CERNOBBIO
Cernobbio, the beauty of villas and nature
Sitting at the feet of Monte Bisbino, Cernobbio is a small town located northwest of Como.
It is a popular holiday resort because of its proximity to the city of Como, 10 minutes away by car, and other popular lake towns such as Argegno and Tremezzina, all reachable by bus in respectively 20 and 35 minutes.
Cernobbio is also home to some of the most famous Lake Como villas, including the awesome Villa d’Este and Villa Erba. You can reach all these villas with a nice walk through the picturesque town of Cernobbio.
Enjoy your trip and find out the best things to do in Cernobbio during your holidays!
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Sights & things to do
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Sights & things to do
Villa Bernasconi
The history of Cernobbio dates back to the 12th century, when a small village started to arise next to a Christian cloister called Caenobium. Later, the introduction of a silk farm (owned by the rich Bernasconi family) was the reason of a major growth of the town.
When you get to Cernobbio from Como, you will come across Villa Bernasconi, the villa that was once the residence of the wealthy Bernasconi family.
Over time, the villa has become an important cultural center and one of the most sought after Lake Como wedding venues because of its typical Liberty style and its wide garden, which makes it the perfect place to hold an elegant party.
Villa Bernasconi is open to the public on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm.
Villa Erba
100 meters ahead, 3 minutes walk, Villa Erba is where the famous director and screenwriter Luchino Visconti spent many of his summers.
Villa Erba is a true masterpiece of 1800’s architecture, full of breathtaking frescos, rooms with inlaid walls, and majestic dancing halls that will let you live the atmospheres of The Leopard (Il Gattopardo).
Today, the villa still hosts many cultural and music events, in addition to weddings and international conferences or fairs. When no event is scheduled, visits are by appointment only and for groups of 10-15 people (entry is free unless you need a guided tour).
You can visit Villa Erba when it hosts public events (fairs, concerts, etc.) or during specific days of the year. Click here, browse the website and find out your favourite event!
Notice that, if you are part of a group of at least 18 people, you can book a guided tour (contact info@grandigiardini.it for more information).
From Piazza Risorgimento you will be on the lake promenade of Cernobbio. Here, both locals and residents enjoy taking an awe-inspiring view of Lake Como.
This part of the town is locally known as Riva di Cernobbio and hosts many bars, restaurants, and even a playground for children.
If you are a music lover, you will love the many events and concerts that take place on the Riva during summer.
Additionally, do not miss the chance to take a boat ride from the pier of Navigazione Lago di Como to other destinations of your interest, such as Como, Argegno, or Bellagio.
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A few tips for your stay in Cernobbio
After a short walk across the narrow streets of Cernobbio, 10 minutes walk from Riva di Cernobbio, you can reach the magnificent Villa d’Este, a Renaissance residence located on the shores of Lake Como.
Villa d’Este has always been a resort for politicians, intellectuals, and ecclesiastics; today the villa is a luxury hotel with room rates averaging €540 a night and hosts important international conferences (like Concorso d’Eleganza, or the Ambrosetti Forum), in addition to wealthy visitors and tourists.
Those who prefer doing some hill walking can go for the long-distance footpath called Via dei Monti Lariani.
This natural path starts in Cernobbio, at the feet of Monte Bisbino, and ends 125 km later in Sorico.
The natural path is divided into four steps and gives you the chance to spend the night within the refuges or hotels located along the path.
Private and public tours
If you are looking for private boat tours from Cernobbio, here are some options that may be right for you!
Looking for information about public boat service? Read my guide to boats and ferries on Lake Como.
Public boat service is perfect if you are on a day trip and want to start your journey from Como, Varenna or other towns of the lake.
Beaches in Cernobbio
If you are in Cernobbio and want to relax on a beach, you can go to the Lido di Cernobbio, which is equipped with bar, wifi and gazebos.
Discover the best beaches in Lake Como!
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Want to see more hotels, apartments or villas?
Check out my entire selection of the best places to stay in Lake Como!
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