Retire in Paradise

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Lake Como, Italy is situated in the Northern part of this European country close the city of Milan. It is 50km long and at its southern end the lake forks and it is here you will found the very beautiful town of Bellagio. Although not the largest of all the lakes in Italy, this it is out classed by Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore it is in fact one of the deepest.

The area surrounding Lake Como has for many centuries (since the Roman Empire) been favored as a tourist resort. Today it is not just Italians but tourists from around the world who enjoy all that this part of Italy has to offer and many cyclists, walkers and swimmers are enjoying the facilities available.

Getting to Lake Como is not that difficult as it is part of Italy’s main railway network. Train leave frequently from Milan and the overall journey from the city to the lake takes around 40 minutes. Trains leave from Milan’s Central Station or Porta Garibaldi Station and arrive at the main station San Giovanni in Lake Como.

Actually traveling around the lake is not difficult you can either take a bus or cycle or drive round if you have a hire car. But for a more pleasant and quicker way to get from one resort to another around the lakes shores hop on one of the various boats or steamers. These offer regular services and will take you to the many towns and resorts such as Bellagio, Tremezzo, Lenno, Varenna, Menaggio and Villa Carlotta.

Commo town is one of the more lively towns situated at the southern end of the lake. It has plenty to offer in the way of beautiful gothic and renaissance architecture for you to enjoy. However, to really appreciate the lake then take a ride on the funicular which will once at the top provides you with some really spectacular views not just of the town but the lake also.

A popular tourist destination however on Lake Como is the town of Menaggio. Situated on the western shoreline it not only has some really great hotels, but also a beach as well.

As mentioned before along the southern end of the lake is the town of Bellagio. This is what many would class as a picture perfect Italian town and has some truly stately hotels as well as wonderful gardens that you can wander around as they are open to the public.

For those who are looking for somewhere that is a little more peaceful and relaxing then consider staying in the town of Varenna. It is a much smaller sized town than Bellagio but has some truly wonderful architecture to view and also a visit to Castello de Vezio in the town allows you to enjoy spectacular views looking out over Lake Como.

The best times to visit Lake Como, Italy is mid weekend as the area is extremely popular with people from Milan at the weekends. Also if you can avoid the months of July and August as this is when most people choose to spend time here and it can become extremely crowded. Certainly the best time to visit the area in the spring or autumn months. The weather is still pleasant, but there are far less people to contend with.