Como Travel Guide: Notes to Discover Como
Como offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, history and culture. In this Como travel guide you will find the necessary information to plan your trip.
General Information of Como
If you are considering a trip to Como here you will find everything you need to give the first step to explore Como and recharge yourself at this beautiful destination.
Como is a city located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is the capital of the province of Como and is situated at the southern end of Lake Como.
The city has a population of approximately 85,000 people and is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant culture.
Como has a long history that dates back to the Roman era, and it has been an important center of trade and commerce for centuries.
Some of the most popular attractions in Como include the Cathedral of Como, which dates back to the 14th century, the Villa Olmo, a beautiful neoclassical villa located on the shores of Lake Como, and the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous Italian physicist Alessandro Volta.
The city is famous for its stunning natural scenery, including the picturesque Lake Como, which is surrounded by mountains and is a popular spot for boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Also the city is renowned for its production of silk, which has been a major industry in the area since the Middle Ages. In addition to its economic importance, Como is also a popular tourist destination.
Construction on the edge of a mirror of water and surrounded by mountains
Picture of Lewis J Goetz on Unsplash
Location of Como
Bellow, we show you where Como are located:
Map of Como on Google Maps
Sites of Interest to Visit in Como
Como is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many sites of interest that visitors can explore. Below we tell you about some of the most popular places to enjoy while you explore Como.
Cathedral of Como
This beautiful cathedral, also known as the Como Duomo, dates back to the 14th century and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It features intricate carvings and statues, beautiful stained glass windows, and a magnificent rose window.
Tempio Voltiano
This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Alessandro Volta, the famous Italian physicist who invented the battery. The museum houses a collection of scientific instruments, manuscripts, and other artifacts related to Volta’s life and work.
Como-Brunate Funicular
This funicular railway takes visitors up to the scenic town of Brunate, which is situated on a hill overlooking Como. The ride offers spectacular views of the city and the lake, and Brunate is a charming town with narrow streets, historic buildings, and beautiful gardens.
Villa Olmo
This beautiful neoclassical villa was built in the late 18th century and is located on the shores of Lake Como. It features elegant interiors, beautiful gardens, and a stunning view of the lake.
Broletto
This medieval building served as the town hall of Como for many centuries and is now used as a museum. It houses a collection of artifacts related to the history and culture of the city.
Lake Como
The lake itself is a major attraction, with its clear blue waters and stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can take boat tours, go swimming or kayaking, or simply relax on the shore and enjoy the view.
Pinacoteca Civica
This museum is home to a collection of Italian Renaissance art, including works by artists such as Bernardino Luini and Andrea Mantegna.
What to Eat in Como
If you are planning a trip to Como and you enjoy gastronomic tourism, then this destination will satisfy all your expectatives due Como has an extraordinarily rich culinary tradition. The local cuisine features a variety of delicious dishes and drinks that are unique to the region.
Some of the most popular dishes in Como include savory risotto dishes made with local ingredients, including freshwater fish such as trout and pike, and aromatic herbs like sage and rosemary.
Another favorite is polenta, a hearty dish made from cornmeal that is often served with cheese or meat.
When it comes to drinks, Como is famous for its wines, which are produced in the surrounding hills and vineyards. Some of the most popular varieties include the red wines made from the Nebbiolo grape, and the white wines made from the Trebbiano and Chardonnay grapes.
In addition to wine, Como is also known for its coffee culture, with many cafes and coffeehouses serving delicious espresso and cappuccino.
Visitors to Como can also enjoy a range of sweet treats, including pastries and desserts made with local fruits and nuts, such as chestnuts and hazelnuts. One of the most famous desserts in Como is the miascia, a sweet cake made with apples, bread crumbs, and sugar.
How Is the Culture in Como?
During your holidays in Como you will realize that Como has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its long history and unique location at the foot of the Italian Alps, on the shores of Lake Como.
The city has been influenced by many different cultural and artistic traditions over the centuries, from the ancient Romans and medieval Lombards to the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Art and architecture are also important cultural features of Como, with many beautiful churches, museums, and historic buildings located throughout the city.
Music is also an important part of Como’s culture, with many festivals and events throughout the year celebrating a variety of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and world music.
