My detailed 1-week itinerary has the best of Lake Como to help you plan an unforgettable trip!
Currency & Cash
As part of the Eurozone, Italy uses the Euro as its currency. While credit cards are widely accepted in most places, carry some cash for small purchases, tipping, and visits to local markets or smaller shops. When given the option, always choose to pay in Euros to avoid unfavorable exchange rates often applied to foreign currency transactions.
Check with your credit card company before you go to see what kind of foreign transaction fees they charge. And be sure to let them know when and where you’ll be, so your card isn’t declined for making a foreign purchase.
Bring a Credit Card with Travel Perks
I always travel with one or more of my favorite credit cards for travel perks. I typically look for things like low or no foreign transaction fees, discounts on airport lounge access, and VIP customer service for booking exclusive events and experiences.
And, of course, I want one that has an amazing earning system that allows me to get points or miles with every purchase. I’ve saved thousands of dollars on flights and hotels using travel credit cards like these!
Andiamo a Cadenabbia, Lago di Como (Let’s go to Cadenabbia, Lake Como)!
Are you excited about visiting Lake Como now? Hopefully, you take the opportunity to venture outside “the big three,” Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, to explore the unique charm of Cadenabbia and Tremezzo. You won’t regret it!
Have you been to Lake Como before? Where did you stay and what did you do? Let me know in the comments below!
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