Lake Como, Italy: fabulous panoramas, luxurious villas and exotic gardens

A small and noisy town of the same name. There are many opportunities for recreation and entertainment - numerous works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theaters, parks and palaces. Favorable climate and developed tourist infrastructure do not allow to go round this city.

The tourist center of the province of Como, located on the western branch of the lake in northern Italy, has a population of less than 85,000 people. But despite its size, it boasts long history and busy streets. Around the 1st century BC, the Romans looked after the territory and settled on the neighboring hills, but soon moved to the modern location. Already in 774 Como became the center of trade exchange. Over the course of many centuries, battles for freedom took place here more than once and the French, Spaniards, and Austrians came to power. Today it is a major trading and Cultural Center Italy.

Climatic features

Como has a fairly unique location in the zone of humid subtropical climate. Here winters are not long, but foggy, wet and frosts occur due to the Siberian anticyclone. Spring and autumn are comfortable. These seasons are the best time to visit the city. Summers are hot and oppressive, very humid. Winds are rare in summer, but there are thunderstorms.

Transport accessibility

Como is not experiencing difficulties with the transport infrastructure, it is well developed here. Train Station connects this commune with all the major cities of Lombardy. For example, from just an hour away.

Immediate international airports, which have flights from Russia, are located in Milan and in Italy, as well as Lugano in Switzerland, this airport is connected with the commune by direction North - South. It takes 1.5 hours to get from Bergamo and about an hour from Lugano.

In addition, you can use the Zurich airport, but you will have to spend three to five hours on the road.

Another option is to use the water airport at Idroskal seaplane base. Operates local flights.

Water transport across the lake connects Como with most of the towns and villages along the coast.

Within the city, you can use 11 public transport and taxi routes.

Recreation and entertainment

You can stop in Como for every taste and budget. There is a huge selection of economy accommodation - hostels, as well as luxury apartments and villas. You can go outside the city and choose quieter villages for accommodation, for example, in Bellagio, 30 kilometers away. Shops and souvenir shops will attract the attention of shoppers, and during breaks you can try local cuisine in great restaurants. Lake Como is also a great holiday destination. Here you can make fascinating excursions to the surroundings and the nearest settlements.

One of the most notable sights is the Duomo di Como or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. This Roman Catholic cathedral was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. It is considered the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy, as the full construction was completed only in 1740. The Duomo perfectly combines the spirit of all these four centuries and styles - Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic. Frescoes, paintings, sculptures and stained-glass windows are all present in the interior of the cathedral.

It is worth paying attention to other religious places. Church of San Fedele, built in the Lombard style around 1120. The main feature of the cathedral is its carved medieval decorations and the original bell tower, restored in our time. Church of Sant'Abbondio, consecrated in 1095. Has paintings from the 11th century and frescoes from the 14th century.

The center of the city is Kuvar Square, where the Broletto building is located. If you literally translate this word from Celtic, then it means - a garden surrounded by a wall. Once upon a time, city meetings were held here.

Another of the most visited places is Villa Olma. The building is made in neoclassical style. Construction began in 1797 and was intended for the rest of the aristocracy. In 1924, the villa was bought out, and today it can only be entered in the format of exhibitions. But the garden and the shore of the lake are available all year round for everyone.

An interesting place is Baradello Castle. Towering on a hill at 430 meters above sea level. This building dates back to the 1st millennium BC. In 1971 the fortress was reconstructed. A square tower, Byzantine walls of the 6th-7th centuries, the chapel of St. Nicholas have survived to this day.

The funicular, opened in 1894, will take you to the slopes of Mount Brunete without any problems, offering stunning views of the mountains, the lake and the city.
Funicular to Mount Brunete

On the border of Italy and Switzerland in the picturesque region of Lombardy, at the foot of the Alpine mountains, there is an amazing beauty. For centuries, Lake Como has inspired writers, artists, composers, and filmmakers. This place was chosen by many celebrities of our time: George Clooney, Madonna, Ronaldinho and others.

Now Lake Como is a recognized center of Italian tourism. Numerous small towns and villages with narrow streets, luxurious villas and medieval castles, traditional Italian cuisine, heavenly landscapes and entertainment for every taste - this is what this region can boast of.

Choosing a place to stay on Lake Como is not easy: each town is beautiful in its own way. We have already written about major city, which gave the name to the entire lake -. Today Blogoitaliano offers to visit 5 more equally beautiful and picturesque towns along the coast.

