About Lake Como

This jewel in the crown of Italy’s famous lakes is a haven of tranquility, superb cuisine, majestic snow capped mountains, courteous folk and style.

Lake Como is 50 km long and west of Menaggio is where the lake splits in two. The mountains around the lake are 2000 m high and the lake up to 1350 feet deep, making it one of the deepest lakes in Europe. When visiting Lake Como there are places to see and things to do. Like most Italian towns off the beaten track, the locals know where to go, but do not make it too obvious to strangers. Although when you arrive you are always welcome.

Lake Como is however renowned for its exquisite villas, and probably the most famous one is Villa Carlotta, a combination of luxurious interiors and art collections. The grounds have exotic and lush plant growth (over 500 species of plants, trees and shrubs from all over the world). The old town in Como is still to this day protected by high walls, but is populated by small and interesting local and designer shops. Strolling through these streets on a Saturday afternoon is part of the local culture. Grab a latte at one of the many street cafes and watch the elegant procession of young and old alike in all their finery.

Being at the head of the lake, Como looks down the lake toward Cernobbio on the left, home to one the word’s finest hotels; The Villa D’Este where many celebrities may be found taking a quiet break. Now that George Clooney has bought property near here, we imagine there will be a lot more.

There are enough lakeside towns and villages to explore for many weeks. If you want to relax, then just drift around these spectacular towns, steeped in history, dine on the finest Italian cuisine, watch the locals go about their business and the watchers watching everyone else.

Principal Towns of Lake Como

Como
Como is a lively and pleasant town with an appealing historical centre and a scenic location at the southern end of the east branch of Lake Como. The impressive cathedral (Duomo), like most in Italy, was built and added to over a period of centuries, so you can admire Gothic and Renaissance features including some fine tapestries and paintings. The town's earlier cathedral (built in the tenth century), San Fedele, is another fine sight, as are the tall nine-hundred-year-old gateway, Porta Vittoria, and the Romanesque church Sant'Abbondio. The town's art gallery (Pinacoteca) is also worth a visit. For a short trip out of town, take the funicular up to the top of the hill above Como, where you can enjoy spectacular views. If you want a taste of contemporary Italian culture, Como's football team, play at a fairly high level, so if your timing is right you could see a decent football match.

Menaggio
Menaggio is a popular holiday destination, with a good range of hotels. The town is located on the western shore of Lake Como, and has a beach. From Menaggio you can travel to Lake Lugano or embark on mountain hikes. The town is a useful base for exploring Lake Como; with good bus and ferry connections. Menaggio Tourist Information Office is in the central Piazza Garibaldi, and can supply plenty of useful information on attractions and activities in the area.

Bellagio
Bellagio is a beautiful hilly town in a picture-perfect location on the promentory where Lake Como separates into two branches. The town is historic and charming, with promenades, stately hotels and gardens open to the public, including Villa Serbelloni. Bellagio Tourist Information Office is on Piazza dell Chiesa.

Varenna
Varenna is a peaceful resort, smaller than Bellagio and also very beautiful. You can admire views from the Castello de Vezio or simply relax by the lakside. Varenna Tourist Information Office is in Piazza San Giorgio.

Lecco
Lecco is a rather commercial and industrialised town on the least touristy section of Lake Como, the fiord-like eastern branch of the lake. However, the town has good public transport, good opportunities for serious mountain-walking.