The choice is truly vast: starting from Como and including Menaggio, Blevio, Nesso, Tremezzo and Cernobbio, to mention but a few of the most popular tourist destinations. Thanks to the mild climate in any season or time of year and the plentiful accommodation for all tastes and budgets, organising your holidays on Lake Como will be a breeze!
Our journey starts in Como, the beating heart of the lake. Surrounded by medieval walls, the centre is compact and filled with boutiques and historic buildings erected in different eras. The city has much to offer from an architectural point of view, and how much you manage to see will, of course, depend on the time you have available, although some of the city’s attractions are unmissable. A typical route will start from Porta Torre, the entrance to the old town. Cafés, tobacconists and century-old shops line the streets on your way to Piazza San Fedele, with the eponymous Basilica on the right, in Lombard Romanesque style, and the oldest building in Como, now a book shop, on the left. The route continues along the picturesque narrow streets to the Cathedral of Como, aligned with the Broletto and the Civic Tower. Walking under the arcades you reach Piazza Cavour, where the city opens up to afford a stunning view of the lake and mountains surrounding it. From here you can choose whether to board a ferry and take a romantic boat trip on the lake, stroll along the lakeside to Villa Olmo, or take the funicular up to Brunate.
A small town located on top of the hill overlooking Como, Brunate is impressive by day and even more fascinating at dusk, when the lights come on and the sky takes on the colours of the sunset. On the opposite bank, the other must-see town opposite Brunate is nearby Cernobbio, home to charming villas and a square overlooking the lake, very pretty and easily reached in 10 minutes by car or about forty minutes on foot.
Visitors to Lake Como who have little time available are always faced with a dilemma: west coast or east coast, which is better? Even the experts will say that both are breathtaking and the choice is difficult. If you prefer a walk with an unparalleled panoramic view, our advice is to choose the eastern side from Como to Bellagio, another place famous for its old town and bathing establishments.
The western side is no less attractive but busier, lined with palaces, restaurants and luxury hotels. Past Cernobbio, you’ll come to Moltrasio and, further north, Laglio, a charming and peaceful village which has made the headlines as the residence of George Clooney. Moving on you’ll find Argegno, with its medieval centre, Tremezzo and Menaggio, with the splendid Villa Vigoni, a house-museum surrounded by a beautiful English garden. Don’t waste time: check out our holiday packages to Lake Como and get ready for a brand new, unforgettable adventure!
