Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes of Italy and Europe. The beauty of the lake attracts many expats, who choose to commute instead of living in Milan.

Lake Como is situated north of Milan and stretches for 25 miles. It has the shape of a “Y” and is surrounded by a beautiful mountains scenery. Nonetheless, it has a mild climate with relatively warm winters. Palm trees, olive tress, pines and Mediterranean flowers are everywhere.

Villas

The beauty and mild climate of Lake Como has always inspired the nobility and the wealthy to built stunning villas with beautiful gardens since Roman times. There are also many charming medieval villages nestled on the shores.

Stendhal, Liszt and Caroline of Brunswick

Some of the most famous villas are Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo, built in 1690, Villa d’Este at Cernobbio, built in 1568 and Villa Melzi at Bellagio, built in 1808. Many famous people stayed in these villas, like Stendhal, Franz Liszt and Caroline of Brunswick. Villa d’Este has been turned into a luxury hotel.

Celebrities

Lake Como still attracts international celebrities. Since hollywood star George Clooney bought a 25-room villa in the village of Laglio, prices went up quickly. Also Sting and Richard Branson are residing on the lake and Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Richard Gere and Michael Schumacher have all been spotted.

Film scenery

Film makers are attracted by the lake as well. Casino Royale, Ocean’s Twelve and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones were (partially) shot there.

Como

Como is the most important city on the lake. It has 85 thousand inhabitants and borders to the Swiss town of Chiasso. It houses an international preschool and an international elementary school. Como-Milan is about 28 miles (45 km).

Lecco

Lecco is the second city on the lake, situated at the south-eastern branch of the lake. It was scenery for the Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) by Alessandro Manzoni, one Italy’s most important writers.

Photo: @lbyper (CC)