The lake is shaped much like the character ‘Y’. The northern branch begins at the town of Colico, while the towns of Como and Lecco sit at the ends of the south-western and south-eastern branches respectively. The small towns of Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna are situated at the intersection of the three branches of the lake and a regular triangular boat service operates between them.
BELLAGIO
The pearl of the lake, it is considered by many to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe. A 10 minutes walk to Punta Spartivento will reward you with the most breathtaking views of the three branches of the lake with the chain of the alpine foothills in the background while its narrow cobbled streets, impeccable homes and glorious villas like ‘Villa Melzi d’Eril’ and ‘Palazzo Serbelloni’ make it a most enchanting spot to spend your own unforgettable “Month by the Lake”.
Grigna Mountains and Bellagio
In Bellagio centre, we have pretty apartments like Casa Lidia and Casa Ugo but within a short drive of the town there also beautiful villas with private pools like Villa Fiaba and Villa Alpina.
MENAGGIO, GRAVEDONA, VARENNA
A regular car ferry links Bellagio to Varenna, an old fishing village on the Lecco side of the lake, and to Menaggio, a small tourist centre located on the west side. Menaggio has a pleasant promenade and an abundance of small shops and lakeside restaurants. The north west side of the lake from Menaggio to Gravedona boasts long beaches with water sports facilities. It is also easy driving distance from the Alps famous skiing resort of St. Moritz.
Varenna view Varenna view
In the Menaggio area, Villa Dia is always a popular choice, as it has a private swimming pool which can be heated and even covered to allow swimming in any weather conditions. Or otherwise Villa Lario with amazing lake views.
The Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (‘Holy Mount of Ossuccio’) is a sanctuary located on a hillside slope between olive groves and woods along the western edge of Lake Como facing the Comacina island (Isola Comacina). Fifteen Baroque inspired chapels, built between 1635 and 1710, are dotted along the way that leads to the Monastery. In 2003, Unesco added the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (along with the other ‘Sacri Monti’ of Piedmont and Lombardy) to the World Heritage List.
Lake view from Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)
CLIMATE
Lake Como weather is generally mild. It is known for its Mediterranean-like climate where tropical and sub-tropical plants can grow all-year-round. During the winter months, the lake helps to maintain a higher temperature in the surrounding region. Average daily temperatures range from about 13 °C in December to 30 °C in July. Water temperatures can reach an average of 24 °C during the month of July. Rainfall is heaviest in May and lowest during the winter months. Snowfall is erratic and primarily affects the higher elevations.
Como view from the lake