Famed for its upscale resort towns filled with Neoclassical villas, Lake Como is a sparkling lake in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. It featured prominently in the 2006 James Bond movie “Casino Royale”, with spectacular views on offer from its surrounding mountains.

Wander the picturesque streets of Lake Como’s main town, Como, which centres around a striking Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 14th century. Explore the gardens of Villa Olmo or learn about the region’s silk industry at the Museo Didattico della Seta before riding the funicular to the mountain town of Brunate.

No visit to Lake Como is complete without enjoying a boat trip and admiring its picture-perfect towns from the water. Marvel at the Baroque villa of Punta Balbianello and cruise through the fishing boat-filled harbour of Cernobbio before docking in Bellagio to stroll its waterfront promenade.

Getting there

Milan Malpensa Airport is 1.5 hours’ drive from Lake Como, with regular trains connecting from both Milan and Bergamo to the town of Como. Buses travel between towns and villages along the lakeshore while boats and hydrofoils connect Como with Colico. Most of the settlements along the lake can be explored on foot.