Lake Como

In the north of Italy, Lake Como or as the italians call it, Lago di Como is one of the most famous of all the Italian Lakes. It is quite near Milan. Lake Como is 50km long, but narrow and very deep. The south end of Lake Como divides into two forks, with Bellagio, a very picturesque town positioned on the promontory between them.

Visitors have always admired the blue waters and relaxed in the luxurious villas in the wooded lakeside slopes. It is true to say that Lake Como has been popular as a resort since the days of the Roman Empire, just like the other Italian Lakes. Most of the towns around the shores of Lake Como are popular with walkers, cyclists, swimmers and tourists in general.

Lake Como Travel Information

Get there
Many people prefer to take a motorhome from the UK, cross the channel and drive down through France to Grenoble, and then head up into The Alps and over the Col du Lautaret into the ski resort of Serre Chevalier and then to Briançon (The highest town in Europe) and then into Italy via Col de Montgenèvre. You enter Italy at Clavière from here you can drive to Turin (Torino and then on to Milan or Lake Como.

However the quickest route is go from Calais to Reims and the towards Basel, going through Switzerland and the into the north of Italy. Directions from Calais to Lake Como are here.

Get around
Buses run approximately hourly all the way up the west coast from Como round to Colico at the north-east. Steamers, boats and buses serve all the main towns on Lake Como.

A frequent boat service connects the central resorts, Lenno, Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta, Cadenabbia, Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna, including a car ferry. A less frequent but faster boat travels the full length of the lake from Como (with stops at most of the above).

Como Town

Como is pleasant and has a scenic location at the southern end of the east branch of Lake Como, it is a lively town with a historical centre. The cathedral (Duomo) is impressive, it was built and added to over the centuries. It features Gothic and Renaissance detail including fine tapestries and paintings.

Another fine sight is the town's earlier cathedral , San Fedele. Also don't miss the tall 900 year old gateway, Porta Vittoria, and the Romanesque church Sant'Abbondio.

The town's art gallery (Pinacoteca) is worth a visit. For a short trip out of town, take the funicular up to the top of the hill above Como, where you can enjoy spectacular views.