Lake Como
North of Milan, Lago di Como (Lake Como) stretches fjord-like for 50 miles from Lugano to the Bergamo Alps. Shaped like an inverted 'Y', Lake Como is the most popular lake in Italy while also being renowned as the deepest and most scenic.
This astonishingly beautiful lake is surrounded by clusters of villas and vineyards at its southern tip, while boats sail to and fro from picturesque lakeside towns such as Bellano, Como, Varenna and Lecco. The tranquility is a major attraction for the fashionable people of Milan who arrive here in droves at weekends, with the region becoming most busy during the summer months of July and August. Summer at Lake Como is ideal for swimming, hiking, and sailing, while Autumn is arguably the best time of year to avoid the crowds and admire the autumnal hues of red, gold and brown reflecting down from the steep forested hills above in to the cool glassy water below. Moreover, during winter visitors are just 1 hour and 20 minutes from the ski resort of Madesimo which hosts a number of excellent pistes suited to all abilities.