Malgrate, Lake Como
CHIUDI
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Malgrate, Lake Como
CHIUDI
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en_GB it_IT de_DE fr_FR

Experiences

DISCOVER OUR "BRANCH OF LAKE COMO"

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EXPERIENCE LAKE COMO FROM THE WATER

There's the Lake Como you see from the shore. And then there's the Lake Como that reveals itself only when you're on the water.

The villas that open up to the lake, revealing themselves to those who sail by. The villages that look like paintings from a distance. The silence you never find on land—not even in the quietest spots.

Our Cranchi E30 awaits at our private pier, just steps from the hotel. Space for up to eight guests from your private party, a captain who knows every hidden corner worth seeing, and no one else on board but you.

Departing from Malgrate, spend two hours cruising the eastern branch to Varenna and Bellagio, passing Villa Monastero and Villa Melzi. Or take a full day to stop wherever you like, lunch on the water, swim in a spot that feels like it's yours alone. An aperitivo at sunset, with the mountains turning violet.

Six tours to choose from, from ninety minutes to a full day. Every outing is private. Different experiences, each designed to match what you're looking for. Because the best way to see the lake is your way.
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The best memory you can have is the feeling a special holiday has given you.

The area surrounding the Hotel Promessi Sposi is an extremely fascinating spot and it has been a holiday destination since the second half of the 19th century. It is capable of interweaving nature and sports, cultural heritage, food and wine and entertainment.

The incredible selection of experiences is due to the location of the hotel.

The lake provides water adventures such as sailing and kitesurfing, while the mountains have beautiful hiking trails and sports such as climbing, paragliding, golf, and mountain biking.

Lake Como is ready to surprise you and make each day unique.

Our local heritage is quite abundant, with many churches, abbeys, and picturesque villages that line the shores of the lake. Let’s not forget our proximity to cities such as Como, Lecco and Milan, with events such as the Lecco FilmFest and Design Week.

Agriculture, animal farms and fishing round out the many local experiences, where you can try our cheeses, cured meats, olive oil, and wine.

THE LAKE

To experience a fabulous stay you have the option of renting a sailboat, a speedboat, or a motorboat, and you can decide on whether you'd like to try kitesurfing or simply relax at the beaches with beach umbrellas and chaise lounges that we have selected for you.

With public boats or your own private boat you can visit picturesque villages with unforgettable views.

THE HISTORIC VILLAS OF LAKE COMO

Villa Monastero in Varenna
Villa Melzi in Bellagio and the botanical gardens
Villa Balbianello in Lenno
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo
enogastronomia

FOOD AND WINE

Our food and wine menus are one of the strengths of our Hotel, with our Italian cuisine and local farm-to-table products.

Our tasting menus will take you on a discovery of local farms and their products.

FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCES:

The dairies and mountain pastures of Valsassina: the Italian dairy heartland
The wines of Brianza: in a protected natural park, among the hills of Montevecchia
Native cured meats: from salami to prosciutto
The oil mills of Perledo and Bellano: the olive oil of Lake Como
Valtellina: the vineyards, mountains and typical dishes of the valley
The farmhouses and local nature hikes

THE MOUNTAINS

The green mountains surrounding Lake Como are criss-crossed with trails that wind through forests, meadows, rocks and walls. The trails are suitable for all levels. Starting from the lakeshore, you can reach the highest peaks and the more than 2,400-metre-high Grigna.

MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCES:

Easy trails and walks for families
Cable cars in Lecco and Valsassina
Winter ski resorts just minutes from the hotel
Dozens of high altitude chalets for a rest stop and a traditional meal
Guided and self-guided trails, on foot or by mountain bike

JUST THE RIGHT STAY FOR EVERY NEED.

Experience it all!

Only hotel guests have access to the experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best experiences to have on Lake Como?

