If you dream about a real Italian experience, in a small village in the Italian Alps, you must choose one of the towns on the Lake Como Italy. There are many villages on the Lake Como – it is one of the biggest in the entire country, but the most famous one if Como. However, no matter which place you choose, you will be able to enjoy the lake, the mountains, the fresh air, and especially the Italian hospitality.
Lake Como Italy is surrounded by the Alps
As you may already know, Lake Como Italy is famous all around the world: several movies were shot here, and popular actors and starts from all over the world owe houses here (like Madonna, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and many others). So before coming to Como, my expectations were quite high. Well, the good news is that Lake Como Italy won’t disappoint you, and you will be surprised that it looks as beautiful or even more, than you saw it on TV or on the internet. I simply couldn’t catch its whole beauty in pictures!
Finding accommodation in Como could be a challenge, because it is very expensive, but also booked months in advance. However, the lake is huge, and there are many small towns and villages around it where you can enjoy the nature and the Italian hospitality.
Lake Como Italy during the spring
We stayed only one weekend at Lake Como Italy, but we were fascinated by its beauty and the nature here. There are many things to do at the lake, and I wish we would have had more time to spend here, to enjoy everything. However, here are the top experiences at the Lake Como Italy, you must try:
Explore the lake shore and the small towns around it
Lake Italy Como is huge; I’ve heard from the locals it has more than 100 miles shore line, so just imagine how many things to do and see are around it. Most probably you won’t be able to explore it all, but make sure you visit one-two towns on the lake, discover the local culture, and take pictures of all the buildings in the Italian style. The towns here have a unique style and atmosphere that will convince you to come again.
Discover the gardens
The lake and the entire area are famous for its gardens and villas, which look better than in the movies. Take a tour of the villas in your neighborhood, and you will understand what I am taking about. However, the most famous one is Villa la Collina – the summer house of the German Chancellor Adenauer. Other famous villas are Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello.
Discover the beautiful villas of Lake Como Italy
Go for a hike in the Alps
You are in the Alps, so if you have time, go for a small hike. We weren’t prepared for a real hike, but we still enjoyed the mountains, the views, the fresh air, and everything surrounding us. We were lucky to have a local guide with us, but I am sure you could do it also if you ask people for instructions about the best paths through the Alps. I am sure you will find spots with great views over the lake.
The nature is simply beautiful around the Lake Como Italy
Try the cable car
I have to admit, taking the cable car up to the mountain was a great idea. You will get a panoramic view over the area. It was one of the best! Also, it is much easier than climbing up the hill. You can find the cable car at Argegno, and in just 5 minutes, you will be on top of the mountain.
Enjoy the beauty of the small villages
Go shopping
I was surprised to discover many designer boutiques in Como, but it was nice to explore the small streets and to see the luxurious windows. However, there are also many local shop where I found beautiful hand-made products, so I totally recommend you to explore on afternoon Como, and to buy souvenirs and presents for you friends and family.
The towns around Lake Como Italy are quite compact
Try water-sports
Unfortunately, I was at the Lake Como Italy in spring, and it was too cold to go swimming or to try some water-sports. But I’ve noticed all the facilities for sailing, canoing, windsurfing or kite-surfing, so I think it is a must for the travelers who arrive there. I, personally, will go there again during the summer, and hope I will try them all. I’ve heard from a local that tourists can even take to fly with a seaplane if they want; of course, you will need a larger budged for it.
Ride the ferry
No matter if it is winter or summer, you can always ride the ferry just to enjoy the lake. You can use it to travel from one town to another, just like the locals. The lake was very calm when we tried it, and it was a delightful experience. Also, it is quite cheap, and you’ll get beautiful views of the lake.