Marco is our new Property Finder here at Lakeside; like the rest of our team, he’s grown up on the western coast of the lake, precisely in the vibrant Dongo, northern Lake Como. We like to say that our whole team somehow has the water of the lake running into their veins!

In this section of our blog we have prepared for you a tit for tat where each member of our team - Sara, Elisa and Marco - tells about “their own lake”.

Curious to know more about some suggestions from Marco? Continue reading, then!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE VILLAGE OF THE LAKE?

My favorite village of the lake is Dongo, very easy and maybe I didn’t use all of my imagination, because it’s the place where I was born and I grew up. I collected a lot of good memories in that place, memories I jealously conserve. I used to play in the streets, with my brother and sister, and play soccer in the oratory with my friends.
Dongo doesn’t mean just memories, this village played a key role in the Modern History of which I am proud of.

Learn more about DONGO with our handy infographic!

YOUR NUMBER 1 RESTAURANT OR CLUB?

Lake Como is full of amazing restaurants and café where you can try traditional dishes.
My favorite restaurant is “Le 5 case”, situated in Gera Lario. It’s such an amazing place where to eat the traditional “risotto al persico” (“rice with perch fish” - a typical Lake Como dish, made with a combination of rice and perch fillets cooked in the butter) and homemade fried potatoes. You can also enjoy a really good Italian glass of wine, with an amazing view over the lake.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR I-CAN’T-LIVE-WITHOUT SPECIAL DISH OF THE LAKE?

Polenta e Missoltini!
A typical dish here, which connect the classic polenta with the “agone”. This particular fish is caught during the months of June and July, just after the spawning, and is then dried in special ovens.

Learn more about all the traditional dishes of Lake Como

IS THERE A SEASON AT LAKE COMO YOU PARTICULARLY LOVE?

Every season has its beauty here on the lake, but if I have to choose one, I will go for autumn.
In autumn the colors of the mountains are unbelievable, everything seems painted, you can enjoy the sun during the morning/afternoon and sleep good during night.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SONGS: IS THERE A SPECIAL ONE YOU’VE ALWAYS LINKED TO LAKE COMO?

For sure is “Il cielo in una stanza” written by Gino Paoli and recorded by the legendary Mina.
For me it means that everything is better when you have someone to share with; the lake always remind me of the ones I love, the same effect that this song gives to me.

A young Marco singing “il cielo in una stanza” (pss - he is also a singer!)

3 PLACES/THINGS TO DO AT LAKE COMO YOU ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND?

1- Monte Legnone, with 2.609 meters is the highest peak of the lake.
It offers an amazing 360° view. With the characteristic pyramid shape at the end, it looks like a rugged and wild peak. It’s beautiful to see with the snow on the top, but if you want to take the best from it you need to reach the top. The most popular and safest route starts from Roccoli Lorla in Valvarrone, recommended for expert hikers! So be careful if you want to reach the top, especially when you can see the snow from the lake. You need experience and a good equipment.
2- Castello di Vezio, overlooking the amazing village of Varenna and Bellagio.
It is a place where you can breath the history and the mystery of the lake. And if (like me) you are a fan of Harry Potter, you can take a picture with the ghost statues that look like real dementors surrounding the Azkaban prison.
3- Boat tour: you can’t miss this fantastic opportunity to admire the lake from another point of view, an unique experience that will leave you unforgettable memories; form the lake you can admire the most beautiful architectural properties, hidden by the nature and the imposing mountains that surround them.

Castello dii Vezio | Pic by Lake Como Tourism

YOUR “PLACE OF THE HEART”?

My place of heart is “Castello”, it’s a panoramic viewpoint situated in Gravedona ed Uniti, next to Palazzo Gallio.
It’s the best place where you can enjoy a good ice cream, taken from “Carapiña” (ice cream shop), with an amazing view. Believe me, this is something you really need to try!

Marco overlooking the view from Castello | Gravedona ed Uniti

A MUST-VISIT VILLA?

With no doubts is Villa Melzi d’Eril and its surprising gardens.
Especially in autumn the colors of the gardens are stunning. It’s situated in Bellagio and it deserve a visit for sure. The surrounding park of the majestic property and the priceless landscapes were chosen also as home by three famous English writers: Percy Shelley, his wife Mary, and Lord Byron. How to blame them!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL EVENT?

Surely is the “Sagra di San Giovanni”, the oldest event of Lake Como for tradition, art, faith and folklore. The surrounding area of Comacina Island gives the event an enchanted atmosphere.
The event, with the characteristic pyrotechnical and musical show - the most famous fireworks of Lake Como - and the symbolic fire of the Comacina Island, aims to recall the siege by Federico il Barbarossa, aided by the people of Como, who devastated and razed the island to the ground, to avenge his alliance with Milan.
You can also admire the “Lucia”, typical arched boat from the Lario.

A spectacular photo of the Comacina Island burning at “Sagra di San Giovanni” | Pic by La Provincia Di Como

AN ADJECTIVE, A SCENT OR A SOUND THAT FOR YOU BEST REPRESENT LAKE COMO?

“Breathtaking”
Because like your favorite paint, you could stay hours to admire it.Depending on the season, humidity, temperature, weather, wind and a thousand other factors, the lake changes and transforms, it is never the same. A masterpiece of Mother Nature.
It’s poetry in motion!

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The Very Best of Lake Como In A Nutshell: Marco Talking About “His” Lake