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Como is really a city steeped
in history and culture and its surroundings neighbours
will support this. Fantastic villas and buildings abound.
All accessible from the lake side routes.
The lakeside is the place everyone wants to be. The
restaurants and hotels all have a special ambience that
cannot be described, just experienced. The following
are just a few of towns that can be explored by ferry,
bus or car. They all have a special place in the Lake
Como, or Lago di Como experience.....
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| The
West Shore Como to Isola Comacina |
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The first port of call
by ferry, literally a few minutes away is Cernobbio.
This is the home of the Villa
D'Este, the world famous hotel, that has been the
retreat of stars over the years. The other main historic
Villa is Villa Erba
which is now an international conference centre. Monte
Bisbino dominates the skyline and links to the Swiss
border. A road can be taken to the top but is very steep
and winding. Take a coffee in the Piazza or an aperitif
at Harry's bar!
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| Brienno |
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| This medieval born village
has cobbled streets, very narrow and winding between old
buildings many with balconies. Tradition has it that the
war memorial of a man throwing stones is to commemorate
a battle in Libya in 1910 when a battalion ran out of
ammunition and used stones instead! |
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| Argegno |
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| The next town along the water
route is Argegno, from which the Swiss border can be reached
by walking through the Val d'Intelve, a valley that rised
to over 1000 metres which has spectacular views across
the neighbouring Lake Lugano. |
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| Isola
Comacina |
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| North of Argegno is the famous
Isola Comacina, the only island in Lake Como. The ferry
stop at Sala Comacina is opposite the island. Not like
the beautifully manicured gardens of the Lakeside Villas,
this Island is a little wild, uninhabited except for some
artists. It has several ruins of long disused churches
and has been historically used as a safe refuge for wealthy
Italians in times of strife. The main attraction however
is the exclusive and only restaurant "Locanda dell
Isola Comacina", famous for their flambeed liquers! |
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| The
East Shore - Como to Bellagio |
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| Whereas the west shore has
more of a terraced appearance with less imposing water
fronts, the East shore is more cliffs. The ferry services
are not as regular and do not stop at all points. |
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| Torno |
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| 4.5 miles up the North east
side of the lake is Torno. This medieval village has the
usual attractive collection of ancient buildings including
the sixteenth century Villa Pliniana and the church of
San Giovanni. |
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| Nesso |
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| Nesso is the beginning of
a narrow, windy and steep road up to the mountains. It
is up this way that the mouth of the Tuf and Nose water
courses run.... Nesso is approximately 6km further on
that Nesso. |
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| Lezzeno |
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| Another 10km along is Bellagio,
buit before arriving there, you will encounter several
small villages, or clusters of houses tucked into the
hillside. Directly opposite Isola di Comacina is Lezenno
about 6 km before Bellagio. This is a ferry stop for both
the East shore and Isola di Comacina. |
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| Bellagio |
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| Bellagio, often considered
to be one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, lies at
the apex of Triangolo Lariano, the land mass between Como
and Lecco. With cobbled streets, a spectacular location,
oleanders that ornament the streets and promenade, Bellagio
is not a place to miss. Ferries frequent Bellagio arrving
from Tremezzo, Menaggio, Varenna and Cadenabbia. Buses
also run, which takes up to an hour from either Lecco
or Como, but the roads are narrow and dangerous. Car ferries
and hydrofoils also dock at Bellagio. |
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| Varenna |
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| Some people say that Varenna
is even more beautiful than Bellagio. Halfway up the Eastern
shore this town is a cool spot in the heat of summer with
overhanging trees and foliage. Almost devoid of the usual
tourist offerings, it does have waterside cafes, with
the town located up steep and narrow alleys. |
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| Eating,
Drinking and Hotels |
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| There are lots of restaurants
around the Lake. These change in shape, size, ownership
and menus. We would love to here from you about any restaurants
you have visited and recommend, so pleade visit our Como
Chat Forum or visit our restaurants page for our
most recent offerings: Lake Como Restaurants |
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