Idyllic shores, mild climate, picturesque villages, and breathtaking natural landscapes surrounding the lake. All these features have contributed to the success of Lake Como among international celebrities.
Still today, Lake Como continues to attract members of the international jet-set and celebrities that appreciate the evocative beauty of the Lake and its surroundings.
1. The lake area
Lake Como – also known as Lake Lario – is the third biggest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. It is located in Lombardy, between the municipalities of Lecco and Como, and only 80 km away from the crowded city of Milan. The lake shore has a total of 150 km of pure beauty and breathtaking landscapes. From its shores it is possible to enjoy panoramic views, including wonderful villas, charming villages, and luxuriant gardens.
The main town is Como, the place after which the lake was named. Continuing northwards, there are Cernobbio and Ossuccio. This village is famous for the Comacina Island – the only island of the Lake – and for the so-called “Sacro Monte di Ossuccio” (literally Sacred Mount of Ossuccio), which is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Moving along the shore, there is Tremezzo, which hosts the famous Villa Carlotta with its splendid terraced gardens. A stop to Bellagio is mandatory. The town is located right where the Lake’s three arms meet, and it is known as the “Pearl of Lake Como” due to its beauty. Bellagio hosts elegant historic villas, including Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. Moving South, there is Lecco with its Villa Manzoni. In the North, it is worth a visit to Varenna, Bellano and Colico.
Lake Como has a lot to offer. It is the perfect destination to immerge yourself in the nature, to visit stunning villas, museums and cultural venues, to relax on a boat, or to walk around the numerous picturesque streets of the villages surrounding the lake. And, if you are lucky, to spot some celebrities as well! Here are some famous personalities who fell in love with this place.
2. The Clooney effect
George Clooney fell in love with this area back in 2001, when he purchased an eighteen-century villa for 10 million euros. The villa, which is named Villa Oleandra, is located in the small community of Laglio, on the western side of Lake Como. In 2004, Clooney decided to buy a second villa in art nouveau style. The mansion is named Villa Margherita and is located in close proximity to Villa Oleandra.
Since Clooney’s arrival, the little town became full of paparazzi, fans and curious people eager to see the actor and his numerous Hollywood guests, including Cindy Crawford, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, and even the former President of the US Barack Obama. To respect the privacy of the actor and his guests, the city mayor approved a regulation forbidding people to gather outside the villas.
George Clooney, who normally stays at the villa up to four months a year, can be seen when in his residence, riding his motorcycle around the lake, on his boats, or while visiting local towns and restaurants around the lake. His favorite one is believed to be the restaurant “Il Gatto Nero”. Located in Cernobbio, the elegant restaurant offers a spectacular view and a fresh fish menu.
3. Robert Pattinson
Even the British actor Robert Pattinson, the vampire of Twilight, was similarly astonished by the beauty of this area. He owns an 800-square-meter villa with two floors and a basement, and a 1,200-square-meter garden with a swimming pool and tennis courts. The villa is located in Menaggio, only 17 km away from Clooney’s villas and has a cost of 5 million euros. Of course, the villa has an amazing lake view.
The reason why he purchased a mansion there? Because of the peace and quiet atmosphere, far away from Hollywood lights and his crazy fans.
4. Other celebrities
Apart from celebrities that own a villa on Lake Como, many other famous people decide to spend their vacations in some of the most beautiful hotels of the area. For instance, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a Belle Époque palace with a swimming pool inside the lake, located not far away from Laglio. Each summer, the hotel hosts many celebrities, including Jon Bon Jovi, who is also a regular customer of the restaurant “Bilacus”, in Bellagio.
