Lake Como: Along the lake - villages and villas galore

I recently shared Coffee with a view featuring Pognana Lario and Lenno - now I will venture along the lake itself and in another post I will stopover in two other villages. There is a lot to discover, but it is good to do so one or two charming villages at a time.

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When you hear the words Lake Como (Lago di Como in Italian) you might immediately think of the Italy, villas or mountains. You would be correct as this lake is in Lombardi, Italy and has an abundance of gorgeous villas by the lakeside

and it's surrounded by the lush and rugged Alps.

The area appeals to celebrities and the wealthy for centuries, but there is a place for everyone. More recently the Lombardi region received a lot of news coverage as it was reportedly the prior epicenter of the coronavirus. However, that recent history has seemingly not affected the influx of tourists to the region.

Visiting Lake Como feels like being in a dream. It is nature at its finest!

Nothing compares to the lofty welcome awaiting you from the mountains and the great scenic views surrounding the lake.

One is immediately relaxed here. Maybe the beautiful blue-green waters of the lake play a role or could it be the balmy weather that slows one down. In any event, one gets a chance to truly vacate.

To say that it is beautiful feels like an understatement. With the mountains forming a dramatic and verdant backdrop to villages - everywhere you venture is picturesque.

The views are breathtaking and staring at them seems very therapeutic! One will continuously marvel at the natural (and man-made) beauty of the surroundings.

Lake Como is the third largest freshwater lake in Italy after Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda. It is about 146 square kilometers and at its deepest point it is 400 meters. source.

The lake shapes like a Y or catapult turned upside down as depicted by this wall decoration and map.

The lake is named after the lively town Como - which is located on the Italian Swiss border.

Volta Square, Como at night

Very quickly, one has to become accustomed to the winding and narrow streets.

Driving on the eastern side of the lake, on these mountainside roads is not for the faint-hearted. You cannot be in a hurry as you weave your way through narrow roads from village to village.

The western side of the lake have some wider streets but there are still narrow ones within the villages.

A two-way street in Cernobbio (regulated by stoplights)

The characteristic pastel coloured houses hugging the hillside can be seen everywhere.

One easy and efficient way to go sightseeing is via water taxis. This is a bargain and always very pleasant.

There are other fun activities to do in Lake Como apart from sightseeing the numerous villages and towns; there is also water sports, walking trails, boat rentals etc.

My family and I chose to do the latter for an afternoon - hence appreciating the views from another perspective.

The lake water beckoned us and we were encouraged to navigate the upside down Y-shape of the lake. With a boat - it was fun to explore on our own.

Along the entire water’s edge there are villas of all colours,

shapes and sizes.

There are charming villas

that look like fairytale homes.

Some are cradled by trees

and other looks very cosy.

Some are grandiose.

Some are "palatial".

However, there are also smaller homes

and smartly built houses hidden away too.

Seldom was there a modern building but if so, it was painted in the traditional colours of the area.

One can also reside in an isolated villa at the lakeside,

or one perched on the mountainside in rugged terrain, which was somehow mysteriously beautiful.

Quaint

and rustic fishermen's villages were apparent everywhere.

Not all are filled with imposing villas - but all add to the charm.

We heard music and were impressed, not only by the artistry of the piano player, but also by the floating platform and obscure production team.

As would be expected, periodically we came across pebbled beaches and people swimming in the refreshing waters of the lake.

The amazing scenery seemed unending. The lake is bedecked with beautiful villas, homes and villages and amazing scenic mountain views and landscapes.

Upon returning to our destination, the setting sun casted lovely colours

creating an awe inspiring evening view.

When it became dark, there was no mistaking where we were from the “reflections” of the green, white and red - the Italian flag - shimmering on Lago di Como!!

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All photos are my own - taken with my iPhone 6S.