Lake Como Area

Lake Como, 40 km north of Milan, Italy and a few minutes from the Swiss border.

Because in common with so much of Italy, Lake Como drips charm and romance - in ever increasing quantities since George Clooney purchased a few properties here. European writers, artists and composers 'discovered' the region in the 19th century and have been waxing lyrical ever since. Italians have always known about the lake however, as for centuries wealthy Milanese and Lombardians have escaped the pollution and the humidity of the cities on a Friday, for weekends spent sailing and sunbathing.

Or simply breathing. The deepest lake in Europe and the third largest in Italy, Lago di Como attracts with its backdrop of the pre-Alps, its sub-tropical climate and the visual contrasts in colors and textures. In the middle of the lakes, around Tremezzo and Bellagio, olive trees and orange trees will have you wondering if you aren't, after all, in Tuscany. The Mediterranean fishing villages on the shores of the lake and the blazing sunshine will have you wondering whether this isn't Liguria. As will the crowds in high-season I might add.

When to Go

Any time between late March and October. From November until March most of the hotels and restaurants close for the winter. Azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias make for a stunning display in March and there’s no shortage of things to do most of the year round – water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, cycling…or simply soaking up the sun. Although Lake Como is moments from the Swiss border, the climate is mild and sunny, and in parts sub-tropical - complete with palm trees, olive trees, citrus trees and bougainvillaea.

July and August average 29 degrees and escape the heat and humidity that can cripple Milan. Snow is not unusual between January and early March, nor is rain and frozen fog. Unless you plan on viewing the lake from a hotel bedroom, these months are probably best avoided. Having said that, Como town has more than enough to keep a visitor entertained…and there’s much to be said for rain, romance and room service.