Lake Como

Brunate: A charming hillside village located above the city of Como, offering stunning panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. Accessible by a funicular railway from Como, Brunate is known for its picturesque streets, historic villas, and lush landscapes. Popular attractions include the Volta Lighthouse, which provides breath-taking views, as well as a small museum. The village is also a starting point for various hiking trails, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Como: Como is a picturesque city located at the southern end of Lake Como. Known for its stunning lakeside views, it boasts a rich history and beautiful architecture, highlighted by the Como Cathedral. The city is also famous for its silk production, offering numerous boutique shops showcasing local craftsmanship. With its charming streets, vibrant squares, and a variety of restaurants and cafes, Como serves as a popular destination for exploring the beauty and culture of the Lake Como region and is seen as a gateway to other towns and villages.

Hiking: Hiking around Lake Como offers a mix of picturesque lake views, mountain scenery, and charming villages. The region has a variety of trails for different skill levels, from gentle walks along the lakeshore to challenging mountain hikes. Key trails include the Greenway del Lago di Como, a scenic, easy path along the western shore, as well as the San Martino Church Walk which is a short but steep trail leading to a small church perched on a hilltop, offering sweeping views of Lake Como. Hiking around Lake Como combines natural beauty with historical and cultural charm, offering a wide range of trails for all levels amidst the surrounding landscapes.

Food and Drink: The cuisine of Lake Como reflects its alpine and lake front location, featuring fresh, local ingredients with a focus on hearty, comforting dishes and of course the regional wines. Recommendations for food include dishes like risotto which use freshwater fish from the lake which are central to the local cuisine. The surrounding Lombardy region also produces excellent wines that pair well with the local cuisine. Food and drink in Lake Como are rustic and flavourful, with a mix of lake fish and rich pasta dishes with the local wines reflecting the area’s blend of alpine and lake traditions.

Bellagio: Often called the "Pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio is a picturesque town located at the junction where the lake splits into two branches. Known for its stunning beauty, elegant villas, and charming streets, it is one of the most popular destinations on Lake Como. Bellagio offers breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding mountains from its waterfront and hillside vantage points. Visit the Villa Serbelloni, a historic villa with vast gardens offering panoramic views, open for guided tours. Wander through the town’s narrow streets that are lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Bellagio is a central hub for ferries, making it easy to explore other Lake Como towns like Varenna and Menaggio.

Menaggio: a charming town on the western shore of Lake Como, known for its beautiful lakefront, historic centre, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for those looking to enjoy both outdoor activities and the scenic beauty of the lake. Menaggio’s scenic promenade offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, with cafes and parks along the way. The town centre features narrow streets, colourful buildings, and a central square where visitors can find shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlours. Menaggio is a hub for hiking, with trails leading into the surrounding hills and mountains. It’s also popular for water sports, cycling, and nearby golf courses. The town serves as a major ferry terminal, making it easy to visit other towns like Bellagio and Varenna. Menaggio combines natural beauty, a laid-back atmosphere, and outdoor recreation, making it a perfect destination for exploring Lake Como and its surrounding landscapes.

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Lugano: Visiting Lugano from Lake Como is a convenient and scenic trip, as the two destinations are relatively close, offering a mix of Italian and Swiss culture. A popular way to get to Lugano would be by train as there is a direct train from Como that takes about 30-40 minutes. The train offers stunning views of the lake and mountains and is an easy and comfortable option.  There’s lots to see and do in Lugano including the Lugano Lakefront, a beautiful promenade with gardens and parks, as well as the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, a cultural centre for art, theatre, and music. A day trip allows you to experience Swiss charm, stunning lake views, and a change of pace from Lake Como, all within easy reach.

Bergamo: known for its beautiful architecture, medieval charm, and rich culture, Bergamo is located about 1.5 hours from Lake Como, depending on your mode of travel. The city of Bergamo has lots to offer including the Città Alta, a historic medieval old town perched on a hill, known for its cobbled streets, ancient walls, and stunning architecture which can be reached by funicular, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Venetian walls that surround Città Alta and offer great views and historical insight. Driving is the fastest option, taking around one and half hours from Lake Como (depending on where you start). The drive offers scenic views as you pass through Lombardy’s rolling hills and countryside but be aware of traffic, especially near urban areas. Trains from Como to Bergamo usually require a change in Monza or Milan, with a total travel time of around 1 hour 45 minutes. Although indirect, it’s a convenient option for travellers who prefer not to drive. Trains are frequent, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive.