Lake Como Commercial: Fill & Download for Free

Sources: Italy's 9 Most Beautiful Small Towns and Lakes1. Isola BelaOnce home to a fishing village, this craggy little island on Lake Maggiore was acquired in 1632 by the aristocratic Borromeo family and named for Carlo III’s wife, Isabella (the name being contracted to Isola Bella).2. Northern Lake MaggioreLake Maggiore (also called Verbano), narrows at its northern tip with steep mountain ranges pushing in on the resorts and lakeside towns. Italy merges into Switzerland for the final loop of the lake where the roads improve dramatically.3. Orta San GiuloLake Orta (also known as Cusio), the westernmost of the Italian lakes, lies entirely within the region of Piemonte, and is characterized by soft hills and steep wooded slops of chestnut trees flanking its sides.4. ComoNestled at the foot of the Alps, the affluent little lakeside town of Como has been an important place commercially and politically since pre-Roman times. After invading armies stopped vying for its attention in the late 19th century, Como became a wealthy backwater, combining textile manufacturing with its role as staging post for the many tourists here to enjoy the romantic delights of Lake Como.5. VeronaSome 20 km west of Lake Garda, Verona is probably best known as the setting for William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but it was also one of the most important Roman towns in northern Italy and flourished in its Renaissance heyday under the della Scala family for over a century.

Getting from Milano to Rome takes some 4 hours: Rome is just not an option. Getting to Venice takes 2 and a half hours: Venice is a doable daytrip, but still on the far side.You can reach Como in one hour departing from the Cadorna ststion in the center of Milano and arriving at the scenic Como Nord Lago station in one hour for less than 5 euro. Trains depart twice an hour or even more frequently in peak hours. From Como you may take a boat to visit the various lake towns.A daytrip I highly suggest is going to Mantova, the cradle of Renaissance. Mantova, along with Urbino, created the concept of Renaissance well before Milan and Florence jumped on the train. It's a pretty long travel,as the trip from Milano Lambrate to Mantova takes a couple of hours in old and not very comfortable trains, but the cityis stunning and compact. From the station,take a walk to the center, get lost in the maze of streets and squares around central piazza Sordello, visit Palazzo Ducale and its incredible frescoes, then have a light lunch facing the lakes. In the afternoon walk to Palazzo Te and visit this jewel of architecture.An even closer daytrip is Monza, just 15 minutes from Milano and which you can travel to with the 2.40 Mi1-Mi4 local transit ticket. The two visits you can't miss are Villa Reale and the Duomo museum. Villa Reale os the summer residence of king Umberto I and it's located in the Monza park. Instead of taking the train, use the subway to get to Sesto I Maggio and from there take the Z221 bus (it departs every 30 minutes, so check the timetable), which leaves you right in front of the villa entrance. The guided tour of the (very tacky, as befits fin-de-siécle royalty) Royal chambers costs 10 euro and takes 50 minutes, 3 extra euro allow you to also visit the salons on the first floor. Continue your visit with a stroll in the park and lunch at one of the many kiosks, before a short walk to the medieval center of Monza. The Duomo museum, which holds the Corona Ferrea with which both Charlemagne and Napoleon were crowned, suggests to reserve the visit. From the center, the ststion is just an easy walk along a very commercial and lively neighborhood.

The best swimming spots are certainly in the north of the lake, where the water is much cleaner and there are some good sized beaches. The lake waters are wonderful for swimming in reaching a pleasant 20 to 22 degrees across July and August. Head to either Domaso or Gravedona on the Western shores for the largest beaches. Alternatively, just slightly further south, Dongo has a public lido at the northern end of the town.BELLAGIO BEACHBellagio beach is located in the province of Lecco and is the favourite place for those who like to spend a few hours by the lake in a totally wild territory, full of plants and multiform vegetation. This beach is totally devoid of establishments and commercial activities. To reach there you must leave the car on the road and walk a steep path. For its orientation, Bellagio is kissed by the sun only in the early morning hours, for this reason many people, in order to escape the summer heat, wish to go to this beautiful space in the shade.MENAGGIO BEACHThe beach of Menaggio is located in the province of Como and is considered as the most beautiful panoramic place of the lake as it is located in an elevated position that allows you to admire all the countries overlooking the water. The beach is characterized by a low and sandy area for campers and on the contrary, those who want to experience a more Spartan holiday in the rocky area, characterized by high cliffs, there are numerous bathing establishments and night clubs. For the charm of this place, with unique views to photograph, there are many newlyweds who choose Menaggio to celebrate their wedding, just for the natural setting it offers.Find out much more Beaches on my blog: Can you swim in Lake Como? - Lake Como Holidays