Lake Como

Lake Como is located in northern Italy, in the Lombardy region. In size Lago di Como is inferior to neighboring Garda and Lago Maggiore, but belongs among the deepest lakes in Europe. The narrow, meridian-long lake is divided into two arms in the south. Italians, fond of figurative comparisons, think it resembles a vigorously pacing man with legs in the towns of Como and Lecco and a nose in Domaso.

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The shores of Como have been a favorite vacation spot for aristocrats since Roman times. The pleasant tradition was continued by today’s Italian and foreign celebrities like George Clooney, who bought a villa here. Ordinary mortals on Lake Como will also find something to their liking: water sports and aeronautics, walks in landscaped gardens, budget excursions around Como and coastal towns by boat.

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Video: Lake Como

Active vacations on Lake Como

Lake Como is the only place in Europe where you can get a license as a hydroplane pilot after spending six months of personal time and more than 10 thousand euros. Ordinary tourists prefer an easier way – for 80 euros to take the passenger seat in a half-hour flight over Como on a hydroplane. In the town of Como there is a year-round training diving center with a diving pool and kayaking courses. For lovers of the classics there is a rowing school. There are quite a few excellent fishing spots on the lake, but you can only fish on your own after purchasing a special permit costing about 30 euros for a year.

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There are many hiking trails in the surrounding area with detailed maps, accessible signs and markings. You can also climb the mountains by cable car from Como to the commune of Brunate in just 7 minutes. The line was opened back in 1894 and has since been completely rebuilt. The carriage runs every 15-30 minutes with 4 stops. Despite the disposable terrain, there is no skiing near Como – the nearest resort is an hour and a half drive north of the lake.

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‘ Funicular from Como to the commune of Brunate

Shops and restaurants

The towns on Lake Como can’t beat Milan in terms of shopping and prices, but there’s plenty to eat here too. On the shores of the lake, farmers breed mulberry silkworms, which provide the raw material for elegant scarves and colorful ties. Numerous restaurants offer mainly Italian cuisine, including fresh fish.

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Tourist information

‘ Milan from Central Station by electric trains that run every hour. From Switzerland, an expressway passes through Colico in the north.

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