Lake Como offers a mix of natural beauty, historic villas and Italian lifestyle. The most memorable experiences include: exploring the lake by boat, whether by public ferry or, far better, by private motorboat departing from the eastern arm for a more relaxed and authentic experience; visiting the great villas and their gardens (Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi, Villa del Balbianello); strolling the Malgrate lakefront, the narrow streets of Bellagio or Varenna; enjoying long lunches or dinners at the water's edge; and simply watching the light change on the water and mountains at different times of day. For something truly distinctive, a private motorboat trip captures the essence of Lake Como's historic charm. Hotel Promessi Sposi offers a signature motorboat experience, a Cranchi yacht built right on Lake Como, one of the few hotels in the area with this option, allowing guests to explore the lake in the most authentic and exclusive way.

What is the most iconic way to experience Lake Como?

The image most associated with Lake Como is a classic motorboat gliding across the water, with villas and mountains as backdrop. This is not just a tourist cliché, it is an authentic part of the lake's heritage. For decades, Lake Como has been a refuge for those seeking elegance and privacy, and the private boat has always been the preferred way to get around. Public ferries are practical and scenic, but a private motorboat trip offers freedom, intimacy and a completely different perspective on the lake. Hotel Promessi Sposi has made this a signature experience for guests, offering private motorboat excursions on a Cranchi E30 Endurance yacht that capture the lifestyle Lake Como has always represented.

Can I rent a boat on Lake Como?

Yes, there are several options. You can rent small electric boats or motorboats without a licence in some towns, though availability varies and these tend to be basic vessels. For a more authentic experience, you can hire a boat with a local skipper who knows the lake and can take you to the best spots, including the scenic points near the villas that are only accessible from the water. Some luxury hotels offer private boat experiences for their guests. Hotel Promessi Sposi is one of the few hotels in the Lecco area that offers a dedicated motorboat experience, with tailor-made excursions for guests who want to discover the lake personally rather than joining a crowded group tour.

What should I absolutely not miss when visiting Lake Como?

Beyond the obvious highlights, Bellagio, the villas, the views, consider these: a meal at a serious restaurant using local ingredients, not a tourist pizzeria; a sunset aperitivo watching the light on the mountains; a walk along a quieter stretch of lakefront away from the main tourist routes; and at least one experience on the water itself, ideally by private boat. The lake reveals its character slowly, so taking time to simply sit and watch is as important as ticking off the sights. Hotel Promessi Sposi brings many of these elements together: a lakeside bistrot with artisan pizza, a gourmet restaurant, a rooftop bar with exceptional panoramic views, a position on the most admired lakefront on Lake Como, and a private motorboat experience.

What romantic experiences can I have on Lake Como?

Lake Como has been a romantic destination for centuries, and the ingredients are timeless: light, water, mountains, beautiful architecture, good food and the feeling of being somewhere special. The most romantic experiences include: a private boat trip during the golden hour, when the lake is calm and the light is soft; dinner on a terrace overlooking the water; an early morning walk through a villa garden before the crowds arrive; a spa session together; and returning to a beautiful room with nothing planned for the evening. The key is choosing a base that offers these elements without requiring constant driving or complex logistics. Hotel Promessi Sposi brings together a spa with lake views, three dining options including a rooftop bar and a private motorboat experience, all in one place on the tranquil eastern shore.

Are there hidden gems on Lake Como?

Beyond the famous names, Lake Como has much to discover. Varenna has the romantic Passeggiata degli Innamorati along the water. Pescallo, a tiny fishing hamlet just below Bellagio, offers a glimpse of old lake life. The Greenway del Lago on the western shore connects villages and villas away from the main road. On the eastern shore, Lecco itself is less touristy but has authentic Italian atmosphere, good restaurants and the landscapes that inspired Alessandro Manzoni's novel The Betrothed. The mountains behind Lecco offer outstanding hikes: the Grigne massif topping 2,400m above Mandello del Lario, home of Moto Guzzi and a pilgrimage site for motorcycling enthusiasts, and the Via del Viandante from Lecco to Colico, one of the finest lakeside walking routes in Europe. The walks above Malgrate, Civate and Valmadrera are easy and scenic, with the little-known monastery of San Pietro al Monte as a highlight. Hotel Promessi Sposi in Malgrate, next to Lecco, is an excellent base for exploring these lesser-known corners of the lake.

