Overview
Set in the foothills of the Alps north of Milan, Lake Como forks into a slim inverted Y between wooded mountains that drop straight to the water. For centuries the wealthy built villas and terraced gardens along its shores, and towns like Como, Bellagio and Varenna string prettily around the lake, linked by ferries. It is milder and greener than the peaks behind, and the pleasure of it is the boats, the gardens and the views from the water.
Highlights
Bellagio, on the point where the lake’s arms divide, is the classic base, with the villa gardens of Melzi nearby. Ferries cross to Varenna and Menaggio and to the famous villas — the Balbianello and Carlotta — with their terraced gardens above the shore. Como town at the southern end keeps a cathedral and a funicular to the hill village of Brunate for the wide view.