Lake Como is among the top locations on many bucket lists. The famous lake is located in Lombardy, Italy. The picturesque locale is popular among the rich and famous. Sparking blue water is the centerpiece, with gorgeous limestone and granite mountains and timeless villas as its backdrop.
Anyone who visits Lake Como is drawn to the charming landscape. In fact, after one visit, you might dream of relocating to the area. Property in Lake Como is prime real estate that could be yours.
If you’ve never been to the Italian hotspot, here are five reasons to fall in love with Lake Como.
The Weather
Lake Como is in a humid temperate climate. The area experiences all four seasons – spring, summer, winter, and fall. The lake regulates the temperature of the most extreme seasons, ensuring that winters aren’t too cold or summers too hot.
The average annual temperature of Lake Como is 56 °F (13 °C.) Lows in the winter months average 39 °F (~3.7 °C) in January. Temperatures in the hottest months average 74 °F (23.4 °C) in July.
Lake Como does get its fair share of rain. Visitors to Lake Como can enjoy the stunning blooming flowers surrounding the lake in the spring. By autumn, the mountain peaks are covered in snow.
No matter what season, Lake Como residents will marvel at the spectacular scenery all around them.
The History
Lake Como is rich in history, tracing back to the Ice Age. Melting glaciers formed the lake’s distinct upside-down ‘Y’ shape. As it’s known locally, Lago di Como is the third-largest lake in Italy.
Its shape gives it three separate ‘branches’ – the Colico branch to the north, the Leco branch to the southeast, and the Como branch to the southwest.
Some of the villas on the lake were built in the 16th century. Roman baths dating back to the first and second centuries were found at an archeological site near Lake Como.
In the town of Bellagio, you’ll find the famous Villa Melzi built in 1808. While the estate is a private residence, some areas, such as the chapel and the gardens, are open to the public. Most notable are the villa’s lush botanical gardens. Azaleas and Rhododendrons intersect with Roman statues and Egyptian sculptures. Don’t miss the Japanese pond with water lilies.
Another 18th-century villa can be found in the nearby town of Lenno. Count Guido Monzino last owned villa del Bablianello. The Count was the first Italian to climb Mount Everest. Visitors can view Monzino’s prized collection from his adventures, including the dog sled he used on his expedition to the North Pole.
The Location
Lake Como is located in Northern Italy, but travelers can easily reach other cities. Milan, which has an international airport, is 41 kilometers (30 miles) from Lake Como. Trains can make the 515 kilometers (319 miles) journey to Rome in a little over five hours.
The celebrity hotspot is very close to the Swiss border. Lugano is the closest city in Switzerland to Lake Como at 32 kilometers (19.9 miles.)
Skiing in the Alps is one of the most popular activities. While Lake Como experiences a mild winter, several ski resorts are within driving distance. St. Moritz in Switzerland is just a few hours by car. Famous ski resorts Bormio, Madesimo, and Livigno are all located in Italy.
The Atmosphere
When we talk about atmosphere, we mean more than the weather. Lake Como is a cultural hub thanks to the towns surrounding it. The area is rich, but not just because of its affluent habitants. Limestone and granite mountains create a stunning backdrop for culture to flourish.
Lake Como is host to several annual cultural events. Fiera di Sant’Abbondio in Como is a yearly event that honors the town’s patron saint. The famous Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este competition features vintage and classic cars vying for the title of Best In Show. Attendees can admire cars from the past and view car prototypes of the future.
Comacina is the only island on Lake Como. At the end of June, the island hosts a festival of lights. The town of Como holds its own Christmas light festival in December, Città dei Balocchi.
In October, the town of Cernobbio holds a landscape design and flower show. Orticolario is one of Lake Como’s most popular events.
The villas and architecture of Lake Como have a storied history, but so does the town that shares its name. Como, Italy, is world-famous for its silk. The fabled silk saga began in the 1400s with the planting of mulberry trees around Lake Como. The shade trees attracted an influx of silkworms.
The resulting manufacture of silk landed the town of Como the “Silk City” nickname. Visitors can explore the history of silk at the Lake Como Silk Museum. Many shops in the surrounding towns sell elegant silk scarves and other accessories made with silk.
The Adventures
If shopping isn’t your thing, adventure awaits in Lake Como. Kite and windsurfing are two popular activities on the water. Canoeing and sailing across the lake will give you amazing mountain views. Lake Como sits at the foothill of the Alps.
The town of Gravedona is perfect for adventure seekers and couples on a romantic vacation. The town is home to the Concordia, a vintage steamboat. Spend a relaxing day on Lake Como as the steam-powered boat takes you back in time.
For adrenaline junkies, Gravedona also offers water plane rides. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, explore the town via bike, hike, or horseback riding.
High above the town of Menaggio sits Monte Grona. Hiking 1,736 meters (5,696 feet) to the peak will grant you breathtaking views of Lake Como and both the Swiss and Italian Alps.
There’s a reason many visitors consider Lake Como a slice of heaven on Earth. Travelers are drawn to the lake’s soothing views and the tranquility of the surrounding towns. You only have to visit Lake Como once to fall in love with the quaint destination.
