How Old Money Spend Their Summers at Lake Como

Tucked away in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como isn’t just a postcard-perfect retreat—it’s a bastion of old-world elegance where tradition, discretion, and generational wealth dictate the rhythm of life. While influencers chase angles for the perfect shot, the old money crowd moves through Como with quiet purpose, curated rituals, and centuries of refinement.

So, how do they spend their time? Let’s step into their shoes—Italian leather, of course—and take a closer look.

1. Mornings on the Water (Without the Spectacle)

Forget jet skis. Mornings begin with serene boat rides aboard classic Riva Aquaramas—mahogany vessels restored to their original 1960s splendor. They drift quietly across the lake from villa to villa, visiting friends or simply sipping an espresso as the mist lifts from the water.

2. Tennis, Not Tanning

Afternoons might include a match on a private clay court, often hidden within the grounds of a historic estate. This isn’t sport for Instagram—it’s tradition. No logos. No fanfare. Just linen shorts, wooden rackets (yes, some still use them), and post-match Aperol spritzes under wisteria vines.

3. Long Lunches, Longer Conversations

Lunches are affairs of languid elegance. Think garden tables shaded by lemon trees, simple but flawless meals—grilled branzino, garden tomatoes, and prosecco from a friend’s vineyard. Guests know not to check their phones. The currency here is conversation.

4. Cultural Patronage, Quietly

Afternoons often involve visits to lesser-known galleries or private showings with local artists. Old money doesn't flaunt, but they invest in culture. Restoration of chapels, funding of music festivals, anonymous support of Como's libraries—these are the subtle marks they leave behind.

5. Evenings by Candlelight

Dinners are either intimate or grand, but never ostentatious. Think strings of lanterns, old family silver, and menus scribbled in cursive on thick stock. Attire leans toward the timeless—navy blazers, pearl earrings, and heirloom watches that haven’t ticked in a generation but are worn for legacy.

6. No Photos, No Proof, No Problem

The real luxury? Privacy. You won’t find many of them online. Their stories live in memory, not on feeds. As they say on the lake, “If everyone knows you were there, you weren’t.”

Whether you're dreaming of visiting or simply fascinated by the social choreography of the old guard, Lake Como offers a glimpse into a world that refuses to be rushed. A world where style is quiet, time is abundant, and history isn’t read—it’s inherited.