The lakes of Lombardy

In Lombardy, the lakes stretch out like mirrors from another time. Como, Garda, Maggiore. Names that drip with glamour, drama and wealth.

Lake Como is where the elite come to sip overpriced spritzes while pretending not to care who’s watching. The lake, one of the largest in Italy and also one of the deepest in Europe, is cinematic like a Fellini dream. Ferries cutting through the mist. Italian spoken like a slow threat or a love song, depending on the hour.

The town of Como, largest settlement around the lake, attracts a lot of people with big wallets. But I choose to take the old funicular up the mountain to the Brunate region, to get get a much better view of the lake. Less retail, more tranquility.

While having delicious antipasti, I study the view. Located next to Lake Como and surrounded by tall mountains, it’s no surprise that so many people are attracted to this area. The town in itself is also quite cute, with the cathedral clearly visible in the center.

Arriving by car ferry to the port of Bellagio.

After driving along beautiful but dangerously narrow roads around the Lake Como, we take a car ferry to the port of Bellagio. The town is situated on the headland where lakes Como and Lecco meet. The town is pretty and picturesque, but it seems to be invaded by American tourists.

Good vibes at Villa del Balbianello.

This isn’t the Italy of postcards and gondoliers. It’s the north, a curious alliance of Alpine precision and Mediterranean laziness. The lakes don’t care who you are, but if you sit still long enough, they might just let you in.