As a photographer, looking at new landscapes is always a delight. And for me, every trip to Italy feels like a gentle reshaping of my understanding of beauty. When I think I can no longer be surprised, I’m proven wrong. I always come back feeling as time has paused.
Recently I got married and for our honeymoon we chose to visit Lake Como in Autumn. A city located in the Lombardy region. Our civil ceremony took place in Zurich, Switzerland, just a three-hour train ride away. An important detail, since we didn’t have many days to travel.
After returning I can say that staying in the city of Como was the perfect choice. It’s comfortable to walk around, small enough to navigate easily, yet deep enough to get lost in its autumn light, the movement of the water, and its charming blend of Italian architecture and Alpine atmosphere.
From Como, you can easily visit small villages and towns that line the shores of Lake Como .Each one offering its own version of magic. Sailing across the lake under the soft autumn light, watching it filter through a delicate mist, feels like drifting through a painting.
In this post, I’ll share a glimpse of the beauty and stillness we experienced over four unforgettable days.
Accommodation — The City of Como
We stayed at Casa Gentile, a charming traditional Italian house where we were warmly welcomed by Lidia and her husband, Teo.
Breakfast was a highlight: fresh croissants, muffins, and creamy cappuccinos every morning. La dolce vita, finally! But what truly made our stay special was the kindness of our hosts, who made us feel completely at home.
Casa Gentile was just steps away from the historic center and the lake — perfect for wandering around aimlessly. We had no itinerary; we simply let the city guide us, choosing to experience it rather than consume it.
Slow Travel and the Art of Wandering
My husband and I are firm believers in slow travel. On this trip, we gave ourselves permission to simply go with the flow. To follow conversations, smells, and sounds, rather than a checklist.
We did only the most basic research before arriving and kept our hearts open to whatever came our way.
Lately, I’ve realized that traveling this way makes life — and photography — far more interesting. It takes away the pressure of having “the perfect trip” or “the perfect photo in the perfect place.”
Over-tourism has robbed many travelers of the ability to be enchanted. But when you travel slowly, you rediscover the joy of seeing, feeling, and connecting. You can create experiences that are truly your own.
What We Loved Most About Como
As someone deeply inspired by water, a boat ride on Lake Como in autumn was a must. Floating through the lake, surrounded by charming communes along its coast, was indescribable.
The autumn light reflecting on the water was breathtaking.
We also loved taking the funicolare, a steep cable train that goes up to Brunate, a hilltop neighborhood overlooking Como. From there, we watched the city from above and witnessed a stunning sunset.
Our favorite restaurants in Como were:
- L’Antica Trattoria — incredible wagyu beef, listed multiple times in the Michelin Guide.
- Bottega Comicini — generous portions and cozy atmosphere.
- Restaurant Sociale — the best carbonara I’ve ever had!
And as for coffee shops: there were so many charming ones that I lost count (and their names, haha).
Moltrasio and Cernobbio
As true flâneurs, we wandered around Como and decided to explore two small nearby towns: Moltrasio and Cernobbio.
We didn’t plan which to visit, we simply went where the crowds weren’t.
To reach Moltrasio, we took a 30-minute boat ride. This tiny commune clings to the mountainside, facing the lake. With fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, it’s a gem of quiet beauty.
What stood out most were the kindness of the locals, the refreshing Alpine breeze, and a beautiful waterfall that runs through the town.
We had lunch at La Baia di Moltrasio, where I ordered a fresh, delicate, red shrimp. Later, we stopped at Bar Al Centrale for dessert and coffee, where we tasted the best tiramisu and baked cheesecake of the trip. (Can we go back already?)
Before leaving, we visited the local cemetery to see a war memorial. There, a kind elderly woman approached me and told me, in Italian, that her grandfather was one of the men honored there. Though my Italian is basic, I understood her story, and her warmth.
A few days later, we visited Cernobbio, just a 20-minute bus ride from Como. We explored Villa Bernasconi, a museum that tells the story of the region’s textile heritage. Afterwards, we had lunch at a small local restaurant serving pranzo di lavoro — the Italian version of a simple, hearty worker’s lunch.
That day, heavy fog and light rain wrapped the entire region in a melancholic beauty, perfect for photography.
Both towns gave us a glimpse into real local life, far from the tourist trails, enriching our experience of Lake Como in autumn even more.
Time Offline and Artistic Photography
During this trip, I chose to disconnect from my phone and capture everything with my FujiFilm X100VI camera.
This break from screens allowed me to see more deeply, to photograph with intention and feel more like an artist than a documentarian. It became both a creative exercise and a personal retreat.
I hope you enjoy the images from this journey as much as I enjoyed creating them. I was inspired at every moment by the gentle, golden light of autumn on Lake Como.
See you in the next adventure!
