Lake Como is one of Italy’sabsolute highlights, with its attractive towns and villages dotted around abeautiful blue lake, framed by incredible natural beauty of forest-clad hillsand mountains. The area has been a popular holidaydestination since Roman times, and it’s not hard to tell why. Explore thecobblestone streets and discover the medieval attractions, lavish palaces,traditional pizzerias and ice cream parlours. Visit luxury resorts, alpinevillages and sleepy fishing communities and enjoy outdoor adventures, like watersports, biking and skiing.
Visit the walled city of Comoon the lake’s south-westerly tip for its grand historic centre and the stunningVillaOlmo. Ride the funicular from Como to Brunate,an alpine village and enjoy its hiking trails and unforgettable viewpoints.Explore Cernobbio, just an hour’s walk from Como, which is home to the 16thCentury Villa d’Este and its 25-acre (10-hectare) garden. Admire the viewsacross to the lake’s eastern arm from the unpretentious Argegno.
Spend some time in Lake Como’sGolden Triangle. Don’t miss the luxury resort of Bellagio,where waterfront promenades and cobblestone streets lead to lavish palaces andstunning landscapes. Hike wooded hills and sit at a café-lined piazza inMenaggio. Learn about the region’s medieval fishing history at Varenna andrelax in sleepy Cadenabbia.
In the lake’s south-eastern corner is Lecco,a city that attracts artists with its mountainous landscapes and Romanesquearchitecture. Nearby Cassinabecomes a popular ski resort during the winter months. On the northern shore,both Colico and Domaso are lively water sports centres. Try kite surfing,sailing and windsurfing amid breathtaking scenery.
Lake Como and itsattractions are perfect for day trips, weekend breaks, adventure holidays andhoneymoons. Get around the towns and villages via buses, boats and ferries oron foot and rented bike. Stay overnight at hostels, guesthouses and upscaleresorts and bask in the lake’s romanticism. Of all of Italy’s picturesquelakes, many describe Lake Como as the most alluring.
