Located in the region of Lombardy, Lake Como is Italy’s 3rd largest Lake. This beautiful Lake is tucked into the northern Italian mountains, is only a few minutes drive to the Switzerland boarder, and a mere 40km from Milan. A popular travel destination since Roman times, this gorgeous Lake is the perfect vacation for sightseers, honeymooners, photographers and families.
The Lake is in the shape of an inverted ‘Y’ with the town of Como in the southwest and Lecco in the southeast. Bellagio is located at the junction of the arms of the Lake. Some other popular towns to visit are Cernobbio, Menaggio, and Varenna.
Como:
Although not as attractive as some of the other cities on the Lake, Como is a good home base and is the Lake’s main town. From Como, you can jump on a fairy or a bus to explore the other towns lining the Lake. From the city center, there is a funicolare (funicular train) that connects the center of Como with Brunate, a small village in the mountains. The stunning view from Brunate and its mountain walking trails makes this 7 minute funicular ride to 715 meters above the sea level worthwhile.
Bellagio:
This picturesque town is the most popular sightseeing destination on Lake Como. Being that Bellagio is the busiest of the tourist oriented towns, it is a hub for the boat service on the Lake. The views from Bellagio offer snow-capped Alps, rocky cliffs and sights of neighboring villages. Star Wars fans may remember this town as the backdrop for the wedding in the second movie in the series.
Lecco:
Lecco lies at the eastern shore of Lake Como and presents a gentle spectacle of villas in the midst of centuries-old grounds. Like Como on the west, Lecco is a main entrance point to the Lake tourism. In this area there are numerous seaside spots that are ideal for relaxing holidays and water sports. Not as esthetically pleasing of a town, Lecco does however offer excellent views of the Alps as well as other towns across the Lake.
Cernobbio:
This delightful town offers several fantastic restaurants and fine shopping. Narrow streets and quaint houses in shades of pink, terracotta, and gold and cream stucco delight travelers who visit this town. There is hiking in the area, although driving to the summit is easier and worth the trip.
Menaggio:
This town is one of Lake Como’s main vacation destinations. Menaggio offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, pubs and wine bars, as well as an 18 hole golf club and a yacht tour around the Lake. All of these activities make Menaggio Lake Como’s most desirable tourist locations.
Varenna:
Varenna is a quaint village and has remained unspoiled by tourism, retaining its medieval charm. Of the towns in Lake Como, Varenna is perhaps the most heavenly capturing the breath of every visitor. This town really is the ‘pearl of the lake’.
If you are visiting Italy, it is highly recommended to take a trip to this beautiful Lake and enjoy the many picturesque villages and breathtaking landscapes. Lake Como offers many amenities for tourists and time and time again its beauty blows the minds of visitors.