In part 1, we explored the most sought-after villas to visit around Lake Como. But there is so much more to Italy’s grandest lake than that… or the conspicuously, over-instagrammed vaporina boats and the countless lakeside gelaterie you’ve probably seen on your friend’s holiday selfies!
From early spring through fall, the region is heavily occupied by tourists.
But the sweet spot we love to catch to embrace life like the locals is in the second half of October, when numbers start dropping, the air gets crispier and the late-fall sun glows golden.
By then, most hotels have closed for the season.
But whether you are seeking a cozy hideaway with stunning views, a luxurious escape with spa treatments or a charming boutique hotel with intimate ambiance, here is our selection of true gems to choose from for a memorable Lake Como stay in October.
Passalacqua
If your budget is on the high end:
Passalacqua is one of the very few exceptional hotels around Como to have embraced the challenge of extending the season to offer a unique off-season experience. The restored 18th-century lakeside villa sits at the end of a narrow, winding road on the shore of Moltrasio and is part of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo family.
With virtually no crowd (the hotels has only 24 rooms) and an impeccable service, Passalacqua feels deeply tranquil, especially at this time of year. Gilded mirrors hang alongside 19th-century portraits; objects d’art sit on lacquered antique side tables; handblown Murano chandeliers shimmer alongside silk Fortuny lampshades. Step into the sublime gardens cascading down the waterfront and you could easily while away a morning simply soaking up the fabulous lake views. Each level of the park conceals secret corners and unexpected delights: a stylish outdoor pool shaded by lush, colorful parasols, a bocce court alongside a kitchen garden, and free-roaming chickens bring a grounded touch to this luxurious retreat.
For more inspiration, go to www.passalacqua.it
Palazzo Albricci Peregrini
If you get lonely and prefer the convenience of staying within a city, here is another of the few luxury hotels on Lake Como that is open all year round: Palazzo Albricci Peregrini. Set in a 15th-century palazzo, steeped in history and carefully updated, this gorgeous family-run boutique hotel more than matches its shores-of-Lake-Como location for glamorous grace and elegance. In a confident mix of styles, its ten spacious rooms marry original features – exposed beams and working fireplaces – with sleekly modern polished concrete floors, distressed walls and plump sofas, as well as decorative objects that the family have collected on their travels, from hand-painted Nepalese boxes to wooden Indian spice containers. A stay here comes with exquisite personal service that only emphasises the palazzo’s oh-so-exclusive qualcosa that keeps a hotel trendy and super desirable.
Push open the heavy wooden door from the pedestrianised street and you step into a beautiful leafy courtyard, a little haven of peace where you feel a world away from the busy streets of central Como, the chiming of bells of nearby San Fedele Church pleasantly reminding you that you’re only a hop away from the town’s attractions.
For more inspiration, go to www.palazzoalbricciperegrini.it
Villa Torno
If you fancy a more private setting and the exclusive use of an entire property, there are also plenty of private villas for rent, like the rustic-chic Villa Torno. The luxurious retreat is set in a serene oasis within a historic quarry along the shores of Lake Como. Situated just 6 km from Como and a short walk from Torno’s charming historic center, it offers an ideal escape for those seeking privacy and peace. With no neighbors and complete silence, it’s the perfect place to pause and savor your own personal time, refresh your mind in the spa and biosauna or the outdoor pool with breathtaking lake views and enjoy the unrivalled beauty of the surroundings.
The villa comprises 3 volumes which slope following the slant of the hill, and overlooks the rooftops of Torno, one of the lake’s most picturesque and iconic villages.
Beautifully created by restoring abandoned ruins by architect Ruggero Rickler del Mar, it emanates the strength and wilderness of an uncontaminated place. The interior is carefully curated and in perfect harmony with the 3.000 square meters of lush green gardens: wheeled glass tables by Gae Aulenti for FontanaArte, Bill Sofas by Hannes Wettstein for Baleri, and LC armchairs by Le Corbusier for Cassina, all in neutral colors ranging from white to pale brown, from grey to beige.
For more inspiration, go to www.villatorno.it
Villa Lina
If you are looking to spend less on lodging, you’ll be lucky to catch one of the three chic rooms at Villa Lina.
An exceptionally charming bed and breakfast with an unbeatable location and wonderfully warm hosts. The rooms are tastefully decorated in calming neutral tones and offer amazing views of the lake. It’s also perfectly positioned along the footpath that links the clusters of restaurants and bars in Tremezzo.
For more inspiration, go to www.villalina-lagodicomo.it
Casa Olea
For adventurous, sporty travelers seeking sleek yet simple lodging further north, Casa Olea in Cremia is definitely worth considering. This minimalist spot, recently opened in a restored 18th-century vicarage, serves as a hub for windsurfing, water sports, and hiking trails. Just be sure to have a car, as dining options nearby are limited.
(Closes for the season)
For more inspiration, go to www.casaoleahotel.com
Agriturismo Treterre
Alternatively, if you’re after a deeply serene escape with lavender-scented hillsides and a pool, head to Agriturismo Treterre. Situated at the top of a steep, winding road, Treterre offers a peaceful, secluded setting where the beautiful landscape encourages you to fully relax. The on-site restaurant serves fresh produce straight from the property’s farmland. (Closes for November)
For more inspiration, go to www.treterre.it
