Lake Como, also known as Lario, is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in Italy. Located in the Lombardy region, Lake Como is a glacial lake surrounded by majestic mountains and charming villages. It is the third-largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, and the deepest lake in Europe, with a maximum depth of 425 meters. Lake Como has been a favorite retreat for aristocrats, celebrities, and travelers since Roman times, thanks to its stunning scenery, mild climate, and rich culture. In this article, we will explore some of the interesting facts, attractions, and tips for visiting Lake Como.
Interesting Facts about Lake Como
Lake Como has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. Here are some of the interesting facts about Lake Como that you may not know:
Lake Como is shaped like an inverted letter “Y”, with three branches that meet at the town of Bellagio. The northern branch is called Colico, the southwestern branch is called Como, and the southeastern branch is called Lecco.
Lake Como is fed by several rivers and streams, but the main one is the Adda River, which enters the lake near Colico and exits at Lecco. The Adda River also forms part of the border between Italy and Switzerland.
Lake Como has several islands, but the only inhabited one is Isola Comacina, which lies near the western shore. The island has a rich history and was once a stronghold of the Byzantines and the Lombards. It was also the site of a devastating fire in 1169, which destroyed most of its buildings and churches.
Lake Como has been a source of inspiration for many artists, writers, and composers. Some of the famous works that feature Lake Como are The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni, The Charterhouse of Parma by Stendhal, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, The Ambassadors by Henry James, O mio babbino caro by Giacomo Puccini, and Nessun dorma by Giuseppe Verdi.
Lake Como has also been a popular location for movies and TV shows. Some of the films that were shot or set in Lake Como are Casino Royale, Ocean’s Twelve, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, The Italian Job, A Month by the Lake, Rocco and His Brothers, and The Pleasure Garden. Some of the TV shows that featured Lake Como are The Young Pope, Master of None, Gossip Girl, and The Grand Tour.
On Lake Como
How to Get to Lake Como
Lake Como is easily accessible from Milan, which is the nearest major city and airport. There are several ways to get to Lake Como from Milan:
By train: There are two main train stations in Milan that connect to Lake Como: Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna. From Milano Centrale, you can take a direct train to Como San Giovanni station (about 40 minutes) or to Varenna-Esino station (about an hour). From Milano Cadorna, you can take a direct train to Como Nord Lago station (about an hour). From both stations in Como, you can walk to the lakefront or take a bus or taxi to your destination. You can also take a ferry or a boat from Como to other towns around the lake.
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate between Milan and Lake Como. One of them is Flixbus, which offers direct buses from Milan Lampugnano station to Menaggio (about an hour and a half) or Colico (about two hours). From Menaggio or Colico, you can take a ferry or a boat to other towns around the lake.
By car: Driving to Lake Como from Milan is another option if you want more flexibility and convenience. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy and parking can be scarce around the lake. The fastest route is to take the A9 motorway from Milan to Como (about 40 minutes), then follow the signs for your destination along the lakefront road. Alternatively, you can take the scenic route along the SS36 from Milan to Lecco (about an hour), then follow the signs for your destination along the eastern shore of the lake.
Accommodation in Lake Como
Lake Como offers a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and taste. You can choose from luxury hotels, charming villas, cozy bed and breakfasts, rustic farmhouses, or even camping sites. Here are some of the best places to stay in Lake Como:
Grand Hotel Tremezzo: This five-star hotel is one of the most iconic and elegant hotels in Lake Como. It dates back to 1910 and boasts a stunning location on the western shore of the lake, facing Bellagio. It offers 90 rooms and suites with lake or park views, three restaurants serving Italian and international cuisine, five bars, a spa, a fitness center, a tennis court, and three swimming pools, including one that floats on the lake. It also has a private beach and a boat service to explore the lake.
