By Bianca Spaggiari – @biancaspaggiari

Spring is in full bloom, and it is an irresistible lure for us Gou Gous enthusiasts of outdoor excursions who want to discover new and unexplored places and authentic gems immersed in nature.

In our territory’s endless list of wonders, every body of water is a magnet on sunny days and light breezes. Besides the sea, lakes are undoubtedly a great attraction for weekend trips out of town and around the city of Milan (and beyond!); the possibilities are numerous.

So here we have selected our favourites for you!

When it comes to Lake Como, one constantly faces a dilemma in deciding where to start. Besides inspiring Manzoni to write “I Promessi Sposi,” Lake Como is a veritable collection of must-see sights, colours, and scents.

The landscape, picturesque and almost unchanged over time, alternates between small villages overlooking the shores and others perched on mountain slopes that gently slope down to the shore. This fairy-tale setting is full of villas, parks, and secrets. In our humble opinion, we deserve a Sunday detour.

VILLA MONASTERO

Villa Monastero was born from the transformation of an old women’s monastery before becoming a museum house. For centuries, it has been frequented by many prominent figures in the cultural world.

Today, the villa appears as an eclectic place rich in history, adorned with a beautiful botanical garden overlooking the lake, and can be visited.

Villa Monastero – Viale Giovanni Polvani 4, Lecco

VILLA D’ESTE

A fascinating and world-famous destination, the 152 rooms inside are all decorated in unique and different styles.

Partly a five-star hotel, the curiosity is that the mansion is named after Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales and bride of King George IV of England, who purchased the mansion back in the 1800s. The sumptuous salons are authentic museums filled with artworks, some even attributed to Canova and his school.

Villa d’Este – Via Regina 40, Cernobbio (CO)

FEEL COMO

But Lake Como offers us not only villas: if you’re looking for an unusual place to eat on the lake, sophistication is the real strength of Feel Como.

The restaurant’s leitmotif is architectural taste, culinary imagination, and a very intimate atmosphere, all adorned with refined and creative dishes that celebrate ancient and revisited local flavours. Be careful; book early. The restaurant has only 16 intimate seats. Too chic!

Feel Como – Via Diaz 54, Como

In the picturesque setting of Lake Iseo, an elegant, holiday-like tranquillity reigns supreme, just a short drive from Milan. Every corner of this place invites contemplation, with its shores dotted with picturesque villages framed by the majestic peaks of the Orobic Pre-Alps.

VILLA BIONDELLI

Villa Biondelli is a neoclassical jewel set in the heart of Franciacorta. Recently reopened and transformed into a full-fledged wine resort, you can stay and taste the organic, strictly Franciacorta wine of the family that owns the estate.

Although the villa enchants visitors primarily with its elegance and lush gardens, its interiors are beautifully decorated with savoir-faire and excellent taste in interior design.

Villa Biondelli – Via Basso Castello 2, Bornato di Franciacorta (BS)

DARSENA 21

On the shores of the lake, this swanky little spot embodies the young and dynamic spirit of the lake, offering the perfect mix of gourmet cuisine, craft cocktails and evening entertainment.

The lively and hip atmosphere makes Darsena 21 a must for anyone who wants to savour a sunset over the lake or a dusk dotted with village lights like fireflies.

Darsena 21 – Via Battisti 9, Sulzano (BS)

BOHEM LA STAZIONE

Hidden among the streets of a small village on Lake Maggiore is Bohem the Station, an old railway station transformed into a bistro, flower, and bon bon boutique.

A fairy-tale and eclectic place, it is the ideal destination for colourful sweet treats, flower bouquets and breakfasts, lunches and snacks in the beautiful winter garden.

Bohem La Stazione – Via Roma 15, Paratico (BS)

With its breathtaking beauty and enchanting islands, Lake Maggiore is a destination that enraptures the hearts of visitors. Isola Bella and its sumptuous Borromeo Palace undoubtedly stand out.

ISOLA BELLA E PALAZZO BORROMEO

In the middle of Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella is a Baroque jewel surrounded by impeccably manicured Italian gardens. Here, Palazzo Borromeo seems like a place stolen from a culture and time now lost.

With its ornate rooms and art collections, it transports visitors to an era of opulence and pageantry. The terraced gardens offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lake. Also adding to its charm are the free-roaming peacocks, the new object of desire for the Gou Gous with a garden (and delusions of grandeur).

Palazzo Borromeo – Isola bella 1, Stresa (VB)

HEMINGWAY BAR

As the name suggests, Hemingway loved this fantastic cocktail bar back in 1918, and how can you blame him?

Here, between an aperitif or an after dinner with a vintage flavour, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this old-fashioned-spirited establishment inside the Grand Hotel Des IIes Borromees. Bonus points if you’re sipping while perched at the beautiful bar overlooking the bottle rack.

Hemingway Bar – Corso Umberto I 76, Stresa (VB)

Last but not least, Lake Garda is a convenient escape for those weekends of ennui and laziness.

Also known for its vineyards and the renowned Bardolino wine festival, the area’s hidden gems include Sirmione, a freshwater pearl on the lake’s southern shores.

SIRMIONE E LE GROTTE DI CATULLO

The narrow cobbled streets and its ancient Roman ruins feature lemon and bougainvillaea trees and numerous colourful ice cream parlours.

From Sirmione, one can reach the Grotte di Catullo by boat, an imposing Roman villa from the first century A.D. Although only its ruins remain today, they stand as a monument overlooking the lake, a reminder of centuries past.

Grotte di Catullo – Piazzale Orti Manara 4, Sirmione

PUNTA SAN VIGILIO

On the northeastern tip of Lake Garda, Punta San Vigilio offers a natural spectacle of rare beauty. Here, among green hills and crystal clear waters, Punta San Vigilio stretches out like a corner.

Although access to the park with the swimming pool and access to the lake requires the purchase of a ticket, you can still opt for a sunset spritz in the Taverna under the foliage of the beautiful dehors.

Punta San Vigilio – Punta San Vigilio, Garda (VR)

LIDO 84

On the Brescian shores of Lake Garda, Lido 84 has the distinction of being an oasis of luxury or, as it has been called, “a gourmet sanctuary”-and how could we, Gou Gous, not appreciate such a definition?

With its impeccable cuisine and service, this Michelin-starred restaurant enchants the most discerning palates. It offers an unforgettable culinary experience and a continuous search for top-notch raw materials in a truly breathtaking, evocative location.

Lido 84 – Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli 196, Gardone Riviera (BS)

Gou Gous, all that’s left is for you to take action! Put away your computers and phones and wear comfortable yet fashionable shoes because it’s time to venture out under the warm spring sun!

We look forward to discovering your itineraries, whether it’s one lake or the other, a romantic candlelight dinner, or perhaps enjoying a good glass of wine while admiring the view.

Enjoy your lake relaxation!