Como (Italy)

Once upon a time there was a glacier that ran, in an upside down "Y" shape, through the Italian Alps down to less prominent mountains. When the glacier melted a beautiful lake shone in its place. Right at the bottom of one of the two arms of the "Y" (the left one, looking on the Italian map, in the Lombardy region) there is a town called Como.
Last year, my husband and I, stopped in Como for two nights to break the long drive from London; we were going all the way down to Rome.
In Switzerland, the motorway runs alongside lovely big lakes, the scenery was certainly more than beautiful but soon after crossing the border into Italy, suddenly we were on a high ground and started to descend towards Como.
From that hight the lake is like a very wide river with deep meanders that appears and disappears behind mountains that fall steeply into the water
Very small villages are here and there alongside the banks, while lonely houses and outstanding villas, in the middle of beautiful vegetation, are scattered all the way up to the summits
I was overjoyed to have chosen such a delightful place but still I did not know I was going to experience even more beauty.
It was late in the afternoon when we arrived at the hotel; I had booked it on the internet and I knew it was on the lake bank; being tired from the long drive we decided to go to sleep before going out for supper.
On waking up I realised that night had fallen, without switching the light on I went to the open window but the wooden shutters ( some buildings still have them ) were closed, I removed the latch and opened them wide……………. my breath and my heart stopped and I was mesmerised on seeing a scene of such beauty.
It was like if the sky had sprinkled star dust over the mountains; myriads of lights, larger groups along the banks and more sparse towards the top of the hills. The lake was sparkling like a mirror reflecting a huge chandelier. It was almost unreal. I have seen many lovely places but never anything so enchanting, I don't know how long I stayed there but I couldn't and wouldn't break the spell.
Eventually when we venture out, for a late supper, was almost midnight. The restaurants were still opened and full of people but I don't remember them been noisy and was extremely relaxing to walk up and down listening to the water caressing the bank.
The next day we went around the town, Como is not very big but plenty of interesting places to see and lovely little shops with gorgeous locally handmade goods (leather handbags and wooden ornament made from olive trees )
Como is connected to the villages on the other side of the lake by very frequent ferries and, as a walking passenger or with a car, very inexpensive (only few Euro for a return ticket)
Restaurants are a bit expensive, specially those near the lake.
In the town centre there is a Mac Donald, I never tasted a better Big Mac, they also serve pasta and a good selection of salads and ice creams, all at very reasonable price.
For sure there is a very good night club activity but I didn't experienced it, I was there for a rest so I cannot comment on it.
The Hotel Marco, where we stayed, is small but nice and clean, every room has a balcony and breakfast is served on a terrace facing the lake. The price for a double room with breakfast included was 100 Euro per night.

The nearest airport is the Malpenza in Milan that is at only half an hour distance from Como

Queen Victoria used to spend her holidays in Como as well as a lot of more recent VIP, I am not surprised that George Clooney has a villa near the lake; I have heard he has bought also more properties there to modernise.
(Why does he need more than one???????)

I strongly recommend a visit to Como, even the list romantic husband will melt in such a fairy tale place!.