Cernobbio

Cernobbio Is a traditional fisherman village on the west shore of Lake Como that has always managed to maintain its charming atmosphere of magnificent villas, idyllic gardens and squares. The jewel at its centre is the sixteenth century Villa Erba, originally built as a monastery, but subsequently purchased by the Italian film director Luchino Visconti, who transformed the building and gave it more light. Two further gems are Villa d’Este, today a luxury hotel that deserves a visit if only to see its wonderful park with lakeside views and the unmistakable liberty style Villa Bernasconi. Cernobbio perfectly embodies just how generous nature has been with the shores of Lake Como; the best views are along the road that climbs up to the highest point in this fairytale scenario, Monte Bisbino. A boat trip on the lake will bring you to see enchanted places and to admire the magnificent villas on the lake shore. Next, venture up the valleys towards the farmhouses at Alpe Scarone and go into the enchanting storybook world of the ‘Buco della Volpe’ (the fox’s lair), a large cave in which underground streams have emerged to form rock pools within.