Villa d’Este: This is another five-star hotel that exudes luxury and glamour. It is located on the southwestern shore of the lake, in the town of Cernobbio. It was built in 1568 as a summer residence for a cardinal and later became a hotel in 1873. It has 152 rooms and suites with lake or garden views, four restaurants serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, three bars, a spa, a fitness center, a golf course, and an outdoor pool with a fountain. It also has a private park and a boat service to explore the lake.
Hotel Belvedere: This is a four-star hotel that offers a great value for money. It is located on the eastern shore of the lake, in the town of Bellagio. It has 65 rooms and apartments with lake or garden views, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a bar, a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool with a jacuzzi. It also has a private garden and a boat service to explore the lake.
Hotel Villa Flori: This is another four-star hotel that offers a great value for money. It is located on the southwestern shore of the lake, in the town of Como. It was built in 1808 as a villa for a noble family and later became a hotel in 1958. It has 53 rooms and suites with lake or hill views, a restaurant serving Italian and international cuisine, a bar, a spa, and an outdoor terrace with panoramic views. It also has a private dock and a boat service to explore the lake.
Agriturismo Al-Marnich: This is an eco-friendly farmhouse that offers a rustic and authentic experience. It is located on the eastern shore of the lake, in the town of Schignano. It has 14 rooms with mountain or valley views, a restaurant serving organic and vegetarian cuisine, and an outdoor terrace with panoramic views. It also has a farm with animals and crops, and offers activities such as hiking, biking, horse riding, and cheese making.
Sights and Interesting Places in Lake Como
Lake Como is full of sights and interesting places to visit and explore. You can admire the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains, visit the historic villas and gardens, enjoy the culture and cuisine of the towns and villages, or indulge in some outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, biking, or golfing. Here are some of the best sights and interesting places in Lake Como:
Villa del Balbianello: This is one of the most beautiful and romantic villas in Lake Como. It is located on the western shore of the lake, on a promontory that offers stunning views of the lake and the mountains. It was built in 1787 by a cardinal and later became the home of an explorer who collected art and artifacts from around the world. It has an elegant interior with frescoes, paintings, sculptures, furniture, books, maps, and instruments. It also has an exquisite garden with terraces, statues, fountains, and flowers. It is open to the public from March to November.
Villa Carlotta: This is another beautiful and romantic villa in Lake Como. It is located on the western shore of the lake, in the town of Tremezzo. It was built in 1690 by a marquis and later became the property of Princess Carlotta of Prussia who gave it its name. It has an impressive interior with paintings, sculptures, furniture, porcelain, and textiles. It also has an amazing garden with over 500 species of plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. It is open to the public from March to November.
Bellagio: This is one of the most charming and picturesque towns in Lake Como. It is located on the eastern shore of the lake, at the point where the three branches of the lake meet. It has a colorful old town with narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. It also has several attractions such as the Basilica of San Giacomo, the Villa Serbelloni, the Villa Melzi, and the Museum of Navigational Instruments. Bellagio is also a great base for exploring the lake by ferry or boat.
Varenna: This is another charming and picturesque town in Lake Como. It is located on the eastern shore of the lake, opposite Bellagio. It has a medieval old town with steep alleys and stairs leading to the lakefront. It also has several attractions such as the Church of San Giorgio, the Villa Monastero, the Villa Cipressi, and the Castello di Vezio. Varenna is also a great base for exploring the lake by ferry or boat.
Como: This is the largest and most important town in Lake Como. It is located on the southwestern shore of the lake, at the end of the Como branch. It has a rich history and culture that dates back to Roman times. It also has several attractions such as the Cathedral of Como, the Broletto, the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, the Tempio Voltiano, and the Funicular to Brunate. Como is also a great base for exploring the lake by car or train.
Conclusion
Lake Como is a dream destination in Italy that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for nature, history, culture, or romance, you will find it in Lake Como. You will also enjoy the delicious cuisine, the friendly people, and the relaxing atmosphere of this enchanting place. Lake Como is a place that you will never forget and will always want to return to.
I hope you enjoyed this article about Lake Como. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading! 😊
