I visited Lake Como on a finances as a solo feminine traveller: listed here are my prime recommendations on what to do and the place to go.
On the practice from Milan, I indulge in visions of the proper Lake Como weekend getaway. Lazy walks alongside the water’s edge, ferry rides to pleasant hidden spots and swoon-worthy Italian meals. I’m all too prepared to modify off and reset.
What I realise too late, nonetheless, is that there are transport strikes deliberate for the weekend I’m there, impacting buses, trains and extra, and storm warnings for the approaching Sunday. This implies the tough itinerary I keep in mind is instantly up within the air.
Surprisingly, as an rare solo traveller with excessive stress, I discover the dearth of routine surprisingly liberating. And not using a checklist of must-see points of interest, I don’t have to fret about checking any packing containers – I could make this journey no matter I would like it to be.
Right here’s how different solo finances travellers can do Lake Como with out feeling the pinch or the stress.
The place to remain in Lake Como on a finances
Though Lake Como stays will be notoriously costly, skewed by romantic and luxurious inns, I used to be pleasantly shocked by the variety of hostels and finances lodging obtainable.
I stayed at Ostello Bello Lake Como in Como metropolis for its affordability in addition to closeness to the lake. A mattress in a six-room dormitory value me €133 for 2 nights – however is more likely to be far cheaper throughout off-peak seasons.
I liked the enjoyable and laid again ambiance of the hostel, which provides plenty of actions like sundown lakeside picnics, household dinners, beer pong and recreation nights. It additionally has loads of beautiful outside seating, a really well-stocked and spacious kitchen and glorious meals.
Different good finances stays in Como embrace New Technology Hostel Lake Como and Resort Il Loggiato dei Serviti – however remember that these are a bit farther from the town centre.
There are additionally plenty of flats obtainable for an inexpensive worth, however these are additionally often much less central.
What to do in Lake Como on a finances
Lake Como’s shoreline is dotted with extravagant villas surrounded by botanical gardens for guests to discover. I’ve to confess, although – they’re probably not my factor. In any case, the continuing transport strikes and dangerous climate made villa-hopping fairly difficult.
As a substitute, I a lot want exploring hidden cities and tiny villages, ingesting within the surroundings and eating at native eating places. To keep away from the late summer season vacationer crowds in larger cities corresponding to Bellagio and Varenna, I selected to go to the tiny village of Nesso as an alternative.
Nesso, most well-known for Orrido di Nesso, a steep waterfall, is somewhat hamlet on the west fork of the lake. Its few eating places, cafes and outlets are perched on a clifftop, accessible by steps, whereas homes cling to the sting all the way in which up.
I did discover the trek as much as be unexpectedly lengthy and steep, however the cool and crisp climate was undoubtedly a bonus and the view from the highest was completely mesmerising.
The steps will be fairly steep and slippery in locations, particularly throughout rain, so it’s value noting there’s an hourly bus from the highest straight again to Como, as an alternative choice to the ferry.
Argegno is one other nice possibility. Although it’s a lot smaller than the opposite vacationer cities, it has all kinds of cheap eating places, that are largely lake-facing.
One factor I actually liked in Como was the Como-Brunate funicular railway. Tickets are €6 one-way, and the journey itself takes about seven minutes. On the prime, you’re rewarded with beautiful views, plus eating places, cafes and bars for a fast chew.
You might have to attend fairly some time to board, each on the backside and the highest, so ensure you put a few hours apart for this journey. It’s higher to get there early within the day for one of the best views and fewer crowds. The Como Cathedral, Teatro Sociale and the Roman baths are additionally value a go to.
How a lot cash do you should go to Lake Como?
I didn’t have a really massive finances for actions, so I deliberate to discover Lake Como by ferry. I had a free circulation ticket, which helps you to get off at any cease on a sure route, like Como to Bellagio, for the day for €23.
In the event you’re not planning to take costly boat excursions, €60 to €80 per day needs to be greater than sufficient to get by in Como.
Nevertheless, the ferry isn’t all the time one of the simplest ways to get round, as it may be sluggish, rare in some instances, and depending on climate. Buses are sometimes a greater possibility, being far more common and dependable.
General, I liked the relaxed tempo of this journey, and loved spending a while alone with my ideas, free from on a regular basis stress.
I did really feel somewhat misplaced typically although, particularly once I was round lots of {couples} and households, like on the prime of the funicular railway. It was additionally somewhat awkward asking different folks to take an image of me, so I caught largely to selfies.
The place to eat in Lake Como on a finances
Como itself isn’t actually identified for having the finest meals, with higher choices in Bellagio and Varenna. Nevertheless, some good finances locations embrace Ristorante Osteria dal Ache, which has a superb pizzoccheri (a sort of buckwheat pasta with potatoes, cabbage and Casera cheese), in addition to a number of polenta choices. A dinner right here value me €25 for a essential, a aspect and a drink.
Ostello Bello additionally had fairly a ramification for breakfast, for €6.90, and a very good dinner, with plenty of pasta and pizza choices. A pizza and a drink right here was €11, adopted by a beneficiant serving of watermelon on the home.
In Argegno, I ate a very good lasagna at Resort Argegno – with a drink, my invoice got here to €10.50. I then popped over to Ristorante Barchetta subsequent door for a tiramisu, which was barely pricier at €7, however undoubtedly value it.
I caught to non-alcoholic drinks all through this journey, so prices would in all probability be barely greater should you’re ingesting.
For gelato, evidently, there are a variety of choices. I used to be pleasantly shocked by one of many lakefront outlets in Como, Al Molo, which had a divine Nutella flavour for €4.50 a scoop. Though that’s a bit greater than I might usually pay, the view was value each cent.
Bar Gelateria Lol in Nesso additionally does a stunning gelato, with the coconut flavour particularly elegant, for lower than €3 a scoop.