Neighborhood Guide: Lake Como Region

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

LAKE COMO REGION

From sleek cafes to haute cuisine to historical lakeside villas, the Lake Como region is a feast for the senses...

curated by

Andrea Colzani of C-Hotel&Spa

Andrea Colzani grew up in the Lake Como region, so when you ask him what makes it special, he takes a deep breath as if he’s not going to come up for air for some time: “The secret palaces and villas of mountain-wrapped lake, nature, river, mountain, hills, excellent Italian food, people…” The list goes on and on. Here are few selects from that list of superlatives:

ART & CULTURE
MONTEVECCHIA WINERY

“It’s just a short drive from the hotel and there are vineyards. Drink a glass of wine with friends and enjoy the scenery.”
ART & CULTURE
MALGRATE & VARENNA

“Most tourists like to go to Bellagio, but for something more authentic and original, go visit Malgrate and Varenna. Both are small, historical villages on the Como Lake. Varenna has the Castello di Vizio, a medieval fortress surrounded by an olive grove, as well as a beautiful garden at Villa Cipressi.”
DINING
C-COLZANI

Artisanal, sleek and smart, C-Colzani has become one of Lake Como's best-loved cafes. It's also one of only a handful of cafes in Italy that blends and roasts its own coffee beans and starts with cocoa beans to make its own chocolates. It also won awards for best Italian bar in 2009 and 2012. Via Nazario Sauro 47
+39 955 188
C-COLZANI
DINING
RISTORANTE MATERIA PRIMA

Helmed by renowned chef Stefano Figini, C-Hotel&Spa's Ristorante Materia Prima sets purity of flavor front and center. Its fresh, minimalist menu includes Szechuan-marinated salmon and flan of bacon, peas and wild fennel seeds. Via Nazario Sauro 47
Cassago Brianza (Lecco)
+39 955 400

RISTORANTE MATERIA PRIMA
ART & CULTURE
HISTORIC LAKE COMO VILLAS

“The shores of the branches of this basin are punctuated by many period villas, some of which are famous for the important historical events that took place there. They are also important expressions of architectural brilliance, and they have inspired generations of writers, painters, and musicians. They include, to mention just a few, Villa Balbianello in Lenno, Villa Monastero at Varenna, Villa Carlotta atTremezzo, and Villa d’Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio.”
DISCOVERCOMO.COM