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.

Actually getting to the area is not that difficult as it is actually situated on the country's main railway network. There are trains which frequently leave from Milan to take visitors to Lake Como and the journey time is around 40 minutes. The trains leave Milan's Central Station or the Porta Garibaldi Station and take visitors directly to the main station at Lake Como known as San Giovanni.

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.

The town of Commo, which is named after the lake, is a very lively and pleasant one to visit. Located at the southern end of the lake it has some amazing gothic and renaissance architecture to be viewed and enjoyed. Plus a ride on the funicular to the top of the hill on the outskirts of the town offers some spectacular views over the town and lake as well.

However, the town of Menaggio which is found on the lake's western shore is one of the more popular tourist resorts here. As well as some superb hotels the resort actually has a beach as well, where one can relax and watch the world sail by.

As mentioned at the southern end of the lake along with the town of Commo there is the town of Bellagio. This is a picture perfect Italian town and has some of the stateliest hotels in the whole area as well as beautiful gardens that are open to the public to enjoy.

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.