Holidays in Lake Como

Lake Como lies in spectacular surroundings best explored by its footpaths. In the summer, the 10km-long Greenway path is a highlight, rolling easily between Colonno and Tremezzo via a labyrinth of lakeside villages, gothic churches, Roman roads and villas with cypress-brushed gardens. Alternatively, set your sights on rocky mountain peaks such as Monte Grona, which reward walkers with widescreen views over Lake Como.

Of course, every rambler needs refuelling - perhaps with a plate of grilled perch and risotto, a glass of the local Valtellina red, or simply a cappuccino while watching the world go by.

Lakeside paths connect many of the towns of Lake Como– or you can hop aboard the boats that travel between. Take note of the calendar too. There’s a market on practically every day of the week in Lake Como. Depending on the day, you could wind up browsing market stalls along the old town walls of Como, picking up alpine cheese, honey and jam in Bellano, or perusing intricate lace souvenirs in Cernobbio.

Lake Como has long been a glamorous holiday spot. Wealthy Romans built some of the first villas on the lakeshore; these days, you’re more likely to bump into Hollywood A-listers such as George Clooney. The real stars of the show, however, are the villas themselves. Star Wars and James Bond fans may recognise Lenno’s Villa del Balbianello, with its romantic gardens and fairy-tale towers. Then there are the sculpture galleries of 17th century Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and the waterside gardens of Bellagio’s Villa Melzi– one of the prettiest walks in Lake Como.

The unusual geography of Lake Como creates summer breezes ideal for sailing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding and windsurfing in the north, and kayaking and paddle-boarding in the more sheltered corners of the south. This is one of the deepest lakes in Europe; where locals have come up with nicknames for at least six types of wind, so exploring with a local guide who knows how to safely navigate the waters is always recommended.

Throughout the summer months festivities liven up the lakeshore. The City of Music Festival in Como transforms the town into one giant music, dance and art venue with shows and performances taking place at various historic locations. In July and August the Bellagio Festival brings concerts, films and performances to many of the lakeside towns. They’re held in gorgeous settings like churches, piazzas and castles.

On Lake Como you won’t struggle to find delicious food and drink. Freshwater fish from the lake and rice from the nearby flatlands are essential ingredients in many of the local specialties. Risotto with perch fillets (Risotto con filetti di pesce persico) is Lake Como’s regional dish and typical of Italy's Lombardy region. For dessert give Torta Miascia a try– it’s a traditional cake containing amaretti, fruit (apples, pears, raisins), chocolate and all sorts of delicious things.

We can’t forget to mention the wine. Vineyards to the south in Brianza and on the northern end of the lake above Domaso produce some lovely local wines. It’s great to visit in autumn when the grape harvest is in full swing. The Valtellina is another area of vineyards where they produce Valtellina Superiore DOCG red wine. Our favourite post-dinner night cap is Braulio a strong spiced liquor which is typical of the region- we love relaxing in the bar at the end of the day, with a small glass of this over ice.