LAGO DI COMO, ITALY

UNDERSTANDING LAGO DI COMO

It is one of the deepest lakes in Europe and is located in the Lombardy region, in the provinces of Como and Lecco. It is the third largest lake in Italy, after Lago di Garda and Lake Maggiore.

It is also known as Lago di Lario, its Latin name. Its shape is like an inverted "Y" and it is made up of 3 "arms": To the west, you find Como; to the East, Lecco; and to the north, the Colico. In fact, the "arms" of Lecco and Como delimit two sides of the so-called "Larian Triangle".

On the other hand, Como is divided into three other parts: the first is the one that starts from the city of the same name and reaches the towns of Moltrasio and Torno. The second arm that takes you to Laglio is born right there. The third, arrives at Balbianelli where the town of Bellagio is located, one of the most beautiful areas and one that we most recommend visiting while on Lago Di Como.

HOW TO GET THERE

The main city is Como, and right there you can find an airport and a train station (which can be reached via Milan, for example, or if you come from Lugano -Switzerland-).

If you are by car, you can head directly to the area of Lago di Como that you want.

If you are not, the most practical thing is to rent one when you arrive to Como.

WHERE TO STAY

The best recommendation is the Villa Aurora hotel in Lezzeno. It is very nice, with an impressive view, the attention is excellent and it has a restaurant where you eat VERY delicious, and a deck with water access. The latter is very important since access to the lake is not so simple. In addition, your stay includes boats, mats and other options to enjoy the lake to the fullest. To use their boats they don't ask you for a credential (although it is prudent to drive only if you have one and know how to drive), and you can use them to navigate the lake and to cross to towns that are on the other side of the lake.

If you do not stay at this hotel, you can go to eat and you can rent the stay to access the water and use its facilities.

Regarding the areas, prioritize being close to Bellagio. You can stay right there or in other surrounding neighborhoods (such as Lezzeno, among others).

TRANSPORTATION

CAR! The best way.

WHAT TO VISIT

Bellagio mainly. It is a very small town with narrow streets that has its magic, located in front of the water. You will not be able to enter with the car (it is important to know this because it is not very well signposted and you will surely find out once inside and they will charge you a fine).

Being in Bellagio, the best thing to do is to walk around it, getting lost in its streets.

We recommend ending the afternoon with a drink at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.

To eat in Bellagio:

- Suisse Restaurant, which has a terrace facing the port of the lake. You eat very good and with a great view. Although during the day it is very beautiful, at night it has its magic.

- La Goletta also has a terrace overlooking the water.

- Bar Pasticceria Rossi (or Bar Caffe Rossi), to have a coffee, have lunch, have breakfast, have a wine or an aperitif with a good view as well.

- San Remo

A nice jewelry: Corner Shop Bellagio Jewelry.

Visit I Giardini Di Villa Melzi. Both the villa and the gardens were built in the early 19th century as the summer home of an Italian duke.

In addition to Bellagio, we recommend visiting other surrounding towns such as Lezzeno, Menaggio, Lenno, Tremezzo and Varena.

In Lezzeno, if you are not going to stop at Villa Aurora, be sure to go eat there! We recommend it both day and night. During the day, to later use its aquatic facilities and enjoy the lake to the fullest. At night, to fall in love with the view of the lake with the surrounding villages illuminated, in total peace and tranquility.

We also recommend going to Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlota.

If you go to Como:

- Bike tour of Como and the Swiss vineyards.

- Visit the Cathedral.

- Take the funicular that connects Como with Brunate. The tour is short and you can appreciate everything from above.

- Have a drink at the Mandarin Oriental.

You don't really have to have a specific destination. With getting lost, even if you don't get to the place you wanted, whatever you find is amazing too.

Undoubtedly, Lago Di Como is a great destination to do while in Italy and one that you will fall in love with in every corner.