Visit Lake Como, the emblematic Lake Lombardy

Do the lakes of northern Italy, in the Italian Alps: here’s how to visit Lake Como, one of the most important Italian lakes!

Emblematic lake located in Lombardy in the Italian Alps, 45 kilometers north of Milan, Lake Como – lago di como – is one of the largest Italian lakes and also one of the most visited. Appeal lacus larius In Roman times, each of its shores distributes famous cities such as Lecco, Côme or Colico. Visit Lake Como allows you to contemplate a lush nature and taste the charms of Italy: an impressive historical-cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. The lake has the characteristic of forming a "Y" overturned, and does not lack activities to do. The dimensions of Lake Como are impressive: 410 metres deep, 140 kilometres round and an area of 146 km2.

Passing to Lugano or Milan, you must make a detour to visit Lake Como, one of the jewels of Lombardy, a brin of Provence at the foot of the Alps. By car, by bike, by boat or by foot, here is our presentation of the coastal towns of Lake Como.

Como

Inhabited since the Bronze Age, the city of Côme was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century before our era under the name of Novum Comum . The famous Romans Pline the Old and Pline the Young were born there. Today it is a town of 83,265 inhabitants, the largest in the lake region. In addition, it is a good entry point to visit Lake Como arriving from Milan via the autostrada dei laghi . The city is world-renowned for its silk trade, although it suffers from the imprecations of globalization, losing competitiveness in the face of the Chinese market. Since the 1990s, it is tourism that makes the city live and many monuments are to visit: the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Basilica of San Fedele, the Basilica of San’Abbondino, Villa Olmo, Casa del Fascio, the Temple of Volta or Baradello Castle. Take the funicular to Brunate, to have a unique view of Lake Como and the city of the same name. Between viale Varece and viale Lecco, Many monuments are to be visited with a plethora of restaurants.

Cernobbio

In the north of Côme, Cernobbio is a small town of 7,059 inhabitants on the western shores of Lake Como and at the foot of Mount Bisbino, a seaside resort from which you can reach by ferry. Its church is the city's most emblematic monument. Taking the height on the Bisbino mount, we observe the city and the lake, for a decoration in the form of a postcard.

Lenno

Where to go to visit Lake Como with calm and tranquility? The village of Lenno, enclosed in a deep creek, offers a beautiful place to stroll quietly. On the shores of the lake, you can climb aboard boats to enjoy the small cafes and restaurants. Here, it’s a rather family atmosphere with the waterfridge mountains: a small setting of the lake of Annecy.

Tremezzo

The town of Tremezzo – which means "land of the middle" – in the centre-west of the lake, offers a beautiful view of Bellagio. It is a city of history that once welcomed the great European families – Charlotte de Prussia, for example – in search of calm and sun. The village is classified as “one of the most beautiful villages in Italy” and is known for the Villa Carlotta – a gigantic art museum and garden of 7 hectares, open from March to October – and Mayer Park.

Menaggio

We continue north on the west bank, with the city of Menaggio. This town of 3,300 inhabitants is touristic because it is known for preserving its medieval architecture and the vestiges of its ancient castle.

Bellano

On the eastern shore of Lake Como, the city of Bellano – 3,305 inhabitants – is one of the only communes in the area to have an exclusively pedestrian area. To see and to do in Bellano: the Orido di Bellano, a natural cascade, formed during Antiquity by the Pioverna torrent, hikes to take height.

Bellagio

In the centre of the two southern branches of the lake, Bellagio is nicknamed the "Dear of Lake Como". This town of 3,100 inhabitants was already inhabited 30,000 years ago. Founded by Julius Caesar in 59 before our era, the Romans set up olive trees and erected holiday villas. The visitor can be lost in the mazes of colorful streets of the old centre, admiring the old villas and luxurious churches of an over-year period. The holiday resort of the actor Georges Clooney is therefore a very touristic area!

Lecco

On the end of the south-eastern branch of Lake Como, there is Lecco, 48,131 inhabitants, described as a picturesque town where it makes a good stroll under the sun. It is a major seaside resort on Lake Como and it also offers splendid views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Lecco is a city with a commercial soul where you can walk quietly, especially between the Piazza Roma and Piazza Zermenati, lively places in the city centre. The large bell tower adjacent to the Basilica of Saint-Nicolas, 96 meters high, is emblematic of the city. The bridge of Visconti, dating from the 14th century, is one of the oldest monuments in Lecco.

Map of Lake Como

To help you get a map of Lake Como.

Where to stay at Lac de Côme

You can stay in the different coastal towns of Lake Como that we just listed above. To find a cheap hotel in Lac de Côme and its surroundings, you can search this Compare hotels .