Vacation Rentals in Lake Como

Lake Como is located in Northern Italy and has a characteristic fjord-like Y-shape, which results in a central part and lake arms. Important towns on the lake are Como in the southwest, Lecco in the southeast and Colico in the north. The lake area is surrounded by the Monte Grigna massif and Monte Legnone, which is 2,619 metres high. In the middle of the lake there is only one island, the Isola Comacina, which was already inhabited in ancient times.

Along the shore there are many small villages, which radiate a very special charm. In between there are luxurious villas, some of which date back to the 15th century. Due to the Mediterranean climate, many subtropical plants grow here, such as citrus fruits, palms, olive trees and cypresses.

On Lake Como there is a lot of boat traffic, partly only for people, but partly also for cars, which connect the villages Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia. Passenger transport also takes you to Colico, Como, Lecco and Lierna.

At Lake Como you will find many possibilities for paddling and boating. Surfing, sailing and kitesurfing are particularly popular between Bellagio and Colico, where the wind conditions are ideal for water sports.

Lake Como attracts a large number of climbers every year because the nearby mountains of Monte Grigna and Monte Legnone offer perfect climbing conditions. Hikers will also find a fantastic paradise. If you want to walk from summit to summit, then the Via dei Monti Lariani in the west is highly recommended, a historic trail 125 kilometres long.

During the summer months Lake Como reaches a water temperature of just under 22 degrees Celsius. But for people who prefer a cooler refreshment, the lake is just right. Therefore, there are numerous romantic bathing places with sunbathing lawns and pebble beaches along the entire lake shore. Some swimming pools also have a boat hire service.

The Sacro Monte di Ossuccio is also called "Sacred Mountain" because it has numerous chapels from the 17th and 18th centuries. These chapels represent the mysteries of the Rosary. You will find the Holy Mountain on the west side of Lake Como. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003.

The area around Lake Como was previously used for the production of silk, for which silkworms were bred on mulberry trees. At that time many stately buildings were built for the landowners and other prominent personalities, which you can visit during a walk. These include Villa Melzi and Serbelloni in Bellagio, Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and Villa Mylius Vigoni in Menaggio. Villa La Gaeta, located in San Siro, was used in 2007 as the location for the James Bond film "Casino Royale".

Friends of historical buildings should also make a detour to the impressive castles of the region. From the Castello di Vezio not far from Varenna you have a fantastic view of the lake. The castle is open for visits and also has a castle museum and a falconry. In Colico you can visit two fortresses, the Forte del Fuentes and the Forte Montecchio.

Lake Como is a water rich in fish, which is why fish dishes of all kinds are on the menu here. Fish can be pickled, dried, baked or roasted. They are often served with sage, butter and olives. Due to its proximity to the mountains, rabbits, mushrooms, potatoes and mountain cheese are also traditional ingredients in the region. The Meascia cake with different fruits and pumpkin blossoms is highly recommended as a dessert.

Every spring the elegant classic car event "Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este" takes place in Cernobbio on Lake Como. The venue of the event is the Grand Hotel Villa d´Este. Before that, classic classic cars are awarded according to the beauty principle and the criteria "elegance" and "aesthetic value". The event first took place in 1929 and since then has attracted not only lovers of historic automobiles, but also vehicle designers and international celebrities.