A Getaway on the Italian Lakes
Lake Como, a lesson in beauty
The sight of Lake Como is always a wonder. There are very few settings as gorgeous: the snow-capped peaks, the deep blue of the lake bordered by a lush green cypress and olive trees and dotted with rhododendrons… But don’t be fooled by the still waters, the flawless beauty hides enormous dimensions: 46km long, 170km in perimetre and 410m deep in some places… Driving (particularly in a convertible), around the lake is an absolute joy: with several overhangs and tunnels, one turn after another, unfolding to reveal its own unique view.
Como, perfectly provincial
Lake Como with its aristocratic charm will win you over instantly. Although slightly provincial, it also has an air of Milanese chic. Between the shopping and relaxation, there are some must-see sights: the 14th century cathedral, the ancient 13th century Broletto (town hall), the Basilica di Sant’Abbondio, a masterpiece of Lombard Romanesque architecture, and Villa Olmo, an imposing 18th century neoclasical edifice with gardens that offer beautiful views of Como and its lake.
Cernobbio, an aristocratic resort
Cernobbio is renowned for its lavish villas, the most famous being villa d’Este above. Also worthy of mention is the Liberty Style villa Bernasconi and villa Fontanelle, which belonged to the fashion designer Gianni Versace… In Laglio, 10km from Cernobbio and heading towards Tremezzo, another villa almost as famous as Villa d’Este, positioned on the water’s edge and away from the crowds: the villa owned by George Clooney. Unfortunately, the main road (S 340) passes just above the small town, which resolutely retains its lakeside anonymity.
Bellagio, a moment of eternity
Bellagio rises like a mirage. It’s somewhere you could happily stay your entire life. At the confluence of three arms of the lake, pastel coloured houses and gardens create a scene of complete elegance.
Lake Garda, a masterpiece of harmony
Both alpine and meridional, Lake Garda, the largest of the Italian lakes, is worth a journey in itself. With its mild climate, olive groves and lemon orchards flourish on its borders, one shore low and flat, the other steep and magnificent, both dotted with timeless archaeological sites and lively holiday resorts: the lake is a harmonious blend of contrasts – heavenly.
Sirmione, picture postcard beautiful
The peninsula of Sirmione is a long, narrow stretch of land that extends deep into Lake Garda. It is home to a charming holiday resort with a small town crammed around a fortress and 15th century church with, at its far end, a site of immense beauty that is home to the ruins of an immense Roman villa thought to have belonged to the poet, Catullus…
La Punta di San Vigilio, a feeling of total fulfilment
On the eastern shore of the lake, the Punta di San Vigilio embodies the quintessential romance of Lake Garda with its olive and cypress trees. The headland’s totally unspoilt landscape, which seals off the baia delle Sirene (Mermaids bay), lapped by the lake’s clear water lake, invite endless opportunities to daydream.
Lake Maggiore, a famously gentle way of life
Embedded like a jewel in the ice white snow-capped Alps, Lake Maggiore, with its sapphire waters, attracts all the superlatives. It may not be the largest lake in Italy, but the mild climate, the joyful exuberance of its vegetation and the magnificent landscapes have long inspired the rich and powerful, who have chosen to the area build their castle and villas surrounded by lush terraced gardens. The magnificent Lake Maggiore will not only appeal to those looking for quiet contemplation: along its shores you will find opportunities for water sports, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or simply to laze on its beaches.
The Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands bring refinement and aethetics to their peak. A large section of the lake was gifted to the Borromeo family, who went on to buy all the islands of the small archipelago, subsequently known as the Borromean Islands: Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre, Isola Bella. It was on the latter that Charles III Borromeo (1586-1652) built his astonishing Lombard baroque style palace.
