Lake Como, tucked alongside the foothills of the Swiss Alps in northwest Italy, is easily accessible ... villas dotting the hillsides and palatial homes and hotels hugging the water's edge ...

Starting back at Como town and heading up the eastern shore, after dallying at the Giulietta al Lago beach club, it’s worth ...

There's barely room to move during the summer months at Italy's most famous lakes but is the quieter alternative most holidaymakers are yet to discover.