Lake Como is a spectacular place with an incredibly beautiful lake, views of the mountains, and interesting villages that date back to Roman times. The entire area is filled with history and beauty. There are enough things to do there to keep you busy for weeks on end. Yet, if you only had five days to spend in Lake Como, these are the things that I would recommend that you do.
The Como–Brunate Funicular
The Como–Brunate Funicular (Italian: Funicolare Como-Brunate) is a historic single-track funicular railway that connects the town of Como on the lakeside with the village of Brunate at the top of the mountain. The line has been carrying passengers, both tourists and locals, up and down the steep mountain slope since 1894.
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The 7-minute ride up the steep 55% incline is breathtaking with its sweeping views of the Lake Como area. The current price is 5.70 Euro per person over 12 and cheaper for under 12 for a return trip. Most days it runs every 15 min. Be prepared to wait for your trip up and down as this is an extremely popular attraction. The wait is worth it though as you have splendid views from the top. Plus you can go hiking in the area around historic Brunate as well. The railway starts operating with the first trip around 6 AM and the last trip down is 10 PM. Make sure you are in line early to go back down. They do close off the line after a certain point. Then your only options are to walk down or take a bus or cab.
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The address for the funicular is Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, 4, Como CO, Italy. The incline can be seen from every place in Lake Como. The ticket office/boarding station it right on the lake side, so it is quite easy to find. Enjoy!
Two Beautiful Hikes
These hikes are very different from each other. One is within the municipality of Como itself past the Villa Olmo and the park beyond.
The famous one, the Greenway, you must take a short bus ride to the village of Colonno. The Greenway is somewhat strenuous 10-kilometer hike through beautiful villages and spectacular views of the lake.
Greenway del Lago di Como at Colonno
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The Greenway
The Greenway is a leisurely and pleasant hike between Colonno and Cadenabbia. It follows traces of the Antica Strada Regina, the antique connection road that was built by the Romans. The 10 km itinerary leads through ancient villages with wonderful examples of architecture, along villas and gardens with charming views.
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While the guides and brochures say that The Greenway is an easy hike, that is not always true. The trail wanders through neighborhoods, parking lots, backyards, and ancient trails. It can go up or down flights of stairs. In some places, you walk along a small two-lane roadway next to the lake. Cars and buses zip by, and the Italians pay no mind to the traffic. However, for less trusting people, that busy roadway can be a little intimidating.
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Caution: the Greenway can be challenging
In the spring and summer, it is beautiful, but you must remember that you are also in the foothills of the Alps. The altitude in the Lake Como area is around 650 feet. When you are hiking along the Greenway, it can go from 650 ft to 900 ft and then drop back down in a short time. The trail has very rough pavement in places. Although the entire path is paved, each community takes care of the Greenway in their own way.
For someone who is out of shape, this might not be the best hike for you. While the trail itself has a grade between 1 and 2, it can be quite strenuous in places. The hike is certainly not for casual shoes; it requires hiking shoes. However, the payoffs are spectacular. You will see things that you will never see from either the lake or the highway. The trail passes next to graveyards, small out-of-the-way churches, ancient villas, and spectacular views of the lake and the islands around Colonno. It is utterly worth it!
- • ITINERARY: Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo, Griante
- • TOTAL WALKING TIME: 3.30 hrs.
- • ASCENT: 100 m.
- • DIFFICULTY: easy walk suitable all year round
- • TRAIL SIGNS: green metal signs on the pavement and road signs
- • CONNECTIONS to Colonno by bus – C10, from Griante: by bus – C10 or ferry
- • See: http://www.lakecomo.it/sites/default/files/allegati/sezione/The%20Greenway.pdf for map and description.
Villa Olmo
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The Villa Olmo stands at the north-western end of the city of Como, at the end of the Lino Gelpi lakeside promenade. The villa was named after an elm tree planted in the middle of the ornate gardens, which is no longer alive today. It was acquired in 1924 by the municipality of Como. Today, it is open to the public only during exhibitions. The lakeside gardens are freely accessible during the daytime.
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Walking along the promenade and admiring the stately homes overlooking the lake, you can perceive that romantic feeling. Between 1700 and 1800, the shores of the Lario became a coveted destination of the Grand Tour of the European nobility. Villa Olmo, with its park, still evokes that charm today.
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Parco Di Villa Olmo and the Paths Beyond
The park (Parco di Villa Olmo) behind the Villa is accessed through two side porticoes. It is the main public park in the city of Como. The park extends for about five hectares, excluding the surfaces of the various buildings. It represents one of the most important historical parks not only in the city but in the whole province. The park offers different pathways that lead to pleasant clearings, providing panoramic views among the tree patches. Beyond these, you can see the lake and the mountains above.
