Recommended
Piazza del Duomo
Como revolves around its lakefront promenade and the adjacent Piazza Cavour, from which you can follow the shore Via Plinio to Piazza del Duomo. Duomo di Como is the last of the Gothic cathedrals built in Lombardy: construction began in 1396, ten years after the foundation of Milan 's Duomo, and spanned three centuries incorporating Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.
Museo della Seta di Como
Como is silk. As you stroll past shops, you'll quickly notice the abundance of silk. Como has a long history as the center of Italy's silk manufacturing; its a great place to do some shopping or take the opportunity to visit The Como Silk Museum. Museo della Sete di Como is the only museum institution in the world capable of telling you about the entire production process, from the silkworm to the colored yarns, from hand printing to fashion collections.
Como-Brunate Funicular
Bookending the marina to the east, make the ascent to the village of Brunate, "balcony of the Alps". Enjoy a quick 7 minute ride on the furnicular, first opened in 1894 and operating daily every fifteen minutes. Take in panoramic views of the lake, dine at a historic villa, pass through the ancient village Castle Court and Jewish Court, then onto San Maurizio and hike the steps of the Voltiano Lighthouse. If catching a sunset from this picturesque town, be sure to plan your trip home before dark!
Villa Olmo
Head west along Passeggiata Lino Gelpi, strolling by the lake to the neoclassical Villa Olmo dating back to 1797. Restoration began earlier this year and while the interior is closed to visitors, there is much to wander in the elaborate gardens once frequented by Napoleon and Garibaldi.
Cernobbio
Born around a small, ancient Cistercian monastery, Cernobbio today is one of the finest resorts in the area. A picturesque city known for its sumptuous villas and quaint old town square, the Piazza del Risorgimento overlooking the lake. Check the summer events calendar to catch a concert at Villa Bernasconi or book a reservation to dine in style at Villa d'Este and sneak a peak at the famously exclusive botanical gardens.
Menaggio
Menaggio is a lively resort with a lakeside promenade. The heart of the town is the historic centre Piazza Garibaldi, don't miss the artisan market on Friday evenings all summer long. Live like the locals and vist the bars, restaurants, gelataria and boutiques lining the medieval streets. Above the town, get lost amongst ancient ruins and the wild flora and fauna at Val Sanagra Park.
Bellagio
Perched where the two branches of Lake Como gently touch, Bellagio is the famed “Pearl of the Lake”. Spend an afternoon finding the moorish pavilion among the enchanting gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril. Make the trek to the upper part of town for breathtaking views from the terrace of Villa Serbollini and on the way down the winding streets you'll find the 11th century church of San Giacomo, local shops, wine tasting and fine dining.
Tremezzo
Tremezzo is known for its pristine lidos, historic churches, romantic walks and is home to Como's most beautiful villas. Once owned by the Prussian Royal Family and now a museum open to the public, three hundred years of great collections underpin the history of Villa Carlotta, where art walks side by side with nature. To unwind, swing by the Grand Hotel Tremezzo for an unforgettable apertivo.
Lenno
On the lake shore underneath steep Monte Crocione, Lenno is best known for the villa and gardens that cover Punta di Balbianello, a long peninsula that curves out into the lake. The baroque style Villa Balbianello, built for an 18th-century Cardinal, is best reached by boat from Lenno or on certain days a walking trail is accessible. A long flight of stone stairs lead down into the terraced gardens of Villa Monastero where beds of native and exotic plants weave amongst colannades and statues dotting the lakeshore. To see the interior of this famed villa that once served as a backdrop for Star Wars and James Bond, reserve a guided tour.
Lecco
Once a medieval hamlet, Lecco's historic town center contains well-preserved nineteenth-century and neoclassical style architecture including Palazzo delle Paure. The city commonly referred to as "that branch of Lake Como" is known for its various 'Manzonian locations' mentioned in the renowned Italian historical novel – The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni. Marvel at the Campanile San Nicolò, the Bell Tower of Lecco, soaring above rooftops situated before Monte San Martino. Follow the Lungolago, the seaside promenade through to the winding alleys of Pescarenico. The storied ancient fishing district rests where the lake meets the Adda River.
Isola Comacina
Isola Comainca is the only island on Lake Como and found in the bay of the western lakeshore between Argegno and the peninsula of Lavedo. One of Lombardy's most significant archaeological sites, the trip begins at the Antiquarium Museum and the Romanesque church of St. Mary Magdalene. Embark across the Zoca de L'oli, a bay that takes its name from the local production of olives, and explore the rich and glorious history of the island dating back to the Roman empire.