Lake Como has been a favourite of mine for a few years and now I have the family to enjoy it with, it's a special place with little towns and villages steeped in history scattered up and down.
At the bottom end overlooking the Southwest end of the Lake we have Como an Iron Age settlement. Como has a prime spot on Lake Como and is within touching distance of the Alps
Although I've stayed on the Lake many times this was my first trip to the walled city of Como.
Getting to Como is fairly straight forward, a direct train from Milan Central Station takes around 45 minutes and costs 6 euros (one way)
Como is filled with history which can be found all over.
From the Religious site like Basilica di San Fedele which houses medieval carvings and is also one of Como's oldest churches.
Como Cathedral (Duomo) a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture it is an amazing sight when wandering through Como.
With so many more 11th Century Churches and monuments along with the Medieval City Walls, Como is well worth a visit.
An array of restaurants line the winding streets each offering something different.
Osteria del Gallo - with its homemade pasta and traditional dishes was a favourite during my stay and reasonably priced 14euros for the main and 6 euros for dessert, it was very busy so worth booking in advance if you can.
Pizza Riva is another great little restaurant with it's lakeside view and offerings of authentic woodfire oven thin crust pizzas.
Brilliant spot for lunch or dinner
Looking towards the lake on the right hand side of the harbour, there is the Funicolare (Cable car) up to Brunate.
Cost 7 euros for a return ticket, you can head up the mountainside and xplore Brunate. Or if you have your walking shoes on, go further up you'll find a signpost to point you in the right direction. Follow it to Faro Voltiano or Volta's Lighthouse.
The views from up there over Lake Como are stunning and well worth the walk.
Entry to the Lighthouse was a 2 euro donation (this may have changed).
Money well spent for the photos from the top
Final Thought
Como has it all, it offers something for everyone and it's narrow streets and historic buildings offer a little insight into life throughout the ages in Como.
I'd recommend staying anywhere on Lake Como and Como is no different, it has a certain charm about it.
So whether you go for the day or a weeklong holiday I'm sure you'll enjoy what Como brings.
If your planning a trip to Italy, consider adding in a visit to Como, let me know what you think in the comments below
A couple of hotels which are worth staying in:
Happy travels
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