Lake Como, in Lombardia, Italy is the very heart of Italian romance
and history. It features in films such as Star Wars and James Bond
outings, and has hosted some of the most famous writers of all time
such as Byron, Stendhal, Shelley, Liszt and Rossini. Lake Como is the
ideal venue for family holidays, short breaks, romantic interludes,
conferences or as a base for exploring the Italian Lakes.
As the third largest of all the lakes in Italy, and the deepest
in Europe at 400 metres or 1,312 feet, Lake Como has been a prime
destination for some of the wealthiest Italians and other prominent
figures for centuries.
WHERE TO VISIT?
Castle of Vezio in Varenna
For an amazing view of Lake Como, thousands of flowers and a
garden of olives – the remains of this military fortress are worth a
visit, which was used as sighting tower from the days of Queen
Teodolinda.
T. +39 348 8242504
www.castellodivezio.it
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo
Villa Carlotta is a place of rare beauty, where masterpieces of nature and art live
together in perfect harmony in over 70.000 square metres of
gardens and museum. The gardens are home to over 500 species, while the
museum features sensual masterpieces by Canova and Hayez, original
furnishings and magnificent Lake Como tapestry.
T. +39 344 40405
www.villacarlotta.it
The Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (‘’Sacred Mount of Ossuccio’’)
Located on a hillside slope between olive groves and woods along
the western edge of Lake Como facing Isola Comacina, the fifteen
Baroque inspired chapels, built between 1635 and 1710, are dedicated to
the Mysteries of the Rosary. The monastery is the last in the chain and
is dedicated to the Coronation of the Virgin. In 2003, the Sacri Monti
of
Piedmont and Lombardy, including that of Ossuccio, were inserted by UNESCO in the World Heritage List.
T. +39 344 55211
www.comunicare.it/luoghi/luoghi/ossuccio.htm
WHAT TO DO?
Paragliding
Those who like extreme sports will enjoy jumping off Mount
Nuvolone (600 metre drop) on a two-seat paraglide. Inquire from within
Bellagio, as the company provides a shuttle service from Bellagio to
Mount Nuvolone or view their website at the Cavalcalario Club. The
website also includes other fun outdoor activities for everyone
including rock climbing and horseriding.
T. +39 319 64814
www.bellagio-mountains.it
Lido playground (for the kids)
The biggest and best playground for children is located in
Mandello del Lario, which is about 10km north of Como in an area called
Lido. It has a coastguard, a classic horse carousel, and a big
playground within a charming park – all designed with children in mind.
Sailing
For a luxury sailing experience, try EaseAway, which offer
everything from dining cruises to sailing courses in English. They are
located just north of Menaggio in Nobiallo.
T. +39/345/4340386
www.ease-away.com
Golf
The Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, the second oldest Golf
Club in Italy, represents British tradition at its best. Overlooking
Lake Como, it is a course combining old-world values with a heritage of
golfing culture. The elevated position of the course provides splendid
views in all directions.
T.+39-0344-32103
www.menaggio.it
WHERE TO EAT?
La Colombetta (Via Diaz 40, Como)
A romantic atmosphere, the restaurant offers typical high-end
Italian cuisine. All dishes derive from family tradition or from
recipes passed down by older generations, which are have been located
all throughout the country.
T. +39 031 262703
www.colombetta.it
Risorante Barchetta (Salita Mella 13, Bellagio
A fantastic restaurant that specialises in fresh lake fish and
other seafood. Food is served on a bamboo-enclosed heated terrace and
here you can dine on the most exquisite innovative variations on
traditional recipes.
T. +39 031 951389
WHERE TO SLEEP?
Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio 5*
The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is one of the oldest and most
elegant hotels in the Lake Como area and the only 5 star de-luxe hotel
in Bellagio.The hotel has a renowned restaurant, swimming pool and a
sandy beach.
T. +39 031 950216
www.villaserberlloni.com
Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace 5*
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo features 92 rooms and two luxurious
suites, brand new spa, two restaurants, three bars, two outdoor pools,
including one floating above the lake, private beach and Solarium,
tennis, fitness club with sauna. Directly adjacent to Villa Carlotta
and its botanical Gardens, and a 10-minute drive from the Golf Club of
Menaggio and Cadenabbia – the location is fantastic.
T. +39 0344 42491
www.grandhoteltremezzo.com
Villa D’Este in Cernobbbbio. 5*
Villa d’Este, a former 16th century princely residence,
surrounded by a 25 acre park, is more than just a hotel. The luxury and
magnificence of a bygone era is maintained intact. Upon emerging from
the revolving doors you feel the cares of the modern world slip away
and the warm greetings of the staff make you feel at home.
T. +39 031 3481
www.villadeste.it
EXTRA FACT
Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines has a 30,000 sqm villa close
to Villa Balbianello adorned with beautiful gardens, lots of rooms, an
indoor cinema and your own butlers and chefs. This beautiful property
is available to rent at about 115,000 euros per week, only reachable by
water- for optimum luxury get in touch.
