Known locally as Lago di Como, Lake Como is in Italy's Northern territories, and for centuries, has been home to many elite villa owners such as celebrities and entrepreneurs. Some well-known people who have houses here include George and Amal Clooney, Madonna, Donatella Versace, and Sir Richard Branson. Hello Magazine reports that, "Lake Como was officially put on the map in 2002 when Gravity star George Clooney bought an £8million mansion in the lakeside village of Laglio, and now the handsome Hollywood actor spends up to four months every year amid the locals at his luxury 30-room Villa Oleandra. Sir Richard Branson is reportedly his neighbour, said to own the sumptuous Villa La Cassinella in Lenno, a quaint village on the western side of the lake - accessible only by private motor launch and available for hire with a pricetag of €90,000 per week."
Despite its reputation as a luxurious destination, Lake Como also has accommodations and tours that can fit an everyday person's budget. With its quaint villages along the shore, snow-capped mountains in the background, and 80,000 friendly locals, here are a few things any intrepid traveler can do should they want to visit.
1. Visit Bellagio Town
Bellagio is Lake Como's most popular village, with the town sitting right at the fork of the Y-shaped lake. In this area, visiting old Italian Villas such as the Villa Balbaniello or Villa Mezi d'Eril is a must with its beautiful gardens and Neo-Classical style.
2. Visit Villa Carlotta
A short ferry ride away from Bellagio, this Villa, with its beautiful gardens is also open to the public as a museum. The museum features works by famous Italian artists, particularly the sculptor Canova.
3. Enjoy Authentic Italian Food
The World of Wanderlust suggests "La Vita e' Bella", a small but delicious restaurant at Piazza Domenico Croggi, which offers a lot of great healthy and vegetarian options.
4. Live Large in a Five-star Hotel
Some of the oldest and most elegant hotels around Lake Como include the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio town and Villa d'Este in Cernobbio.
5. Stay Somewhere a Little More Intimate
Alternatively, staying at a smaller resort or hotel is recommended for those wanting a more genuine feel of Italian hosptality. The Casta Diva Resort is a good choice, being an 18th century villa formerly owned by opera singer Giuditta Pasta. Hotel packages include use of the lake, pool, complimentary shuttle service in Como and lush gardens built with sauna, steam bath, and spa, for the perfect Lake Como getaway.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
