Lake Como – The North Central area

Lake Come is the third largest lake in Italy. It is an area of incredible beauty, with people flocking to the area for its sense of space and tranquillity. When you are there you couldn’t feel further from a city. But it is in fact just 40 minutes from Milan by train, making it easy to reach. The lake comprises different sections. The North Central area of the lake boasts some idyllic towns and stunning scenery, and they are all connected by a network of buses, boats, and trains.

 

Bellagio

Bellagio is a picture-postcard historic town full of charm, which can be found at the very tip of a hill. It has a small population, of just 200 people, but this swells to 900 with the arrival of tourists who have come to one of Italy’s top holiday destinations, so it always feels lively. Despite the tourists there is a very local feel, and it is known as the ‘pearl’ of Lake Como. There are beautiful unspoilt views wherever you look, along with boutique shops and a large number of restaurants and bars to choose from.

It is a perfect place to stroll around and take in the peace and quiet. If you want to take it even easier you can get one of the frequent which take you around tree-lined waterfronts. If you want to explore, then you will soon find Belaggio’s tiny network of side streets, where you can find cafés and bars.

If you would like to see the frescos that this town has to offer then head to the Romanesque Basilica di San Giacomo, the church which dominates Piazza della Chiesa. The square is also home to a medieval tower which once formed part of the town’s defences. Belaggio also has two public gardens which are worth a visit: Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi.

 

Menaggio

This once merchant village, on the Western shore of the lake, is now a popular destination for those wanting stunning views and a mild climate. It has a network of tiny medieval streets for those wanting a leisurely stroll around boutique shops, as well as plenty for those wanting to be more active, including an 18 hole golf course and picturesque areas for walking and running.

In terms of history The Church of Santa Maria has a gorgeous bell-tower and frescoes, and is well worth a visit. Another feature of the town is the Internationally renown Guitar Festival which takes place annually.

Like most of the towns around the lake, Menaggio has a square full of cafés and restaurants, and charming harbours to sit in and people-watch, against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. It is a perfect scenic base from which to visit all the surrounding beauty that Lake Como has to offer.

 

Gravedona

This lively little town is very popular with windsurfers who spend whole summers here. There are clubs and cafés galore which keep the vibe young. When the windsurfing season ends you are only an hour away from the Madesimo skiing centre.

Despite the youthful vibe, this town makes visitors feel as though they have stepped back in time. For instance, Santa Maria dell Tiglio is a fascinating church dating back to the 12th century, still boasting an original 5th Century mosaic floor.

A hidden gem in Gravedona is the Albano Valley, a stunning source of biodiversity. You can see a rare species trout in the stream, as well as a variety of amphibians, fir trees, deer, and wild boar.

 

Bellano

On the Eastern shore you can find the delightful town of Bellano. With its long and beautiful shoreline it is often known as a welcome refuge from the larger and more touristy Varenna and Bellagio.

It has all of the quaintness of the other lakeside towns, including a picturesque harbour, plenty of cafés and restaurants and shops, but in addition to these it boasts a unique attraction nicknamed ‘the little Grand Canyon of Lake Como’. This Gorge of Bellano (Orrido di Bellano) was formed by 15 millions years of water erosion and forms a deep ravine in the mountain. Narrow platforms fixed in the rock offer visitors a spectacular view and walk along it, where they can peer down into the water.

 

Sorico

Sorico is a fishing village on the northernmost tip of the lake. It borders Switzerland and is a very picturesque place, with the whole town dominated by the Castello di San Giorgio

The area is a hot spot for sport enthusiasts, offering stunning walks, and watersport locations. It is full of nature reserves and hiking trails, offering varied terrain for varied abilities. It also has a bird-breeding nature reserve at the mouth of the river. It is worth following the river to the Oratorio di San Fedlino to see its 1000-year-old fresco, and visiting the Pilgrim’s Hospice which was built in the middle ages.

This is just a small selection of the towns and villages in the region, all of which are well linked with public transport and all of which have the stunning sparkling lake at its core.

 

Text: Lucy Williams