Italy Country Guide - Lake Como
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Lake Como is long (50km), slender and extremely deep. The southern
end forks into two long 'legs', with the picturesque town of Bellagio
situated on the promontory between them.
Co
mo
is on Italy's main railway network, and trains run from Milan to
Como frequently, taking around 40 minutes. They depart from Milan's
Stazione Centrale and Stazione Porta Garibaldi, and arrive at San
Giovanni, Como's main station.
Steamers, boats and buses serve all the main towns on Lake Como. A frequent boat service connects the central resorts, Lenno, Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta, Cadenabbia, Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna, including a car ferry.
A less frequent but faster boat travels the full length of the lake from Como (with stops at most of the above). Buses run approximately hourly all the way up the west coast from Como round to Colico at the north-east.
The principal towns around the shores of the lake include:
Como
Como is a lively and pleasant town with an appealing historical
centre and a scenic location at the southern end of the east branch
of Lake Como. The impressive cathedral (Duomo), like most in Italy,
was built and added to over a period of centuries, so you can admire
Gothic and Renaissance features including some fine tapestries and
paintings. The town's earlier cathedral (built in the tenth century),
San Fedele, is another fine sight, as are the tall nine-hundred-year-old
gateway, Porta Vittoria, and the Romanesque church Sant'Abbondio.
The town's art gallery (Pinacoteca) is also worth a visit. For a
short trip out of town, take the funicular up to the top of the
hill above Como, where you can enjoy spectacular views.
Menaggio
Menaggio is a popular holiday destination, with a good range of
hotels. The town is located on the western shore of Lake Como and
has a beach. From Menaggio you can travel to Lake Lugano or embark
on mountain hikes. The town is a useful base for exploring Lake
Como; with good bus and ferry 
connections.
Menaggio Tourist Information Office is in the central Piazza Garibaldi,
and can supply plenty of useful information on attractions and activities
in the area, including advice on walking in the mountains.
Bellagio
Bellagio is a beautiful hilly town in a picture-perfect location
on the promentory where Lake Como separates into two branches. The
town is historic and charming, with promenades, stately hotels and
gardens open to the public, including Villa Serbelloni. Bellagio
Tourist Information Office is on Piazza dell Chiesa.
Varenna
Varenna is a peaceful resort, smaller than Bellagio and also very
beautiful. You can admire views from the Castello de Vezio or simply
relax by the lakside. Varenna Tourist Information Office is in Piazza
San Giorgio.
Lecco
Lecco is a rather commercial and industrialised town on the least
touristy section of Lake Como, the fiord-like eastern branch of
the lake. However, the town has good public transport, good opportunities
for serious mountain-walking.
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