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George Clooney. Actor. Filmmaker. Two-time Sexiest Man Alive (according to People Magazine). Husband to Amal Alamuddin Clooney. Owner of a villa at Lake Como.
Funny how people zero in on certain aspects of other’s lives. We know a few things about many celebrities, but why does everyone happen to know that George Clooney owns a house on Lake Como? Does the average person know where Johnny Depp’s homes are located? How about Brad Pitt’s? However, when you say that you’ve been to Lake Como, everyone asks if you’ve seen George’s house.
Lake Como, a tourist destination, is well known for the many villas and palaces built on its shores. An attraction for aristocrats and the wealthy since Roman times, many famous people, such as Madonna, Gianni Versace, Sylvester Stallone and Richard Branson, have or have had homes overlooking the pristine lake.
Located about an hour outside of Milan, by train, Lake Como is a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of Italy’s fashion capital. Taking the train from Milan is quite easy, but first, you must decide which part of the lake you want to visit. All parts of the lake can be accessed from Como via ferry, but if you wish to visit Varenna and Bellagio, you may also take the train from Milan directly to Varenna and then a ferry to Bellagio.
Personally, I like to start in Como and take the ferry to other parts of the lake, especially if it is a beautiful day. The scenery is breathtaking and the ride usually smooth. Start by taking the train from Milano Nord Cadorna station and head to Como Nord Lago. Once you have reached the Como Nord Lago station, it is a short picturesque walk along the lake front to the ferry terminal, Navigazioni Lago di Como. After purchasing tickets, wait for the appropriate ferry at the designated dock.
If you know which town you would like to visit, you may purchase a one-way fare or return ticket. If you would like to check out a few towns along the way, it is possible to purchase a one-day pass which allows you on-off access to the ferry throughout the day with return to the original port.
While waiting for the ferry, you can take in the sights along the waterfront.
The first time I visited Lake Como, my destination was Bellagio, about a one-hour trip on the fast ferry and a two-hour trip on the slower boat. A beautiful town, it was perfect for walking around, visiting the many shops, lunch and taking a multitude of photos.
Most recently, traveling with a group, our destination was Torno, Italy, about 5 kilometers northeast of Como. Our ferry had open deck access which allowed us to stand or sit in the front or back of the vessel. Using my telephoto lens, I was able to capture the beauty of the many towns spread out along the lake’s shores as well as up close when we stopped at other towns to pick up additional passengers.
Arriving in Torno, we were captivated by the small-town beauty spread out before us. Colorful boats lined the very small harbour and the Romanesque church of St. Tecia, with its large Gothic rose window stood majestically before us.
A couple of small restaurants, Bar Italia and Ristorante Vapore preside along the harbour and offer both indoor and outdoor seating. Deciding on the Ristorante Vapore, we were not disappointed in their menu offering a wide variety of salads, pasta dishes and seafood as well as extensive wine offerings. Sitting outside and enjoying our delectable fare, we were enthralled with the spectacular views and the ever changing light as the sun danced around the clouds.
After our exquisite lunch, we each set out to explore the immediate area, including the church and the small alleys and pathways radiating from the waterfront.
With the arrival of our ferry, we were soon on our way back to Como and our train to Milan.
Should you wish to spend time in the town of Como, some suggestions include the Cathedral of Como, Basilica di Sant’Abbondio, Piazza Cavour, Teatro Sociale and the Funicular Como-Brunate. The latter, a charming train, offers striking panoramic views of the Lake, Como’s historic center and the Alps in a seven minute journey to Brunate, a town located 700 meters above sea level and the starting point of numerous nature walks.
A visit to Lake Como is a must when visiting the Milan area. With much to explore around the lake, spending a few days may be more suited to your liking with many options to suit different budgets and requirements.
And be sure, when you get back, someone WILL ask you if you saw George’s house!
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Lake Como
- Train information: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en Train tickets cost approximately €10 roundtrip for Second class and €15 for First class from Milano Nord Cadorna to Como Nord Lago.
- Ferry information: http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/c_illago.html
- Como Brunate Funicular: http://www.funicolarecomo.it.