Visiting Lake Como
Lake Como is part of the chain of lakes tucked into the Lombard Prealps in northern Italy, about 28 miles north of Milan. A destination for travelers since Roman times, it has hosted royalty, literary giants like Stendhal and Liszt, and more recently, Hollywood figures like George Clooney. Numerous villas with elaborate gardens reflect this long-standing appeal. You can tour the villa del Balbianello, which has served as a filming location, or the villa Carlotta, a sprawling neoclassical residence built for Charlotte of Prussia.
Como, the lake's capital
Como is the largest city in the area and one of the oldest. Founded in 196 BC, it maintains a walkable city center dominated by the Duomo, a gothic cathedral built between the 14th and 17th centuries. While in Como, check out the Silk Museum, which highlights a famous regional craft. From the city, you can take a funicular to the top of Mount Brunate for a sweeping view of the lake.
Towns and villages around Lake Como
On the western side of the lake, visit Cernobbio for its grand villas and Ossuccio, home to two UNESCO sites: the Santa Maria Maddalena church and the Sacro Monte della Beata Vergine del Soccorso (Sacred Mountain of the Blessed Virgin of Succour).
On the eastern shore, head to Bellano to walk through the Orrido canyon, a gorge carved into the rock 15 million years ago. Don't skip Varenna, a village built into the cliffside. The hike up to the Castello di Vezio, perched on a rocky promontory, is worth the effort. Finally, in Lecco, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Resegone, which sits at an altitude of 1,300 meters (about 4,265 feet).
While Bellagio deals with significant crowds, its location at the tip of the promontory that divides the lake into three branches makes it a central base for exploring the region.
Lake Como is a truly magnificent site. It offers breathtaking scenery. You can do numerous activities all around. I recommend taking the boat, it is a relaxing ride that allows you to admire the superb villas.