Bellagio from the ferry.
Lake Como is in the region of Lombardy and is part of the northern Italian Lakes District. It lies between Milan and the border of Switzerland with its southern tip about 40km north of Milan. Lake Como, Lago di Como in Italian, is Italy’s most popular lake and also its deepest. The lake is surrounded by mountains and hills and dotted with beautiful villas and resort villages. There are good hiking paths, boat trips and water activities. Popular since Roman times, Lake Como is a top romantic travel destination. It is also a popular weekend destination for people for the Milanese. My favorite times to visit are May or October as it is less crowded and the weather is generally very pleasant.
The walled town of Como has a good historic center and lively squares with nice cafes. There are several walking paths near town and along the lakeshore. A broad range of good dining options exist…to accommodate all tastes and pocketbooks. Como makes a good base and particularly if you’re traveling by train. Ferries link the major villages and towns of Lake Como, providing both a good form of public transportation and a good way to do some sightseeing from the lake. Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, is in a beautiful setting where the three branches of Lake Como come together. I love jumping on one of the ferries across the street from my favorite Como hotel in the morning and getting off and on as the I choose…no plan required.
Want a big city fix for the day….jump on the train to Milan and shop til you drop or soak up the atmosphere in the Scala and Galleria and lunch while enjoying fabulous views of the Duomo.
Journeys Viaggio 