The Lake Como area is one of the most well-known family destinations for both active and relaxing holidays, as well as one of the top romantic getaway in Italy.
Actually, if we make a list of the top 10 destinations in Italy, we could not exempt to mention this incredibly green and relaxing part of this amazing country. That’s why we highly recommend you to visit Lake Como at least once in your life! Thanks to Boutique Weddings Agency on Lake Como for giving us some useful information about Como and its surroundings.
Wedding Venues on Lake Como; photos: boutique-weddings.com
Visit Como: a unique pearl nested into the southern shore of the lake
Before discovering the immediate surroundings by visiting the lakeside villages, a visit of the city of Como is absolutely recommended. Como is a rare and unique pearl nested into the southern shore of the lake: churches, museums, theatres and neoclassical villas are surrounded by a rich vegetation that conveys a great sense of calm throughout all the year.
Don’t miss a visit of the Duomo, a majestic cathedral that dominates the historic centre of the town with its white marble facade. The Tempio Voltiano is also worth a visit: it’s an elegant museum, built as a tribute to Alessandro Volta,a famous Italian scientist born in Como and inventor of the electrical battery. Walking along the lakeside in the city of Como you will meet Villa Olmo, a precious and elegant Neoclassical Villa often used as a location for meetings of heads of state.
Villa Monastero; [photo: facebook.com/villamonasterolc/
Visit lakeside villages by ferry
The lake shores are dotted by a series of little enchanting and picturesque towns that are famous for having been chosen as summer residence by a long list of VIPs coming from all over the world.
Actually, the view of the lake is stunning! The best way to visit the villages on the surroundings is by ferry. In Como, as well as in all the other little towns overlooking the lake, you will find terminals where to buy tickets and to check the daily schedules.
Taking a little cruise of the lake is a great opportunity to enjoy the unique scenery and the impressive architecture of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau villas and private houses of the Lake Como area, and to visit – according to the itinerary – Menaggio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Lenno and Bellagio.
If Bellagio is perhaps the most well-known, with its romantic promenade and the relaxing gardens of Villa Melzo and Villa Serbelloni, Maneggio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Lenno are worth a visit as well. The main attraction in Maneggio is Villa Monastero, a former Cistercian convent, famous for its collection of rare plants. In Tremezzo and in Lenno, don’t miss Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello, the latter known for being set of some scenes of Star Wars Episode II and Casino Royale.
If you prefer to enjoy the view of lake from above and get some fresh air as well, catch the “funicolare” from Como to Brunate, an amazing little town from which you can enjoy a unique view of the lake. And before leaving Como, don’t forget to give yourself a treat by trying some genuine local food – especially lake fish – in one of the many romantic restaurants on the waterfront.
photo: visitcomo.eu
