Lake Como: The celebrities’ playground and timeless gem
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 29
- 13 min read
One of the most famous celebrities associated with Lake Como is the American actor George Clooney.
One of the most famous celebrities associated with Lake Como is the American actor George Clooney. His presence alone has significantly elevated the lake’s reputation as one of Europe’s most exclusive destinations. However, Lake Como’s allure extends far beyond Clooney, as it has long been a retreat for royalty, aristocrats, and A-list celebrities.
A celebrity magnet with Hollywood glamour
Lake Como, or Lago di Como in Italian, is nestled in northern Italy's Lombardy region. As the third-largest lake in Italy, it spans approximately 146 square kilometers and reaches depths exceeding 400 meters. Its breathtaking scenery, framed by the snow-capped Alps and historic villages, makes it one of the most picturesque locations in the world.
George Clooney’s love affair with Lake Como
In 2002, George Clooney purchased Villa Oleandra, a stunning 18th-century mansion in the town of Laglio. The villa was previously owned by the Heinz family, famous for the H.J. Heinz Company known for its ketchup and condiments. Clooney’s acquisition of the property sparked a global fascination with Lake Como, attracting waves of Hollywood elites and high-profile figures.
Rumors swirled in 2023 that Clooney planned to sell his beloved lakeside retreat. However, he promptly dismissed the speculation, stating: «The first I heard about it was when Page Six published the story. Everyone picked it up. It’s not true.» His continued presence cements Lake Como’s status as a luxurious celebrity hideaway.
Who else calls Lake Como a second Home?
Lake Como has hosted numerous A-list celebrities over the years. Madonna, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie have all been spotted cruising its waters, enjoying the finest Italian cuisine, and relaxing in its five-star resorts. Fashion designer Donatella Versace has long been associated with the area, and legendary musician Sting is another regular visitor.
Billionaires such as Richard Branson and Bill Gates have also spent time at the lake, with some reports suggesting they have rented lavish villas during their stays.
Over the years, guests have also included Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Jennifer Aniston, and Barack Obama. One infamous party in 2019 allegedly involved an impromptu lakeside concert with Bono from U2, where guests danced until sunrise.
Before choosing a castle in Bracciano, Italy, for his wedding to Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise initially scouted Lake Como as a venue. Clooney even invited him to consider Villa Oleandra, but Cruise opted for the more secluded Odescalchi Castle. Still, some say he spent time in Lake Como before the wedding, perhaps reconsidering his choices.
David and Victoria Beckham have been spotted multiple times vacationing in Lake Como, often renting luxury villas for their stay. In 2022, rumors spread that David was considering buying a lakeside home, but Victoria allegedly vetoed the idea because she preferred Milan’s fashion scene over the lake’s relaxed pace.
Historic and cinematic grandeur
Villas with Hollywood Fame
Lake Como’s historic estates are among its greatest treasures. Perhaps the most famous of them all is Villa del Balbianello, an 18th-century villa perched dramatically on the western shore of the lake. The villa’s breathtaking setting has made it a top filming location for major Hollywood productions.
James Bond’s Casino Royale (2006): The villa provided the romantic backdrop for an emotional scene between Daniel Craig’s James Bond and Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd.
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002): Villa del Balbianello served as the hideaway for Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, adding to the franchise’s legendary landscapes.
A Month by the Lake (1995): This romantic drama starring Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman brought attention to the lake’s old-world charm.
Villa Carlotta: A museum and botanical wonder
Another must-see is Villa Carlotta, famous for its exceptional art collection and breathtaking gardens. Originally built as a retreat by banker Giorgio Clerici, the villa was later named after Charlotte Albertine of Saxe-Meiningen. Over the centuries, it has been home to aristocrats and collectors who enriched its interiors with masterpieces. Today, Villa Carlotta is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore both its art exhibits and stunning botanical gardens.
