Lake Como – Lombardy: historic villas, suspended villages and deep reflections between mountains and water.
Lake Como, with its inverted Y shape, extends between the Lombard Pre-Alps, offering spectacular views in every season. Its shores alternate between steep slopes, small ports, Italian gardens and scenic roads. From Como to Colico, passing through Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, the landscape changes at every turn, combining elegance and nature. 🚤 Navigation and moving landscapes:
The lake is perfect to explore by boat: the scheduled routes connect the main villages with a regular network, allowing you to admire the villas and gardens overlooking the water. It is possible to get on and off as you like, composing a tailor-made itinerary.
👉 Tip: Buy a day ticket for sailing between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio: you can combine visits to historic villas, gastronomic breaks and walks along the lakefront. 🌺 Villas, gardens and residences of yesteryear:
Lake Como is famous for its monumental villas. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, Villa del Balbianello in Lenno and Villa Monastero in Varenna offer botanical gardens, scenic views and period interiors. These places tell stories of travelers, artists and noble families who found peace and inspiration here.
👉 Tip: Visit Villa del Balbianello in the morning, before the arrival of the groups: the path between cypresses and panoramic terraces has a special charm with the soft light of the early hours. 🚶 Historic villages and scenic walks:
The lake is dotted with well-preserved old towns: cobbled streets, marinas, squares with cafes and pastel-colored houses. Walks along the lakefront of Menaggio, the flowery stairways of Varenna or the climb to the Basilica of San Fedele in Como are just some of the experiences to be enjoyed on foot.
👉 Tip: Walk along the Greenway del Lago, a pedestrian path of about 10 km between Colonno and Griante: it crosses villages, gardens, villas and spectacular views of the lake. 🍽️ Local flavours and tables with a view:
The Lario kitchen offers lake dishes such as grilled whitefish and perch risotto, alongside alpine specialties such as pizzoccheri, local cold cuts and alpine cheeses. Numerous restaurants offer terraces overlooking the water, perfect for slow lunches and sunset dinners.
👉 Tip: Book a table in Bellagio or Lezzeno, by the lake: you can enjoy local dishes accompanied by local wines with the backdrop of the mountains reflected in the water.
Lake Como is a continuous composition of reflections, silences, architecture and landscapes. Each bank holds a different face, between historical elegance and living nature.