Lake Como is Italy’s deepest and most beautiful lake. It’s an unusual shape – a striking upside-down ‘Y’ – with a magnificent shoreline that stretches for 120 kilometres, set against snow-capped mountains. For years, it’s been a favourite getaway of celebrities and aristocrats, who sail on, and sunbathe around, its blue waters, revelling in the glorious Italian scenery.
Being the favourite of the glitterati for centuries has resulted in some grand architecture – fabulous villas, gilded palaces and postcard-pretty towns crafted by nobles, bishops and princes perch on its banks. However, Lake Como holidays are not just for the rich and famous, but rather for anyone who loves romance and grandeur, boating, scenic strolls and excellent food.
Around 30 towns and villages ring the water’s edge. They’re painted in chalky pinks and oranges, shuttered houses backed by dark-green cypress trees and wooded hills. Most legendary of these is the village of Bellagio, but there are many other beauties to discover, too.
The joy of holidays to Lake Como is that everything feels rather effortless – the panoramas are dreamy no matter where you look, the food is next-level delicious and there are boat adventures to be had if you fancy exploring. And if you don’t? Well, easing into leisurely paced lakeside life is a breeze.