The Lake Como is one of the most famous and beloved tourist resorts in the world: its characteristic villages, rich in folklore, are the ideal location to spend a relaxing vacation.
The scenery offered by the Lario, then, is truly breathtaking: the peculiar inverted “Y” shape of the lake, in fact, offers some punti panoramic views that allow one to enjoy a 360-degree view.
In short, Lake Como is the perfect location for those in search of A stay combining culture, nature and rest. There are so many things to do (and see) that it is difficult to choose what to visit on Lake Como: from renowned patrician villas and spectacular gardens to medieval villages and hiking in the mountains surrounding the Lario.
And, in between strolling through the quaint alleys and taking a boat trip, you’ll also learn about a very special legend…which is why, after the checklist on Cernobbio’s main attractions, we’ve also prepared a short guide on what to see on Lake Como. Ready to go?
A boat ride looking for the Lariosaurus
A stay on Lake Como cannot do without a boat trip: a truly enjoyable experience that allows you not only to observe
en plain air
the shores of the Lario and the surrounding mountain peaks, but also to move easily from one location to another. Virtually every village, in fact, has a small landing stage, each of which welcomes hundreds of visitors from all corners of the world during peak season.
In addition to photographing the beautiful shores of the lake, if you are lucky, you may also spot the local Nessie: the Lariosaurus! It is a folk legend very similar to that of Loch Ness, Scotland: the presence of a large aquatic animal that would roam undisturbed in the waters of the lake.
Like all legends, the Larian legend has a grain of truth.: Lariosaurus, in fact, really existed, about 240 million years ago. And even if the real “monster” did not reach five feet in length, the fascination surrounding the existence of a strange animal living in the waters of the lake is still alive today… and adds that extra touch of mystery to your Lake Como vacation!
Bellagio, the pearl of the Lario
Bellagio is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places to visit on lake como: Every year the small town hosts droves of tourists from all over the globe. The reason for such popularity? Simple: being a small promontory located exactly in the center of Lake Como, from which to admire all three branches.
A walk through the narrow streets of the village and a visit to the famous gardens of Villa Melzi are among the
must
For a pleasant trip to the pearl of the Lario. Also not to be underestimated is a stop at Pescallo, an old fishing village that has retained its old-world charm.
Falling in love in Varenna
Overhanging the lake, Varenna is one of the must-see stops for a vacation on the Lario. The colorful houses, the quaint little alleys, the stairways leading down to the lake… And for couples in love there is even the “love walk”, a walkway suspended over the lake, wonderful to walk at sunset.
Also not to be missed is the striking Villa Monastero, with its beautiful botanical gardens. If you have a full day available, you can also hike up to the Vezio Castle, which towers above Varenna and from which there is a breathtaking view of the lake.
Menaggio, between history and culture
Once known as a mercantile center due to its strategic location between the Lario and Ceresio rivers, today Menaggio is mainly renowned as a tourist resort. If you are a history buff, Menaggio is definitely one of the places you cannot miss.
La medieval structure of the town, in fact, has remained unchanged: breathe in the ancient atmosphere as you lose yourself in the alleys of the upper part of the town, and then descend toward the lake encountering real architectural gems, such as the Church of St. Charles Borromeo, one of the first to be named after the saint after his death.
Continue to the hamlet of Loveno, where you can visit one of the most beautiful residences on the Lario: Villa Mylius Vigoni, surrounded by a beautiful English garden. From Loveno it is easy to reach the hamlet of Plesio, from which begins a path that will take you to the Menaggio Refuge, at an altitude of 1,400 meters, from which there is a wonderful view of the lake.
Any season is good to visit Tremezzo
Do you think Lake Como is only nice to visit during the warm season? Then you need to think again, staying in one of the most picturesque locations on the Lario: Tremezzo. With his baroque village, rich in churches, villas and prestigious palaces, Tremezzo glows with timeless charm in every season.
Atmosphere that you will find fully expressed in the town’s most famous attraction: Villa Carlotta. Built in the 17th century at the behest of Marquis Giorgio Clerici, the villa presents an imposing structure and is surrounded by an Italian-style garden that has been landscaped to the finest detail.
A tour of the city
Want to know other places to visit on Lake Como? Then you cannot ignore a visit to its provincial capitals: Como and Lecco. The most interesting thing to do in Como is a tour of the beating heart of the city, starting from by Volta Square. A coffee at one of the many cafes that spring up nearby and perhaps a bit of shopping among the downtown streets, for a relaxing break before resuming the journey, walking along the lakefront until you reach the Voltian Temple, a building dedicated to Alessandro Volta which houses numerous objects that belonged to the inventor of the electric battery.
Among the main attractions of Lecco, on the other hand, include. Villa Manzoni and the Museo Manzoniano, visiting the rooms where Alessandro Manzoni spent most of his own time. Also not to be missed is the Bell tower of the Basilica of San Nicolò, as tall as London’s Big Ben and, finally, Pescarenico, a delightful fishing village, easily reached by crossing the Azzone Visconti Bridge or, as the people of Lecco call it, the “Ponte Vecchio.”
Have you seen how many things there are to do on Lake Como? Book your stay in one of the comfortable apartments at The Court of Zizi, the starting point for your trips to the beautiful Larian resorts!
