Osio Sotto(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Como, the premier lakeside hotel is Hotel Villa Cipressi, offering panoramic views of Lake Como from its private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. This elegant boutique property blends Mediterranean architecture with modern comfort, featuring a rooftop infinity pool and an award-winning spa. Guests enjoy complimentary boat transfers to nearby villages like Bellagio. Another standout is Laghetto Resort & Spa, a five-star retreat with a private beach, water sports center, and gourmet Italian dining. Both hotels provide access to exclusive lake excursions, including sunset cruises and paddleboarding tours, making them ideal for romantic getaways or luxury escapes.

For serene and scenic stays, Lakefront District in Como is unmatched. Nestled along the edge of Lake Como, this area features boutique hotels and villa rentals with direct access to private docks and lush gardens. Top choices include Villa dei Fiori and Hotel Albergo del Lago, both offering tranquil surroundings, sunrise views over the water, and easy walking access to hidden coves and forest trails. The district also hosts fewer crowds than the city center, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peace. Many properties offer guided kayaking or fishing trips, allowing guests to fully immerse in the region’s natural beauty.

In Como, immerse yourself in authentic local culture through events like the Lake Como Music Festival, held annually in summer at an open-air amphitheater on the lake’s edge. Attend a traditional Mass at Santa Maria Church to experience the town’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage. Join a hands-on Lombard craft workshop to learn how to make Pizzoccheri pasta or weave traditional straw hats. For a deeper connection, participate in a fishing expedition at San Siro village, where you’ll catch fresh Lake Como trout and enjoy a rustic meal cooked by local fishermen. These experiences highlight Como’s rich Lombard identity and intimate way of life.

Yes, Family Hotel La Palma in Como is specifically designed for families, offering spacious rooms, a dedicated children’s playroom, and daily supervised activities such as lake-side scavenger hunts and pottery classes. The hotel provides free childcare services and organizes family-friendly outings like picnic trips to the lakeside park and bike rides along the scenic paths. For larger groups, Villa Verde Family Stay offers a private villa with a garden, outdoor kitchen, and barbecue area—perfect for self-catering vacations. Both options ensure a memorable, stress-free stay for parents and children alike.

Como is highly accessible via public transit. The town is served by the Compasso Line railway, connecting it to Milan in just 45 minutes, and regular bus services link to Como City and surrounding towns. While there’s no metro, the city has excellent pedestrian zones and a network of bike paths. Most hotels offer shuttle services, and many provide discounts for train tickets. For eco-conscious travelers, lake ferries run frequently between Como and destinations like Bellagio and Menaggio, offering scenic, low-impact travel. Renting an electric bicycle is also popular for exploring the lakeside routes.

In Como, must-try dishes include Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese—a hearty buckwheat pasta dish with potatoes, cabbage, and Alpine cheese, best enjoyed at Osteria del Lago, a century-old lakeside restaurant. Another local favorite is Brovada di Valtellina, a cured pork delicacy served with sauerkraut. For dessert, sample Sbrisolona, a crumbly almond pastry found in every local bakery. Don’t miss Lake Como Trout, often grilled or poached with herbs, a specialty sourced directly from the lake. Enhance your culinary journey by joining a family-style cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare these dishes from scratch, including market visits and shared meals.

Couples in Como should book a sunset cruise aboard a private boat, gliding across Lake Como while enjoying champagne and live music. Return to Hotel Villa Cipressi for a lakeside dinner under the stars, complete with a personalized menu and candlelit terrace. For a more intimate experience, visit Santa Maria Church at dusk, where the stained-glass windows cast colorful light across the nave. Stroll hand-in-hand along the Lakeside Promenade at twilight, listening to the gentle lapping of waves. For a memorable keepsake, consider a stargazing photography tour, where professional photographers capture your silhouette against the night sky and lake reflections.

Como hosts vibrant seasonal events throughout the year. In spring, the Lake Como Flower Festival showcases thousands of blooms in lakeside gardens. Summer brings the Lake Como Light Show, a nightly spectacle of projected art and storytelling across the water. Autumn features the Harvest Festival (Festa dell'Autunno), with wine tastings, farmers’ markets, and mushroom-themed dinners. Winter transforms the town into a festive wonderland with the Christmas Lights Parade, glowing streets, and warm mulled wine stalls. Throughout the year, expect open-air concerts and art exhibitions at venues like the Old Town Hall and Lakeside Art Gallery.

Near Como, the Lago di Ossola Trail winds through pine forests and crystal-clear streams, ending at a secluded viewpoint overlooking the lake. For panoramic vistas, hike to Monte Legnone Observation Point, which rewards trekkers with sweeping views of the entire Lake Como basin and distant Milan skyline. The Valtellina Forest Reserve offers guided birdwatching and mountain biking routes, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Many hotels provide free maps and rental gear. Early morning hikes are especially magical, when mist rises off the lake and birds fill the air. These trails connect seamlessly with the region’s extensive network of cycling paths and lake-access points.

Absolutely. Como is ideal for solo travelers seeking peace and inspiration. Stay at Hotel Albergo del Lago, a quiet lakeside retreat with private balconies overlooking the water, perfect for reading or journaling. The town’s narrow cobblestone streets, peaceful churches, and lakeside benches invite slow exploration. Join a solo wellness retreat or a painting class by the lake at local art studios. Evening walks along the promenade, combined with a quiet espresso at a corner café, create a deeply restorative rhythm. The low-key atmosphere, minimal crowds outside peak season, and strong sense of community make Como a haven for introspective travelers.