Lecco

Lecco is located in the southeast of Lake Como, where the lake itself smoothly flows into the Adda River. He is famous for his Villa Manzoni, where the Italian writer drew inspiration for his novel The Betrothed; its palaces, the most popular of which is the Belgioiso Palace; its ancient church of St. Nicholas of the XVIII century; four bridges thrown over the bed of a restless river, as well as beautiful streets immersed in the greenery of oleanders and cypresses.

Lecco is one of the largest cities on Lake Como.

Entertainment for every taste will be found in Lecco and lovers of outdoor activities. There are excellent ski slopes and climbing trails, on the picturesque peaks there are places for picnics. Dungeon lovers will find a walk in the karst Lead Cave. And on the chic surface of the lake you can go windsurfing and yachting.

Bellagio

If you look at Lake Como from above, it becomes clear that it looks like an inverted Y, stretched from north to south. Bellagio is located right at the intersection of the three branches of Lake Como in the most picturesque place. The strategic value of this corner was appreciated even during the Roman Empire. Back in the 5th century BC. defensive fortifications were built here. However, later the protective function of Bellagio was lost.

Villa Melzi in Bellagio is one of the finest works of architecture of the 19th century

The picturesqueness of this place was appreciated by the cream of European society, who began to build luxurious villas here. Particularly famous are Villa Melzi, built in the 19th century by order of the Vice-President of the Italian Republic, Francesco Melzi, and Villa Serbelloni, whose building appeared in Bellagio in the 15th century.

Both villas are distinguished by exquisite parks, smoothly descending directly to the shore of the lake. By the way, Villa Serbelloni is also an exquisite 5-star hotel that has been known far beyond the borders of Italy for more than a century. Despite the fact that the prices at the hotel are not cheap, there are no vacant rooms in the season for 2-3 months before arrival.

There are several ancient churches in this small resort town. The oldest - the Basilica of San Giacomo dates back to the XI century. No less interesting are the churches of San Giorgio and San Giovanni.

In addition, it is a city of romantics, narrow streets, old houses and wrought-iron fences. No wonder that Bellagio was chosen by the famous composer Franz Liszt for his honeymoon trip. Since then, celebrating a honeymoon here has been considered the key to the start of a prosperous family life.

Menaggio

Menaggio is a quiet, cozy town located very close to the elite Bellagio. The favorable location near the mountains, hiding the cold winds, has created favorable conditions for the growth of exotic crops. Numerous villas and a picturesque lakeside promenade are buried in greenery.

The majestic mountains in Menaggio create a favorable climate for Mediterranean vegetation

Menaggio is not as famous as his neighbor. Nevertheless, here one can feel the harmony between the purely Italian flavor and the availability of tourist attractions. In addition to walks along the coast, vacationers are offered numerous mountain routes to Plesio and Brella, at an altitude of 785 m above sea level, the picturesque mountain park of Val Sanagro, as well as to the peak of Grona (1400 m), from where stunning views of the lake and surroundings open.

Varenna

In addition to the towns, there are numerous picturesque villages near Lake Como. Varenna is considered the most famous among tourists, apparently because it is located directly opposite Menaggio and Bellagio described above and is connected with them by regular ferry service.

Varenna surprises at first sight with its colorful houses

The main attraction of Varenna is the medieval center, one of the best preserved in Lombardy. Here you should definitely look at the medieval churches of the XIV-XVII centuries, the villas of Chepressi and Monastero, the Luigi Scanagatta Museum and the ruins of Vezio Castle. A great entertainment will be a boat trip to neighboring towns and villages.

The view of Lake Como from Vezio Castle is simply mesmerizing

Colico

Our review of the interesting tourist towns of Lake Como will end with the town of Colico, located in the northern part of the lake. It is here that the world-famous Pion Abbey is located - one of the most beautiful monasteries in northern Italy. The main church of the abbey was built back in the distant XI century, later it was repeatedly completed and rebuilt.

The Abbey of Piona in Colico is the most romantic attraction in northern Italy

Of the attractions of Colico, the forts of Fuentes and Montecchio are also known. Unlike Fuentes, built in the 17th century and preserved only in ruins to this day, Montecchio was built during the First World War and has been preserved in excellent condition.

