Relaxation and Recreation

Northern Lake Como is the perfect place for relaxation while enjoying magnificent scenery, historic villas, wonderful food and Italian culture. Less crowded than the southern Lake, it is also ideal for walking, biking and water sports while still being within easy reach of cities like Como and Milan.

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Relaxation and recreation

    Sunbathe at the house or on a lakeside beach. Stroll through the little towns, stopping for a coffee in a square or an icecream at a gelateria overlooking the lake. Hop on a boat over the lake, or take a half-hour drive to the little Lago di Piano. Relax on the beach or take a dip. Explore the nature trails, hire a rowing boat or try some of the thirty varieties of hot chocolate at the cafe next to the visitor centre. Return home to enjoy a bottle of wine on the roof terrace in the warmth of the evening. Relaxation is not a problem here.

    If you're interested in architecture, every town and village has a church, often with some particularly interesting feature. In the 19th century, for example, poverty led to migration from Stazzona to Palermo - so Stazzona's church shows the return Sicilian influence to this day. There are several notable churches in nearby towns, and the famous 11th century abbey of Piona with its 13th century cloisters is only a short boat trip away. There are half a dozen famous villas and gardens within easy reach. Two are in Bellagio, often described as the most beautiful village in the Italian lakes, and well worth a visit in its own right.

    If you are interested in history, many of the towns have museums. Mussolini was captured by Italian partisans in Dongo, so the town has a museum dedicated to them. By contrast, the nearby village of Pianello has a museum devoted to Lake Como boats. There are festivals and concerts, especially in July and August. You are surrounded by Italian life and culture.

    You are also surrounded by nature, like wild boar in the local nature reserves. The Piano di Spagna, a protected wetland at the top of the lake, will be of particular interest to birdwatchers.

Eating out

    Stazzona itself has two restaurants. Also within walking distance are several "crotti": unusual and famous bars and restaurants converted from hillside caves which were originally used to store wine, cheese and sausage. They have their own gastronomic festival in August. There is also a wide choice of bars, restaurants and pizzerie around the lake, providing good Italian and regional food at a reasonable price. Fish is a lakeside speciality while cheeses, polenta and game are traditional specialities in the valleys. Vegetarians are well catered for too. There are details of local restaurants in the house.

Shopping

    The local shops, markets and supermarkets will provide all you need for self-catering and holiday souvenirs.

    Further afield, Como has been the capital of Italian silk since 1510 and the traffic-free streets of the walled city are an enjoyable shopping experience. You can buy silk, leather, fashion and other goods from the most exclusive label to the good value. And don't miss the food shops either!

    There are also shopping centres in Bergamo and Lugano and above all of course in Milan - the fashion capital of Europe!

Day trips

    The city of Como is an hour away by car or less than 90 minutes by hydrofoil from Dongo (an enjoyable experience in itself). Stroll the narrow streets, admire the cathedral, the churches and the ancient wall with its 40m. high gate-tower. Relax in the square overlooking the lake. Or take the short boat and funicular railway trip to Brunate with its wonderful views.

    Lugano in Switzerland, set in its beautiful bay, is equally close. Bergamo (45 miles) has a medieval centre which is one of the jewels of northern Italy. The city of Milan, with its renowned paintings, architecture, cathedral,  museums and shops, can be visited by car or train. St. Moritz in Switzerland is about 1 1/2 hours away by car or further afield you could visit Genoa, Verona or Venice.