Postcard of Lake Como surrounded by buildings and mountains
Foto de Roman Volkov en Unsplash
How to Get to Como
If you are wondering how to get to Como, you must know Como can be easily reached by various means of transportation:
- By air: The nearest international airports to Como are: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN). Both airports are approximately 50-60 kilometers away from Como and offer various transportation options such as buses, taxis, and trains to reach Como.
- By train: Como is well-connected by train, with frequent services running to and from Milan, Switzerland, and other major Italian cities. The main train station in Como is Como San Giovanni, which is located in the city center and offers connections to various destinations across the region.
- By car: Como is easily accessible by car, with the A9 motorway running directly to the city from Milan and Switzerland. The drive from Milan takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- By bus: There are several bus companies that offer services to Como from Milan and other nearby cities. The main bus station in Como is located next to the train station and offers connections to various destinations across the region.
- By boat: Lake Como can also be reached by boat, with several companies offering services from various towns and cities around the lake, including Bellagio, Varenna, and Lecco. Ferry services are also available to reach Como from other towns on the lake.
How to Get Around Como?
Como is a relatively small city and is easy to navigate on foot. However, there are several other transportation options available for visitors who want to explore the city and its surroundings. Here we tell you your options when visiting Como.
Bus
There are several bus lines that run throughout the city of Como, making it easy to reach different neighborhoods and attractions. The local bus company is called ASF Autolinee, and tickets can be purchased at designated kiosks, bars, or onboard the bus.
Train
Como is connected by rail to Milan and other cities in the region, making it easy to reach other destinations from the city. The main train station in Como is Como San Giovanni, which is located in the city center.
Ferry
One of the best ways to explore Lake Como is by taking a ferry or a boat tour. There are several ferry companies that operate on the lake, offering connections to various towns and cities around the lake, including Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Como, and they can be found at designated taxi stands throughout the city. You can also call a taxi company to book a ride or use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.
Bike
Biking is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings, and there are several bike rental shops in Como where you can rent a bike for a few hours or a few days.
Best Time to Visit Como
The best time to visit Como depends on your personal preferences and what you plan to do while you’re there.
The high season in Como is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny and the lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and other water activities.
However, this is also the busiest and most crowded time of the year, with many tourists flocking to the city to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery.
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are also great times to visit Como, with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices on accommodations and activities.
This is a good time to explore the city’s historic landmarks, museums, and cultural events, and to enjoy the natural beauty of the area without the summer crowds.
Winter (November to March) is the low season in Como, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourist activities. However, this is also a great time to experience the city’s Christmas markets, which are some of the best in Italy, and to enjoy winter sports in the nearby mountains.
Festivals of Como
Como hosts several festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. Keep reading if you want to know about some of the most popular festivals in Como!
Como Film Festival
This annual event celebrates Italian and international cinema, with screenings of films in various genres, including dramas, comedies, and documentaries.
Como Città della Musica Festival
This music festival features a variety of performances, including classical music, jazz, and world music. The festival takes place in various venues throughout the city.
Como Poesia
This literary festival celebrates the art of poetry, with readings and performances by local and international poets. The festival also features workshops and exhibitions related to poetry and literature.
Como Comics & Games
This festival celebrates comic books, graphic novels, and games, with exhibitions, workshops, and special events for fans of all ages.
Palio del Baradello
This historic festival takes place in June and features a medieval jousting competition, as well as parades, music, and other festivities.
Como Color Run
This colorful event is a fun run that takes place in various cities around the world. Participants wear white clothing and are doused with colored powder at various points along the course.
Is It Worth Visiting Como?
Of course! Como stands out for its beautiful architecture, incredible landscapes and fascinating culture. In addition, the region is known for its famous Lake of Como, a wonderful site to enjoy your holiday in the sun.
In turn, due to its proximity to Venice and Cinque Terre, many travelers combine their visit to Como with these destinations so that you will find these sites in several of our offers.
Are you looking to marvel at the most incredible landscapes? Do you want to know a fascinating culture? Do you want to visit historical sites?
If your answer is "yes", at Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Como, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.
There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!
More Travel Guides!
If you have been interested in our travel guide to Como and you want to continue learning about this and other wonderful destinations, we invite you to look at the section of all our Travel Guides. Plan your next adventure with Greca!
