Lake Como
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Latest page update: 14 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Situated in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Lake Como is renowned for its stunning scenery, picturesque towns, and luxurious villas. Nestled between the Alps, it features charming destinations such as Bellagio, often called the "Pearl of the Lake,"
Varenna with its romantic waterfront, and the historic town of Como, known for its beautiful cathedral and funicular railway. |
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Lake Como: nestled between the Alps and the Po Valley
Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps in northern Italy, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. The lake is shaped like an inverted Y and is dotted with picturesque towns, including Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.
Como, the largest town, features a beautiful cathedral and a funicular railway to Brunate for panoramic views. Bellagio, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Lake," is famous for its cobblestone streets and luxurious villas, while Varenna captivates visitors with its romantic waterfront and gardens at Villa Monastero.
Historically, Lake Como has been a retreat for aristocrats and artists, including the likes of Pliny the Elder and Alessandro Manzoni.
Getting to Lake Como is convenient, with Milan Malpensa and Linate airports nearby. Visitors can take trains from Milan to Como, as well as ferry services connecting the lakeside towns, making it easy to explore the region's beauty.
Como, the largest town, features a beautiful cathedral and a funicular railway to Brunate for panoramic views. Bellagio, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Lake," is famous for its cobblestone streets and luxurious villas, while Varenna captivates visitors with its romantic waterfront and gardens at Villa Monastero.
Historically, Lake Como has been a retreat for aristocrats and artists, including the likes of Pliny the Elder and Alessandro Manzoni.
Getting to Lake Como is convenient, with Milan Malpensa and Linate airports nearby. Visitors can take trains from Milan to Como, as well as ferry services connecting the lakeside towns, making it easy to explore the region's beauty.
Lago di Como
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Provinces: Como and Lecco
Region: Lombardy Surface area: 146 km² Maximum depth: 410 metres Surface elevation: 198 metres Fly to: Milan Malpensa Airport, Milan Bergamo Airport Popular train stations: Como, Lecco Ferry system: car and foot passengers |
Lake Como Gallery
What are the top-rated hotels on Lake Como?
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo: A historic 5-star hotel featuring Art Nouveau design, three swimming pools, a private beach, and panoramic views of Bellagio and the Grigne mountains.
- Villa d'Este: A luxurious 16th-century estate set within a 25-acre park, offering elegant rooms, fine dining, and top-tier amenities, renowned for its exceptional service.
- Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como: Nestled in Blevio, this resort combines modern luxury with historic charm, featuring a world-class spa and beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Il Sereno Lago di Como: A contemporary 5-star hotel designed by Patricia Urquiola, offering minimalist suites with lake views, an infinity pool, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Passalacqua: An 18th-century villa turned luxury hotel, celebrated for its exquisite interiors, terraced gardens, and personalized guest experiences.
- Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni: One of the oldest luxury hotels in the area, located in Bellagio, offering opulent interiors, a spa, and breathtaking lake views.
- Hotel Belvedere Bellagio: Family-run since 1880, this hotel provides elegant accommodations, an outdoor pool, spa facilities, and a restaurant with panoramic vistas.
- Vista Palazzo Lago di Como: A boutique luxury hotel in Como city, offering sophisticated suites, a rooftop restaurant, and personalized services.
- CastaDiva Resort & Spa: Now part of the Mandarin Oriental group, this resort in Blevio offers luxurious accommodations, a floating pool, and a renowned spa.
- Hotel Villa Flori: Situated between Como and Cernobbio, this elegant hotel offers rooms with private balconies overlooking the lake and a refined on-site restaurant.
What's the best way to reach Lake Como?
Reaching Lake Como is convenient due to its accessibility by air, rail, road, and local transport. The nearest major airports are Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Milan Linate (LIN), both about an hour’s drive away. From Malpensa, direct trains run to Saronno and Como. Alternatively, Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), approximately 90 minutes away, serves as a hub for budget airlines.
By road, Lake Como is easily reached via the A9 motorway from Milan to Como, or the SS36 highway connecting Milan to Lecco and the eastern side of the lake. For those driving, scenic routes around the lake offer breathtaking views but can be narrow and winding.
Rail travel is straightforward, with regular trains departing from Milan’s central station to Como San Giovanni and Lecco. These stations provide access to key towns like Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna.
Local buses connect smaller towns around the lake, while ferries and hydrofoils operate between major towns like Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. These ferry services offer both scenic and practical transportation, making it easy to explore the lake. Whether traveling by train, car, or ferry, Lake Como's stunning landscapes are accessible for a memorable journey.
By road, Lake Como is easily reached via the A9 motorway from Milan to Como, or the SS36 highway connecting Milan to Lecco and the eastern side of the lake. For those driving, scenic routes around the lake offer breathtaking views but can be narrow and winding.
Rail travel is straightforward, with regular trains departing from Milan’s central station to Como San Giovanni and Lecco. These stations provide access to key towns like Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna.
Local buses connect smaller towns around the lake, while ferries and hydrofoils operate between major towns like Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. These ferry services offer both scenic and practical transportation, making it easy to explore the lake. Whether traveling by train, car, or ferry, Lake Como's stunning landscapes are accessible for a memorable journey.
