Things to Do in Lake Como

The historic single-track Como–Brunate Funicular Railway has been carrying passengers up and down the steep mountain slope between the lakeside city of Como and the village of Brunate since 1894. The 7-minute ride passes through a scenic stretch of countryside with sweeping views over Italy’s Lake Como as far as the Swiss Alps. 

Once powered by steam engine, the Como–Brunate Funicular Railway (Funicolare Como–Brunate) now runs with an electric motor and travels through a lengthy tunnel before emerging to panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding area, including Villa d'Este, Villa Erba, and Monte Rosa. If Brunate, perched 2,362 feet (720 meters) above Como, isn’t high enough for you, after exiting the cable car you can continue another 30 minutes along a rough mule track to San Maurizio and then take 140-plus steps to the top of the Volta lighthouse. Either buy a return ticket for the funicular back down to Como, or take one of the many hiking trails that wind their way down to the lakeshore. Scenic trips on the Como–Brunate Funicular Railway are included in many Como day trips from Milan and as part of small-group hikes from Como. 

The Como–Brunate cable car entrance is located at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, about 10 minutes by bus from the railway station through the Como city center. From the bus terminal on Via Torno, it’s an easy 5-minute walk to the funicular. Lake Como (Lago di Como) is a popular day trip from Milan, the bustling capital of Lombardy.

The cable car runs all year, but the best time to visit the region is from late spring to early fall, when the countryside is lush and the high altitude offers a respite from the heat. 

The city of Como sits on the shores of Lake Como and offers a number of interesting attractions. Those not to miss include Piazza Cavour; the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to scientist and inventor Alessandro Volta; and the neoclassical Villa Olmo.

Villa del Balbianello is one of a number of elegant historic villas that sit directly on the water’s edge at Lake Como. On the tip of a small promontory on the lake’s western shore, Balbianello is particularly lovely, with luxurious interiors, scenic loggia, beautiful gardens, and romantic lake views.

The villa was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery, but by the early 20th century the buildings and grounds had fallen into a state of neglect. American businessman Butler Ames bought and refurbished the villa in 1919, creating the elaborate terraced gardens that you can see today. In 1974 Italian explorer Count Guido Monzino purchased the villa and decorated it with collections of Chinese and African art, French furniture, and other artifacts from his expeditions before leaving the estate to the FAI (Italy’s National Trust) upon his death in 1988.

By far the best way to appreciate the estate is by taking a guided tour that offers insights into the history of the villa and explores both the impressive interiors and the extensive gardens. Consider opting for a private tour that combines Villa del Balbianello with visits to Villa Melzi and Villa Carlotta, also on the shores of Lake Como.  

 

The most scenic way to approach Villa del Balbianello is on foot from Lenno, a 25-minute walk with excellent views of the lake as well as over the towns of Tremezzo and Lenno. You can also take a small-group boat tour or water taxi from Lenno, Varenna, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, or one of the other towns along the lake shore.

Villa del Balbianello is open on Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit, as the gardens are verdant and can be enjoyed without the summer crowds.

This dramatic villa has been used as a location for a number of movies, including Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and the James Bond film Casino Royale.

The stately Villa Melzi d’Eril sits at the edge of Lake Como in the picturesque town of Bellagio, while the peaceful Villa Melzi Gardens stretch out around it, hugging the lake. Both the villa and gardens were built in the early 19th century as the summer home for an Italian duke. The gardens were designed in the English style with statues, and the grounds include a traditional orangery (which today houses a museum) and a small chapel. Inside the museum, you'll find a bust of Napoleon and a set of ceremonial keys to the city of Milan. The small chapel is where the Melzi family is entombed.

While the villa itself is not open to the public, there are lots of walking paths through the gardens, ideal for getting away from the crowds in Bellagio. Some of the paths run right along the lake, with blooming plants on the opposite side and benches placed along the path so you can stop and enjoy the view for awhile. Visit the gardens on a full-day walking and boating tour of Lake Como to explore the nearby city of Varenna, taste local olive oil, and enjoy a boat ride across the lake.

Insider's Tip: Look out for the historic Venetian gondola on display in the gardens, which was brought to the property at the request of Napoleon.

Not all visits to Lake Como are about waterfront towns – a trip up into the hills over the lake to Brunate offers spectacular views. The small hilltop town overlooks not just Lake Como, but the town of Como itself. The two are roughly 1,600 feet apart, so while you won't be dipping your toes in the lake from Brunate, you'll be enjoying views that the people in Como can't see.

The Como-Brunate Funicular linking the towns was built in 1894, but you can keep going up even after you reach Brunate – climb the steps to the 1920s lighthouse for an even better view.