In addition to cultural attractions, you can also find modern entertainment here: surfing, kite surfing, tennis courts, an excellent beach.

How to get to the cities of Lake Como

First of all, you need to fly to Milan, where the closest to Lake Como is located. You can buy plane tickets here:

• drive to destination public transport with transfers;
• rent a car at the airport.

Let's consider each of them in more detail.

Along Lake Como by public transport

To almost any town on east coast The lake can be reached by electric train from Milan. They depart from the central

Along the lake in a rented car

You can also get to Como by rented car. It will cost quite inexpensively: about 70 euros for 7 days. The car can be picked up at the airport and returned at the end of the journey at the same place. The most popular car rental service in Europe is Rentalcars: in fact, it is a price comparison service with the possibility of booking. The site has a version in Russian. Blogoitaliano already wrote more about the service, as well as the peculiarities of moving around the Apennines in the article.

In addition, by car you can drive along the entire coast, seeing many equally interesting towns: Tremezzo, Cernobbio, Argegno and others. And the ferry service in the Varenna-Bellagio-Menaggio triangle will allow you to quickly and easily transport the car from one side to the other.

Lake Como is a striking landmark in northern Italy. It is located just north of Milan. The place is considered prestigious for recreation, and many celebrities dream of buying real estate in these parts.

Helpful information

The age of the lake is impressive - it is almost the same age as the Ice Age! In ancient Roman times, Lago di Como was considered an important strategic point for the defense of the Roman Empire, therefore, Roman legionnaires were always based in these parts.

Since the area was under protection, here trade began to develop and flourish, crafts developed, new settlements arose.

The lake has second name - Lario. This name was given to the lake by the ancient Greeks, and the Romans subsequently only transformed the name to “lacus larius” (“deep place”). In the Middle Ages, the name was reduced to the present - Como.

Until the 19th century, ordinary quiet italian villages, but since the middle of the 19th century, European aristocrats have chosen this Lake Como for recreation and began to build luxurious villas.

The depth of the reservoir is quite large - about 430 meters, and is the third largest in Italy. The surrounding mountains and lush Mediterranean vegetation (chestnuts, vineyards, cypresses and olive trees predominate) add beauty to the Lake District.

On the map

Weather

The most favorable time to visit Lake Como is from May to mid-October. The air temperature in the summer months is set within from +24 to +29 degrees, but it is not hot due to cool breezes. The Alps protect the resort from too cold winds blowing from the north.

The water temperature does not fall below +25, so swimming in the lake will bring only pleasure.

Rain in this region is not frequent., and if they happen (mainly in winter and spring), they are very short.

Where to stay?

Accommodation options at the resort are different. Of course, it is unlikely that you will be able to settle in the villa of some celebrity, but hotels on the coast will be no worse than luxury villas.

You can familiarize yourself with the options and a list of hotels on special websites and choose an acceptable accommodation option - from five-star hotels to a room in an inexpensive guest house .

The best (and more expensive) accommodation option is hotels on the coast, near the water. The hotels have own SPA centers, entertainment complexes, swimming pools, restaurants. And the infrastructure near the coast is better developed - along the embankments there are many cozy restaurants ready to pamper guests with Mediterranean cuisine.

The best hotels on Lake Como in Italy:

• Sheraton Lake Como Hotel 5 * (Como) - from 9840 rubles.
• Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni 5*(Bellagio) - from 10230 rubles.
• Hotel Metropole Suisse(Como) - from 6730 rubles.
• NH Lecco Pontevecchio 4*(Lekko) - from 4620 rubles.
• Grand Hotel Victoria 4*(Menagio) - from 6210 rubles.

As an option, you can consider staying in guest houses and campsites on the lake.

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Details Elvi Usmanova January 30, 2019 Como

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places not only in Italy but also in the world. How to get to Lake Como? When is the best time to go? What to see in one or two days? Is it true that only millionaires rest here? Where is the best place to stay? How much does food cost? These and many other questions are of interest to tourists who are going to Lombardy for the first time.

This review gives only the first idea about the rest on Lake Como. The places and cities that I give here can be visited in a one-two-day trip.

But besides this, there are many more interesting cities, places, villas, so it’s quite possible to spend a week, a month, and a lifetime here. Here everyone can choose a place to their taste - more secluded or in a crowd of like-minded people, closer to the water or on the mountainside, from where a breathtaking view of the surroundings opens.

