There are several markets in the many villages along the lake. Almost every village will have a market at some point. Some of the larger ones are listed below.

Market Days:

For those that fancy a trip over to Lake Maggiore during their stay, the most famous market there is held in Luino. The market here dates back to 1541. This is the biggest weekly market in Europe with 356 market stalls lining the main roads in town. Held on a Wednesday all year round, it draws bargain hunters from as far away as Germany, Holland and Switzerland.

Shopaholics will also love a trip to Milan’s Golden Triangle, where the most famous fashion shops can be found. Lots of designer shops are also to be found in Lugano, Switzerland which is also easily accessible from Lake Como.

Alternatively, for something a bit cheaper, there are some great outlet malls nearby. Foxtown, in Mendrisio, is an outlet centre where the most famous international brands offer their products at factory prices direct to the customer (www.foxtown.ch). Alternatively, it’s worth visiting Vicolungo Outlets (www.vicolungooutlets.com) (Via Papa Giovanni XXIII, 28060 Vicolungo) or at The Place Luxury Outlet (www.theplaceoutlet.com) (Strada Trossi, 13876 Sandigliano). Or, finally, a bit further afield still there is also the McArthur Glen Serravalle Designer Outlet (www.mcarthurglen.it), open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and with 180 stores (Via della Moda 1, 15069 Serravalle Scrivia). All outlet malls offer discounts of between 30% and 70%.

The lake’s main town, Como, is a fantastic place to enjoy an afternoon of shopping. The town has a great mix of designer boutiques and local shops offering great priced shoes, clothes and homewares. It’s certainly better priced than some of the more popular tourist destinations such as Bellagio.