Living on Lake Como

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.

Mild climate

The lake is situated north of Milan and stretches for 25 miles. It has the shape of a "Y". It's surrounded by mountains, but nonetheless it has a mild climate with relatively warm winters.

Mediterranean vegetation

Palm trees, pines and Mediterranean flowers are everywhere. Ancient villages are nestled on the shore and splendid villas with beautiful gardens have been built here by the nobility and the wealthy since Roman times.

Villa

Some of the most famous 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 has always attracted international celebrities. Since hollywood star George Clooney bought a 25-room villa in the village of Laglio, prices went up. Also Sting and Richard Branson are residing on the lake and Brad Pitt, Richard Gere and Michael Schumacher have all been spotted.

Film scenery

Even film makers are attracted by the lake. Casino Royale, Ocean's Twelve and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones were shot there.

Como
Como is the most important city on the lake. It has around 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, also called Lake Lecco. It was scenery for the Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) by Alessandro Manzoni, one Italy's most important writers.