Attractions
The area of Lake Como is wonderfully scenic. In fact, George Clooney bought a big mansion here, and Gwen Stefani filmed a music video. Attractions include Villa Del Balbianello in Lenno and Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. Villa Del Balbianello is located at the far end of Lavedo peninsula. The peninsula is covered with forests and extends far into Lake Como. The villa offers a splendid view thanks to its unique location. Cardinal Durini built it in 1787. Previously there was a small Franciscan abbey on this site. The complex is comprised of two square structures and a loggia. The building has a pleasant veranda, from which you can ascend the stairs to a beautifully groomed garden. At some points the steep rocks form terraces at different heights, where chestnuts, cypresses, hedges and lawns succeed one another. After the cardinal passed away Giuseppe Arconati Visconti purchased the property. He enhanced the loggia and garden. After WWI US General Butler Amos bought the villa. He restored the entire complex. His art collection was purchased together with the property after his death. They were acquired by the Italian National Trust in 1988. This attraction is open to the public today. Villa Carlotta is located in Tremezzo. The villa and adjoining gardens date back to the 18th century. The gardens feature a classical Italian design. The villa itself was designed in the neoclassical style. It features impressive banisters and a series of double staircases linking the terraces to the lakefront. There is a charming round fishpond at the entrance. In the early 19th century the park and villa were renovated. A clock was added to the roof, and stuccowork was used to embellish the faade. Princess Marianne of Prussia bought the villa in 1842. Her daughter received it as a gift upon her marriage to Prince George of Sax-Meiningen. The royal couple developed an English-style garden with ferns, trees and rare, exotic flora. Trees like palms, sequoias, magnolias and eucalyptus were planted along the lanes. The layout has changed very little since then. In spring the villa becomes the most-visited attraction on Lake Como, boasting an incredible flurry of color and wildlife. The interior features a museum of neoclassical art. Highlights of the collection include statues by Canova, paintings by Hayez and intricately woven tapestries.

Food
The town of Como offers several popular restaurants and lively street cafes. The wine bars serve aperitifs, snacks and antipasti. The smaller streets and the old town have the best eateries, so you would do wisely to explore these areas. You will be rewarded with classic Italian gastronomic delights!

Sports
Skiing is not available in the area of Lake Como, although the famous skiing areas of the pre-Alps are easy to access from here. Among the sports practiced around the lake are tennis, diving, water skiing, sailing, fishing, golf and squash. There are many golf courses in Lombardy region. One is the Villa d'Este Golf Club in sunny Brianza, located at 1200 feet above sea level. You can also visit the Monticello Golf Club on the lakefront. Italians are passionate about the game of tennis, and all the hotels in Como and on the lakefront have tennis courts. Additionally, Como is a great place for sailing. Most places around the lake have sailing bases, and there is also a prestigious sailing club here. Courses are available for beginners. Most hotels offer water skiing and other sports facilities. Other options include windsurfing, kite surfing, and extreme sports

Towns in the area
Como is a very scenic town steeped in history and culture. As such it provides the perfect setting for a wedding. Many young couples have chosen this resort as the place to take their eternal vows. Civil wedding ceremonies can be celebrated in various stylish villas on the lakeshore. Moreover, the finest silks in the entire world are produced in Como, and needless to say you can get your wedding dress made here. Apart from Como itself, there are several other resort towns around the lake that you should explore. All can be reached by car, bus or ferry. The small town of Cernobbio is home to Villa D'Este, an internationally famous hotel that has offered sanctuary to many stars over the years. Another attraction here is Villa Erba, a world convention center. The medieval village of Brienno features cobbled lanes and old buildings with terraces. You can reach these destinations by taking a boat tour from the western shore of Lake Como to Comacina Island, the only island in the lake. Other notable towns along this route include Argegno, Torno, Bellagio and Varenna. You can reach the Swiss border by walking through the Intelve Valley of Argegno, offering panoramic views across nearby Lake Lugano. Comacina Island is a little wild, unlike the professionally landscaped lakeside villa gardens. It is practically uninhabited except for several artists. Its main attraction is the Locanda dell Isola Comacina restaurant, the only eatery on the island. Do not miss the chance to try their flambed liquors. The Middle Age village of Torno is located around 7 km up from the northeast shore of Lake Como. It has several historical buildings including the church of San Giovanni and the 16th century Villa Pliniana. Bellagio is generally considered one of the most picturesque towns in Italy, with a splendid location, cobbled lanes, a beautiful promenade and oleanders lining the streets. Another great destination is Varenna. The towns lush trees provide much-needed shade in the summer.