With its charming villages, lavish lakefront resorts, manicured gardens and majestic vistas, Lake Como is awash in La Dolce Vita. Visitors just sit back and enjoy the ride, reveling in the watersports adventure, sunbathing, patio-hopping and picnicking in remote alcoves. A playground for the rich and famous since Roman times – most recently a retreat for George Clooney, Richard Branson and Madonna – this shining star of the Lombardy lake region is a land of exclusive luxury villas and mahogany watercraft.
Bellagio is at the northern tip of a peninsula that separates Lake Como into two parts. It’s cypress tree-lined lakefront promenade is lined with fine restaurants and elegant resorts. A wander along the scenic Punta Spartivento yields stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Steps up from the shore, the town’s medieval streets are filled with artisanal shops offering silk and hand-made leather treasures. This is a good place to hop on the ferry to the neighboring towns, taking a day trip around the region.
Menaggio on the west coast is known for its outdoor pastimes, a favorite of sports enthusiasts who visit to hike, windsurf and rock-climb. The golfing here is also top-notch. The resorts and the lakeside promenade manage to seem chic and quaint at the same time.
Como itself at the foot of the lake’s western arm is a charming town replete with an historic center, bustling squares and nice restaurants with gorgeous patio vistas. It is also the silk capital of the world with a reputation for quality fashion accessories. A funicular ride up the hills to the small town of Brunate deliver amazing views of the Alps.
Varenna on the east coast is just as beautiful as Bellagio, its colorful houses and cobblestone alleys lined with restaurants and galleries. There’s a lovely lakeside path that leads to the main square. The tiny town is also home to Villa Monastero, a 200-year-old mansion-museum noted for its botanical garden.
Venture off the beaten path.
The Acquafraggia Waterfall in the Bregaglia Valley is a day trip worth exploring, towering over an Alpine nature reserve. This is a perfect spot for a hike and a picnic – a great way to escape the summer heat with a relaxing swim in the clear pools. The same goes for the deep, 15-million-year-old gorge and waterfall of Orrido di Bellano, the route taking you past caves and waterfalls via a footbridge alongside the rocky canyon walls. The views are both impressive and dizzying! Hikes along The Greenway take you through small villages, over ancient Roman roads and past incredible villas to gain insight into local life. Stroll among the olive groves, getting acquainted with the natural beauty that surrounds the region’s upscale resort splendor.
Where to stay in Lake Como.
Five-star luxury is practically everywhere you look in this enchanting pleasure capital of the lake district, but a few properties do stand out a mile. These include the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio with its incredible garden, the Art Nouveau Grand Hotel Tremezzo south of Menaggio, Villa d’Este just north of the town of Como and the modern Il Sereno Hotel in Torno.
How to get to Lake Como.
About an hour’s drive north of Milan, Lake Como is very close to the Swiss border, nestled at the foot of the Alps. The Tully Luxury Travel Designers will make this private transfer as comfortable as possible, just part of their master plan for your exciting Lake Como luxury vacation.