First of all, I will dispel the stereotype that Como is a “lake of millionaires”. True, Madonna, George Clooney (his Oleandra villa is located in Laglio, on Via Vecchia Regina 20, but he rarely comes here), Sylvester Stallone, the Versace family and others have villas here.

On the roads, brand new Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati are seen every now and then. However, there is no excessive pretentiousness. And along with rich and well-maintained houses, there are many neglected ones, whose owners do not have money to maintain the luxurious property inherited in order, but they cannot sell it either.

The bulk of vacationers are the most ordinary citizens, both Italians and foreigners, with the most ordinary incomes for Europe. Someone comes for a day from Milan or Bergamo, someone rents an apartment for a week or two.

And there are many cafes, restaurants, hotels with quite usual prices for Italy. Pizza costs from 8 €, soup - from 5 €, espresso will cost from 90 cents - it's even cheaper than in Verona or Bergamo, not to mention quite expensive Milan.

When to go

Best time on Como - from the beginning of April to the end of May(Azaleas bloom) and from late September to early November(leaves begin to turn red from the end of October).

In July and August it is hot, stuffy, and there are a lot of vacationers, there are queues everywhere - at the box office for tickets to villas and ferries, to restaurants and cafes. Housing and food prices are on the rise. From the end of December to the end of February, the lake is off season, many restaurants and hotels are closed. There are supermarkets and catering establishments for locals - Italians love to spend time in restaurants.

How to get there

Closest to the lake airports- Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo. The planes of the Rossiya, Pobeda and other airlines fly here. For example, in February 2019, a St. Petersburg-Milan ticket costs 4.6 thousand rubles (without luggage). Budget planes Ryanair and EasyJet fly from Tallinn to Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo airports. A round trip flight in May 2017 cost 90 €.

What's next, how to get to Lake Como? From Milan(train station Milano Centrale) it is convenient to take the train to the city of Como (journey time - 35 minutes, ticket costs 4.80 €). You can spend the whole day in this city or go further to the central part of the lake by boat or - a cheaper option - by bus. Electric trains do not run on the western shore of Lake Como.

Another option is to drive from Milan (Milano Centrale) along the east coast to Varenna (Varenna-Esino). Travel time is 1 hour, a one-way ticket costs 6.70 €.

From Milan Malpensa Airport(terminal 2) you can also take a train with a change to the city center of Como (como Nord Lago arrival station). The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

From Bergamo by direct train you can get to the city of Lecco, and then transfer to the train to Varenna. Travel time with a change is 1 hour 15 minutes, the ticket costs 5.50 €. But getting to the city of Como from Bergamo without a car is not convenient. The schedule can be viewed on the Trenitalia website.

How to plan a route

The central part of the lake is considered the most beautiful: it is worth visiting the small authentic Italian cities of Varenna - Bellagio - Menaggio, as well as at least three villas - Melzi in Bellagio, Carlotta in Tremezzo and Balbianello in Lenno.

Moving from city to city is quite easy, so all these sights can be seen in one or two days. Moreover, it is difficult to answer the question of which villa to see first of all - they are all beautiful in their own way.

The trip from Varenna to Bellagio is worth 4,60 € one way, the farthest route - from Como to Colico - 12,60 € . If you plan to make many stops along the way, then it is more profitable to take a subscription for a day, a week or a month. The main thing to remember is which boat you are traveling on - the carriers differ in color.

Como or Garda: where to go

Difficult question, since both lakes are very beautiful. I would recommend choosing based on your itinerary and goals. Here are some differences in recreation on these lakes.

• From Venice and Verona it is faster to get to Garda, from Milan and Bergamo - to Como.
• Feature of Como - villas with beautiful gardens, it is considered the most photogenic. On Garda there are many Castello (these are castles-fortresses), archaeological zones with the remains of Roman buildings, in the south of the lake there are baths (pools with water from hot springs).
• If you want to see movie stars, then Como is the place to go. Many celebrities have bought villas here, but rarely appear.
• Prices are slightly lower on Garda than on Como.
• During the season, Garda has more crowds than Como.

Where to stay in Como

Of course, cheap rooms in hotels and guest houses should be looked for many months in advance. IN northern part of the lake and in not very popular tourist places, such as Griante (3 km from Villa Carlotta), prices are lower.

