Lake Como

the main entrance is for prayer and religious services only; the tourist entrance is round to the north side of the building

Como's richly decorated 14th-century Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral. Note the statues of Pliny the Elder and Younger at the sides of the main entrance!

Via Melzi d'Eril· Cheap

Tickets include entrance to the Neoclassical Chapel, and the museum, as well as the garden.

Via Abbazia di Piona, 55

A real monastery with 11th-century church, 14th- and 15th-century frescoes in the cloister.

Via Regina 35

A Romanesque basilica built in 11th century; inside some 13th-century frescos. The basilica was built on the site of an early Christian basilica of the 5th century, dedicated to the holy apostles Peter and Paul.

the round building on the waterfront

A nice stop on your stroll along the waterfront, the temple to Volta is designed in neoclassical style. It houses an exhibition about Volta (a native of Como who invented the electric battery).

first take a funicular up to Brunate and then walk up 36 min to San Maurizio· Cheap

29-m tower was erected in 1927 in honour of Alessandro Volta. Boasting some of the best views on the lake, this very high building will allow you to look down on the lake some 2000 feet below.

This is one of the two centres of Esino, which was two villages (Esino Superiore and Esino Inferiore) until 1927; each village had its own church and there was a common church in the so-called "Castello" (the castle).

A frazione (municipal subdivision) of Esino outside the main village at around 10 minutes by car or 1 hour by foot from the centre. Ortanella has a soft landscape with easy walks, trails in the woods, many picnic equipped areas and some…

A località (locality) of Esino outside the main village at around 15 minutes by car or 1 hour by foot from the centre. The landscape in Cainallo is fully alpine with a view of the rugged rocks of Grigna mountains.

· Free

In Esino there is a climbing wall outside the sport hall. The Grigna mountains present quite a few climbing routes all departing from Cainallo: Pilastro di Prada Via della libertà (6a, 5b, 130 m altimetric excursion), Pilastro di Prada Via…

Cove and beach on Lake Como, green beach with free access; bar facilities, large parking, kitesurf and windsurf rent service. The town of Colico (Lecco), on the eastern shore of the lake, offers a very wide flat grassy beach.

· Cheap

Lido on the edge of Lake Como just next to Villa Olmo - gives travellers the chance to swim in the lake, which is very tempting on hot summer days. The lido also features a bar, and entrance can be pre-booked online at their website.

Bus C10 to Argegno, or ferry

Take a cable car then hike down to Colonno (~2 hr).

Lake Como is surrounded by some imposing peaks, which are reflected in its waters and render the landscape unique. The valleys surrounding Lake Como are some of the most beautiful areas in the Prealps, rich in vegetation and populated by…

Torno, one of the most picturesque villages perched on this lake shore, is the starting point for the itinerary to Piazzaga. Following the red arrows to the “strada regia” and the signs to Molina, Piazzaga/Massi avelli you will take the…

Trail 23

An excursion from Vo' di Moncodeno and reachable in 45 minutes. The walk is pretty steep but it is manageable by children (from 4-5 years old and it will take 1½-2 hours).

Como has a pleasant walkway along the water. It passes by the Tempio Voltiano, the World War I memorial, and several beautiful villas. The path is also pleasantly dotted with gellaterias - you can walk as far as the Villa Olmo to the west…

Rent a bicycle and ride up the hill into Switzerland before descending over the other side to the beautiful Lake Lugano. Follow the lake north to the Swiss city of Lugano. Head east from Lugano and back across the border into Italy.

Take the funicular up to Brunate, then (after seeing the Faro Voltiano) hike through the nearby mountains for great views of the area. See the signs and maps at the top of the funicular for routes, but remember to bring a lot of water in…

facing the harbour but on the main car road; looks like a villa

This local Italian restaurant has been around for 162 years and 8-generations strong. The price is high but the style romantic country casual. The Missoltini (fish is indigenous to the area) is recommended.

San Giovanni neighborhood

This family run bar and restaurant is only open for five months of the year during the summer season and is popular with both tourists and locals for its fantastic rustic food and friendly atmosphere.

Center - upper area

Modern, with around 60 seats inside and a terrace. Italian cuisine with regional specialities, it also serves pizza not every day. The menu has some interesting receipts designed with a contemporary interpretation of traditional…

Camnago Volta, bus n 4

Relax in the bohemian and friendly atmosphere of this pub, where you can sit down at the wooden tables and enjoy beer (and any other drinks) and snacks.

outside the centre - Cainallo· Free

Lighting fires outside picnic area is prohibited. You can apply to the city council for a permit.

Outside the center - Ortanella· Free

Lighting fires outside picnic area is prohibited. You can apply to the city council for a permit.

on the west bank of Lake Como in the town of Cernobbio, 3 km north of Como centre

Villa d'Este used to be the residence of the Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and nowadays it's a luxury hotel.

Via Roma, 1· Expensive

The most famous hotel in Bellagio since late 19th century, and the only 5-star one.

Grigna Settentrionale· Moderate

Managed mountain shelter with beds and restaurant. Around 50 bunk beds.

Via Trieste and Via Piccinelli, Mozzate· Expensive

4-star wellness hotel in Mozzate, between Como and Milan.

follow the street to Ortanella and turn right in the direction of San Pietro· Free

The camping area is indicated with signs; it is not equipped but it has a fountain at a very short distance and there are picnic areas and the Percorso vita around.

Monte Croce

A mountain shelter built and managed by ANA Esino Lario.