To visit
Villa Carlotta
www.villacarlotta.it
Villa Balbianello
www.fondoambiente.it/beni/villa-del-balbianello.asp
Castello di Vezio
www.castellodivezio.it
The Gardens of Villa Melzi
www.giardinidivillamelzi.it
Villa Monastero
https://www.villamonastero.eu
You can easily tour the beautiful sites around Lake Como on your own, but if you would prefer to have a guide, you can join one of the boat trips organized in the central lake area. The best way, however, is still the ferry that allows you to enjoy unforgettable views that can only be seen from the lake. In addition, many of the most beautiful villas are hidden from the road, but not from those in a boat.
SAILING ON THE LAKES www.navigazionelaghi.it
Excurtions
Lake Como or Lario is particularly appreciated for its natural beauty. It is a basin of glacial origin, progressively formed by the movement of a glacier set between the beautiful Lario mountains. This gives it a unique appearance, with the lofty peaks of the Lombardy Alps reflected in the waters of the lake.
Always a favourite tourist destination, it reached the peak of its fame in the past decade when it was chosen as a holiday spot by numerous celebrities, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts. It has also been the setting for a number of films, such as Star Wars Casino Royale, A Month on the Lake and Un Ciclone in Famiglia, as well as for many advertisements and photo shoots.
The area is home to different traditions and cultures. On one hand, the towns situated directly on the lake have a long tradition tied to fishing, which is still practiced and ensures a year-round supply of good fresh fish with tasty, white meat. The towns further up the hills, on the other hand, have their roots in agriculture and sheep-farming, producing excellent local products such as cheeses, wine and olive oil.
Situated along shores of the lake are charming, characterful villages and ancient, prestigious villas with beautiful botanical gardens that are often open to the public, allowing them to admire their natural and architectural beauties and the works of art and learn about their history. Exploring the area by boat is an unforgettable experience.
Events
FIREWORKS in August.
A PARTY IS ORGANIZED EVERY 10 AUGUST ON THE BEACH IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL TO WATCH THE SHOW OF FALLING STARS ALL TOGETHER.
MARKETS
MONDAY: in Argegno
TUESDAY: in Lenno and Como
WEDNESDAY: in Lecco; in Gravedona on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month; in Bellagio on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
THURSDAY: in Bellano; in Como; in Dongo.
FRIDAY: in Colico; in Menaggio on the 3rd and 4th Friday of the month and summer evening market every Friday.
SATURDAY: in Porlezza and Como.
SUNDAY: in Colico
Gastronomy
In the area there is the possibility to taste typical local dishes, accompanied by fine wines from the right. The typical dishes of the area are related to the fishing tradition and the foods that are low mountains.
The risotto with fillet of perch from Lake Como:
Delicate risotto, which is accompanied by fillets of perch caught in our waters.
The Missoltini of Lake Como:
Dedicated to those who love strong flavors, are Agoni, fish from Lake Como are patiently dried in the sun by the fishermen of the village and then put in brine for months. Are cooked on the grill and served with vinaigrette served with toasted polenta.
The pizzoccheri Valtellina :
Buckwheat noodles coarsely cut and topped with local cheese, potatoes, seasonal vegetables such as cabbage and creamed with butter scented with garlic and a sprinkling of pepper.
The cheeses Alpe:
The area offers delicious cheese made from the milk of the surrounding mountains. There are for all tastes from stronger and more mature than younger and delicate. If accompanied by good local honey.
The golden whitefish:
It ‘s the most popular fish on Lake Como for its white meat and delicate flavor.
The vineyards in the area offer excellent wines both red and white, the most prestigious are the ones coming from the Valtellina area, north of Lake Como.
TO TRY:
IL SORSASSO: possibility to taste wines accompanied by local products in the local winery.
Weather
Lake Como has a mild climate. Summers are warm but never excessively humid as a pleasant breeze blows from the lake and the mountains every day to cool the air. Winters are never particularly cold and snow makes an appearance on the lakeshore very rarely.
Sport
SAILING: There is a sailing club nearby where you can hire a boat if you are an expert sailor, or take lessons if you would like to learn how to sail – there are classes for children too. http://www.horcamyseria.it
MOTOR BOAT HIRE AND WATER SKIING: If you wish to hire a motorboat or go water-skiing, you can contact Rent a Boat and spend unforgettable days on the lake:
www.rentland.it
MOUNTAIN WALKS: The beautiful Lario Mountains that surround the lake are a splendid place for walks. The hotel can supply you with information. In addition, if you would like to join a group for hikes at low or high altitude, you can consult this site: http://www.pedaleggiando.it/passeggiatepiedi.htm
CYCLING: With advance notice we can provide you with a mountain bike for great rides around the area. Or if you have your own bicycles, we offer you a garage free of charge. There is also a very active association that can offer you trips to the loveliest places on the lake. http://www.pedaleggiando.it/
GOLF: One of Europe’s most prestigious Golf Clubs is situated just a few minutes away in Menaggio, where with a bit of luck you’ll find yourself playing alongside George Clooney.
TENNIS, VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL: Tennis, volleyball and basketball courts are all located just a short distance from the hotel.
SWIMMING: There is easy access to the lake from the hotel. Open-air swimming pools are situated just a few minutes away.
HORSE RIDING: if you love riding, there’s a riding school a few kilometres away.
WINDSURFING AND KITESURFING: If you’re a Windsurfing or Kitesurfing enthusiast, or if you’d like to try your hand at one of these sports, you can hire boards or take a course even for just a few days.
www.tabosurf.com
MOORING: buoys are available for hire.
