Italy’s Iconic Lake Como Now Offers Canned Fresh Air for Tourists: A Unique Souvenir from the Heart of Lombardy

Published on November 6, 2024

In a fresh take on travel souvenirs, tourists visiting Italy’s Lake Como can now purchase a can of “100% authentic” Lake Como air for €9.90 (£8.25). This quirky keepsake, created by Italian marketing specialist Davide Abagnale, has quickly become a talking point for visitors who want to bring a literal breath of Italy’s scenic Lombardy region back home. The souvenir, available only in local Lake Como stores, captures the allure of the lake’s famous landscape, known for its pristine water and iconic villas that have drawn celebrities like George Clooney and Madonna.

Lake Como, nestled at the base of the Italian Alps, is celebrated for its luxurious accommodations and charming towns like Bellagio, often referred to as the “pearl of Lake Como.” Abagnale, who originally sold Lake Como-themed posters, developed the canned air product to be a unique, transportable reminder of the region’s beauty. The recyclable cans offer a lasting memento for tourists, who are encouraged to reuse them as pen holders, plant pots, or decorative keepsakes after opening.

“Take a piece of Lake Como with you,” Abagnale’s website proclaims, describing the canned air as a “luxurious souvenir” intended for those who wish to relive the peace and elegance of this picturesque destination. Only available for purchase on-site, the product underscores the belief that “memories are not bought but lived.”

However, local officials are divided on the product’s appeal. Alessandro Rapinese, the mayor of Como, remarked that while he finds the idea novel, he would prefer visitors invest in products more traditional to the area, such as the renowned silk scarves produced in Lombardy. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the canned air aligns with Lake Como’s reputation as a high-end, exclusive destination, offering tourists a novel way to take home a piece of Italy.

Lake Como’s air cans join a trend of bottled or canned air souvenirs from popular tourist destinations, with locations like Iceland, Naples, and Canada’s Rocky Mountains offering similar products. The unconventional souvenir caters to a growing appetite for unique travel mementos, as visitors seek to capture the essence of their experiences in increasingly creative ways.