Lake Como - tell me everything (please)!

[PaperBlinds]

We are heading to Lake Como at the start of August for a week, but my social media keeps showing scenes of huge queues and mass tourism and over crowed trains. I know it's just the algorithm, but it's making me feel quite stressed. Yes I know we are going in high season and are likely part of the problem.

Please can you tell me all the good bits? We won't have a car, and are not very adventurous, but with two older teens we do want to see some sights and swim.

Can any one reassure me?

Where are you staying?

Trains where? There are ferries and buses(if not for the faint hearted). We went late July/August one year and only the most popular towns like Bellagio were crowded.

We are staying in Como, a bit out of the centre quite near the funicular I think.
Trains from ?? to Como - I keep seeing thes awful Instagram post with thousands of toursits tring to get on trains - apparently to Como.

@LIZS why "not for the faint hearted"?! this is what is concerning me!

We will be travelling from Milan after a day in the city (trying to find shade I suspect)

We went last August and had a fabulous time. Trains were totally fine, don’t remember them being busy at all. The tourist hotspots were busy as you’d expect but it wasn’t hard to get away from it all. Have a brilliant time, it’s wonderful.

The bus follows a rather windy route along west side. Ds threw up when we reached Como from Tremezzo. Probably a combination of heat and the speed, but it was not that crowded. We took the boat back but it took much longer. The villas are great to visit and there is viewpoint above Como.

You might bump into George Clooney.

The funicular is brilliant. Make sure you’re there in good time to catch the very first one of the day, since the queues will mount up fast after that.

Don’t bother trying to catch one of the tourist boats - they’ll be packed. I queued for one & then seethed as a tour guide in front of me bought a load of tickets & led his troop on (they were sitting to the side so I hadn’t realised what was going on) to fill the boat. I had a great time on the ferries though & again, the earlier the better.

We went last month and although it was busy we still managed to find quieter areas. It was an easy train journey from Milan - just get on the train with a bit more time before departure time so that you get seats. Just try and know the bus and boat times. There are some fast boats which are really good. We were fortunate to get a taxi a couple of times but they are overpriced, you are better off using a fast boat. Have fun and enjoy. I would definitely go back but not sure what it’s like in August.