Lake Como has been a playground for the rich and famous for centuries, dating back to the times of the Romans. George Clooney, Richard Brandon, Brad Pitt… It seems that every A-lister has a summer villa on Lake Como, and every year visitors flock from all over the globe to spend their holidays.

So what could possibly be so great about this particular lake?

How to get to Lake Como:

Lake Como is located in Northern Italy, tucked at the foot of the Swiss Alps. Visiting Lake Como is an easy day trip from Milan, but I’d recommend spending at least a night or two here to get the full experience.

From Milan, the easiest option is to take the train from Milano Centrale to either Varenna-Esino or Como San Giovanni, depending on your final destination. Trains run hourly and tickets cost around 5 Euros.

If you prefer to have your own set of wheels, rent a car at the airport in Milan, then drive the hour-plus to Lake Como. While renting a car will give you the flexibility to see some of the further-reaching areas of the lake, be mindful that you’ll have to deal with pricey and limited parking in many of the villages.

Where to stay in Lake Como

Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down “Y,” with its unique geography giving it some of the longest stretches of shoreline out of anywhere in Europe.

The majority of visitors to Lake Como stay in one of four towns – Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo or Como. There are many other smaller villages along the lake that are lovely, but you will need a rental car as the ferries only run to the main towns.

Mandarin Oriental:

https://www.mandarinoriental.com/lake-como/blevio/luxury-hotel

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

https://www.grandhoteltremezzo.com/en/home/

Villa D’este

www.villadeste.com

One of Italy's iconic properties, Villa d'Este occupies an enviable spot on Lake Como, amid 25 acres of luxuriously landscaped park. Accommodations are divided between two historic mansions, one dating from the 16th century, the other named after a Queen of England, where each room is uniquely decorated.

Best places to host a wedding:

Villa Balbiano: https://theheritage-collection.com/villa-balbiano

Villa Feltrinelli: https://www.villafeltrinelli.com/it/

Villa Regina Teodolinda: http://www.villareginateodolinda.it/

What to pack:

Think comfortable dresses and sandals for exploring during the day, as well as a sun hat for some shade as you’re boating on the lake. For evenings you’ll feel comfortable in a dress or jeans and lovely top, but a word to the wise –be sure to. bring flats, as the villages are very hilly! Be sure to bring a wrap for the cooler evening hours, as the nights can get a bit chilly.