Lake Como, in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is an iconic lake destination known for its dramatic scenery, historic lakeside villas, set against the foothills of the Alps. The Lake is shaped like an upside down ‘Y’, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, and its beautiful old town with renaissance architecture.
Lake Como is located about 50 kilometers North of Milan. From its waters you can enjoy amazing views of charming villages, beautiful villas and lush gardens. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of cultural and entertainment options while always being close to the outdoors.
VILLAS
Como has been a holiday destination for Lombard nobility since the 16th century. They have built wonderful villas all over the Lake. The region has many examples of the Italian architecture that represents the history of the region. Como also has a rich history of the textile industry (there is a textile museum in the town of Como, that retraces the steps of textile production in the area). The Lake also takes it name from this town.
The town of Como also has some beautiful examples of European architecture such as the Novocomum, the Giuliani Frigerio House, the Monument to the Fallen and the former Casa del Fascio, all by the Italian architect Giuseppe Terragni.
Lake Como is dotted with charming villages and towns. There are many architecturally and historically important villas long the Lake. Cernobbio has the 16th century Villa d’Este and the famous Villa Erba, (19the century). Villa Erba is now an internationally renowned exhibition complex. In the nearby towns of Moltrasio and Lenno are Villa Passalacqua and Villa Balbianello – some of these villas have been the setting for Hollywood films such as Star Wars and James Bond’s Casino Royale
Further north is Ossuccio, famous for the Sacred Mount of Ossuccio, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2003. Ossuccio is a charming town and also has the only island on the lake – the spectacular Isola Comacina.
Still further up the coast is Tremezzo and the Villa Carlotta, with its terraced gardens and museum, embellished with works by Canova, Thorvaldsen and Hayez. At the meeting point of the three branches of the lake stands Bellagio with its elegant aristocratic villas, including Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi, the latter famous for its botanical park. There are several other beautiful villages, such as Varenna, Bellano and Colico, home of the Abbey of Piona.
SPORT
There are several outdoor activities and sporting options on Lake Como making it a great destination for those looking for active holidays. In fact, in the summer, water sport enthusiasts can practice sailing, rowing, windsurfing, motor boating, water skiing, canoeing and kite-surfing. There is also hang gliding and paragliding, which offer magnificent views of the Lake from the air.
Mountain lovers can try their hand at rock climbing, trekking, mountain biking and horseback riding. There are many wonderful hiking trails across the area, almost all of which offer superb views of the lake while walking.
There are also several internationally acclaimed golf courses around the Lake, all in amazing settings and some with views of the Lake.
In winter. the ski areas of Piani di Bobbio and Pian delle Betulle offer kilometers of perfectly groomed pistes, as well as numerous trails for cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.
COLONNO
Colonno is a small town that is part of the Tremezzina: it is located on the western shore of Lake Como, in front of Bellagio and the island of Comacina. Strategically located, from Colonno you can also reach some of the most evocative destinations of Lake Como, such as Bellagio and the historic center of Como.
MOLTRASIO
Moltrasio is located on the Western shore of Lake Como. The municipality extends from the waters of Lake Como to the slopes of Mount Bisbino, and is composed of eleven hamlets: Borgo, Casarico, Carisciano, Creolino, Somaino, Luscesino, Vignola, Casarevolo, Roiano, Tosnacco , Vergonzano, Vighinzano. The sunny location, mild climate and beautiful villas make Moltrasio an ideal place to both holiday and live.
