Favorite Towns in Lake Como Italy

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Each town in Lake Como Italy is charming and beautiful in its own way.

We've really enjoyed taking the scenic coastal drive, which still follows the ancient Roman route and can take you around the entire lake, hopping from town to town.

Explore the many elegant villas with their lovely gardens or stop and grab a bite to eat at any of the numerous restaurants and bars.

If you had to ask for the best place to start, I would say that most people arriving into Lake Como usually start their visit with the three most popular towns - Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna. They are conveniently located next to each other by a short ferry ride.

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#1 Bellagio - 'Most Famous'

Bellagio is the most famous town on the entire Lake of Como. Its spectacular location at the junction of the arms of the lake offers the visitor breathtaking views. You can walk through a maze of cobblestone streets, and stepped alleyways that take you back into medieval times.

And be sure hang on to your wallet, because you will be shopping here before you even know it!

Shopping here is a real treat...you can find rare items and handicrafts made by local craftsmen not found anywhere else in Italy or Lake Como itself.

We've met people from many, many different nationalities here, although it seems that Americans are greatest in number. It must be due to that Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, although there is no connection between the two! (Sorry, there are no casinos in Bellagio Italy)

Click here to learn more about Bellagio, in Lake Como Italy

#2 Menaggio - 'A Fairytale'

A short walk along Menaggio's lakeside promenade is like a fairytale from "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Spotted with ornate villas and houses, you can also get amazing views of Bellagio and Varenna from a distance. However, the upper part of the town is entirely different still, preserving the remains of medieval ruins with the original castle walls still viewable to the public.

It is a very popular tourist resort especially popular with British visitors, as well as a commercial center. You can think of it as the dividing point between the more populated southern and less populated northern parts of the lake.

Click here to learn more about Menaggio, Italy

#3 Varenna - 'Quaint and Rustic'

You enter a whole new world altogether as the ferry boat approaches Varenna on the eastern shores of Lake Como Italy. You are greeted by a charming set of narrow houses, unfolding themselves over a small beach lined with many boats.

You may be tempted to grab a boat and go fishing, but instead you can immediately try some of the delicious fresh fish found in one of the local trattorias.

Click here to learn more about Varenna, Italy