Glamorous Lake Como, a jewel in Northern Italy’s Lombardi region, offers everything anyone would want in an upscale resort destination: epic landscapes, picturesque towns and plenty of things to see and do. If you’re wondering what to do before traveling, make a list and put the following fabulous five things to see and do on it.
Como Cathedral
The Roman Catholic Como Cathedral towers over the city’s Duomo. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it’s one of the most important buildings of the region. It was also one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Italy that was started in 1396 but not finished until 1770. Soak in the structured towering nave that reaches 75 meters high, the cathedral also features notable tapestries and paintings.
Cooking Class with Amy’s Cucina
Soak up local gastronomy techniques at Amy’s Cucina, taught Amy La Via, an American expat who hold cooking classes out of her beautiful apartment in Como. During a four-hour session, you will learn traditional techniques like making pasta dough and rolling it out into ravioli and tortelloni, and even desserts like panna cotta. Your reward for all your hard work is a feast of all the dishes you made served at the end of class. Throughout the afternoon, Amy will offer technique tricks and ingredient insights, all while sharing her enthusiasm for her adopted city of Como.
Boat Rides Around the Lake
The best way to see Lake Como and to visit the small towns that dot the shore is by ferry and water taxi. Buying a day ticket for the ferry will gain you access to travel to Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio, Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, and Lenno. If you want a more private experience, book a taxi boat. This puts the driver at your disposal as you create your own itinerary for the afternoon, visiting top highlights on your list.
Como–Brunate Funicular
Head to the top with the Como–Brunate funicular. The railway ascends 3,556 feet through pine forest and gorgeous landscapes from Lake Como up to the village of Brunate in Lombardy, Italy. The ten-minute journey has been an attraction of the region since 1894 when it was run on steam. Now, powered by electricity, it will glide you up the mountain offering sweeping views of the countryside and pristine lake below. Once you’ve reached the summit, grab a coffee or aperitif and enjoy the scenery.
Hiking
Lake Como isn’t just about the water; sweeping mountains line the shore with green slopes stretching up into the sky. This makes for perfect hiking terrain. The landscape above the lake offers endless opportunities for hiking, from stretches perfect for a leisurely day or family time, to more challenging trails for advanced trekkers. Highlights include Monte Legnone — the highest peak of the Orobie Lecchesi — dividing the waters between Valtellina, Valvarrone, and Valsassina. You can identify it easily because it looks like a pyramid. There are numerous trails on the mountain offering hikes that range from one to four hours.
Recent Posts
Archives
- July 2024 (2)
- June 2024 (3)
- May 2024 (3)
- April 2024 (2)
- March 2024 (5)
- September 2023 (1)
- August 2023 (4)
- July 2023 (1)
- June 2023 (2)
- May 2023 (1)
- April 2023 (1)
- March 2023 (3)
- January 2023 (2)
- December 2022 (3)
- October 2022 (4)
- September 2022 (3)
- August 2022 (3)
- July 2022 (4)
- June 2022 (2)
- May 2022 (4)
- April 2022 (3)
- March 2022 (1)
- February 2022 (2)
- November 2021 (9)
- September 2021 (1)
- July 2021 (11)
- June 2021 (9)
- April 2021 (1)
- March 2021 (1)
- February 2021 (1)
- January 2021 (2)
- December 2020 (1)
- November 2020 (1)
- September 2020 (1)
- August 2020 (2)
- July 2020 (1)
- June 2020 (1)
- May 2020 (1)
- January 2020 (2)
- September 2019 (2)
- August 2019 (2)
- July 2019 (2)
- June 2019 (2)
- May 2019 (2)
- April 2019 (2)
- March 2019 (2)
- February 2019 (2)
- January 2019 (2)
- December 2018 (3)
- November 2018 (1)
- August 2018 (1)
- July 2018 (2)
- June 2018 (2)
- May 2018 (2)
- April 2018 (2)
- March 2018 (2)
- February 2018 (2)
- January 2018 (2)
- December 2017 (2)
- November 2017 (2)
- October 2017 (2)
- September 2017 (2)
- August 2017 (2)
- July 2017 (2)
- June 2017 (2)
- May 2017 (2)
- April 2017 (2)
- March 2017 (2)
- February 2017 (2)
- January 2017 (2)
- December 2016 (2)
- November 2016 (2)
- October 2016 (2)
- September 2016 (2)
- August 2016 (4)
- July 2016 (2)
- June 2016 (2)
- May 2016 (2)
- March 2016 (3)