So, a cozy double room with a separate entrance, private bathroom and kitchen in the Casa Pini guest house in Griante in May cost 62 € per day, in summer it costs more. Breakfast is not included, we cooked ourselves. The kitchen had two kinds of ground coffee, olive oil, sugar, spaghetti and bottled water. Grocery was bought nearby in the supermarket.

About shops it is better to ask the locals, as those located on the waterfront or in the city center have high prices. A locals they send them to those shops and supermarkets that they go to themselves, they are not easy to find without a hint.

Is it possible to swim and what else to do

Lake Como is rarely seen as a place exclusively for beach holiday(for this it is better to go to Garda, and ideally to the sea), but you can swim here. Entrance to organized beaches with sunbeds from 4 €, they can be recognized by the Lido sign.

There are also small wild beaches, most often rocky or grassy. bathing season - from early June to early September. The lake is deep, the current is strong, the water warms up slowly.

Even if you are traveling by car, be sure to plan a trip on a tourist boat or ferry - the villas and towns are especially beautiful from the water. To do this, stock up on warm clothes - the water is cool even on warm May days. If it is quite cold, you can look at the beauty from the closed part of the boat.

There are perch in the lake (a popular local dish is risotto with perch fillet), rudd, carps and others. For fishing, you need to obtain a license Licenza di Pesca (it costs 16 €, pay at any post office).

So, six of the most beautiful places to visit on Lake Como, + bonus

1. City of Como

The city of Como (84 thousand inhabitants) is considered one of the most beautiful in Lombardy. And this is absolutely true, only it is always crowded with tourists. I recommend taking at least a day to inspect it and climb up in Brunate

As I already wrote, it is not at all difficult to get to the city of Como from Milan. From here, boats go further to the picturesque central part of the lake, and many plan to see the city of Como, and then go further, all in one day.

This is not a very good plan. Must or watch city ​​of Como + Brunate(as a maximum, Cernobbio), or, getting off the train, immediately go by boat to the villas that you want to see. Otherwise, one running around and hassle.

What to do in Como? Go to beautiful cathedral Duomo (open from 07:30 to 20:00), stroll along the long promenade, go to the museum of the founder of the doctrine of electricity Alessandro Volta (entrance 2 €), ask the price of local products in a small market, go shopping ... And, of course , climb to Brunate and admire all this beauty from above.

Climbing in Brunate

From Como you can take the funicular (from Piazza Cavour to the right) to Brunate, a tiny town on the mountainside that surrounds Lake Como. There are usually a lot of people on the funicular, but the queue goes quickly. The funicular operates from 6:00 to 22:30. A ticket in 2019 costs 3 € one way, 5.5 € round trip, the climb to a height of 715 meters lasts 7 minutes.

The views from Brunate are great and you can see the city of Como and the lake. You can take a leisurely walk along the path (if you are standing at the upper funicular station facing the lake, go to the right) along the villas surrounded by gardens. Or climb even higher to the Volta lighthouse - it offers even more stunning views. But the lighthouse is open only in the warm season, and the road to it is beautiful, but rather steep, it takes about 30 minutes to walk.

There are also several restaurants and cafes in Brunate. And to be even more inspired by this beauty, you can even climb from Como to Brunate on foot - lay about 2 hours for this.

2. Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)

One of the most beautiful villas is Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. It was built in 1690 for the Milanese banker Giorgio Clerici.

The villa has an Italian garden with sculptures and fountains. There are several sculptures and bas-reliefs, paintings in the halls, and on the top floor - the original furniture of the last owners. In many halls, beautiful paintings on the ceiling have been preserved. The balcony offers great views of the lake and Bellagio.

The luxurious garden occupies about 8 hectares, there are about 600 species of plants. He is especially handsome during the flowering of azaleas and rhododendrons –from the beginning of April to the middle of May. Very nice in the garden mid October to early November when the leaves start to turn red.

In summer - in July-August - there are few flowering plants, there are a lot of visitors (and queues at the box office), so if you are very limited in time and budget, then at this time you can admire it from the ship.

You can plan a visit here both for a few hours and for the whole day. Near the villa there are restaurants and cafes (there is nowhere to eat on the territory of the villa).

Ticket in 2019 is worth 10 € (includes visiting the villa and garden), children under 6 years old - free of charge, student discounts. The ticket is valid for the whole day (you can repeatedly enter the territory of the villa). At the box office, when buying a ticket, they give a booklet with a plan of the garden (including in Russian).

