Since 1894, the Como-Brunate funicular railway has been taking passengers up to Brunate to enjoy the breathtaking views this vantage point offers over Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.

The Como-Brunate funicular operates daily from 6.00 am to 10.30 pm. On Saturdays, the service runs until midnight.

The funicular railway allows visitors to reach Brunate from Como in a few minutes. Once in Brunate, visitors can either admire the views or go on one of many lovely walks. Just minutes away from the funicular station is the Pissarottino spring which is a wonderful spot from which to admire Lake Como, the splendid Villa d’Este and Monte Rosa.

From the spring it’s also possible to walk back down to Como by taking either the path which follows the route of the funicular or the route which passes the fifteenth century former convent of Eremo di San Donato.

If you would like climb even higher, from Brunate you can reach San Maurizio and Cao by bus or walk to Monte Piatto and then down to Torno from where it is possible to catch a boat back to the city of Como. It would be a good idea to check boat departure times before you set off to avoid being stranded in Torno.

For more information, visit the Como-Brunate funicular railway website.

If you are looking for an idea for a original and memorable way to see in the New Year, then how about taking a New Year’s Eve Cruise on one of Italy’s spectacular lakes?

New Year’s Eve is also known as S. Silvestro – Saint Silvester’s day in Italy.

It matters not whether you have chosen Lake Como, Lake Garda or Lake Maggiore as the destination for your holiday break because each one of these lakes offers New Year’s Eve cruises.

If you do decide to see in the New Year from a cruise on an Italian lake, this is what you can expect:

- 8.00 pm – Boarding
- 8.40 pm – Cruise begins
- New Year’s Eve Dinner on board with appetizers, first and second courses, and dessert
- Midnight – New Year’s Day Toast
- A plate of cotechino and lentils – a New Year’s Day tradition in Italy which reportedly helps ensure the coming year will be happy and prosperous.

The times at which the cruises end depend on their location. Please refer to the websites listed below for more information.

Places are limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

For prices, booking information and to view the complete menus for the New Year’s Eve lake cruises, please visit the the following web pages:

New Year’s Eve Cruise on Lake Como

New Year’s Eve Cruise on Lake Maggiore

New Year’s Eve Cruise on Lake Garda

The following post about Cento Valli on Lake Maggiore is by guest blogger Barbara from Il Mio Tesoro blog (photos are also provided by my guest)

Even though I have visited Lago Maggiore countless times, I had never navigated the northern part of the lake before this last trip. Some friends advised us to take the Cento Valli Tour offered by the Lago Maggiore Express. This “tour” combines a train ride in a panoramic coach through the beautiful Valle Vigezzo (which sits northwest of Lago Maggiore) with a boat ride throughout the lake. The train takes you steeply up the canyons high above the lake where you will see waterfalls and rushing rivers. Tiny, picturesque hill towns pop up everywhere. We made a stop at Santa Maria Maggiore, a cobblestoned small town with a lovely main square and beautifully decorated buildings. We visited a local delicatessen and had them make up some delicious panini which, along with a bottle of prosecco, became an impromptu picnic lunch at a local park!

The Cento Valli tour can be taken in both directions – you can either do the train first or the boat. It doesn’t matter and you end up seeing the same things. We decided to do the train first because we wanted to end the day with a relaxing tour on the lake. The train ride began in Baveno, but we didn’t actually board the Cento Valli panoramic train until Domodossola. We disembarked at the final stop of Locarno, at the northernmost tip of Lago Maggiore. Locarno is fairly large and busy, with some interesting sights. We didn’t have much time here, so we decided to only visit the main attraction – the beautiful church of La Madonna del Sasso,which sits at the top of a hill with a gorgeous view of Lago Maggiore. There is a funicular that takes you up to the church… but, if you are feeling energetic, you can also walk the entire way!

After spending a few hours in Locarno, we boarded the boat and began our journey back to Baveno. The boat ride took about 3 hours and we went past so many beautiful lakeside resorts – Cannobbio, Cannero, Intra, Pallanza and many others. We sat inside and outside, and enjoyed a glass of wine while cruising the calm lake. This was a memorable day and one that will remain with me forever.

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The hike to Monte Crocione (1641 m / 5,384 ft) and Monte Tremezzo (1700 m / 5,577 ft) leaves from Alpe di Lenno which is at an altitude of 1496 m / 4,908 ft. To reach Alpe di Lenno by car, drive from the centre of Pigra towards Alpe di Colonno, then follow the signs for the Boffalora Refuge and finally head for Alpe di Ossuccio. Once you’ve arrived in Alpe di Lenno, park your car, as it is here that the walking starts.

