A trip to discover Lake Como

Perhaps it’s obvious to say, but the main reason you should visit Lake Como is for its beauty. Let us suggest you a trip to discover Lake Como.

We’ve all seen travel magazines and tv shows featuring beautiful villas and gardens, luxury hotels with silk linens and shimmering turquoise swimming pools. We’ve seen the paparazzi photos of George Clooney and his celebrity friends at his private residence, Villa Oleandra. Wedding magazines show us romantic portraits of brides arriving at their reception in vintage motorboats. Photos of charming little villages with colorful houses pop up on our social media feeds. It all seems too good to be true.

​Is Lake Como Really THAT beautiful?

​Quite frankly, yes! We’re not just saying that because we live here, it is the truth. The lake and its landscape are unique. Our Y-shaped lake sits between two mountain chains and is surrounded by lush green hills teeming with fauna, plant life, hiking and biking trails ready to be explored and discovered.

National Geographic Magazine explains, “Thousands and thousands of years ago, glaciers carved the peaks and valleys of the Alps. Those same glaciers formed the pre-Alpine lakes of the Lombard region some 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Milan. Scenic Lake Como, with its deep blue waters, has long been known as the looking glass of Venus.”

​Unique Experiences

central Lake Como Tour

Traditional foods like Lavarello con Polenta and Risotto al Pesce Persico as well as locally produced olive oils and wines are unique to the Lario (Lake Como) region. ​

The culture and people make a visit to Lake Como a truly unforgettable experience. We have special traditions and customs that are celebrated year after year. If you get the chance to join in on one of these special events you will surely go home with a story to tell!

Experience These Events at Lake Como

  • The Camellias in Bloom

Many of the historic villas close in the winter and re-open in the spring. The gardens are meticulously kept, and in April and May the camellias are in full bloom. Villa Olmo in Como, Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and Villa Monastero in Varenna all have public gardens overlooking the lake.

Lake Como garden

 

  • Sailing Competitions – Regate

sailing Lake Como

Most towns have a yacht club or sculling team and from May to October the lake is speckled with beautiful white sails and lean rowers slicing the water. Bellano, Domaso, Colico, Como, Lecco and Mandello del Lario hold important national and international competitions throughout the season.

  • Sagra di San Giovanni – Fireworks show over Isola Comacina

Isola Comacina, once destroyed, demolished and cursed, is now a precious jewel sitting near the shore of the western branch of Lake Como. June 23rd is the Sagra di San Giovanni (St. John the Baptist Festival) and is celebrated the last weekend of June with a spectacular fireworks festival set to music. If you are lucky, you can reserve a table at one of the restaurants with a view, or on a party boat that will give you up-front access to the show.
  • ​The Lucia Regatta – Regata di Lucie

Unique to Lake Como, La barca di Lucia, the Lucia boat, once a common fisherman’s boat and used as everyday transportation by the inhabitants of Lake Como. The name comes from Alessandro Manzoni’s romantic tragedy, I Promessi Sposi, The Betrothed in the chapter Addio ai Monti, Farewell to the mountains where the main character, Lucia leaves her town to escape the evil lord. It is made of wood and is easily recognized by its three wooden arches. There are no motors or sails, they must be rowed from a standing position. Races are usually held in July.

  • The Bellagio & Lake Como Music Festival

There is no better location for classic music and elegance than Lake Como. From June to September at sophisticated locations such as the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio and the exclusive garden of Villa Monastero in Varenna, the notes of Liszt, Verdi, Wagner, and Toscanini fill the air. Master classes, seminars and cultural excursions are also on the program.

  • Vintage Car Parade

The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, a classic automobile and motorcycle show is usually held the last weekend in May. The first two days, Friday and Saturday, the event is by invitation only for participants and guests, whereas Sunday the cars transfer to Villa Erba where they are on display for the public. To get a glimpse of the cars, find a place on Via per Cernobbio or Via Regina where they will be driving up to reach the destination on the first day and then again to transfer to Villa Erba for the public exhibition.​
  • La Vendemmia and Wine Cellar Festival

Valtellina wine barrel

Lake Como neighbors wine country, the valley of Valtellina where wine cultivation is abundant. Late August to early September is the wine harvesting festival. Some producers hold picking and stomping parties. In October, in the medieval town of Morbegno, wine cellars are open to the public offering wine and cheese tastings. It’s a lovely way to see the town and try the local delicacies.


It would be a pleasure to accompany you to any of the above events. We would be happy to make arraignments for you and your family! Contact us for inquiries.
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(+39) 349 560 0603

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