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Once you pass through the park, you come to a bridge which crosses the highway to Colonno. On the other side are paths that wander up into the hills. This entire area is full of villas from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries when this was a playground for the wealthy nobility of Italy and Europe. Some of these villas are now closed. Some are still privately held, and others are owned by the city of Como. Although these pathways and different estates have no overriding theme or focus, the walks through this area are incredibly gorgeous. You can walk far up into the hills or stay near the lakeshore. You will see some amazing architecture. Eventually, you will come to the beautiful Villa del Grumello, which is owned by a private association and is used for special events and social engagements.
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While you will not find a dedicated hike that goes from point A to point B, you can wander the forest pathways and estates. Take in the wonderful architecture and views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You will get a real sense of the grandeur of Lake Como. This is where wealthy nobility traveled to this serene place in the foothills of the Alps.
Ferries Rides on Lake Como
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While there are guided boat tours that cruise up and down the lake and stop off at various villages, I recommend that you save money and do the tour on your own. The cost will depend on the size of your party. I am not taking anything away from the tour guides. However, if you read any of the comments on Tripadvisor.com, you find that certain people feel that the guided tour is not worth the money.
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The public boat service connects the major towns along the shores of Lake Como. Navigazione Laghi, the operating company, has a fleet consisting of three types of boats including hydrofoils. Lake Como ferry prices depend on the destination and type of ferry. There are three types: speedy ferry, regular ferry, or a ferry goes around Lake Como. Ferry tickets can be bought at the ticket office near the dock. In case there is no ticket office in the town, you can also purchase tickets for the ferry on board. Ferries from Lake Como connect to the following cities: Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia.
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Nestled at the tip of a promontory jutting into Lake Como, Bellagio boasts unparalleled shoreline and Alpine views. Adding in boutique-lined cobblestone streets, Italian villas, and fragrant gardens, it is no secret why Bellagio is known as the Pearl of Lake Como.
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Village of Bellagio
Bellagio is a small village that only takes a short while to experience. The village is on two levels. The lower one is by the lakeside where there are outdoor eateries that cater to the tourist. The upper level is more residential and where the main road comes into the village. The two levels are linked by steep stone-paved alleyways. Along these alleyways, there are restaurants, shops, and homes. The village walkways are no place for casual high heel shoes. You should have a good pair of flat walking shoes to enjoy your tour of Bellagio.
Other things to see in Bellagio, besides the quaint village and cobblestone stepped lanes, include the Villa Serbelloni Park. This 18th-century terraced garden offers lake views. The Tower of the Arts is a venue for exhibitions and performances, and the Romanesque San Giacomo Church is also worth visiting.
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The easiest way to access Bellagio is via ferry. A hydrofoil runs from Como to Bellagio, making stops at other towns on Lake Como along the way. Bellagio is accessible on either side of the Larian Triangle by slow, narrow, and winding roads from Como or Lecco. It is much safer to drive from Como up to Cadenabbia and use the reasonably priced car ferry for the quick trip across to Bellagio. Alternatively, take the four-lane road on the eastern shore of the right arm of the lake to Varenna, then take the ferry to Bellagio. For more information, visit Gestione Governativa Navigazione Laghi. Narrow stone stairs make most of Bellagio inaccessible to cars. Public buses run daily from Como to Bellagio.
Sea Plane Tours
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And finally, for something a little more exciting than hikes or cruises on the lake, consider a seaplane tour of the Lake Como area. A little farther past the docks where you find the ferry and cruise boats, you will find the Aero Club Como where you can take a flight lesson in a seaplane. You can also take a 30-minute tour in a seaplane that takes off from Lake Como and flies over some of the most spectacular villages and villas in the area. On any day, you can watch the crews push the seaplanes from the hangers out onto the lake. Whether it is a lesson or a tour, you can watch people climb onto the pontoons and then into the plane. You can also watch the plane cruise out to the designated takeoff and landing area on the water. Then, off they go.
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While you are in the cockpit of the seaplane, you get to experience the pleasure of observing the instrument panel. You can help guide the aircraft. You will also experience the speed of a thrilling takeoff and landing on water. Additionally, you get to observe the scenery that flashes quickly past your eyes. Tours consist of 30-minute flights for two people at about 140 Euro. Must book at least 4 days ahead during peak summer season. Maximum group size is four.
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https://www.lakecomo.is/project/seaplane/
Address Viale Masia 44
Phone 031 57 44 95
Website www.aeroclubcomo.com
Price per 30min flight per person €90
All photos are by James Carey.
Copyright 2022 by Carey On Creative, LLC., Atlanta, GA.
Tripswithjames.com is a trademark of Carey On Creative, LLC.
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