The fort-like town of Como features an informative visitors' centre that can quickly educate you on the area's history, tThere are several trails that are paved to accommodate hikers or walkers as well as a lively town square surrounded by unique, interesting cafes. If you choose to travel by train as many visitors do when trying to see all the locations surrounding Lake Como, Como is a great base, in addition it has easy access to surrounding locations, Como has a great view of Lake Como and the Alps mountain range.

A more isolated village, less catered to tourists and more like an authentic working Italian village, Brunate is located just above the town of Como and is nestled in the hills. Given it's location, Brunate provides hiking trails that have some breathtaking nature walks. The Brunate area allows anyone to overlook Lake Como and the Alps with an unparalleled view that is unlike anywhere else in Italy, if you are looking for more tourist attractions, perhaps skip Brunate, but if you would like to live as the locals do and get in touch with the outdoors, this village is your ideal spot.

Huddled amongst the mountains, Menaggio is the polar opposite of it's quiet location, a lively tourist hotspot, with a resort located lakeside next to the famous Lake Como, a favourite to many outdoor enthusiasts, Menaggio features Italy's best outdoor nature walks which is somewhat more rigorous hiking.

If hiking's not your thing then maybe you could go swimming in the inviting waters of Lake Como, windsurfing or rock climbing, Menaggio is truly for the young at heart, so if your seeking outdoor adventure then Menaggio provides the best opportunity to fulfill your wishes in all of the areas surrounding Lake Como.

Within the sprawling history of the towns, villages, and villas of Lake Como, located in a valley below an old castle, this lakeside fishing village looks like something out of an oil painting. Find a nice place to sit and relax and take in the sights and sounds of this busy village with it's picturesque alleyways and streets, later you could take a walk along the lakeside trail and watch the sun set, finally, finish your evening off with a visit to one of Varenna's many bustling restaurants.

Located on the western side of Lake Como, this tiny municipality features a population of just under a thousand people, Ossuccio is probably most well known for the Sacro Monte, the Sacro Monte was a site for worship and a popular place to pilgrimage to is Villa del Balbiano, Villa Leoni and the island Comancina, which falls within the Ossuccio territory which is not as rural as many of the surrounding Lake Como regions, Ossuccio is a quaint little area for folks hoping to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

This tiny town is officially listed as being located in Lombardy and the province of Como, Cadenabbia is located about fifteen miles from Bellagio. Cadenabbia sits on the west side of Lake Como and adds exotic beauty to the scenery and vegetation of the area. Cadenabbia is less crowded during the winter and summer as it is a popular destination for travellers in spring and autumn.

Musso is a small town bordering on the west shore of Lake Como, includes a lovely little town, mountainside property, and surrounding area of the lake, Mussois a relatively small town with a population of a thousand. Musso main attraction is it's castle, the castle was built in the fourteenth century and was used as a fortress by Gian Giacomo De'Medici, De'Medici was brother of Pope Pius IV and was a polarizing member of this village, if you are a history buff then Musso is a great place to visit.

Dongo is a commune in the Como Province and lies on the northwest side of Lake Como at the mouth of Albano, one of the larger areas surrounding Bellagio, it features a population of almost three thousand and is famous for capturing many powerful fascist leaders on April 27 1945, including Benito Mussolini as they attempted to cross the Swiss border. Like Musso, those who relish history will thoroughly enjoy Dongo.

Lecco has a population of over 47,000 and is the most logical destination for visitors staying in Bellagio wanting to get a big city experience. Lecco is on the south eastern side of Lake Como, the alps mountain range cuts through the southern part of Lecco. Lecco has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, it is easy to spend the day going to and from the various locales in this busy Italian city, those looking for an exciting, lively visit should definitely visit Lecco.