Virgil called Como ‘the greatest lake’, and Pliny the Younger had a villa here where he said the porch was ‘always like spring’. It’s the deepest lake in Italy and an unusual shape: a sprawling, upside down Y, with villages and villas strung along its shore, some converted into magnificent hotels, some private homes of huge neoclassical dimensions from the Grand Tour era of Shelley and Boswell. Many buildings rise from the remains of pre- medieval convents or the gilded palaces of princes and bishops.Everybody has their favourite of the 30-plus towns and hamlets, all linked by one scenic road following the Antica Strada Regina, which is jammed on Sundays with cyclists and little buses taking ladies to church in Como Town. Many adore Bellagio – between the two southern branches of the lake .
The Path of Olives Trees
On Como Lake there is not lack of nature discovery itineraries!
The Path of the Olives Tree takes its name from the Cost of the Olives Tree, a stretch that extends for 8 km in the eastern arm of the lake, south of Bellagio, in the Municipality of Oliveto Lario.
In this steep slope of the mountaint that at times plunges directly into the water of Como Lake, we find several paths that cross the hamlets of Onno, Vassena and Limonta, ancient villages characterized by the presence of Romanesque churches.
Along the way you cross olives trees from which you get a precious oil, but the wonderful thing is that at a certain point the olives trees give way to chestnut, hazelnut and oak woods, some of an impressive size.
To learn more about this wild and fascinating place visit the Portale Turistico Comune Oliveto Lario!
Troggia waterfall, the maldives of the Lario
Troggia is a stream that originates from Lake Sasso, its downstream waterfall with a jump of a hundred meters is one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in the valley and is located in Introbio.
The show is remarkable!
The rocks surround the foamy waterfall and the water disappears into the pond, just as Leonardo da Vinci wrote.
Moreover, the Troggia joins the Pioverna stream, which, after crossing the entire Valsassina, roars in the gorges of the Orrido of Bellano and finally flows into Como Lake.
On hot summer days it is not uncommon to find bathers in the pond formed by the waterfall, or even in the pools of the Troggia stream further downstream, even if the water is always decidedly cold.
The waterfall is easily accessible along a path of just over 1 km that starts near the Ciresa or Norda plant.
Furthermore, the laziest can travel a stretch of road towards Val Biandino by car, park and walk to the base of the waterfall in 5-10 minutes.
Walk of Lovers
The walk along the lakeside of Varenna, the walk of lovers, is one of the most romantic of Lake Como.
It is a short pedestrian path along a cantilevered water walkway that connects the Varenna landing stage with the center of the village.
The view that can be admired is something amazing, where the mountains embrace the sides of the Lario.
Varenna could be defined as one of the Cinque Terre (or perhaps at this point Six) of Lake Como
Bellagio
I would personally define Bellagio as the Positano of Lake Como. When I walk through the tiny streets of this lovely Italian gem, I feel like I’m on the Costiera Amalfitana. From the harbor, walking up to the center, you will experience the uniqueness of this picturesque town with every step you take.
Allow yourself to get lost around Bellagio’s narrow streets, visit the local shops and feel the handmade silk – there is nothing like it! You can also sit in one of the local wineries, which are surrounded by breath-taking panoramic views.
Villas of Lake Como
Lake Como is dotted with incredible mansions and villas. Most of them are privately owned so you won’t be able to tour them (sorry no George), but you can visit 3 beautiful Villas in Lake Como:
- Villa Balbianello (where scenes from Star Wars was filmed)
- Villa Carlotta
- Villa Melz
Tempio Voltiano
The Tempio Voltiano, also known as the ‘Volto Museum’ is a museum in Como built in memory of Allessandro Volto. This prolific Italian scientist is regarded as the inventor of the electrical battery and, until his death in 1827, he spent the majority of his life living in Lake Como.
If you are interested in taking an insightful look at the life and achievements of an Italian legend, the Volto museum is simply a must-visit.
