The Place we Met

Travel Guide

Lake Como

To find the secret beach where Taggie meets Marco, take the boat up from Como to Bellagio, head up the hill directly opposite the harbour and turn right at the top. Follow the road along until you pass a primary school (on your right), then take the narrow uphill pathway to the left. This will lead you up, then downwards again to the shore. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the cobbled stone walls on either side on the walkway.

From the centre of Como, follow the path along the western shore through the park and past the imposing war memorial to the Aero Club, which is where you’ll find all the ducks and seagulls that Taggie likes to feed every morning – and where she and Lucy later bump into each other. It’s a beautiful spot to take pictures, and you can watch the seaplanes coming in to land on the water.

To sample the George Clooney wine that Pete wanted to buy for Lucy, head to La Lanterna in Bellagio for a glass or two, plus a delicious tricolore salad (trust me, it’s incredible). Situated halfway up the cobbled shopping street in the heart of the town, it’s a great spot to people watch, and they also sell miniature bottles of limoncello that you can take home as gifts.

If you’re visiting the area during winter, do not miss the Como Christmas Market, which starts in Piazza Cavour and leads up the street towards the Cathedral. The lights, music and decorations alone are worth the trip, and there’s also an ice rink. When Taggie tried to skate around it, she ended up being crashed into by a tall, dark, sexy Italian man, so it’s got to be worth a shot!

Lastly, do as Pete and Lucy did and take the funicular from the eastern side of the shore up to Brunate, for views over the lake that will make any Instagram feed come alive with little red hearts. The café right next-door to the station does the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted – honestly, it was like a cup of pure melted heaven.