Lake Como

Lake Como is famous for its glamour and sophistication, but the scenery is the real attraction: elegant villages lining a deep-blue lake, framed by steep, dramatic mountains. Of the three main villages, Bellagio was the most charming, and I was glad we chose it as our base. Varenna was picturesque but tiny and crowded. Menaggio appealed to me less, although it offers some of the most affordable lake-view lodging.

We visited in October, and crowds were noticeable even on our only sunny day. Summer must be considerably busier and, for me, would likely feel overcrowded. Day-trippers generate much of the congestion, making early mornings and evenings the most peaceful and enjoyable times to explore.

My verdict: Lake Como lives up to its glamorous reputation, especially in the quieter off-season. I would avoid visiting in summer, although that is sound advice for almost any famous destination in Europe. Not everyone agrees though. Here's a counterpoint that says skip it.