The first part of the trail follows the route of military roads built during the First World War. Along this track, the remains of trenches and shelters used by Alpine troops can be seen to this day. After walking for about 20 minutes you will come to the Venini Rifugio.

After the refuge, you’ll come to a junction with a barrier. Do not go over the barrier. To reach Monte Tremezzo continue along the track until you reach a peak with a statue of the Virgin Mary on it. From the peak with the statue, you can walk along the ridge to Monte Crocione.

If, instead, you want to reach Monte Crocione more directly, at the junction with the barrier leave the track and take the path that leads up to Alpe di Mezzegra and then on to the derelict buildings of Alpe Tremezzo.

It takes around one and a half hours to walk to the summit of Monte Crocione.

Walking is one of the best ways to enjoy first hand all the lovely landscapes and views Lake Como has to offer.

Man’s touch has been surprisingly gentle in this scenic part of Italy. The towns and villages which surround the lake both complement and add to the charm of this fascinating area.

The Pedaleggiando Association, as well having planned numerous routes for exploring Lake Como by bicycle, also has plenty of suggestions for those who prefer to explore on foot. And walking the ancient paths of the Altolario woods is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Do not worry if you are a little out of condition, the paths Pedaleggiando suggests are not overly strenuous.

Here is the list of walking routes recommended by Pedaleggiando:

1 – Pian di Spagna – Southern Route P
2 – Pian di Spagna – Northern Route
3 – On the tracks of the Hermit – From Sorico to San Miro
4 – A balcony over Pian di Spagna – From Sorico to the Sasso di Dascio
5 – Appointment with the Saint – From Dascio to S. Fedelino
6 – Monte Peschiera
7 – Old mule-tracks – from Sorico to Montemezzo
8 – On the path to Monti Lariani- from Sorico to Peledo
9 – The alpine pastures of Sorico and Montemezzo
10 – Along the Regina path – From Domaso to Sorico
11 – Around Sasso Pelo
12 – The Verceia horse-track
13 – Colico’s fortresses

For descriptions and more information on the paths above visit Pedaleggiando.

Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside around Lake Como. The area has lots to offer to both experienced and less experienced cyclists. For experienced cyclists, there are challenging rides up into the surrounding mountains which climb 1,900m in altitude. On the other hand, for those who are not in training for the Tour de France, there are plenty of easy low level cycling routes around Lake Como.

Cyclists who ride around Lake Como will find themselves immersed in greenery, when, for example, they ride along the winding roads of the Pian di Spagna nature reserve or though the Valtellina or Chiavenna areas.

Local cycling association Pedaleggiando plans routes for cyclists in the Lake Como, Alto Lario, lower Valtellina and Chiavenna areas. As well as working to promote low environmental impact tourism, the cycling association’s objective is to help visitors discover the area’s nature, history and culture, as well as to encourage sports and recreational activities that are gentle on the local environment.

The rides Pedaleggiando suggests are either easy going or challenging.

First, the easy rides:

On the top of the lake – Pian di Spagna/south route
Who was Baletrone? – Pian di Spagna/north route
Meandering through the nature reserve – Pian di Spagna/entire route
A tour of the forts – Sorico/Colico forts
Let’s pedal! – Sorico/Piona Abbey
Over the river Adda – Sorico/San Pietro in Vallate Abbey
On the costa dei cech – Sorico/Traona

Valchiavenna! – Sorico/San Pietro Samolaco
Tre pievi tour – Sorico/Dongo

Now, the more challenging cycle rides:

At the foot of Berlinghera – Sorico / Dolo / Peschiera
Looking for Gigiai – Sorico / Alpe Gigia
On Mount Lariani – Sorico / Montalto / Trezzone
From Chestnut to Beech – a tour of the Vercana mountains
Sasso Pelo tour – Domaso / Livo / Dangri
Let’s go to Crotti – Gravesend / Stazzona
A glimpse of Switzerland – Dongo / Passo San Iorio
Three Parishes Tour – Sorico / Santa Maria Rezzonico

For information and descriptions of each cycle route visit Pedaleggiando. Note that while not all the cycle route information is in English, maps of the routes can be downloaded.

The route towards Mount Grona (1736m, 5,695 ft) starts in Menaggio. The first section of the path rises 384m in altitude and ends after an hour or so trek at the Menaggio Refuge. After the refuge, and climbing another 356m, you will reach Mount Grona’s summit. The total walk takes around one and a half hours.

