Nestled in the heart of Northern Italy, Como exudes a captivating blend of historical charm and breathtaking beauty, offering tourists a taste of everything the country has to offer. It stands as one of the most enchanting lakeside cities in Italy, where you can immerse yourself in its beauty and the activities it offers, while indulging in the local Italian cuisine against the backdrop of the region’s magnificent mountains.
Whether you seek a new adventure, tranquility, or a romantic getaway with your significant other, Como, a jewel of Italy, will not disappoint you.
About Lake Como
Como is a stunning town located on the shores of Lake Como, one of the most picturesque and popular lakes in Italy. It offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern comforts.
Whether you want to explore the historic center, admire the stunning villas and vast gardens, enjoy the activities on offer, or indulge in Italian local cuisine, Como is likely to satisfy you in one way or another.
From its Roman roots and medieval grandeur to the Renaissance splendor that still adorns its shores, Como’s history is a living tapestry woven with threads of art, culture, and innovation.
Como is a city that has seen it all. Founded by the Romans in the first century BC, it became a thriving and strategic center of trade and culture. It witnessed the rise and fall of empires, barbarian invasions, medieval wars, and the struggles of the Renaissance.
It was home to famous personalities like Pliny the Elder and Younger, renowned naturalists and writers, and Alessandro Volta, who invented the battery. It was also a place of art and beauty, with its magnificent cathedral, elegant villas, and enchanting lake.
Como is a city that has survived it all. It endured the rule of foreign powers, such as the Lombards, Franks, Visconti, Sforza, Spaniards, Austrians, and French. It fought for its independence and freedom, joining the Italian unification movement in the 19th century. It faced the challenges of industrialization and modernization, becoming a hub of its own silk production. It also suffered the horrors of wars and fascism, resisting oppression and violence.
Como is a city that has learned from all this. It has preserved its rich heritage and identity while embracing change and diversity. It has fostered a spirit of creativity and curiosity while respecting tradition and nature.
Como is a city that has it all. It is a city of history, culture, beauty, and adventure. It is a city we will never forget.
How to get from Milan to Como
The transition from Milan to Como is relatively easy as Como is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Milan. You can travel between these two cities using various transportation options, such as:
By train from Milano Centrale station: This is the central railway station of Milan and offers frequent connections to Como S. Giovanni station, which is about 1 kilometer from the lake.
You can take either a regional train, which often costs less, or even the EuroCity, which is the fastest train and operated by Trenitalia. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and the ticket price ranges from 4€ to 55€, depending on the type and availability of the train.
By train from Milano Cadorna station: This is another railway station in Milan connected to Como Nord Lago station, which is right next to the lake. You can take a direct train operated by Trenord, which takes about 40 minutes and costs only 4.80€.
By bus from Lampugnano bus station: This is a bus terminal in Milan offering many daily departures to Como San Martino station, which is about 500 meters from the lake. You can take a bus with FlixBus, which takes about 50 minutes and costs 6€.
By car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Milan and take the A9 motorway (Autostrada dei Laghi) north towards Como. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Note that parking may be limited and expensive in Como, especially in the city center.
Share your journey: Platforms like BlaBlaCar allow you to share your rides with other drivers or passengers heading in the same direction. Typically, the average travel time is about an hour, and the average price is 3€.
With day trip programs: Among the hundreds of day trips offered from Milan, one of them is Como, where you can go with other groups. For about 85-90€ per person, the trip includes round-trip transportation, often a two-hour cruise, visits to the most charming villages in the area, and additional activities included in the price. One service, for example, provided 4 hours on a Venetian boat cruising Lake Como, costing 249€ per person.
In general, the train is the easiest and fastest way to travel from Milan to Como. There are also several schedules, so you can visit and enjoy the area and all the activities it offers to tourists without worrying about the return.
The Best Activities in Como
After returning from the main tourist area of Como, where most of the shops and eateries are located, the first thing we did was locate the cable car that takes you up to Brunate. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Como, the surrounding mountains, and the entire city.
Going up from Como to Brunate
You can go to Brunate from Como by taxi, but it will cost you around €16-20. You can also hike up, but the journey will take about 40-50 minutes. However, the best and most fun way is to take the cable car.
Although it may seem like you need to hold on tight when it starts, in reality, it was an easy, relatively fast, and unique experience.
The cable car is like a small train carriage, which goes up from Como to Brunate every 15 minutes, and the “ride” takes about 10 minutes. The ticket costs €5.50 round trip, but if I remember correctly, there is also a cheaper ticket for children.
As you can see from our material, it’s a unique ride that fills your eyes with the natural beauty of the area. You will also find the Catholic church “Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo” in Brunate, which when we visited was empty of people and played peaceful music inside.
Water sports and hiking
Other activities include hiking, where you have the opportunity to discover the surrounding mountains. Well-known trails such as the Greenway del Lago, the Sentiero del Viandante, and hiking on Monte Grona offer stunning views and a unique experience.
Of course, water sports are also available on Lake Como, where activities such as swimming and sailing are offered, while you can also find windsurfing and kayaking. You can also rent a boat or participate in group excursions offered to tourists who want to explore the lake.
Finally, don’t forget to always check if there are any local festivals, concerts, or cultural events taking place during your visit. Since Lake Como hosts a large percentage of tourists, it often hosts various cultural activities.
What attracts tourists to Como?
Before you take the cable car to Brunate, it’s worth exploring both Lake Como and other famous spots, villas that have appeared in Hollywood movies, and gardens that are like living paintings.
Some of the most famous spots that attract most tourists in Como – and are worth visiting – are the following:
- Bellagio: Often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is a picturesque town known for its elegant villas, lush gardens, and narrow cobblestone streets.
- The beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni are the ones that often steal the show.
- Varenna: Another charming town on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Varenna offers a picturesque space for strolling, colorful houses, and the historic Villa Monastero with its stunning gardens.
- Como: The town of Como, located at the southwest end of the lake, is the largest and offers historic architecture, a plethora of shops, and the beautiful Como Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta).
- Villa Carlotta: Located in Tremezzo, a neoclassical villa known for its beautiful gardens and impressive art collection. It is a must-visit for all garden enthusiasts.
- Menaggio: A charming town with a picturesque lakeside promenade for walks and a central location to explore the lake’s attractions.
- Isola Comacina: A small island on Lake Como, known for its historical ruins, such as the church of Santa Maria Maddalena and the remains of a Roman villa.
- Lenno: Visit Lenno to explore Villa del Balbianello, an elegant villa known for its stunning gardens and appearances in many movies, including James Bond films.
- Cadenabbia: Located on the western shore, Cadenabbia hosts the beautiful Villa Carlotta and offers a beautiful view of the lake.
Of course, there are many more beautiful places that will catch your eye, but these are just a few of the most popular spots in the area worth seeing during your visit.
When is the best time to visit Como?
The best time to visit Como may vary depending on preferences and what you want to experience. Each season offers something unique, such as Spring (from March to May), where the weather starts to warm up and the gardens around the lake (like Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello) offer a colorful natural bloom. The same period also provides most outdoor activities, such as hiking.
Summer (from June to August) is the peak tourist season in Como. The weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for swimming, boating, and water sports on the lake. However, during the same period, there are huge crowds of tourists in the area, so if you want to stay longer than a few hours, it is important to make reservations for your accommodation as early as possible.
Early autumn, especially September and October, is another great time to visit Como. The weather is still pleasant, and the summer crowds of tourists begin to thin out. You can enjoy pleasant temperatures, while the autumn foliage in the surrounding mountains adds a beautiful backdrop.
Winter in Como is the quietest time. While the towns have fewer people, some restaurants and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed. However, if you enjoy quiet and peaceful atmospheres, this may be a good time for a relaxing visit. You may also encounter occasional snowfall in the surrounding areas, creating a unique and picturesque scenery.
Where (and what) to eat in Como
Although we visited Como for just a few hours, we managed to enjoy their local Italian cuisine by ordering different dishes each to try a little of everything. Of course, we ordered pasta, and of course, I ordered carbonara.
After all, if I didn’t eat carbonara and pizza in Italy, the trip was in vain.
Based on the reviews we read on Google Maps, we decided to sit at Karma, a lovely little restaurant on Via Rusconi, 8A, within the city of Como. You can sit outside or inside, and they offer a relatively enjoyable menu with various dishes to choose from, including pizza.
The restaurant is located in a central part of Como – where all the shops are located – making it ideal for a quick stop that will bring new flavors to your palate. Then you can continue with your walks through the beautiful streets of Como.
Each pasta dish was unique and flavorful, but particularly small. As you’ll notice in several food establishments in Italy, their portions are particularly small. Therefore, if you’re like me, you’ll probably want to order 2-3 dishes from the start.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, shortly after we returned from Como, my computer’s hard drive burned out, resulting in the loss of all the photographic material and videos I had taken from my DSLR camera. Therefore, all the photos and videos you’ll see in the article are what I took from my smartphone.