The pearl of Lake Como
The picturesque town of Bellagio is one of Lake Como’s most famous destinations. Known as the Pearl of the Lake, Bellagio has drawn visitors since Roman times. It became a favored retreat for Milanese nobility and European royalty in the 19th century. Today, visitors can explore Villa Melzi d’Eril, which boasts exquisite gardens, statues, and fountains along the lake’s edge.
Breathtaking attractions
Lake Como is packed with breathtaking attractions, from opulent villas to stunning natural landscapes. Here are some of the top must-visit spots:
Iconic Villas & Gardens
Villa del Balbianello – Famous for its dramatic setting and appearances in Star Wars and James Bond.
Villa Carlotta – A magnificent 17th-century villa with stunning botanical gardens.
Villa Melzi – A neoclassical villa in Bellagio with beautifully landscaped gardens.
Villa Monastero – A former monastery turned into a lakeside paradise with lush gardens.
Charming towns & villages
Bellagio – Known as the «Pearl of Lake Como,» this town boasts cobbled streets, boutique shops, and incredible views.
Varenna – A romantic village with colorful houses and the scenic Lovers’ Walk (Passeggiata degli Innamorati).
Menaggio – A charming lakeside town with a lively piazza and stunning promenades.
Tremezzo – Home to Villa Carlotta and some of the most luxurious hotels in the area.
Como – The lake’s main city, featuring the impressive Como Cathedral and a funicular to Brunate.
Charming towns & villages
Bellagio – Known as the «Pearl of Lake Como,» this town boasts cobbled streets, boutique shops, and incredible views.
Varenna – A romantic village with colorful houses and the scenic Lovers’ Walk (Passeggiata degli Innamorati).
Menaggio – A charming lakeside town with a lively piazza and stunning promenades.
Tremezzo – Home to Villa Carlotta and some of the most luxurious hotels in the area.
Como – The lake’s main city, featuring the impressive Como Cathedral and a funicular to
Scenic rides & outdoor adventures
Funicolare Como-Brunate – A thrilling cable car ride offering panoramic views of the lake and Alps.
Greenway del Lago di Como – A scenic 10 km walking trail through historic villages.
Orrido di Bellano – A dramatic gorge with waterfalls and suspended walkways.
Isola Comacina – The only island on the lake, rich in history and mystery.
Monte Grona – A challenging but rewarding hike for spectacular mountain views.
Cultural & historical highlights
Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como) – A stunning Gothic-Renaissance cathedral.
Tempio Voltiano – A museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery.
Castello di Vezio – A medieval castle with eerie ghost statues and breathtaking lake views.
Unique experiences
Boat Tours – Sail around the lake in style on a private boat or ferry.
Wine Tasting – Discover local wines in scenic vineyards near Como.
Luxury Spas – Relax at Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s world-class spa overlooking the lake.
Luxury and relaxation: Where the elite stay
With its reputation as a retreat for celebrities and royalty, Lake Como naturally offers world-class accommodations. Here are some of its most exclusive hotels:
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
A five-star landmark in Tremezzo, this hotel offers panoramic lake views, luxurious suites, a spa, and three stunning pools.
Villa d’Este
Located in Cernobbio, this historic estate-turned-hotel dates back to 1568 and is known for its elegant rooms, Michelin-starred dining, and exquisite lakeside gardens.
Il Sereno
A contemporary, ultra-luxurious boutique hotel in Torno with sleek modern suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and an infinity pool overlooking the lake.
Exclusive restaurants in Lake Como
Il Gatto Nero (Cernobbio)
A favorite of George Clooney, this fine-dining restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Como. Specializing in traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, Il Gatto Nero is known for its excellent seafood, homemade pasta, and an impressive wine selection. The romantic atmosphere and impeccable service make it a top choice for an elegant dining experience.
Mistral at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (Bellagio)
This Michelin-starred restaurant inside the historic Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is renowned for its molecular gastronomy techniques and refined Italian flavors. The lakeside terrace provides a stunning backdrop while enjoying delicacies such as risotto with saffron and black truffle or perfectly seared sea bass. The extensive wine list features some of the finest labels from Italy and beyond.
