Immersion Travel Podcast – Lake Como Series

In the second episode of our five-part Lake Como podcast series, we travel along the lake’s western shore. Known for its refined elegance, grand villas, and storybook towns, this side of the lake offers an ideal mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural discovery. Whether you’re walking ancient cobbled lanes or relaxing beside 19th-century gardens, the western branch of Lake Como invites slow travel, scenic exploration, and unforgettable experiences.

We’ve divided this episode into three parts to help you explore each destination in more depth.

Part 1: From Como to Laglio

We begin in Como, the bustling gateway to the lake. This historic city was once a Roman outpost and later became a silk capital. Highlights include the Gothic Cathedral, the scenic lake promenade, and the funicular to Brunate for sweeping views and mountain trails. Como is also home to the Palio del Baradello, a medieval festival held each September.

From there, we move north through a string of picturesque villages. Cernobbio is known for its upscale charm and the iconic Villa d’Este. Moltrasio, a quieter village, once inspired composer Vincenzo Bellini. Carate Urio offers stone churches and peaceful lakefront villas, while Laglio, now famous as the residence of George Clooney, combines tranquility with breathtaking views.

These towns are connected by ferry routes, scenic walks, and hillside trails, making them ideal for travelers who want to blend culture with relaxation.

Part 2: Villages with Character and Connection

In the second section, we stop in Brienno, a hidden gem of medieval alleyways and stone houses that feel untouched by time. Nearby Argegno serves as a transportation hub with a cable car that lifts you to the mountain village of Pigra, offering panoramic hiking opportunities and a different view of the lake.

Colonno, a quieter destination, is the official starting point of the Greenway del Lago, a 10-kilometer lakeside trail that winds through olive groves and small hamlets. Across the water from Sala Comacina, you can see Isola Comacina, Lake Como’s only island, rich in Romanesque ruins and home to a ritualistic one-menu restaurant.

These towns may be small in size, but they offer big experiences, especially during seasonal festivals such as the Sagra di San Giovanni with fireworks launched from the island itself.

Part 3: Villas, Gardens, and Grand Destinations

The episode concludes with some of Lake Como’s most celebrated destinations. Tremezzina, which includes Tremezzo, is home to the spectacular Villa Carlotta, with its neoclassical art collection and terraced botanical gardens. The Greenway trail also continues through this area, making it one of the most scenic stretches of the western branch.

Just above the lake sits Griante, known for its mountaintop Church of San Martino and its views across to Bellagio. Menaggio, one of the liveliest lakefront towns, features a charming promenade, excellent swimming at the lido, and access to biking trails that lead toward Lake Lugano.

We finish in Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como. At the intersection of the lake’s three branches, Bellagio is a must-see destination filled with stair-stepped streets, boutique shopping, lakefront dining, and remarkable villas such as Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni. It is also home to a summer-long classical music festival and offers ferry access to all corners of the lake.

Looking Ahead

This episode reveals why Lake Como’s western branch is often considered the most elegant part of the lake. From villas and gardens to cliffside chapels and mountain viewpoints, each town tells a unique story.

In our next episode, we’ll travel north to explore Lake Como’s alpine branch. You’ll discover the quiet charm of towns like Colico, Domaso, and Gravedona, where outdoor adventure, abbeys, and northern lake culture take center stage.

Subscribe to the Immersion Travel Podcast, sign up for my newsletter at www.katerinaferrara.com and stay tuned as we continue this unforgettable journey around one of Italy’s most iconic lakes.