Lake Como has been a beacon for glamor and romance for centuries, drawing poets, musicians, authors, and the rich and famous from all over the world. Today, Lake Como offers just about anything a traveler could ask for on any budget. While best enjoyed in the summer and fall, the lake is a beautiful destination all year around.
Lake Como is third-largest Italian lake, after Garda and Maggiore. It is also the deepest, an impressive 1,345 feet at its deepest point. The best way to see the lake is from a boat, and there are many options, from ferry boats that traverse the lake all year, to seasonal sightseeing boats, or via a private rental. The lake is surrounded by dozens of ancient villages, each with their own unique charm and character. It is also lined with elegant villas, many with extravagant gardens and amazing landscaping. You can see the estates of celebrities like George Clooney, Versace, and Richard Branson, among others.
There are a number of LGBTQ-friendly clubs and bars around the lake, with several excellent options in the town of Como itself. Overall, Lake Como is a very welcoming place with a reputation for LGBTQ traveler acceptance and overall tolerance towards all visitors.
Where the lake’s three arms meet one will find Bellagio, home to many beautiful villas, including Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi, the latter famed for its botanical gardens. Bellagio is a very hip and elegant place, with excellent shopping, eating and drinking options, and no visit to Como is complete without making a stop at Bellagio.
Lake Como is also unique for being unspoiled by corporate brands, with a ban on Uber and no visible global franchises in sight. This gives it the feel of a vacation away from the mundane and into the old world, while still maintaining modern attractions and a wonderful atmosphere where tourists can shop and interact with local color. It is definitely a premiere travel destination in Lombardy for any traveler looking to experience the best of what Italy has to offer!
