If you want to talk about what a slice of heaven on earth might look like, Italy's Lake Como what you're looking for. This beautiful, serene lake encompasses an entire region in the country, one that's so exceedingly beautiful it almost feels unreal. But it is real. Or rather, the towns that line Lake Como are actual places that you can go to. Each more charming and alluring than the next, they're cities that you just have to visit. Here are some of them worth noting!
Argegno
A town perched in the middle of a beautiful mountain and a serene lake, Argegno almost feels too good to be true! But rest assured, this rural Italian city is just as real as the likes of
Rome and
Milan. Many might even argue that it's even more enchanting than the latter two, what with its strong storybook-like feel and mystical appeal. Not to mention its peaceful environment, being one of the least crowded towns on this list.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bellagio
The city of Bellagio is all about old-world elegance! Think street lamps that light up at sundown, vaguely lighting up the town underneath the stars. Flower-lined streets and stone pavements leading up to a stunning view of the lake. Red and orange-toned Georgian houses beautifully offset by the luscious greenery and the stark blue waters. If this doesn't sound like it came from a fairytale, then what does? Though you might not see princesses ad unicorns here, you will get a peaceful and relaxing stay instead!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cadenabbia
Grandiose villas,
luxury apartments, upscale hotels, baroque churches, and more! The municipality of Cadenabbia is undoubtedly one of the more sophisticated areas on this list. As a central town a Lake Como, it's unsurprisingly one of the busier parts of the region. Sure, you might have planned a relaxing stay in this region, but if you went to Cadenabbia, you're bound to go full-on tourist mode! And you know what? With so many things to do and see here, that won't sound bad at all!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cernobbio
Dreamy doesn't even begin to describe Cernobbio! A beautiful Italian town surrounded by lush greeneries and exotic flora, this Lake Como area is a tourist-magnet on many accounts. The best of which is the iconic
Villa d’Este, the grandest hotel in the region and one of the most sophisticated in the entire country. To be able to stay here, with a clear and stunning view of the lake from your room, is nothing short of heavenly!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Como
Of course, this list isn't complete without the town named after the lake! The city of Como is one of the biggest of its kind in the region. Many have even regarded it as the '
Roma' of the place. And while it's far from the Italian capital, it's not difficult to see the comparison. Out of all the towns on this list, this is, by far, the most urban in many respects. Though you'll still have a peaceful time here, there's no denying its liveliness stands out!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Gravedona
If you're more into the Medieval towns of rural Italy, then you'll love going to Gravedona! Located on the northern side of the lake, this town fascinates with its Middle Ages appeal and relics of old-world beauty. Though it's not a walled city, many of the small alleyways, stone pavements, and the like still give off that vibe. Pair that with a nice promenade by the lake and you have yourself a vacation winner!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lenno
Lounging about in Lenno is perhaps one of the best things you can do in Lake Como. And in fact, though you might not realize it at first, the town is actually home to many movies. Or rather, has been featured in many films in Italy. This is thanks in part to the astounding villas here, all worthy to be captured on film. One, in particular, Villa Balbianello, is arguably the most romantic spot in all of Lake Como.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Menaggio
Menaggio used to be a walled city during Medieval times but has now become one of the premier resort towns in Lake Como. And though the former would have been a fascinating place to visit, the latter is the ideal place to really appreciate being in Italy, Even you would thank your lucky stars when you get to relax in this lakeside paradise, full of
delicious food, luxury spas, and a whole lot of Mother Nature.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Varenna
To say that the coastal town of Varenna is different than the others is an understatement! Formerly a fishing village, it's now one of the most relaxing corners on this list. Sure, there are the villas, houses, hotels, and the like, but all in all, it's the lakeside view that's the real highlight here. Other places will give equally stunning views of Lake Como, but it's only in Varenna where you can really open up to this body of water!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
It's a shame that not everyone has been to or are even aware of Lake Como in Italy. There's arguably no other place dreamier and more enchanting than this rural fairytale-like region in the Mediterranean! It's worth all the effort visit, there's no doubt about that!
