Lake Como and beyond

Como and its lake

The beautiful town of Como preserves a rich historical and artistic heritage: the Broletto Palace, the Civic Tower, the Gothic Cathedral and the Church of San Fedele. Take a break at the Beretta Bakery to buy the local specialty called “la Nube” or at the Cremeria Bolla for an artisan ice cream; then enjoy a lakeside walk to Villa Olmo or ride the funicular to the town of Brunate for stunning views of the city and lake.

The cable car to Pigra and the Greenway

The Greenway of Lake Como is a path of about ten kilometers, mostly flat (there are only a couple of short climbs, the rest of the slope is almost even) which winds from Colonno to Cadenabbia, crossing enchanting villages and offering unexpected views of the lake and the mountains. You will pass through Lenno, with the magnificent Villa del Balbianello, and Tremezzo with Villa Carlotta and its splendid gardens.

South of Colonno, in the village of Argegno, you can take the cable car to the Monte Pigra. Once on the top you will be delighted by the breathtaking views.

The gems of the lake: Bellagio and Varenna

Explore the historic centre of Bellagio with its characteristic stairways lined with small shops and reach the ‘tip’ where the lake divides into two arms. In Varenna, walk along the Lovers’ Promenade to the historic centre and the maze of narrow streets leading to Piazza San Giorgio. Just outside the centre, visit Villa Monastero and its Botanical Garden, making it one of the most beautiful villas on the lake.

From Varenna you can easily reach Dervio where you will enjoy a sailboat tour and admire the beauty of the lake from a unique perspective.

The “crotti” of Valchiavenna

Chiavenna is characterised by the presence on its territory of the “crotti”, caves formed by the rocks that slid down the sides of the mountains due to post-glacial landslides, a phenomenon that is still being studied, and which are now typical places where traditional food such as pizzoccheri, bresaola, cheese and polenta taragna can be tasted.

The distinctive element that makes the “crotti” unique is the “sorel” (from the dialect word “sorà” meaning ventilation), a small crevice between the rocks from which a flow of air blows that maintains the temperature almost constant in every season and that made the “crotto” a natural cold store for wine and food.

Follow the course of the river and reach the Aquafraggia waterfalls already mentioned by Leonardo in his writings.

Arrivederci

Lake Como bids you farewell with its breathtaking views, beautiful villages, villas and gardens, and the magic of its hidden corners that leave you wanting to come back soon. Arrivederci!