Is Bellagio on Lake Como worth visiting?

Yes, Bellagio deserves its reputation. The town sits at the point where Lake Como divides into two arms, offering views in every direction. The steep cobblestone streets, the gardens of Villa Melzi, the small shops and cafés all have genuine charm. That said, Bellagio is small and very heavily visited. Most people find half a day is enough to see the main sights and have a meal. Crowds peak between late morning and late afternoon, so timing matters. Many visitors prefer to stay elsewhere on the lake and come to Bellagio for an afternoon or evening, enjoying it at a slower pace once the day-trippers have left. Hotel Promessi Sposi is about 20 minutes from Bellagio by car, close enough for easy visits while offering a calmer base. We also recommend visiting Bellagio and the central lake by motorboat, to access the villas directly without traffic.

How much time do I need in Bellagio?

For most visitors, half a day is enough to walk the main streets, visit one of the villa gardens (Villa Melzi is the most accessible), have lunch or dinner and enjoy the lake views. If you want to visit Villa Melzi thoroughly or prefer a very leisurely pace with multiple coffee and aperitivo stops, a full day works well. Staying in Bellagio itself is an option but not necessary, since the town is small and accommodation is limited and very expensive. A common approach is to base yourself elsewhere on the lake and visit Bellagio once or twice during your stay, perhaps once during the day and once in the evening for dinner. Hotel Promessi Sposi is 20 minutes from Bellagio by car, making it easy to visit whenever you like without committing to staying there.

Which other towns should I visit on Lake Como besides Bellagio?

Varenna is a favourite: a colourful small village on the eastern shore with Villa Monastero and its botanical garden, a romantic lakeside walkway, though equally expensive and crowded. Menaggio on the western shore has a pleasant lakefront and a more local atmosphere than some of its neighbours. Tremezzo is worth a stop for Villa Carlotta, one of the most impressive villa gardens on the lake. The city of Como, at the southern tip, offers a historic cathedral, elegant piazzas and the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views. Lecco, on the eastern shore, is a real town famous for Alessandro Manzoni's novel The Betrothed, with good restaurants, a lively lakefront and mountain trails starting right from the upper neighbourhoods. Hotel Promessi Sposi is in Malgrate, next to Lecco, well positioned for day trips to all of these destinations.

Is Varenna or Bellagio better?

They are different. Bellagio is larger, more famous and better equipped, with more shops, restaurants and visitor facilities. Varenna is smaller but equally crowded and expensive. Villa Monastero in Varenna is a beautiful visit, and the Passeggiata degli Innamorati is one of the most romantic walks on the lake. Varenna also has a train station, making it accessible without a car. Some travellers prefer Varenna precisely because it feels slightly less invaded. The best approach is to visit both: they are only about 15 minutes apart by ferry. If you are based on the eastern shore near Lecco, both are easy day trips. Hotel Promessi Sposi is south of Varenna, about 20 minutes by car, and roughly the same distance from Bellagio, so you can easily compare them for yourself.

Can I visit the villas on Lake Como without staying in them?

Absolutely. The villas are spread around the entire lake and most are accessible by car, ferry or boat. Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) and Villa del Balbianello (Lenno) are on the western shore. Villa Monastero is in Varenna on the eastern shore. Villa Melzi is in Bellagio but requires no overnight stay, just a visit of an hour or two. Many villas are best seen from the water, where you can appreciate their gardens and façades without going inside. A boat trip, whether by public ferry or private motorboat, is one of the best ways to see multiple villas in a single day. Hotel Promessi Sposi offers a motorboat experience that can include scenic passes by the villas along the route, and the hotel's location on the eastern shore provides easy access to villas on both sides of the lake.

Contact us

Tel +39 0341 202096
info@hotelpromessisposi.it

Viale Italia 4 - 23864 Malgrate (LC)
Lago di Como – Italia
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GDS Codes:
Amadeus: OK BGYPRS
Sabre: OK 600529
Galileo: OK H4981
Worldspan: OK 23451
Malgrate, Lake Como © PROMESSI SPOSI 2026
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