Lake Como
- Lombardy-
"It's difficult to find a place on earth in which art, pleasure and love had lived in such lovely surroundings, in such triumphs of nature and breath-taking bright lights."
capitals rise in two southern ends of the respective branches
Popular refuge for rich and aristocratic people since Roman times, it is still one of the privileged tourist destinations, so much so that in 2014 it was considered the most beautiful lake in the world by the online newspaper “The Huffington Post”, for its microclimate and for the its environment dotted with prestigious villas and villages.
- Carlo Linati - Author
Lake Como, also called Lario, is a pre-alpine Italian natural lake of glacial origin falling in the territories belonging to the provinces of Como and Lecco, whose capitals rise in two southern ends of the respective branches. It consists of three different sectors, usually called branches: Como and Lecco basins, almost symmetrical, and the wider Colico basin located to the north. It is located about 50 km north of Milan.
Lake Como, in addition to being made famous by Alessandro Manzoni who set the novel I promessi sposi on the Lecco shore, includes a typical rowing boat that has become the lake’s symbol over time: the Batell, more informally known as Lucia in memory of Lucia Mondella’s escape from Lecco.It is the deepest lake in Italy, the one with the largest perimeter extension and the third for surface and volume.
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- What to see in Lake Como -
It is one of the most beautiful monuments in northern Italy and is one of the symbols of the city that gives its name to the lake. It is the Gothic cathedral built in Italy, an imposing monument that with its façade and its interiors tells the story of the city.
The Como-Brunate Funicular
On board a small train, from the provincial capital we arrive at the village of Brunate, which offers a very suggestive panoramic point on Lake Como.
Comacina Island
Take a ferry from Ostuccio and reach the only island on Lake Como: in two hours you, will be able to discover all its lush nature, the magical glimpses of the lake and what remains of a Roman Basilica that was destroyed in 1169 when the island was razed to the ground by the inhabitants of Como, putting an end to the prosperity of the island, once a political hub, a religious center and a military opposition.
Bellano Gorge
On Lake Como, you can also discover a wilder and less known side. Bellano Gorge is a natural gorge, formed 15 million years old, crossed by the impetuous Pioverna stream. Between waterfalls and walkways fixed to the rocks, the show is truly indescribable and suggestive.
Kite surf
Two winds blow hard on Lake Como: they are the Tivano and the Breva, which make the water a very popular place for kite surf enthusiasts, who meet in Dervio, or in Colico, in the Alto Lario. All the schools in the area also offer basic courses, for those who want to at least try to surf the waters of the lake.
Villa del Balbianello
In Tremazzina you cannot miss a walk in the garden of the Villa del Balbianello. This elegant and romantic dwelling was commissioned by Cardinal Durini in the 18th century, and over time has hosted numerous writers and travelers up to its last owner, Guido Monzino, an adventurous explorer. Its location, the interior furnishings and the wide variety of garden plants make this villa a real jewel, capable of taking your breath away.
Bellagio
Here, where Como and Lecco branches come together, we find the magical Bellagio where colourful alleys that climb up the promontory, elegant gardens, boutiques and craft shops will leave you speechless.
The beautiful municipality of Bellagio is a Lombard village overlooking Lake Como. An enchanting tourist and cultural destination, Bellagio is famous for its truly exclusive geographical position: the village is located on the northern end of the Lariano Triangle, right where the two branches of Lake Como branch off. Topped by the Alps, this enchanting municipality is one of the most visited places in the Como area, along with Blevio and Descio.
What to see in Bellagio, pearl of Lake Como
The town of Bellagio is home to around four thousand inhabitants and belongs to the mountain community of the Lariano Triangle. The territory of Bellagio is quite large and presents an incredible variety of landscapes and naturalistic glimpses due to its peculiar position, straddling the hills, the lake coast and the Alps. The highest peaks in the area are Monte San Primo, Monte Palanzone and the Corni di Canzo.
If you are on Lake Como, a boat tour is a must. From Bellagio, the Tour of the Lake Center starts, a 2-hour excursion that will take you to the most beautiful places in the center of the lake, including Menaggio, Varenna, San Giovanni (a hamlet of Bellagio), Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo and Lenno.
Since we are talking about some of the most renowned villages of Lake Como, it is worth getting off the boat and visiting at least a couple of them. Set yourself the right time to wander around the historic centers and enjoy the beauty of these landscapes, considered among the most beautiful in the world.
Another tour, but more suitable for water sports lovers, is the kayak tour of Lake Como. Two-hour excursion from Pescallo di Bellagio beach which passes along the Rockefeller and Villa Serbelloni cliffs. If you are not an expert, there is no need to worry: a guide will prepare you for the adventure.
What is certain is that you will find yourself admiring a well-preserved and uncontaminated green area with the mountains and hills that form the backdrop and the splendid villas of Lake Como to accompany you.