Time and opening hours in 2019:
from March 22 to September 29 - from 9:00 to 19:30,
from September 30 to October 27 - from 9:30 to 18:30.
from October 28 to November 3 - from 10:00 to 17:00.
Villa and garden are closed during winter(exception - December 6-8, from 10:00 to 17:00). The box office closes an hour early.

3. City of Bellagio

Bellagio is the most beautiful and one of the most visited towns on Lake Como. At first glance, it seems that he is on an island. But this is the same cape that divides the lake into two branches.

You can get here by boat from Varenna, Menaggio and others, as well as by bus from the city of Como - it will come out cheaper, but not so romantic.

The city is cute, authentic, pleasant to visit at any time of the year, although the best - from April to the end of October. Bellagio has many hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. Here you can walk along the narrow streets going up the slope, admire the churches, meditate along the embankment.

Along the shores of Cape Bellagio there are many old houses surrounded by parks and gardens. IN good weather must visit Villa Melzi- without it, Bellagio is not Bellagio, and if there is time and money, then Villa Serbellon And. Now a little more about these two villas.

Villa Mielci garden

In Bellagio, you should definitely visit the garden of Villa Melzi (villa Melzi d "Eril). The building of the villa is privately owned and closed to visitors. From the pier, you need to walk from the city along the coast for about 1 km, the signs are clearly visible.

The villa was built in neoclassical style in 1810 by order of the Vice-President of the Italian Republic Francesco Melzi d "Eril, it took a few more years to lay out the garden. The multi-level garden is laid out right on the lake. This is the first English (landscape) garden on Lake Como - here the natural landscape is involved, the illusion of naturalness is given to the landscape, and all the elements emphasize the integrity of the concept.

The garden is especially beautiful in April-May, when shrubs and trees are in bloom. Here about 60 plant species- cypresses, camellias, gingko, elms, cedars, elephant palm, bamboo, etc. Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman sculptures organically look surrounded by azaleas and rhododendrons. The Japanese garden is beautiful: a tiny lake with goldfish, a maple that pleases with red leaves in spring, a bridge with wrought iron railings. The famous composer Franz Liszt liked to visit the villa, here he composed the Dante Sonata.

There are many benches in the garden, there are gazebos, a free toilet. There is no cafe or restaurant. If you go through the whole garden, then at the end, already outside the territory of the villa, there will be a small free beach.

Villa Melzi is open from March 24 to October 31. Opening hours: from 9:30 to 18:30. One day ticket is worth 6,50 € , for two days - 8 € , valid during the day (you can repeatedly enter the garden). Children under 12 are free.

Villa Serbelloni

Another famous villa in the city of Bellagio - Serbelloni - is located near the pier, you have to walk 200 meters along the coast to the left (if you stand with your back to the water). This villa is clearly visible from the water when you go by boat.

Now here is the most expensive hotel in Como Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni(from 500 € per day), alas, you can only get to the territory of the garden with a guide as part of a group.

And you can do it like this: excursions are held from March 17 to November 5 every day, except Monday. Duration about 1.5 hours, cost 9 €, start at 11:00 and 15:30 from the tourist office Promobellagio on the street Piazza della Chiesa 14, tel. +39 031 951555. Information should be clarified on the official website Promobellagio, because sometimes the time of the second excursion changes. There are no tours in bad weather!

4. Villa Balbianello (city of Lenno)

Villa Balbianello is located on a promontory in the town of Lenno. This is a very beautiful place with great views, a charming park. When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that the villa (and the garden too!) is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays

Lenno can be reached by bus C10 or by boat, and the villa itself can be reached on foot (about 1 km, follow the green signs) or by water taxi from Lido Lenno. The entire villa can only be seen from the water (it is surrounded by a lake on three sides), so it’s worth taking a boat ride at least one way.

The villa was built in 1787 for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, then changed owners several times. You can walk around the garden on your own, and the villa is only allowed to be visited with a guided tour, which lasts about an hour (in Italian and English).

The guide will show the secret doors and passages, tell about the collections of its last owner, Count Guido Monzino (1928-1988), who for many years headed the large Standa chain of stores, and then devoted his life to traveling, organized and led several serious expeditions, including the first Italian expedition to Everest.