Locanda La Tirlindana (Sala Comacina)
A hidden gem on the shores of Lake Como, this charming lakeside restaurant is known for its intimate setting and outstanding dishes. It specializes in fresh lake fish, handmade pasta, and high-quality seasonal ingredients. Guests can dine al fresco by the water while soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
Exclusive bars in Lake Como
Bar Il Tana (Bellagio)
A sophisticated cocktail bar in the heart of Bellagio, Il Tana is known for its handcrafted cocktails, elegant decor, and extensive selection of spirits. The mixologists here create unique drinks inspired by the region, making it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.
Harry’s Bar (Cernobbio)
An upscale, stylish bar offering an old-school Italian charm combined with a modern twist. Frequented by celebrities and well-heeled travelers, Harry’s Bar is perfect for sipping classic cocktails or enjoying a fine glass of Italian wine while overlooking the lake.
Sky Bar at Hilton Lake Como (Como)
Located on the rooftop of the Hilton Lake Como, this bar offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. With a chic atmosphere, premium cocktails, and a fantastic selection of wines and champagnes, it's an ideal spot for a sunset aperitivo.
Exclusive nightclubs in Lake Como
Lido di Bellagio (Bellagio)
A stylish beachfront nightclub that transforms from a relaxing daytime lounge to a high-energy party destination at night. It attracts an upscale crowd and often hosts international DJs, themed events, and exclusive parties right by the lake.
Made Club (Como)
The most famous nightclub in the city of Como, Made Club is known for its luxurious setting, VIP sections, and high-energy dance floor. Featuring top DJs, live performances, and an exclusive crowd, it's a hotspot for those looking for a glamorous night out.
Lido di Lenno (Lenno)
A lakeside nightclub offering a unique mix of relaxed beach vibes and an upscale party scene. By day, guests can lounge on sunbeds, and by night, the venue turns into a chic club with music, dancing, and an elegant yet vibrant atmosphere.
These exclusive spots offer the best of Lake Como’s fine dining, cocktail culture, and nightlife, making them perfect for visitors looking for a luxurious experience.
Cheap or expensive?
Lake Como offers a mix of luxury and budget-friendly options when it comes to accommodations, dining, nightlife, and groceries. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Accommodation prices
Budget Hotels and Hostels: Starting from around €35-€50 per night, especially in less touristy areas.
Mid-Range Hotels: Typically range from €100-€150 per night for a three-star hotel.
Luxury Hotels: High-end four-star hotels cost around €200+ per night, while five-star luxury stays can easily reach €700 or more.
Dining and drinking costs
Restaurants:
A simple meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €15-€20 per person.
A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: €30-€50 per person.
High-end fine dining experiences can cost €100+ per person.
Bars and nightclubs:
A beer in a bar: €5-€7.
A cocktail: €8-€15.
Cover charge at an upscale nightclub: €20-€50.
Grocery prices
Bread (1 loaf): ~€1.50
Milk (1 liter): ~€1.20
Eggs (dozen): ~€2.50
Cheese (1 kg): ~€12
Chicken breasts (1 kg): ~€10
Pasta (500g): ~€1-€2
Olive oil (1 liter): ~€6-€10
Alcohol prices
Beer (0.5-liter bottle): ~€1.50 from a supermarket.
Wine: Mid-range bottle costs between €5-€10.
Liquor (vodka, whiskey, etc., 700ml): €15-€25, depending on the brand.
Lake Como’s most intriguing secrets
These prices can vary depending on the season, location, and whether you're in a tourist hotspot or a more local area.
Hidden gems and local secrets
Despite its association with wealth and exclusivity, Lake Como has plenty to offer for budget-conscious travelers. Affordable accommodations include charming guesthouses, family-run bed-and-breakfasts, and scenic campsites near the lake’s shores.
