The prettiest towns on Lake Como aren’t hard to come by. Lake Como has long held its place as one of the world’s dreamiest destinations, thanks as much to the dramatic alpine scenery as to the clusters of candy-hued facades whose reflections ripple across the lake’s deep cobalt waters.
Its enduring appeal to well-heeled jet setters and celebrities alike can make it easy to forget that the lake has been a holiday destination since Roman times – a tapestry of elegance, craftsmanship and culture that wasn’t built in a day.
The lavish, no-expense-spared hotels are undoubtedly part of the allure, prime launchpads for exploring the dozens of towns and villages studding the lake’s 170-kilometre shoreline: quaint, colourful warrens threaded with cobbled lanes are overlooked by quiet hamlets snuggled cosily into the lush greenery. From the hyped to the lesser known, here’s a look at some of the prettiest towns in Lake Como. These villages are best explored via car, so you set your own pace.