Como is situated at the head of the lake and is an ancient town over 400 years old with magnificent churches and historic monuments. Lake Como is however renowned for its exquisite villas, and probably the most famous one is Villa Carlotta, a combination of luxurious interiors and art collections. The grounds have exotic and lush plant growth (over 500 species of plants, trees and shrubs from all over the world). The old town is still to this day protected by high walls, but is populated by small and interesting local and designer shops. Strolling through these streets on a Saturday afternoon is part of the local culture. Grab a latte at one of the many street cafes and watch the elegant procession of young and old alike in all their finery….

Being at the head of the lake, Como looks down the lake toward Cernobbio on the left, home to one the word’s finest hotels; The Villa D’Este” where many celebrities may be found taking a quiet break. Now that George Clooney has bought property near here, we imagine there will be a lot more…….

Traveling further North up the lake is Como’s only island, Isola Comacina. The best day of the year to visit this island is the week end after June 24th, when St. John's Day is celebrated. There is a mass in the ruins of the S. Eufemia basilica, followed by a procession and evening fireworks. You will need to take the ferry!
There are enough lakeside towns and villages to explore for many weeks, but some are perennial favourites; Tremezzo is an example with a classic lakeside promenade plus some lovely old villas and lakeside hotels. From here you can take a car ferry over to Bellaggio, “the pearl of the lake” and Varenna, with its steep winding alleys on the opposite shore.

Bellagio is truly stunning and is ranked as one the most beautiful towns in Europe. Apart from its breathtaking views, immaculate homes and stupendous villas the town releases all this to your senses from narrow cobbled streets. To come to lake Como and not visit Bellagio would be a sin!

Not to be outdone Varenna, an ancient fishing village has a character all of its own. Steep alleys are laced with homes that show the owners have green fingers and a love of flowers. At the upper reaches of Varenna is an ancient castle where Theodolinda, Queen of the Lombards, is said to have died in the 7th century.

Varenna also hosts Italy's shortest river, the Fiumelatte. 800 feet long, it pours down the cliff face into the lake beginning in March and finishing in October each year, then it just stops! Story has it that Leonardo da Vinci to find out where the water came from, but no-one has ever found out………

If you want to relax, then just drift around these spectacular towns, steeped in history, dine on the finest Italian cuisine, watch the locals go about their business and the watchers watching everyone else. However if you wish to walk off some of the excess and have some great views to take home, catch the the funivia up to Brunate and then take the footpath up to Monte Boletto. Wrap up warm on cold days as the temperature drops in the hills! Como's waterfront is the focus of life in the town. Here you'll find the palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, a lively harbour and an international marina. The new Living Coasts attraction adds to the variety of the new waterfront and the illuminated bridge is a great backdrop to a relaxing evening drink. Yet within minutes of the town centre there are beautiful beaches easily accessible by foot, road or sea.

There is an abundance of pavement cafes, pubs, restaurants and nightlife, good quality shops and a host of attractions to suit every interest. discovercomo.com has created this site with the visitor in mind. We are also proud to be able to offer the como hotel and flight deals helping you to make the most of your stay and your budget! If you would like to make any suggestions as to how we can improve upon the delivery of information or the site please email us.