Villa Olmo is more than a postcard backdrop — it is the beating heart of Como's western lakefront. Our apartments are in Rebbio, a quiet residential area on the southern edge of Como: about 15 minutes by car from the villa, a short bus ride from the centre, and right by the A9 motorway with easy parking. That gives our guests the best of both worlds — a calm local base, and Como's icons a few minutes away. Here is our honest, local guide to the 10 best things to do in the area.
Walk the Villa Olmo Lakefront Promenade
The path stretching from Villa Olmo toward the Sheraton and beyond is one of the most beautiful urban waterfront walks in Italy. In the morning, before the tourist boats arrive, it is almost entirely yours. Drive or take the bus down to the lake, park nearby, and start early — the reflections of the Alps on a still lake at 7am are worth the early alarm.
Take a Ferry to Cernobbio
From the ferry stops on Como's lakefront, a short boat ride takes you to Cernobbio — home to Villa d'Este, one of the world's most celebrated grand hotels, and a charming village centro that feels a world away from tourist Como. The ferry costs a few euros and the views crossing the lake are spectacular.
Rent a Wooden Rowing Boat
Several operators near the Villa Olmo area rent traditional wooden boats by the hour — no licence required. There is something almost meditative about rowing yourself across the transparent green water of the western branch of Lake Como, with the Alps as your backdrop and no engine noise to interrupt the silence.
Visit the Sheraton Lake Como Spa
Non-guests can access the Sheraton's pool and wellness facilities for a day rate. It sits right on the lakefront near Villa Olmo — an easy stop to pair with a promenade walk. The infinity pool overlooking the lake is justifiably famous.
Explore the Brunate Funicular
From Como city centre — about 15 minutes by car or a short bus ride from Rebbio — the Brunate funicular climbs in 7 minutes to a hilltop village at 720 metres. The panoramic view of the entire lake from Brunate is the single best aerial perspective you can get without a helicopter — and the funicular ride itself is a heritage experience dating back to 1894.
Eat at a Locals-Only Trattoria in Rebbio
Rebbio is a residential neighbourhood — which means it has the kind of small trattorie that tourist guides never cover. Handwritten menus, house wine served in ceramic jugs, and pasta made that morning, all a short walk from our apartments. Ask us at LoreLake Holidays and we will give you our personal shortlist — these places do not advertise online.
Day Trip to Varenna by Ferry
Varenna is widely considered the most beautiful village on the lake — and with good reason. Narrow alleyways, cascading wisteria, and a waterfront that seems to have been designed specifically to make you reconsider your entire life choices. From the Como ferry terminal, you can reach Varenna in under an hour.
Cycle the Via Regina to Cernobbio
The old Via Regina road runs north from Como along the western shore. Join it at the lakefront — a short ride or drive from Rebbio — and you have an exceptional ride with lake views the entire way, minimal traffic, and the kind of scenery that makes you forget you are exercising.
Watch Como 1907 at Sinigaglia Stadium
Como 1907 — now in Serie A — plays home matches at the historic Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, one of the most beautiful football grounds in Italy. It sits directly on the lakefront, about 5 minutes by car (or 10 by bus) from our properties. Tickets are available online. The atmosphere on matchday, with the lake behind the goal and the Alps above the grandstand, is extraordinary.
Sunrise at the Villa Olmo Gardens
Our favourite secret: if you arrive at the Villa Olmo gardens at dawn, before the gates officially open, the outer lakefront walkway is already accessible and entirely deserted. The morning light on the neoclassical facade, the mist lifting off the water, the absolute silence — it is one of the great free experiences in Italian travel. Set your alarm for 6am. You will not regret it.
Stay minutes from Como's icons
Our apartments in Rebbio put everything on this list within easy reach by car or bus — with parking and the motorway close by. Direct booking, no platform fees.
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