Additionally, visitors can take advantage of Lake Como’s many free or low-cost activities, such as:
Strolling through the historic streets of Varenna and Menaggio
Hiking the Greenway del Lago di Como for breathtaking lake views
Visiting the Orrido di Bellano, a dramatic gorge carved by centuries of rushing water
Lake Como has a long history of breathtaking, bizarre, and almost unbelievable stories that sound like something out of a novel. Here are some of the most spectacular and jaw-dropping tales from this legendary Italian lake:
The Curse of Pliny the Elder's lost treasure
Ancient Roman historian Pliny the Elder, who was born on the shores of Lake Como, supposedly hid a vast treasure somewhere around the lake. Some say he buried gold and rare manuscripts before heading to Pompeii, where he died in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Over the centuries, treasure hunters have searched the lake’s depths, believing the fortune still lies beneath the water.
Mussolini’s last stand and the stolen gold
One of Lake Como’s most dramatic moments in history came in April 1945, when Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, were captured by Italian partisans near the lake. They were executed, but what happened to Mussolini’s personal treasure?
Some say a convoy of Nazi gold was hidden somewhere near the lake before his death.
Locals whisper that Mussolini’s gold—possibly looted from Switzerland—was tossed into the lake, still waiting to be discovered.
The Haunted villa of Lake Como
Villa de Vecchi, also known as the Ghost Mansion of Lake Como, is one of Italy’s most famous haunted houses.
Built in the 1850s by Count Felice de Vecchi, tragedy struck when his wife was murdered, and his daughter mysteriously disappeared.
Heartbroken, the Count later took his own life in the house.
Since then, eerie lights, whispers, and ghostly apparitions have been reported.
Even Aleister Crowley, the infamous occultist, is rumored to have performed dark rituals there in the 1920s.
The «Floating» Village that appears and disappears
There are old legends about a submerged village under Lake Como that only appears once every hundred years.
Locals tell of a mysterious town with visible rooftops under the water when conditions are right.
Some believe this is the lost town of Curon, which was flooded centuries ago.
Fishermen occasionally report seeing church bells ringing under the water, even though the village no longer exists.
The Hollywood Escape: Greta Garbo’s secret hideout
In the 1930s, Greta Garbo, the famous Swedish actress, allegedly disappeared for several months, hiding in a secluded villa on Lake Como.
She was escaping the pressure of Hollywood and rumors about her secret love affairs.
Some claim she arrived under a false identity and was smuggled in on a boat at night.
To this day, no one knows exactly where she stayed or who helped her disappear.
The millionaire who built an underwater ballroom
One of Lake Como’s strangest and most extravagant stories is about Giovanni Angelli, a 19th-century aristocrat who built an underwater ballroom beneath his villa.
The ballroom was completely submerged, with glass walls offering views of the lake.
Servants would row food and drinks out to a secret tunnel, where guests would descend into a luxurious underwater party room.
The structure supposedly still exists but is now abandoned and partially flooded.
The mystery of the red Ferrari at the bottom of the lake
In 2002, divers discovered a red Ferrari 512 sitting mysteriously at the bottom of Lake Como.
No one knew how it got there, and there was no record of a missing Ferrari matching the description.
Some believe it was stolen and dumped, while others think it was part of a mafia crime scene.
The eerie part? The keys were still in the ignition.
The secret passage between Lake Como and Switzerland
For centuries, rumors have circulated about a hidden underwater tunnel connecting Lake Como to Switzerland.
Smugglers allegedly used the tunnel to transport gold, weapons, and even people escaping war and persecution.
Some divers claim to have found part of this tunnel, but its full path remains undiscovered.
Lake Como isn’t just a beautiful vacation spot—it’s full of mystery, legend, and hidden history that makes it one of the most fascinating places in the world!
Lake Como remains one of the world’s most glamorous and enchanting destinations. Whether it’s Hollywood royalty or actual aristocracy, the lake continues to captivate those seeking beauty, luxury, and tranquility. From the timeless elegance of its grand villas to the cozy authenticity of its lakeside towns, Lake Como is truly a place where history, culture, and celebrity mystique intertwine.
