November 18, 2021
It’s one of Italy’s most enchanting sights – snow-capped Alps towering above the deep blue of Lake Como and its elegant lakeside resorts. For pure romance, it’s hard to beat Lake Como’s combination of breathtaking scenery and belle époque architecture.
If you’re looking for a Lake Como holiday that combines everything from watersports and hiking to lazy boat trips on the lake, these ideas should be top of your list.
1. Get lost in the gardens and galleries of Villa Carlotta
This exquisite pink and white villa looks like something out of a fairytale. In fact, it was a rather generous wedding present from a Prussian princess to her daughter. Built in 1690, Villa Carlotta sits in a commanding position on Lake Como in the town of Tremezzo – and if you’re travelling by boat on the lake, you’ll be treated to fabulous views of the villa. Inside Villa Carlotta is a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and period furnishings, and the beautifully landscaped gardens are a treat to explore.
2. Visit Como’s spectacular Duomo
The attractive town of Como is dominated by its cathedral, a dazzling creation that was built from the 14th to the 18th centuries. That’s why you’ll see a fascinating combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles inside and out, all topped with a Baroque cupola. The grand entrance to the cathedral is flanked by ornate statues, while inside are soaring vaulted ceilings and evocative Renaissance tapestries. Unlike some churches in Italy, the Duomo is free to visit.
3. Channel your inner film star at Villa del Balbianello
Fans of James Bond and Star Wars will recognise Villa del Balbianello near the town of Lenno. Clinging dramatically to a headland, this ornate 18th-century masterpiece was featured in 2006’s Casino Royale as well as Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Once you’ve checked out the art collections indoors, make time to wander through the gorgeous gardens that swoop down to the shore. You’ll instantly see why it’s one of Italy’s most popular wedding venues. If you get the chance, try to arrive by boat to get the full visual effect.
4. Take in the spectacular views of Lake Como
From the centre of the town of Como you can hop on the funicular for the seven-minute journey to the hilltop village of Brunate, passing gorgeous villas and gardens on the way up. Once you reach the top you’re treated with wonderful views of Lake Como. The village itself is worth exploring, as many of the restaurants have panoramic terraces and you can use it as a starting point for hikes in the area. The tourist office in Como can suggest walking routes that are either circular or can include boat trips for the return journey.
5. Then go even higher to Faro Voltiano
While you’re in Brunate, head to the very top of the village to the Faro Voltiano. This lighthouse and hilltop memorial is dedicated to the Italian electrical pioneer and battery inventor Alessandro Volta – yes, the man behind the word voltage. The views from here are spectacular and take in the distant Alpine ranges.
6. Feel the romance of Bellagio
From its enviable position on a small peninsula jutting into the lake, Bellagio seems to have bagged the most romantic spot on Lake Como. It continues the fairy-tale theme of the region, with a tree-shaded promenade, swanky hotels and hilly cobbled alleyways leading to a cute village square. Stroll past sumptuous 19th-century hotels that line the waterfront and hark past to a golden age of travel. If you fancy a swim, look out for the Art Deco-era Lido, or paddle about in the shingle beach.
7. Water ski in Menaggio
This lively resort on the western edge of Lake Como is a convenient base for sporty visitors. You’ll have all the main water sports available on the long waterfront, including water skiing and stand-up paddle boarding. Hikers can follow the footpaths that lead out of the village into the surrounding hills. You can even join the trail that carries on towards Lugano in Switzerland. And if you’re visiting from June to September, you can take a dip in the pool at the Lido.
8. Walk the Greenway
You don’t have to be a keen hiker to enjoy the experience of the Greenway. This 11km trail runs from Colonno south of Villa del Balbianello and past Villa Carlotta to Cadenabbia. Most of the trail is along the waterfront, and occasionally it meanders inland past ancient ruins and peaceful villages. If you don’t want to reverse your steps on the return leg, simply hop on a ferry back to Colonno.
9. Journey back in time at Castello di Vezio
For more than 1,000 years, the Castello di Vezio has been standing guard on the hill overlooking the town of Varenna. Although the castle is now in ruins, it’s a riveting sight – and the views of Lake Como are quite spectacular. Stop for a drink or a meal in the castle’s restaurant, and if you time your visit right, you might catch one of the regular falconry displays. Take a tour of the dungeons and check out the art exhibitions hosted in the gardens.
10. Take a boat trip to Isola Comacina
There’s only one island in Lake Como, and it’s easy to reach from Tremezzina, among other places in this part of the lake. Once you dock on Isola Comacina, you can visit the 17th-century Church of San Giovanni as well as an 11th-century basilica and ruins dating back to Roman times. There are a couple of restaurants on the island if you want a scenic pit stop. At the height of the season when most of Lake Como is buzzing, the island is a tranquil place to while away a few hours.
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