The Moment I Saw This Gorgeous Lake Como Airbnb, I Knew I Had to Plan a Trip to Perledo

Maybe it’s because I’m a dreamer, or maybe it’s because I’m slightly impulsive, but whenever I’m planning a trip, I start by browsing Airbnb. I find it the easiest way to envision my time away, and I dropped the notion a long time ago that you don’t actually spend time in your accommodations. That’s how I ended up finding myself in a teeny town called Perledo this past summer—my mom had always dreamed of visiting Lake Como for her birthday, so I decided to see what great accommodations I could find in the area for a visit in August, her birth month.

For a stay in Italy, if it’s sleek, minimalist, or modern, keep it away from me. I’m drawn to homes that feel like a reflection of the country I’m in—something uncommon with character and a story. So when I found this unbelievably charming rental in Perledo—a quiet village in the hills above Varenna, overlooking Lake Como—on the Airbnb platform, I booked it for my mom, sister, and I before we even had flights. I mean, look at it!

My family and I arrived in Lake Como on a scorching August day after spending seven days in Sardinia. After a flight, bus, train, and short taxi ride up and around the mountain, we were thrilled to land in our new home. A few days before our arrival, our host, Giulia (having the same name as her felt like a good omen to me!), helped us navigate getting to the apartment from the train, offering us multiple numbers for local taxis, as we hadn’t wanted to rent a car. (I’m glad we went that route, because I wouldn’t have wanted to deal with parking.)

Upon entering the home, after several trips up and down the stairs, we threw down our bags and immediately made our way onto the balcony. The sunlight beamed through the French doors with the mountains in the background, and the smell of crisp Alpine air made the three of us pause. Staring at the boats as they glided through the water, we all immediately forgot about the long journey it took to get there.

We discovered a bottle of red wine, taralli, and a bunch of Nespresso pods waiting for us on the kitchen table, and I was delighted to find the pantry filled with essentials—salt, pepper, olive oil, and vinegar. You know, those items you might need to complete a meal or a snack, but are annoying to buy on vacation.

The apartment felt warm from the sunlight, but also by design. The pearly walls, with green cabinets and warm wood accents, felt very grounding, like an extension of the atmosphere outside. The tile flooring in the living area reminded me of my cousin’s house in Rome, and the pistachio-green-framed window in the bathroom opened wide for a clear picture of the mountains and lake.

After already spending a week with my mom and sister, I was ready for some space, so I opted for the sofa bed with a memory foam topper in the living room. The bed was already made, so it was easy to slip into the soft sheets for a nap after my shower. Throughout the stay, we were mindful not to let the hot water meter fall below a certain level, per Giulia’s advice, but between the three of us, we rarely came close.