SURPRISE ME!

7 Top Things to See and Do at Lake Como

Arushi Chaudhary

Last updated: Jan 3, 2020

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Eat

Braised Wild Boar and Perch with Risotto

Shop

Creams, soaps and shampoo made from olive oil at a family-run factory in Lenno

See

Street plays based on re-enactments of popular medieval legends

Do

Visit the San Fedele Church known for jewel-like stained glass windows and detailed frescoes.
Take a day trip to Milan.
Must try a Cable Car ride to the quiet village of Brunate

Want To Go ? 
   

Deepika and Ranveer aren’t the only ones to have fallen in love with Italy’s Lake Como. With a breathtaking landscape and glamorous hotels, the Italian destination is a favourite of many A-list Hollywood stars – George Clooney, Richard Branson and Madonna, to name a few – as well. We took a look up close at what makes Lake Como the dreamy destination it is made out to be, and put together a list of things to see and do at Lake Como in case you choose it as your own wedding/honeymoon/holiday destination!

The Lake Como

The obvious first place on any travel itinerary would be the lake after which the destination is named. Sitting at the foothills of the imposing Alps, it is the largest lake in all of Italy. The azure blue waters of the lake contrasting with the snow-capped mountain peaks and lush green surroundings dotted with colourful flowers is a spell-binding sight to behold. If you appreciate nature, Lake Como is the closest you’d come to losing yourself in it.

Charming Villages

The regional capital of Como is surrounded by tiny villages all around, each with a distinct character of its own and yet as pretty as the next. A day tour of these quaint little hamlets is highly recommended for fairyland-like escape from the looming realities of life. We are talking colourful houses characterised by gothic architecture flanked by water, covered in vibrant green vines and creepers with tiny arched bridges linking them to the rest of the civilization.

Read More: Top 5 Reasons to Visit Milan: Exploring Italy’s Fashion Capital

Enoteca Principessa Winery

A winery tour is almost mandatory on every European holiday. The Enoteca Principessa winery located in Bellagio, the town where the lake branches into two diversions, is the best destination for tasting some fine local wines. The proprietor is popular for his passion for winemaking and gives the guests an in-depth tour of the place. They also ship off any purchases you make at the winery to your home, so you don’t have to worry about breakages, damages or flouting customs rules.

Jungle Raider Park

If the idea of a holiday is synonymous with a good adrenaline rush for you, the Jungle Raider Park should definitely be on your radar. Whether you are still getting in touch with your adventurous streak or are a pro, the park has something in store for everyone. With seven paths set for different levels of proficiency and difficulty, the Jungle Raider Park is brimming over with adventure activities, from bungee jumping to ziplining. The two different locations – Civenna and Margno – also make it easily accessible from all parts of the Lake Como region.

Read More: My First Trip to Italy and its Three P's – Pizzas, Piazzas and Palazzos

What To Do Here: 

Shop for Silks

Como also happens to be a shopper’s paradise with a wide range of services right in heart of town, its large city centre. If you want to keep your shopping list selective, you should go for its collection of silks. The place is a silk production hub and you can find some beautiful woven ties and scarves here, and they are a steal too.

Cruise on Lake Como

Why limit yourself to appreciating the beauty of this natural marvel when you ride its waters for a look up close at life in and around Lake Como! Book yourself a day-long cruise for a 360-degree view of the lakeside villages and towns. It is hands-down the best way to appreciate the true beauty of this destination. A peek at the lakefront properties of George Clooney and Richard Branson is definitely an added incentive. There are different cruises operating out of lakeside towns such as Varenna, Bellagio and Como and they all have their own unique itineraries. So ask around, do your legwork and choose the one that works best for you.

Take Villa Tours

The entire region is dotted with exotic villas, each with a unique history or backstory to add to the charm of its picture-perfect setting and enticing architecture. While exploring each and every villa in the Lake Como region would mean way too much ground to cover, you must try to squeeze in at least a couple of these tours in your schedule. Villa Balbianello (where Deepika and Ranveer are tying the knot, as per the grapevine), a lakeshore property that has had its share of cinematic fame with shoots of 2006 Casino Royale James Bond remake and the second episode of Star Wars, waterfront Villa Carlotta with a zestful botanic garden that was built as a wedding gift to Prussian princess Carlotta from her mother, Villa Melzia, another lakefront property known for its English-style garden with a collection of rare plant varieties, are some of the most popular ones worth checking out.

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Book Your Flight to Milan Linate (Nearest Airport)