Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The lake, 56 square miles of water shaped like an upside-down “Y,” is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The popularity of the region is due in part to its status as a favorite destination with numerous celebrities, both George Clooney and Madonna own homes there. But celebrity watching is far from the most important thing to score in the region. Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do on Lake Como.
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Explore the city of Como
Direction
Piazza del Duomo, 22100 Como CO, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 031 331 2275
Web
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Some people do not realize that Como is not only the name of the lake, but also the name of the city at the base of the lake. There is so much to see on a day trip if you don’t stay there. Like most Italian cities, as it has a duomo built in the 14th century, which has a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Other historic church structures worth seeing include the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio and the Basilica of San Fedele. As it also has excellent shops – it is home to Italian silk making and is in close proximity to many of the major international fashion houses.
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Enjoy the views from the Voltian Lighthouse
Direction
Via Giacomo Scalini, 22034 Brunate CO, ItalyGet directions
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Some of the best views of Lake Como are found on the way to the Faro Voltiano, a lighthouse. You can first enjoy a funicular ride from the water to Brunate. Then continue walking about a mile uphill until you reach Faro Voltiano. From there, the views will be even more impressive.
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Spend an afternoon at Bellagio
Direction
Piazza della Chiesa, 27, 22021 Bellagio CO, ItalyGet directions
The city of Bellagio is located in the middle of the lake, right at the point where the inverted “Y” forks in two directions from north to south. It’s easy to get to as all the boat service on the lake seems to stop there. It is very nice for an afternoon if you are not staying there, as you can walk through the small streets of the city to shop or eat in one of the cute little restaurants. It’s packed with tourists so watch out for tourist trap restaurant locations right as you exit the ship. You can also visit the Basilica of San Giacomo, a few steps from the port, which is a Romanesque church built in the 12th century .
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Stroll through the gardens of Villa Carlotta
Direction
Via Regina, 2, 22019 Tremezzina CO, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 0344 40405
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Villa Carlotta and its 20 acres of botanical gardens are some of the best sights on Lake Como. Located along the lake in the town of Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta earned its name when the Princess of Prussia gifted the property to her daughter Charlotte A charitable foundation chose administrative rights shortly after World War I and that led Villa Carlotta to what it is today. The gardens are delightful with a wide variety of exotic plants and can be explored for hours. The villa itself is full of famous paintings and sculptures as well.
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Imagine you are a movie star in Villa del Balbianello
Direction
Via Guido Monzino, 1, 22016 Tremezzina CO, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 0344 56110
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Movie fans will enjoy their time at Villa del Balbianello more than most. Located on the water in the town of Lenno, the house was used for scenes in Casino Royale when James Bond recovered from his time with Le Chiffre. It also appeared in A Month by the Lake and Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones , although CGI was used because the building would not have visually fit in with everything else. It is now the most visited property of all those managed by the National Trust of Italy due to its cinematic history and terraced gardens.
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Ski the Italian Alps
Direction
SP6, 23816 Valtorta BG, ItalyGet directions
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The snow-capped mountains of the Italian Alps are very close to Lake Como, close enough to go skiing down the nearby mountains. The closest option is probably Piani di Bobbio, which has 10 lifts, but those on the north side of the lake might prefer Skiarea Valchiavenna in Madesimo with the 3,000-foot drop.
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Water skiing on Lake Como
Not only can you ski in the Italian Alps around Lake Como, you can also ski on Lake Como. For a reasonable cost, you can rent a boat and driver for a couple of hours, put on a wet suit and water skis (or a wakeboard) and skiing on the beautiful lake. There is something extremely enjoyable about the beautiful views of Lake Como that can rarely be duplicated during other waterskiing opportunities.
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Go boating on the lake
The views around Lake Como are incredibly beautiful and best enjoyed on a boat ride. Whether you are renting your own boat, either with or without a driver, or just taking the ferries around Lake Como, you will enjoy your time on the water. You can also jump from town to town and see things along the way.
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Spend time in Varenna
Direction
Via Del Castellano, 23828 Perledo LC, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 333 448 5975
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There is so much to do in the small town of Varenna that you will never find yourself lost. Castello di Vezio offers an olive grove that surrounds a typical medieval castle. You can even watch a falconer show while you’re there. Villa Monastero combines exquisite plants and structures by choosing between small temples and statues. There is even more greenery at Villa Cipressi with stepped terraces and gardens. There is also the shortest river in Italy called Flumelatte if you haven’t seen enough yet.
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Walk around the lake
Direction
Via Luigi Civetta, 22010 Colonno CO, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 0344 40493
Web
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The terrain around Lake Como offers many opportunities to explore the hills for a few hours on foot. There are a wide variety of difficulty levels of hiking available, but Greenway del Lago and Sentiero del Viandante offer two opportunities that should be suitable for most people.
