Highlights
Golf
Golf Club Villa d'Este is approximately seven miles from the fabulous Villa d'Este hotel in Cernobbio and features an 18-hole, par-69, golf course designed by Peter Gannon. It’s a challenging course, yet hosts several amateur competitions each year. Golfers are also blessed with a fabulous viewpoint of Montorfano Lake from the clubhouse.
Walking & Cycling
Fantastic walks can be found on the lake’s western side on Lake Como Greenway, a trail that largely clings to the edge of the water, occasionally climbing up the hill behind. Around Tremezzo, it passes through a very attractive lakeside park, where locals come to picnic and bathe at weekends. Alternatively, join a guided walking tour and uncover the backwaters of a specific town, book an e-bike sightseeing tour or take the funicular on the western side of the lake to the top of the mountain to enjoy spectacular views.
Lakeside Towns
Cernobbio is a pretty town at the foot of Mount Bisbino, where narrow streets and piazzas are lined with elegant residences, cafés, restaurants and shops. The atmosphere is bustling, particularly down by the harbour, with ferrys linking to many other towns. Varenna is charm personified, with its steep, winding alleys and flower-filled balconies. As you approach from the lake, you are greeted by a delightful set of narrow houses overlooking a small beach lined with boats. From here, you can go fishing but, instead, why not try some of the delicious fresh fish found in one of the local trattorias instead? Menaggio is another gem, dotted with ornate villas and houses. It’s also a great spot for soaking up amazing views of Bellagio and Varenna in the distance.
Bellagio
Considered by many to be the most beautiful old town in the Italian Lake District, Bellagio boasts a spectacular location at the junction of the lake’s arms and breathtaking vistas from its tree-lined promenade. Stroll through its maze of cobblestone streets and stepped alleyways, admiring impeccable homes and glorious villas along the way. Two glorious gardens of note can be found at the stunning Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi – both are in full bloom by mid-September and are open to visitors. There is also a good helping of eateries, especially off the main street, Via Garibaldi – home to the main piazza and fresco-filled church of San Giacomo.
Como
The 2,000-year-old Roman walled city of Como enjoys a picturesque waterfront setting and is a known centre of textiles, including some wonderful silks – perfect for splashing out on an elegant keepsake! Head to the Old Town to discover the cathedral, picturesque piazzas and pavement cafes perfect for people-watching. The lakeside Villa Olmo is a spectacular Neoclassical palace that hosts art exhibitions, its English-inspired and Italianate gardens are also open to the public. From Como, it’s possible to take the train to Milan, just thirty minutes away.