Musician John Legend and TV personality Chrissy Teigen recently chose the languid shores of Lake Como in the Lombardy region of Italy to renew their vows on their 10th wedding anniversary.
And we can see why the pair opted to return to this stunning location. As do loads of other Lake Como-loving celebrities, many of them even owning property in the Italian lake area.
If we were rich and famous, we’d also make a beeline (or should we say Trainline) to this sun-kissed paradise of gorgeous villas and picturesque villages located at the foot of the scenic Alps.
The romance tied to this atmospheric slice of Italy is only heightened by the ease and charm of traveling by train, especially when Lake Como is just a whizz away from the magnificent city of Milan.
Take a look at our insider’s guide to where celebrities stay in Lake Como.
Image Credit: Getty Images, georgeoprea9. Image Location: Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.
What celebrities live in and visit Lake Como?
Oodles of A-listers, such as George Clooney, Madonna, Richard Branson, Sylvester Stallone, Gianni Versace, and soccer legend Ronaldinho, own or have owned villas around the shores of Lake Como.
But even if they don’t actually own property in Lake Como, the region has some of the most gorgeous hotels in the world for them to rest their pampered selves, including the dreamy Grand Hotel Tremezzo (it has a floating swimming pool) and Villa d’Este, a sumptuous Neoclassical villa that’s hosted a range of guests, from authentic royalty to Old Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, and Frank Sinatra.
Recent visitors to the area include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Adam Sandler, and Mick Jagger—each with a few bucks to spare, and a love of beautiful lakefront scenery (and Italian pasta).
Where does George Clooney hang out at Lake Como?
In 2002, George Clooney reportedly bought the 18th-century Villa Oleandra in the lakeside village of Laglio for approximately $10 million, leading to something of a boom in local real estate. And, while most of us have to make do with blinds, he also snapped up the neighboring house to ensure his privacy.
We understand why Clooney is so smitten by the beauty of Lake Como, while also keeping in mind it’s where he met his wife, Amal, in 2013. Keeping things firmly Italian, the couple married months later in Venice.
Clooney has hosted many of his celebrity friends at the villa over the years, including the cast of Ocean’s Eleven, while actors Emily Blunt and John Krasinski even chose to tie the knot there.
Image Credit: Getty Images, xbrchx. Image Location: Laglio, Lake Como, Italy.
Where do famous people go in Lake Como?
There’s an abundance of things to do in Lake Como, from admiring Renaissance architecture and awe-inspiring scenery to long lunches and dinners in high-end restaurants and hotels.
The Clooneys have been spotted at Il Gatto Nero, a terraced restaurant dishing up delicious specialties overlooking the lake. Then there’s celeb favorite, the dreamy Grand Hotel Tremezzo, with its elegant gardens, amazing floating swimming pool, and poolside restaurants and bars. Couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have also been spotted dining here.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Michal Ludwiczak. Image Location: Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy.
What movies have been filmed in Lake Como?
Lake Como is a beloved location for filmmakers. Here’s a snapshot of the films and celebrities to have graced the banks of this very lovely lake.
🎬 Bobby Deerfield (1977) directed by Sydney Pollack. The film stars Al Pacino as a Formula One champion and features a hotel in Bellagio.
🎬 Once Upon a Time in America (1984), the last film made by Sergio Leone, with Robert De Niro and James Woods, also shows Bellagio.
🎬 A Month by the Lake (1995) directed by John Irvin and starring Uma Thurman shows lots of lovely places around Lake Como, including Tremezzo.
🎬 Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) directed by George Lucas features Lake Como heavily, with lots of scenes shot at Villa del Balbianello in Lenno.
🎬 Ocean’s Twelve (2004) directed by Steven Soderbergh with Lake Como resident George Clooney in the lead features Villa Erba, as well as plenty of scenes of the lovely glittering lake.
🎬 Casino Royale (2006) directed by Martin Campbell and starring Daniel Craig as 007 uses multiple Lake Como locations, including Villa del Balbianello in Lenno.
Want to explore Lake Como’s many filming locations yourself? Start with a visit to these Succession filming locations by booking with Trainline today. Download the Trainline app to get to your next sightseeing destination.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Feng Wei Photography. Image Location: Villa Monastero, Lake Como, Italy.