Lake Como, between historic villas, fairytale villages, and breathtaking landscapes

Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, reaching up to 410 meters in depth. The water draws an "inverted Y" and is a place that mixes luxury and simplicity, nature and history, tradition and charm. The lake is a symbol of luxury, and in fact, it hosts some of the most beautiful villas in Italy. In Tremezzo, for example, there is Villa Carlotta, which has an Italian-style garden that blossoms in spring like a true painting. In Lenno, instead, there is the spectacular Villa del Balbianello, which even appears in films like Star Wars and James Bond.

The pearl of the lake, Bellagio, rises at the exact point where the two branches of the lake separate. It is an unmissable stop, given its Art Nouveau hotels, $360^\circ$ views, as well as its artisan shops and flowered stairways. Then there is Varenna, located on the Lecco shore, which makes everyone fall in love with its Sentiero degli Innamorati (Lover's Walk). Trekking enthusiasts can engage in outdoor activities like the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path), which connects Abbadia Lariana to Colico, along the eastern shore of the lake. Obviously, you can also relax with a boat ride or in the thousand hidden coves around the lake.

In summer, you can also take a dip to cool off. Everywhere you look at Lake Como, there is the constant presence of the mountains, and it is the only thing that never leaves you. This combination of lake and mountain has enchanted travelers for centuries, so much so that it inspired, as everyone knows, the great writer Alessandro Manzoni, who set The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi) between Lecco and Pescarenico. He began his most famous novel by quoting Lake Como itself. Even modern celebrities like George Clooney seek this lake as a symbol of their luxurious life. The charm of the lake, therefore, has never gone out of fashion: it has been talked about and frequented with great love for centuries.

It has evolved over time with great constancy, transforming into something that is now even more appreciated than in the past. It is much more than just the landscape; it is a place that captivates you and manages to win over even the most skeptical.

cover photo credits photoshopav