21/09/2026
🇺🇸 THE NEW YORK TIMES SPENDS 36 HOURS ON LAKE COMO
Lake Como is once again in the international spotlight. This time, The New York Times has dedicated its famous “36 Hours” travel series to the Lario, creating a weekend itinerary that goes far beyond the usual stops in Bellagio and Varenna.
Published on September 17, the guide by Laura Rysman explores Como, Lenno, Tremezzo, Laglio, Brienno and Nesso, mixing historic villas, gardens, local food, art, silk-making traditions and life along the lake.
🚤 And the journey starts from the water — with the suggestion of experiencing Lake Como by ferry or private boat, looking back toward villas, gardens, villages and mountains from a completely different perspective.
🌿 BEYOND BELLAGIO AND VARENNA
One of the most interesting messages from the article is simple: keep exploring.
The NYT highlights places such as Lenno, Laglio and Brienno as quieter alternatives to some of the lake's busiest destinations, while also recommending iconic places such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.
And then there is Nesso, with its dramatic gorge, waterfall and the famous Ponte della Civera — another reminder that some of Lake Como's most unforgettable views are found away from the biggest tourist crowds.
🍝 Food is also part of the journey, with traditional restaurants and new-generation dining, from lakeside trattorias to Michelin-starred Materia in Cernobbio.
💙 A DIFFERENT WAY TO SEE LAKE COMO
Perhaps the most interesting part of this 36-hour journey is that it doesn't present Lake Como only as a luxury destination or a postcard.
It tells the story of a lake where historic villas coexist with new hotels, centuries-old traditions with contemporary restaurants, and international tourism with everyday local life.
And maybe that's the real secret of Lake Como:
Don't just visit the famous places. Follow the lake.
Take the roads, discover the villages, stop for lunch, walk along the waterfront — and see what you find.