Getting there: Drive from Menaggio to Plesio and then on to the houses of Monti di Breglia, which is where the walk starts.

Follow the dirt road until you come to a sign showing the way to the Menaggio refuge. Keep going until you reach an altitude of 1120m, where the path forks in two. One of the two paths leads to the refuge. The higher one on the right is more scenic and is easier going than the lower path which passes through dense forest. Keep on the path which will continue to rise until you come to a hillside trail which will take you to the Menaggio refuge.

From the refuge, you have three options:

1. Follow a steep trail to reach the crest which connects Mount Grona to Bregagno. Then turn left to take the path that climbs the north-east ridge of Mount Grona and follow it to the summit.

2. Look for and then take the path indicated by the “Direttissima” sign. This trail will take you to the top of a gorge on the saddle between Mount Grona’s main summit and its northern peak (you will arrive at the same point as indicated by route 1. above).

3. Follow the “panoramic” path signs. This trail climbs gradually until you find yourself under the main peak.

One of the most pleasant ways to discover the beauty of Como is to rent a boat and explore the lake from the water.

Tour operator Vacanze Lago specializes in arranging holidays around Lake Como and in addition to helping you find an attractive and well-located apartment or villa to rent, Vacanze Lago can also rent you a boat you can use to explore Lake Como.

The model we offer is a Cranchi Zaffiro 34, an 11.5 metre luxury motor yacht with enough space for 5 people. Our well-appointed craft can be rented for a day, several days or longer, depending upon your requirements. Rates start at €700. For more information on the boat and rental prices, click here.

If, however, you’d prefer to explore Lake Como by land, then Vacanze Lago also offers a range of cars for rent. Our rental cars can be picked up directly from the airport you arrive at.
More information on our car rental servces can be found here.

Our car rental fleet includes luxury and sports models and is ideal for weekend breaks, or even for getting to business meetings. We also offer a range of medium-sized and small cars which are handy for exploring local towns and cities. For more information on Vacanze Lago’s car rental service and prices, please click here.

As an alternative, for travellers who do not need a car, Vacanze Lago also offers a taxi service between Lake Como and Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports as well as the Orio al Serio airport at Bergamo. For more information on the taxi service, click here.

On Sunday May 29, the Lake Como ferry and cruise summertime timetable came into force and will run until October 3.

Ferry services on the Lecco leg of lake Como will be provided by four boats linking Lecco to Bellagio. To cope with increased demand, additional services will be laid on for Sundays and holidays. Note that some of these ferries cover a shorter distance and end at Onno.

For details in English of sailing times, please visit the Navigazione Laghi website.

The full beauty of lake Como is best appreciated from the water, so taking a cruise along the lake makes for a lovely experience. Navigazione Lago di Como also offers a selection of Lake Como cruises.

Every Saturday night leaving from Como city, there’s the nighttime cruise which includes dinner and dancing on board.

There are other nighttime cruises which leave from boarding points on the centre of the lake and from the town of Lecco.

Last but not least and only during the months of July and August, you can cruise Lake Como aboard the historic steamboat – Concordia.

For more information on Lake Como cruises and regular passenger and car ferry services, visit the website of Navigazione Lago di Como.

Finally the weather is nice. Spring is here. We decide to go away for the weekend, to take a break, relax and enjoy ourselves. Our destination is Colico, only 90 km away from Milan, on the eastern coast of Lake Como..Colico is a pretty tourist resort rich of culture and history where the river Adda enters the lake, surrounded by Monte Legnone.

We spend the first day exploring the Montecchio Fortress, with its powder magazine and cannons and the ruins of Forte Fuentes, built by the Spaniards in the 17th century to defend the border north of Milan from France and Swiss Graubünden and destroyed by Napoleon in the 18th century.

We find along the road leading to the fort an example of well preserved Roccolo; real tree architectures, equipped with nets placed vertically and used to capture birds. Then we head to Olgiasca to visit Piona Abbey (11th century), Colico’s biggest attraction and one of the most famous examples of Roman monuments of Lombardy.

Colico is also a popular location for those interested in wind sports- in fact a variety of wind currents blow through this area making it ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing. The best time is through March to October when wind conditions are ideal thanks to the Breva, the typical thermal wind that blows north by day towards the head of the lake. There are three flat large beaches in Colico where you can can sunbathe, swim, have a walk or just relax on the beach with your friends or family.

There are several good restaurants in Colico, where you can try the local specialities including the persico (perch fish) and many holiday homes to choose from.