Elegant, historic and framed by alpine foothills, Como is the host city of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge European Qualifier with the legendary Villa d’Este on its shore.
At the southern tip of one of Italy’s deepest lakes, Como pairs Renaissance villas and lakeside gardens with a dramatic mountain backdrop. Sheltered waters, a compact lakefront and a setting of rare prestige make it a natural arena for clean on-water competition and an unforgettable base for teams and visitors.
The Qualifier is based at Villa d’Este a storied 16th-century villa turned world-famous lakeside hotel, set in gardens on the Cernobbio shore of Lake Como. Team paddocks, the race village and public viewing areas line the lakefront, with the racing unfolding on the sheltered water just beyond.
Milan's airports — Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo — sit within about an hour, with Lugano (Switzerland) even closer. Frequent trains link Milan to Como in around 40 minutes.
Como is compact and walkable. Trains, buses and taxis connect the city, while lake ferries link the shoreline towns; Cernobbio and Villa d'Este are a short hop from the centre by road or water.
From Villa d'Este and the lakeside hotels of Cernobbio to a wide choice in Como itself — book early, as the lake fills quickly in late spring.
Mild late-spring weather: warm days, fresh evenings and the occasional shower. Pack a light layer.
Time zone CEST (UTC+2) · currency EUR · Italian spoken, English widely understood · drive on the right.
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Check visa or travel-authorisation requirements for your nationality well before you travel.
Cobbled streets and one of Italy’s finest Gothic-Renaissance cathedrals.
