Tremezzo

A magnificent architectural and natural landscape combined with scenic walks and an easy-going café culture welcomes visitors to Tremezzo. The captivating town spreads along the central western shores of Lake Como, backed by the rugged peaks of Mount Crocione and looking across to the Grigne mountain range.

Tremezzo is famous for being home to some of Lake Como’s most spectacular villas. Glorious Villa Carlotta has rooms embellished with masterpieces by the late 18th-century, early 19th-century Italian sculptor Antonio Canova. Stroll around the villa’s landscaped garden, which hosts open-air concerts during the summer months.

Like many of the towns on Lake Como, Tremezzo has a pleasant waterfront promenade. As you walk, check out the elegant pastel-colored mansions with their shuttered-windows, iron balconies and arcade façades. Many are now hotels, shops, cafés, ice cream parlors and pizzerias. Visit historical landmarks such as the 18th-century Chiesa di San Lorenzo (Church of San Lorenzo).

Sit on one of the waterfront benches and enjoy views across to Bellagio and the central lake region. Watch the boats and passenger ferries come and go from the harbor. Join a boat tour for a waterside view of the town’s villas and mountain backdrop.

Active visitors might want to follow the paths that lead from the town and up into villages situated in the foothills of Mount Crocione. At the hamlet of Rogaro is the Chiesa di Santa Maria (Church of Santa Maria), home to a revered icon of the Virgin Mary. Stop for lunch or dinner at a restaurant with views over Tremezzo and the lake. Further trails extend across the mountain slopes to the towns of Cadenabbia and Griante.

Reach Tremezzo by bus from Como or via boat or ferry from other Lake Como towns, and get around on foot. During the warmer months, take the summer train from here to visit the nearby towns of Lenno and Menaggio.