A trattoria where time seems to stand still

One evening we discovered a tiny family restaurant hidden in a narrow alley in the village. No flashy signs, no tourist menus. Just a simple trattoria familiare.

Inside, the grandfather was cooking in the kitchen while the grandmother came to take our order. She only spoke Italian, and we barely spoke any but with some hand gestures and plenty of laughter, we managed perfectly.

Soon steaming plates of pasta fresca arrived at our table. With great enthusiasm, the grandmother grated extra Parmigiano Reggiano over our pasta, as if she personally wanted to make sure we understood we had chosen the right place.

Como: grandeur and the first pizza of the trip

The city of Como is the largest town around the lake and an impressive gateway to the region. The absolute highlight is the Duomo di Como, a cathedral that quite literally makes you stop in your tracks. Marble, sculptures and intricate details, everywhere you look there is something new to discover. After wandering through the city, it was time for our first pizza of the trip. I chose a simple pizza marinara: tomato, garlic and oregano. When the ingredients are fresh and the crust comes straight from a wood-fired oven… you really don’t need anything else.

Varenna: perhaps the most romantic village

Not far from Bellagio lies Varenna and honestly, this may have been the village that touched us the most. The colourful houses seem to cling to the mountainside, narrow alleys lead down to the water and small hidden squares appear around every corner. It feels almost like stepping into a fairytale. We visited Villa Monastero, famous for its long botanical gardens along the lake. Walking between palm trees, flowers and sculptures while the blue water sparkles in the sun is one of those moments you instantly store in your memory.

Verona: romance between roman stones

Our final stop was Verona, a city that had long been on my list thanks to the story of Romeo and Juliet. The heart of the city is the impressive Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre that is still used today for operas and concerts. From there we wandered through the charming streets of the historic centre toward Casa di Giulietta, home to the famous balcony and Juliet’s statue.

But Verona is much more than that story. It’s the intimate squares, the warm colours of the façades and the cosy wine bars that make the city so special. At sunset we walked across the Castelvecchio bridge over the Adige River. The light, the view… magical.

Lake Como: a place where you naturally slow down

What makes Lake Como so special is the perfect combination of everything: elegant villages, dramatic mountain landscapes, incredible food and that unmistakable Italian rhythm of life. An espresso on a village square, boats gently gliding across the water, a plate of fresh pasta on a sunny terrace, it’s those small moments that make a journey here unforgettable.

And the lake lies in a region full of possibilities. Lago Maggiore and Lake Garda are nearby, making this area perfect for travellers who love to keep exploring. Whether you visit with your partner, friends or family, Lake Como has something timeless about it. And honestly? I still often think back to those evenings by the water, the gentle sound of boats in the harbour… and of course that unforgettable tiramisù.