5 Ways to Have the Ultimate Experience in Lake Como

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.