Now the villa belongs to the National Fund of Italy, which makes money by holding weddings, corporate events on its territory, and rents out space for filming films and advertising. For example, in May 2018, the wedding of Finnish figure skater Kiira Korpi and Italian manager Artur Borges took place here.
A number of cult films were filmed at the villa: A Month by the Lake (1995), Star Wars. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) (Aniken Skywalker and Princess Amidala got married on the balcony of this villa), Casino Royale (2006) and others. Photo shoots for Vogue magazine are held here.

The villa is open from mid-March to mid-November, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Days off are Monday and Wednesday. Entrance to the garden closes at 17:15, to the villa - 16:30.

A ticket to visit the garden costs 10 €, to visit the garden and the villa - 20 € if booked in advance 14 € . There are booklets, including in Russian. More information can be found on the Villa Balbianello website.

5. City of Varenna

In tiny - there are about 900 inhabitants, but very nice Varenna is conveniently accessible from both Bergamo (by train with a change in Lecco) and from Milan (from the central station by train in the direction of Sondrio / Tirano)

Varenna is a very quiet place, most visitors come here to relax by the lake. The marina is next to the Olivedo Hotel (less than 10 minutes walk from the train).

Lake Como must be seen at least once from a height, and best of all just at the junction of its arms. There is such an opportunity, for example, in Varenna - you need to climb to Castello di Visio ( Castello di Vezio) - the ruins of a medieval fortification.

Climbing a steep stone path, it is quite difficult to walk in the heat. Now there is a farm in the fortress where hawks, falcons and other birds are bred. Entrance is paid, it costs 4 €. If you plan to climb the mountains somewhere else, then the fortress can be skipped. Castello di Vezio has an official website.

Villa Monastero

Villa Monastero is a must-see for lovers of botanical gardens, long walks and beautiful views. Until 1567 there was a monastery here - hence the name of the villa. In the XVII century the villa was almost completely rebuilt.

The garden, which stretches along the coast for almost 2 km, is a little run down, but this adds to its charm. There are many roses, citrus, coniferous trees - more than 1 thousand plant species.

In July and August during the day it is very hot in the garden and there is practically nowhere to hide from the scorching sun. In the house - paintings, furniture made of expensive wood, household items made of marble. Conferences are held at the villa.

Monastero is open daily from March to November. The rest of the time it is closed or open on Sundays.

Opening hours in May-August - from 9:30 to 19, in other months it opens a little later and closes a little earlier. A ticket to the garden costs 5 euros, to the garden and to the villa building - 8 €. Information can be clarified on the official website of Villa Monastero.

Villa Cipressi

Next to Monastero is another beautiful villa Cipressi ( Villa Cipressi). Do not pass by - there is only a hotel sign and no announcement that you can visit the garden. The villa buildings were built between 1400 and 1800.

Luxurious multi-tiered garden of this villa descends to the very water. The garden is very compact and it does not take much time to explore it. The entrance to the garden is 4 € - pay at the hotel reception.

6. City of Menaggio

Menaggio, which is 5 km from Villa Carlotta, is a very pleasant town for a leisurely holiday. We especially liked the elegant promenade, which is considered one of the most beautiful

The old part of Menaggio perfectly preserved its medieval appearance. In a small cozy square Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi there is an information office, there are also several cafes, gelateria (gelato - ice cream, but less fat and sweeter than we are used to) and restaurants.

On Via Calvi, which departs from the square, there are many small shops with souvenirs, local goods (shoes, clothes and home accessories). At the end of the street is the church of St. Stephen (Chiesa di San Stefano), built in the 17th century. It is her pink bell tower that is clearly visible when you approach Menaggio on a boat.

The embankment stretches from Piazza Garibaldi for almost 1 km. At the end - Lido di Mennagio(entrance 5 € ), a beach holiday complex with a restaurant, sunbeds, playgrounds, two swimming pools (swimming is allowed only in a cap, it costs 3 €).

There are many more in the city interesting places, you can learn more about them on the official Menaggio tourist site. You can get to Menaggio by bus from the city of Como, by boat from Como, Varenna and other towns.

Bonus for those who read to the end

Griante, lookout

If you pass through Griante(1.5 km from Villa Carlotta, 3 km from Menaggio), there is a place on the mountain worth visiting. It was recommended to us by the hostess. This St. Martin's Church (Chiesa di San Martino), which stands on the side of a mountain.

From here one of the most amazing views of the lake opens. In Griant you have to go up to Centro Historico(10-15 minutes walk from the lake), and then follow the path with signs to Chiesa di San Martino.

The rise takes from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on fitness. The best time is in the morning when there is absolutely no one here. In May-June, berries turn red along the road, which many people mistake for strawberries and try, they are edible, but completely tasteless. Is it a dyushinea, or Potentilla indica.

P.S. All the cities and villas that were discussed (except for the city of Como - this is a separate trip), I visited in two days. Tickets were bought on the spot.

1) By train from Bergamo to Varenna (short change in Lecco)

2) Varenna - Lenno (boat)

3) Inspection of old Lenno, looked from afar at Villa Balbianello (closed on Monday).

5) Inspection of Villa Carlotta - it took about 2 hours to walk around the garden and visit the villa itself. Azaleas and camellias also bloomed.

6) Walk from Carlotta to Griante (1.5 km). Overnight at the Casa Pini guesthouse in Griante.

2-day, May 17

1) In Griant we went up to the church of St. Martin. The road started next to the guest house. The whole ascent, descent and stops for photographing took 2 hours.

2) From Griante on foot to Menaggio (3 km), the road is not the most beautiful. Inspection of Menaggio.

3) We took the ferry to Bellagio. We looked at the city, visited the Villa Melzi.

4) From Bellagio by boat to Varenna. Inspection of Varenna, walk around Villa Monastero.

5) Varenna-Lecco (change) - Bergamo (on the last train).

The best place on earth with stunning views, a piece of paradise with fantastic beautiful nature, tranquility and grandeur! It is worth at least once to get to Lake Como in Italy, and warm memories of it will remain in your memory for a long time. Some travelers claim that best place not on earth, others plan their trips to Italy in such a way that these amazing landscapes and luxurious villas with well-groomed parks sounded the final "chord" of the vacation, and vivid impressions took at least a year. Everyone finds the best for themselves on Lake Como, based on their own preferences. Someone likes the town of the same name, known since ancient Roman times, and someone prefers the cozy Vellagio, Lecco, Menaggio, Varenna, Cadenabbia. Someone wants to see panoramic views, having risen up on the funicular, and someone is overwhelmed with emotions, and takes their breath away from happiness when walking along the embankments. But be that as it may, everyone, without exception, dreams of taking a boat ride on the water surface and getting inexpressible pleasure from contemplating the local beauties and luxurious villas.

Lake Como: the secrets of popularity

Lake Como (Italy) impresses with its majesty and scope, transparent water surface framed by the Alpine mountains and truly heavenly bliss. It has long attracted artists, poets and writers, and directors have repeatedly chosen local landscapes as locations for filming movies and television series. Since ancient times, family houses on Lake Como were built by wealthy and respected citizens, and today celebrities are acquiring villas located on its banks.

Lake Como gained wide popularity in the 18th century, after the creative beau monde began to come here with enviable regularity. Soon these places were included in the list of must-see stops for travelers, and a little later they turned into an elite recreation area for the rich and famous. At one time, Stendhal and Flaubert, Verdi and Rossini visited here. Inspired by natural beauties, Bellini wrote his famous opera Norma here. In different periods, the German Chancellor, the American President and the English Prime Minister, representatives of royal families and aristocratic families, big bankers and world-famous politicians, scandalous show business figures and film industry stars lived on Lake Como.

Today, real estate on Lake Como is available only to a select few. But some villas remain available to a wide range of independent travelers and organized tourists. Some of them are open to visitors all year round, others are ready to open their doors only in certain time or by prior agreement. Most of the objects remain closed to the public, as they belong to private property, existing state structures and non-state funds. You can look at them only from afar, riding a boat or "hydrofoils".

Lake Como on the map

Geographically, Lake Como is located on the territory of Lombardy, not far from the border with Switzerland, 40 km from the capital of the region - Milan. It is considered the deepest in Europe (up to 414m, which is more than 200m below sea level) and the third largest in Italy (146km2). Its origin is attributed to the Ice Age. The shape of Lake Como resembles either an inverted letter “Y”, or a slingshot, or a three-ray star, or the image of a man running with his head thrown back. The southwestern branch crowns the city of the same name, the southern one - Lecco, and at the junction of the three branches is the city of Bellagio, which many choose as a base point. northernmost locality the reservoir is Gera Lario, which has a little over a thousand inhabitants.