Lakeside promenade, Como

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The more popular of the two shoreline walks, a boardwalk has been built to take the foot traffic along the shoreline to the Villa Olmo.

Surprisingly, walking from the centre, to access the boardwalk you walk past the decrepit stadium and an area of the lake that, due to currents, collects the gunge of the lake itself.

But once past that, its a walk of stunning views northwards and past large and impressive villas before reaching the neoclassical splendours of the Villa Olmo.

(Sadly, not only was it humid an therefore hazy, it started to rain as these photos were taken)

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Inevitably, one of the major attractions of Como is to simply meander along the shoreline of the lake and the stunning views it offers.

Whilst the western shoreline is the most popular, heading as it does towards the Villa Olmo, the eastern shoreline is a quieter, more relaxed affair, lined in part with cafes/restaurants and, beyond the funicular, small grassy areas ideal for picnics or sunbaking, and, at the far end, a fenced off area (fee payable) to access swimming in the lake itself.

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When I visited Como in February it was Sunday and one of the first spring days. A lot of people were out strolling along the lake. Also I took a walk in the nice weather and by the beautiful lake. You can take a walk pass Tempio Voltiano to Villa Olmo, out on the piers or on the pedestrian road along Viale Geno.

Another beautiful villa in the chain is this one, which is often used for cocktail parties and all kinds of celebrations and presentations. It's very likely that you'll find important businessmen and VIP's strolling along its gardens with a glass of champagne in their hands. Needless to say, classy ladies and gents!

Como has a very beautiful (and romantic!) lakeside! Take a stroll along the lake following the path that leads you in front of lovely villas and their beautiful lake approaches. I suggest starting off from the monument to Alessandro Volta, passing by the stadium, yachting and aero club, and then following the lake curve as it leads you...

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Villa Saporiti is just one of the Como lakeside villas that is now owned and is a city or county government facility - impeccably maintained.
Photo 2 - Brief history

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This delightful little area just off the lakeside path leading to Villa Olma boasts a Merry-Go-Round and a playground.