Property 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. Como 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.

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.

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.

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.