Beautiful Lake Como Italy

From Courier:

The Italian Lakes have always held a special attraction for holidaymakers and The Courier Travel explores Lake Como, one of the most popular retreats in northern Italy.

Lake Como is Italy’s third largest lake and, from its northern shores at the foot of the Apls to the Lombard Shores to the south, the scenery is magnificent and full of contrasts; the soaring snow-capped peaks in the north give way to gentle rolling hills and colourful sub-tropical lakeside gardens and promenades to the south.

Imagine the bright blue waters lapping at the elegant shores, surrounded by fine walks, imposing villas and beautiful parks and gardens filled with exotic flowers – giving the area a real Mediterranean flavour – and you’ve got the picture.

Around the lake boasts sheltered bays, charming lakeside resorts and peaceful fishing villages. There are weekly markets to visit, shops and boutiques to browse around, colourful gardens to explore and pavement cafes for sitting and relaxing while watching the world going by.

From the Cadenabbia resort – which is placed on the western shore of the lake – steamers and local buses can take you around various lakeside towns and villages nearby. Nearby Villa Carlotta is well worth visiting. Built in the early 18th century, the villa is renowned for its beautiful gardens, which extends over 14 acres.

A definite ‘must do’ is a boat trip to Bellagio – which is referred to as the ‘pearl of the lake’. The old town is a jumble of cobbled lanes and stepped streets lined with stylish boutiques, wine bars and craft shops selling locally produced handicrafts including olive wood carvings and woven silk.