The first day of your holiday will most likely be dedicated to getting settled in the apartment. In all of our holiday apartments you will find water in the fridge, coffee and tea in the kitchen as well as basic condiments (salt, sugar, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and some extras). We’ll also leave a bottle of local wine on the table for you ๐
In the bathroom you will find some toilet paper, hand soap and of course fresh towels and sheets.
That should be enough for the first day but you’ll probably want to stock up on groceries and other things you will need for your stay.
Grocery shopping in Porlezza
There are 3 big supermarkets in porlezza (one in Porlezza itself and 2 just outside, less than 5 minutes drive away).
Ortalli – Via Osteno nยฐ 1, 22018 Porlezza (CO)
Billa – Ss85 Fr.Piano Di Porlezza, 22010 Carlazzo (Co), COMO
Iperal – Via Statale, 3 Carlazzo CO
The Billa and Iperal are cheaper (also bigger so more on offer) but require a short drive.
For specialty items or smaller shopping there is a grocery store (alimentariย )ย and a butcher/deli shop (macelleria / salumeria) just outside the apartments! To get to both of them just head out of the apartments, turn right and then left into the little alley leading to the main street. The Butcher will be right in front of you and the grocery store a bit more to the right. Since the apartments are int he middle of the old town all the streets and alleys are for pedestrians only and everything s within a very short walking distance.
Also, every Saturday is market day in Porlezza. A short (5 minutes) walk from the apartments, on the promenade and the nearby streets you will find great market stalls with anything from clothes. household things and of course plenty of fresh local produce.
Dining out in Porlezza
You might not be feeling up for much cooking on your first day after your flight, so after you’ve stocked up and got back to the apartment, we highly recommend taking a walk around the old town in the little alleys and down to the lake front. Take some time, sit down at Bar Italia by the water and have a cup of coffee. We really think it is the best coffee in Italy (believe us…we’ve tried more than a few places!), Have some Gelato at Viscontiโs and if youโre hungry you can enjoy a quick and very tasty meal at Pronto Pizza, just outside the apartments! Fabio, the owner and head chef there, makes his own pasta, bread and pizza dough and his food is rustic, filling, full of flavor and inexpensive.
Feel like going for a fancier meal? For the complete white map on the table experience, try Mani Pasta on the promenade.
Another restaurant we highly recommend is Trattoria della Vigna in Begna (read ben-ya). Gourmet food, amazing staff, fresh local produce and affordable prices!
Map of Amenities in Porlezza, including Supermarkets, restaurants and gelaterias!
That’s it for this post. Next time we’ll list other services you might need on your stay!
Have fun!
