LAKE COMO
The Lake is shaped rather like an inverted 'Y', with two 'legs' starting at Como in the South-West and Lecco in the South-East, which join together half way up and the lake continues up to Colico in the North. The first few kilometres of the 'legs' at the southern end of the lake are relatively flat, but Lake Como becomes more mountainous as you head northwards into the Alps.
The area around Lake Como, or "Lago di Como" in Italian, is pretty characteristic. It has a kind of flair and sense of history that tends to impress its visitors in a sense deeper than only from a touristic point of view. It has been appreciated for its beauty and uniqueness for ages, and even as early as the Roman Times. Its atmosphere and natural surroundings have been the inspiration for an important part of the creation of Naboo, in the Star Wars movies. (In the same way as the atmosphere in Tozeur and Matmata have been recreated in Episode IV, "A New Hope")
Cities
Como - At the southern end of the lake, the lake's main town is a good base and although not as attractive as some of the other towns, it remains an elegant resort.
Menaggio - The main town on the Western Shore, it's an attractive town and note as touristy as Bellagio and Varenna opposite. It has a Youth Hostel (but it's often full at weekends).
Bellagio - Very attractive town at the junction of the two 'legs' of the lake. Can be expensive.
Varenna - Another attractive town on the Eastern shore opposite Mennagio and Bellagio. Worth visiting for the attractive and relaxing gardens of Villa Cipresi.
Colico - nice views at the top of the lake, but the town's not that attractive.
Lecco - a less attractive town at the end of the south-eastern 'leg' of the lake.