Lake Como

Lake Como with its 146 sq. m. surface area, is the third largest Italian lake. It is an inverted ‘Y’ shaped lake and is completely surrounded by mountains, the Alps (the highest in this area is the Monte Legnone, 2609 above Colico). As well as the surrounding mountains, the lake is unique because of the presence of Isola Comacina, the only lake island. It has been loved as holiday destination by many travellers, thanks to the beauty of its landscapes, its charming villas which overlook the lake and its typical ancient villages. The mild climate, especially in the central part of the lake, ensures tourists visit all year round, with many coming from all parts of the world. The numerous villas and the luxurious hotels dotted around the lake often have illustrious and famous guests, who belong to important cultural, economical groups.

Lake Como is easily accessible from many countries, thanks to it’s location and links to most important European airports and the proximity of Lugano, (Switzerland) and Italian cities, such as Milan, Bergamo and Como.

Visitors can quickly reach the area by car: Milan (60 minutes) and Lugano (40 minutes) and to the central lake area know as the ‘Heart of the Lake’; alternatively visitors can use the public transport including buses or boat/ferry services.

But what makes Como so attractive to visitors? Below are some of the features that attract visitors to visit and stay in the area:

• wonderful landscapes, with typical ancient villages with welcoming homely atmosphere from very friendly locals;
• impressive surrounding mountains and fantastic panoramas;
• Take part in numerous sports: either on the lake (such as sailing, canoeing, fishing, swimming, wind / kite surfing, nautical skiing) or on the mountains ( hiking, climbing, parascending, mountain biking).
• typical local cuisine incorporating many traditions and cultures and including fresh local produce such as mountain cheeses and lake fish, many of which can be found in restaurants and agriturismos.
• historical villas and gardens as Villa Balbianello built by Durini Cardinal at the end of 700, the Plinio Il Giovane Villas built in the first century AD, Villa Carlotta with its unique flowers and trees, as the azaleas bloom, the Rockfeller & Adenauer Foundation to name a few
• numerous festivals, parties and folklore: the famous Isola Comacina with fireworks representing the fight against the Barbarossa, the «Lucia’s Palio» (a typical lake old boat competition), the “Missultin Festival” (“missultin” is a typical dry lake fish), the various grape and «crotti» festivals, the Schignano Carnival and many other folklore events through the year which typifies the lake atmosphere.
• cultural events like concerts with aperitif at Villa Balbianello (Lenno), the music season at Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo), the Lario Jazz Festival that tours around lake resorts, the open air cinema, the FAI (Fondo Italiano per l’Ambiente) days, the exhibitions at Villa Olmo and Villa Erba (Como) and the prestigious International economics meeting at Villa d’Este (Cernobbio).
• tourist facilities including hotels, lidos, restaurants, camp sites, golf clubs and tennis courts
• the proximity to other important tourist destinations including the Valtellina region famed for its vineyards and cuisine and an ideal location for winter sports at Madesimo, Bormio, St. Moritz as well as Lugano and Campione d’Italia with their Casinos for those who like to gamble Furthermore movie makers are attracted to the area as the beauty of Lake Como provides a magical and romantic backdrop for numerous Italian soap operas, as well as the big screen films such Casino Royale, Star Wars Episode II, Ocean’s Twelve, along with a variety of music videos including amongst others Gwen Stefani. Some of the stars fall are captivated with the area so much that they purchase a piece of this paradise — George Clooney being one such celebrity who have fallen in love with the area.

Lake Come is a perfect place to:

— LIVE and WORK thanks to the mild climate, the quality of life, in a peaceful and tranquil location, where everyone can live and escape the stresses of city living. The location close to Milan and Switzerland are within commutable distance for work opportunities as well as providing a gateway to many European cities from the 4 airports within 90 minutes drive

— PURCHASE A SECOND HOME being very close to Milan, Como and Lugano, the lake provides quiet a refuge for all seasons spring and summer sun, spectacular autumnal colours and fantastic winter sports.

Whether your choice is to live and work, or to purchase a second or even a short visit Lake Como is perfect location, many who visitor the area are caught in it’s spell and return year after year or decide to purchase their own piece of paradise