Between the Alps and the Po Valley, close to the Swiss border, the territory of Lake Como is characterized by a wide range of scenery and settlements. The lake is clearly the most distinctive feature of the whole area: it is 46 km long and has a width which varies from 4.3 km (between Cadenabbia and Fiumelatte) and 0.43 km (between Torriggia and Careno). The lake covers an area of 146sq km and has a maximum depth of 410 metres. It has two dependable winds known as Breva and Tivano.
The lake is surrounded by both high mountains and gentle hills; some narrow and impassable valleys and others which are wide and mild; densely populated plains; still untouched woods, small suburbs and big towns; lake and mountain villages; raging torrents and big rivers. The territory of the Lario, formed by the provinces of Como and Lecco, has always been an area of intense activity, being a crossing point between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. The influences of different cultures has been a stimulus to the local inhabitants, creating a fascinating artistic tradition.

www.lakecomo.com

(photo by Felice de Paoli)