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The Italian Lakes are truly stunning and whether you choose to rent a villa at Lake Como or Lake Maggiore you will be blessed with utterly breathtaking scenery and Italian charm. The photos below are sure to inspire you to visit the Italian Lakes for a break living ‘la dolce vita’!
To top off your visit to Lake Maggiore, be sure to visit the ruined Rocca Borromea in Arona. This defensive building was destroyed during the invasion by Napoleon in 1801 and is free to visit.
>>> Discover our selection at Lake Maggiore
You can also pay a free visit to Santa Caterina del Sasso hermitage. This is hidden in the cliffs on the Eastern side of the lake. Here you can enjoy the stone Romanesque tower and the arched porch from the Renaissance period. A return ferry from Stresa costs just €7 so is a very affordable day out.
Whilst in Stresa be sure to enjoy the scenic walking routes through the narrow, winding streets of the town. You can even follow the 8km route, Sentiero dei Castagni, to Belgirate to admire the wonderful scenery. The train back costs just €1.50 and runs every hour.
Lake Maggiore, is another of Northern Italy’s beautiful lakes and is so picturesque. Baveno is a beautiful little town to visit if you like a quieter pace, or enjoy Stresa if you prefer a wider choice of shops and restaurants.
Wander around the streets of Como and pay a visit to the Duomo and the many museums in this city. Have a relaxing afternoon in Piazza Cavour and watch the world go by as you admire the stunning architecture of nearby buildings.
>>> Discover our villas at Lake Como
Take a relaxing and scenic boat trip in order to admire the beauty of the lake, and discover the small villages that surround it: where tourism, history, art and culture combine. Tickets range from between €8 and €15 for a round trip, so it is very inexpensive to explore little villages like Bellagio and Varenna. Stop off at an authentic Italian restaurant to indulge in Italy’s finest cuisine and enjoy a beautiful sunset in the evening with the Alps making a stunning backdrop.
Take a short 10 minute trip on the funicular railway from Como to the village of Brunate at the top of the mountain. Tickets are €5.50 for a round trip and the cable cars come every 15 minutes so it is well worth it and is a must on a visit to Lake Como. From the top you will see spectacular views of the lake, the Alps and the surrounding areas. There are a few restaurants in Brunate to stop at for lunch and admire the nature of this unique landscape. Take a wander around the quaint little streets and live like a local for a few hours.
Como, situated at the Southern tip of Lake Como in Northern Italy, is a city with dramatic scenery and views that will take your breath away. Bask in the beautiful Italian sunshine and enjoy a stroll along the edge of the lake taking in everything this city has to offer. The city is only a 40 minute train ride from Milan, so has good transport links.
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