Lake Como
With stunning views and endless amounts to do, this is the jewel of Italy.
Nestled in the foothills of the Alps in northern Italy lies a wishbone-shaped lake, surrounded by beautiful hills covered in pine trees. The shoreline is dotted with picturesque towns and villages, while the calm water stretches for 32 kilometers (20 miles). This is Lake Como, a body of water that has been the holiday destination of choice for the rich and famous since the Romans ruled the Italian peninsula. Percy Bysshe Shelley once wrote about the region: “This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty.”
While Lake Como is Italy’s third-largest lake behind Garda and Maggiore its dramatic landscape lends itself to breathtaking views no matter where you are. If you’re on the shore looking across the water’s glassy surface, or you’re walking high up in the hills, the scenery will feel like a small slice of heaven. But there’s so much more to do here than just be awestruck by the views. Lake Como is perhaps best known for its villas, like Villa Melzi with its botanical garden, and Villa Carlotta, which hosts a museum with works by Canova, Thorvaldsen, and Hayez. But if what you’re after is a little more of the traditional Italian lifestyle, you can take a stroll around the towns of Tremezzo, Como, and Lecco sample the delicious Italian cuisine with classic risottos and fresh fish dishes and enjoy the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere that falls over the entire region.
Those looking for a slice of adventure won’t find themselves bored here, though. The warm summer months lend themselves to water sports, and everyone is catered for on Lake Como. You’ll find people windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, kite surfing and more across Como’s surface. Higher up in the hills you can try your hand at hang gliding and paragliding for the most impressive views of this gorgeous part of the Italian countryside, or just take a walk through the woods. If you prefer the cold, be sure to head to Lake Como in the winter for a spot of skiing at Piani di Bobbio and Pian delle Betulle you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Getting around isn’t difficult either. Boats and buses run regularly, connecting the towns and villages that lie on the lake’s shore. It’s not even difficult to get to at just 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Milan, you can reach Como by train in around 40 minutes, or book yourself onto the Lake Como Express from Bergamo Airport, which runs three times a day to the western shore as far as Menaggio.
With so much to do, explore and experience, there’s no reason not to visit Lake Como. Whether you’re booking your holiday to relax, take in some culture or learn how to jet ski, it’s a travel destination that you’ll never want to leave. The best part is that with so many places to visit along the miles of coastline, you can just keep coming back for more.