Lake Como. The lower half of the lake is divided into two legs, the western branch called Lake Como and the eastern branch called Lake Lecco, enclosed by soaring cliffs that give a fjord-like beauty to the area. On the tip of land where the two lower sections of the lake join is one of the lake's most delightful towns, Bellagio, a medieval jewel that exudes great charm. The town traces the shore of the lake and has a medieval walled entrance into the picture-perfect central square from which narrow lanes lined with colorful boutiques and restaurants lead uphill. Views of mountains, painted medieval buildings, flowers everywhere, promenades around the lake, and paths into the hills enhance your stay here. A particularly appealing walk follows a path that climbs up the wooded hill behind Bellagio and drops down into a tiny village, called Pescallo, which nestles in a small cove on the opposite side of the peninsula.
In addition to Bellagio there is a rich selection of gems on the lake-picturesque, softly hued little hamlets tucked into intimate coves around the shore. Most of these villages are accessible by boat. You can settle onto a steamer equipped with bar and restaurant and from your armchair lazily enjoy the constantly changing but always intriguing shoreline as the boat maneuvers in and out of the colorful little harbors, past elegant private villas, by postcard-pretty villages. It is great fun to hop aboard one of the ferries and get off at one of the towns for lunch. There are also some swift hydrofoils that whisk you about the lake and car ferries that travel from one side to the other.
Another bonus of Lake Como (besides the quaint towns to explore) is that it has exceptional villas to visit, many accessible by ferry. One of these is the Villa Carlotta on the western shore near Tremezzo, just a short drive from the ferry landing along the beautiful tree-lined Via del Paradiso. This is a fairy-tale-like 18th-century palace, worthy of the Prussian Princess Carlotta for whom it was named. Built by the Marquis Clerici, the villa with its surrounding formal gardens filled with rare plants and trees is outstanding. From the terrace you have an enchanting view over the lake to Bellagio. The interior of the villa with its prominent art collection and statues is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm from April to September, and from 9 to 11:30 am and from 2 to 4:30 pm in March and October.
