Lake Como — Attraction in Menaggio

I had been to Lake Como once without knowing anything about it. I wanted to know and properly explore the area. I was heard pretty much from everyone about the Lake Como that it’s one of the most popular destinations in Italy after all! What I heard, is how dreamy and mysterious the place is. Then I found With a faded veneer of old money gentility, picturesque Victorian gardens and lakeshore restaurants, Lake Como is well worth a visit, even with the hoards of tourists who flock here each summer. Shaped like an inverted Y, surrounded by mountains and dotted with charming resort villages, Lake Como is the most picturesque travel destination for lovers. Lake Como is Italy’s deepest lake and located in Italy’s Lombardy region about 40 km north from Milan. From November to February, the lake is almost entirely abandoned. In summer, the Lake Como becomes overrun with both tourists and beautiful blooms  – azaleas, wisteria, rhododendrons, camellias and bougainvillea paint the towns in soft pastels. Even in the height of summer, Lake Como is relatively mild and cool thanks to the mountains. The easiest way to reach Lake Como is via Milan. Catch a train from Milan’s central station, Milano Centrale, to either Sondrio or Tirano. In Italy, train fares increase with time, so it's better to book tickets once we fixed our travel dates. Make sure to validate your train ticket before boarding and then get off promptly at Varenna. Be ready to hop out, even if the car doesn’t stop at the platform (the trains are longer than Varenna’s tiny station) and the train only pauses for a minute or two before rolling onward to Switzerland. From Varenna, we can get to Bellagio or the other towns of Lake Como via ferry. Traveling around Lake Como is pretty easy, even for tourists without much knowledge of Italian. Lake Como’s principal town is situated right at the base of the lake. Here is a charming atmosphere of classic Italian restaurants, delis and shops along with a 15th century cathedral and lovely lake side promenade. The medieval city center gives Como a larger city feel compared to the other sleepy towns of Lake Como. Villa Carlotta is the most visited villa in Lake Como for good reason and feelings. Como has some spectacular historic villas, which made an unforgettable highlight on my...

Lake Como: A Serene Oasis in the Heart of Lombardy

Lake Como, locally known as Lago di Como or Lario, is a jewel nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Its breathtaking beauty, elegant villas, and charming towns have enchanted travelers for centuries. Let’s embark on a journey through this picturesque paradise:

Natural Splendor:

Lake Como’s inverted-Y shape, formed by glacial activity and the erosive force of the Adda River, creates a stunning landscape.

Surrounded by forested mountains, the lake offers hiking opportunities and mesmerizing views.

Exploring by Boat:

To truly appreciate Lake Como, explore by boat. Most sights are best seen from the water.

Board a ferry or rent a private boat to glide across the serene surface, passing enchanting villages and historic villas.

Pearls of Lake Como:

Discover the lake’s hidden gems: Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

Each town boasts historic churches, charming streets, and water-based activities like ferries and passenger-only boats.

Historic Villas and Gardens:

Lake Como is synonymous with elegant villas. Visit the Villa dei Misteri or explore the lush gardens of Villa Melzi.

These opulent estates offer glimpses into the past and stunning lake views.

Nature Walks:

Beyond the glamorous villas lies a lesser-known side of Lake Como.

Take a rejuvenating nature walk, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in tranquility.

Off-Season Magic:

While Lake Como attracts tourists year-round, consider visiting during the off-season.

April or October offer a more authentic and relaxing experience, away from the crowds.

Como Town:

The town of Como itself is a delightful blend of history and modernity.

Explore its narrow streets, visit the Basilica di Sant’Abbondio, and stroll along the picturesque waterfront.

Lake Como Experiences:

Take a boat tour, relax on a lakeside beach, or dine at charming restaurants.

Capture the essence of Lake Como through unique experiences.

Getting Around:

Use local transportation to hop between towns. The distances are manageable.

Plan your transfers and enjoy the scenic routes.

In summary, Lake Como is more than a destination it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the views, and lose yourself in its timeless...

Lake Como (Italian: Lago di Como [ˈlaːɡo di ˈkɔːmo], locally [ˈkoːmo]; Western Lombard: Lagh de Còmm [ˈlɑː‿dːe ˈkɔm],[a] Cómm [ˈkom] or Cùmm [ˈkum]), also known as Lario (Italian: [ˈlaːrjo]; after the Latin: Larius Lacus). Lake Como was used as filming location for movies such as The Pleasure Garden (1925), Bobby Deerfield (1977), A Month by the Lake (1995), Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002), Ocean's Twelve (2004), Casino Royale (2006), Imagine You & Me (2016), and Murder Mystery (2019),[17] as well as music videos such as Gwen Stefani's 'Cool' and John Legend's 'All of Me'. Lake Como is the setting of the annual Classic cycling race, the Giro di Lombardia (Tour of Lombardy). Ernst Stavro Blofeld retreats to a "metropolitan hotel" on Lake Como after his plans are foiled by James Bond in the novel On Her Majesty's Secret Service by Ian Fleming; Gaius Catullus asks his friend Caecilius to depart from Lake Como to Rome in poem 35; Paul the Deacon, a Lombard grammarian and poet of the 8th century, wrote one of his better known poems in praise of Lake Como (Versus in Laude Larii Laci); Alessandro Manzoni chose to start his The Betrothed with a graphic description of Lake Como; Fabrice del Dongo, the protagonist of The Charterhouse of Parma by Stendhal, is born and raised near Lake Como; Mark Twain visited Lake Como in the summer of 1867. He describes the lake and its environs at length in The Innocents Abroad, which recounts a lengthy pleasure excursion to Jerusalem; In The Last Man, the 1826 novel by Mary Shelley, Verney and his companions summer in a villa at Lake Como; The lake is referenced by Jean in August Strindberg's magnum opus play Miss Julie; Ernest Hemingway's character Lieutenant Henry in A Farewell to Arms talks about taking a vacation to Lake Como; Nagg and Nell recollect rowing out onto Lake Como the day after their engagement in Samuel Beckett's play Endgame; Cadenabbia on Lake Como is the principal setting for Gladys Theodora Parrish Huntingdon's novel Madame Solario; Maria Ruskin, a character in Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities, escapes from New York City to Lake Como, in order to spend time with Artist...