Como - Eternal charm between lake and mountains

There are places that require no excess to impress. Como is one of them. Nestled among verdant mountains and embraced by one of Europe’s most iconic lakes, this northern Italian city is imbued with a discreet elegance and a dolce far niente that can be felt in the rhythm of the water.
Lake Como is the magnificent backdrop. With its almost cinematic reflections, it sets the pace of daily life and defines the experience of those who visit. Walking along the lakefront, passing manicured gardens, historic villas and century-old hotels, is an experience of pure contemplation. The boats – ferries, private taxis or small wooden launches – are part of the scenery and take you to discover towns such as Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, each of which has its own unique identity.

Varenna is perhaps the most charming. Romantic and delicate, it resembles a living postcard: colourful houses cascading down to the water, flower-filled balconies, narrow alleys where time slows down. Here, you can enjoy leisurely lunches by the lake, impromptu dips in the water and glorious golden evenings. Children play by the water, locals greet each other, and even visitors end up slowing down.
Bellagio is the grande dame of the lake, more sophisticated, with elegant boutiques, historic hotels and immaculate gardens. Menaggio, on the other hand, has a more relaxed and sunny charm, ideal for anyone who likes to be active on the lake.

Bellagio is the grande dame of the lake, more sophisticated, with elegant boutiques, historic hotels and immaculate gardens.

The villas are another of Como’s famous landmarks. Some are open to the public, others are shrouded in mystery, hidden behind walls and cypress trees. Villa del Balbianello is one of the most iconic, a backdrop for films and home to gardens that hang over the water. George Clooney may have helped to immortalise the contemporary image of the lake, but Como has always been a refuge for aristocrats, artists and travellers in search of beauty and privacy.
A city break in Como is best enjoyed at a gentle pace: an espresso al fresco overlooking the lake, a visit to the historic centre – where the tradition of silk is still alive – and a ride on the funicular up to Brunate for breath-taking views of the lake and the Alps.

The food completes the experience. Lombardy cuisine, robust and elegant, celebrates the lake’s fish, creamy risottos and local produce, served in family-run restaurants or at sophisticated tables by the water’s edge. Eating in Como is like an extension of the landscape.
Luxury here is lived without ostentation: on a boat trip in the late afternoon, in a historic hotel, at an elegant beach club or in a simple moment – children jumping into the water, families enjoying impromptu picnics, life unfolding naturally. It is this harmony between beauty, everyday life and time that makes Como unforgettable.

[…] Como has always been a refuge for aristocrats, artists and travellers in search of beauty and privacy.

Text: Editorial Team
Photos: Rights Reserved