With magnificent gardens, mountain vistas, hanging baskets bursting with colour and stately villas sprinkled about the shoreline, pretty Lake Como is the epitome of charm and everything there is to love about Italy's Northern Lakes. Popular with the glitterati, George Clooney and the Versaces own exclusive villas here and on a coach tour to the lake you won't leave wondering why.
Tour Lake Como
Como is the oldest town on the lake and radiates a distinctly Italian Renaissance feel, with the focal point being the large central piazza that affords stunning views over the lake. Explore Como's Duomo (cathedral) at Piazza Cavour with its Gothic and Renaissance architectural blend, or ascend to the top of Bardello Tower to be met by inspiring views across the lake. From nearby Cadenabbia take a short car ferry journey or vaporetti to Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como and described by some as the prettiest town in Europe. Located on the split of the lake, stop for lunch in Bellagio on your touring holiday to admire more superb views across to every shoreline and a heartwarming backdrop of mountains.
- Within easy reach in the town of Tremezzo stands Villa Carlotta, a unique neoclassical villa with landscaped gardens showing off rare plants, fruit tree pergolas and a rainbow of colours over spilling from Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
- Visit the lively town of Menaggio on Lake Como's western shore. As well as having good bus and boat links to major tourist attractions, Menaggio boasts fine walking routes that incorporate Monte Grada among others.