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The Best of Lake Como in 8 Points: Talking About “My” Lake

The Best of Lake Como in 8 Points: My lake with the eyes of those born and living a life in Como … .. another way to see the lake, away from the spotlight of Hollywood celebrities or luxury tourism of the many five-star luxury hotels along the Lario.

The lake of the small and characteristic villages, of the mountains that rise vertically from the lake, of pleasant walks along the crests of the Larian mountains, of the characteristic crotti on the lake or in the valleys.

Of ancient abbeys or Romanesque churches of infinite beauty, of isolated beaches, of paths traversed by smugglers in times past, of Breva and Tivano, of Missoltini, of Toc described and sung by the music of Van De Sfroos.

In reality it is difficult to summarize in a few lines the beauty of our lake ………. enter the essence of the lake and of those who live there …

Several are the little-known pearls of our lake

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HAMLET

We are talking about the first basin of Lake Como and that is the one that goes from Como to Brienno and from Como to Faggeto Lario.

It’s really hard to choose! How can you not fall in love with Torno, with its beautiful square on the lake, the pier, the restaurants and bars, frequented not only by tourists but also by locals. The different streets full of hidden corners that lead to the ancient church of San Giovanni Battista in Roman-Gothic style, with a marble portal, entirely carved by sculptors from the Rodari School of the fifteenth century. Until you reach the imposing Villa Pliniana, now used as a luxury resort and open only during the Fai days.

For those who love to walk, a visit to the hamlets of Piazzaga and Monte Piatto and the Massi Avelli route is a pleasant walk of about two hours in the midst of our mountains and forests of beech and chestnut trees.

THE RESTAURANT YOU RECOMMEND

There are several possibilities to taste dishes from the lake, along lake shores or up the mountains. Michelin star restaurants or simple inns.

My absolute favorite, however, is a hut, located above the pretty village of Lemna, reachable only on foot with a walk of about an hour, uphill, which passes through the different hamlets of the village and in the beech and birch forest. During the weekends and every days in August it is possible to taste typical dishes, such as mixed cold cuts with pickled vegetables, pizzoccheri or polenta uncia, or main meat courses. The inevitable highlight is the homemade cakes: different tastes every time , depending on the different seasons of the year. Excellent quality-price. Really home cooking, managed by a nice family

…. a place that impresses with peace and silence …

WHERE TO MAKE A DIVE IN THE LAKE OR TAKE THE SUN

Without doubt the beach of Carate Urio, in front of the church of S.S. Quirico and Giuditta, with the romanic bell tower, easily reachable from Como in a few minutes.

But there are many beaches along the lake. Link here to discover more

YOUR FAVORITE SEASON

It depends on which activity you want to do. Without a doubt, mainly loving to walk on the different paths present in our mountains the two intermediate seasons. Spring for the blossoming of nature and autumn for its unforgettable colors.

The view then from the mountains is unforgettable on clear and sunny days as these two seasons can give.

WHERE TO LOOK AT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SUNSET

Without doubt from the Lighthouse of Brunate or from the Piazzale della Funicolare. On particularly clear days the horizon ranges from the Monterosa to Milan, down to the Po Valley.

Along the lake the shore of Blevio or Torno from the Lido di Faggeto with the horizon towards Argegno and Pigra.

A MUST VILLA TO VISIT

Lake Como has always been known internationally for the spectacular historic villas on the edge of the lake. Destination for holidays and relaxation, in the past centuries by Lombardi nobles, who loved to host famous people in their villas.

In the first basin most of the villas are privately owned and therefore are mostly visible from the lake. I therefore recommend a boat trip that allows you to appreciate the beauty of these villas and gardens.

It is very pleasant to walk throught the gardens of Villa Olmo and Villa del Grumello, along the path of the Km of Knowledge.

WHERE TO MAKE AN APERITIF IN THE SHORE OF THE LAKE

In Laglio da Luciano … An old butcher shop managed at family level and transformed into a lovely place where you can enjoy every type of aperitif, served with tasty stucchini, but above all where it is also possible to buy local products, such as zincarlin, a typical local cheese made with ricotta, flavored with salt, pepper and herbs.

THE EVENT THAT YOU LIKE MORE

Without a doubt the Città dei Balocchi.

Although dedicated mainly to children, it creates an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere throughout the city. Stroll through the streets Vittorio Emanuele and Bernardino Luini to get to Piazza S. Fedele or the Duomo on cold winter evenings, surrounded by a thousand lights, which enhance the splendid buildings and churches.

A beating heart for lake Como! Pure emotions! We love it!

The Best of Lake Como in 8 Points!