Brunate

2. Panoramic Terrace at the Upper Funicular Station

Step out of the funicular, walk 20 seconds to your left, and you’re on one of Lake Como’s most rewarding viewpoints—no hiking boots needed. This terrace looks straight down onto Como’s medieval core, the curve of the lake, and, on clear days, the distant Alps.

My experience: On my first visit in 2012, I reached this terrace at dusk, tired from a hot day exploring Como. The lights were flickering on along the lakeshore and a violinist played softly by the railing. I ended up staying nearly an hour, just watching the ferries criss-cross below. In 2024 I came back on a winter morning; icy air, clear sky, almost nobody around—just the hum of the funicular and ringing church bells.

Best time to go: Early morning for soft light and minimal crowds, or blue hour (just after sunset) when Como glows below you. Midday can be harsh and packed in high season.

Family & accessibility: This is fully accessible with strollers and wheelchairs; the terrace is flat and right by the station. Great first stop if you’re with kids or older relatives.

3. Faro Voltiano (Volta Lighthouse)

The Faro Voltiano is the symbol of Brunate: an octagonal, 29-meter lighthouse dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the Como-born physicist who invented the electric battery. It stands above the hamlet of San Maurizio, about a 25–30 minute walk from the funicular.

History & significance: Built in 1927 for the centenary of Volta’s death, the lighthouse commemorates a local genius whose name you meet every time you talk about “volts.” At night, the Faro flashes green, white, and red in the colors of the Italian flag—an unmissable landmark when you’re down in Como.

The walk: The path from Brunate to San Maurizio is one of my favorite strolls in Italy. It’s mostly paved, gently uphill, lined with villas and gardens. Every few minutes, gaps between houses reveal another slice of lake.

Climbing the lighthouse: There’s a small fee to climb the spiral staircase to the top. Inside is narrow and a little dizzying; if you’re claustrophobic or afraid of heights, you might prefer the terrace at the base, which already has a spectacular panorama.

My experience: I’ve climbed the Faro in blazing sun, in autumn wind, and once just after a storm, when the clouds were lifting off the mountains like steam. The post-storm visit was the best—visibility for miles, and almost nobody else up there. I brought a coffee in a reusable cup from a bar in Brunate and sipped it against the railing, watching small white ferries slide across the lake far below.

Tips:

• Bring a light jacket even in summer; the top can be windy.
• Try to go on a clear day—if the lake is hazy from below, you won’t see much from the top.
• If you’re coming with kids, the climb is doable but keep a close eye on them on the narrow stairs.

4. Passeggiata del Panorama (Panoramic Walk)

This gently undulating path, starting near the funicular station, is where I send everyone who asks me, “What are the best things to do in Brunate if I only have a few hours?” It’s mostly flat, paved, and lined with benches—perfect for slow walkers, couples, and families.

What you see: The path offers a series of viewpoints over Como and the first branch of Lake Como. You’ll pass charming villas with elaborate wrought-iron fences, small shrines, and quiet side lanes.

My experience: One April afternoon, I walked this path with a local friend who grew up in Brunate. She pointed out which villas had once belonged to Milanese industrialists and where secret garden parties were held in the 1960s. We stopped often just to lean on the railings and listen—distant church bells, the faint honk of ferries, swallows looping overhead.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes, but hiking boots aren’t necessary.
• Ideal for sunset—you can find a bench, open a takeaway panino, and watch the sky change.
• Good for strollers; there are only mild gradients.

5. San Maurizio Hamlet

San Maurizio is a small cluster of houses, a church, and a few bars and restaurants just below the Faro. It has a laid-back, almost Alpine feel, with stone façades and flower boxes.

My experience: I like to time my walk so that I reach San Maurizio around lunchtime. There’s something wonderfully simple about eating a plate of pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with cheese and greens) on a terrace while looking at the same mountains that produced the cheese.

Family & romance: The square is car-light and great for kids to run around while adults linger over coffee or wine. In the evening, couples linger by the railing overlooking the lake, sharing a spritz as the Faro lights up behind them.

6. Parrocchia Sant’Andrea Apostolo

The parish church of Brunate, Sant’Andrea, is a quiet anchor in the center of the village. Its simple façade hides frescoes and a peaceful interior where you can catch your breath.

History: The church dates back to medieval times, though it’s been modified and restored over the centuries. Like many small churches in Lombardy, it’s less about showy grandeur and more about serving as a spiritual and social hub for the village.

My experience: I often duck into Sant’Andrea on hot days. The interior is cool and smells faintly of wax and old wood. Once, during a summer storm, I waited inside while thunder rolled over the lake; an elderly woman came in to light a candle and we ended up chatting about how Brunate has changed since her childhood. “More tourists,” she shrugged, “but the bells still ring the same.”

Tip: Dress modestly—covered shoulders and knees are appreciated, especially if a service is in progress.

7. Liberty Villas of Brunate

Brunate is famous among architecture lovers for its Liberty (Italian Art Nouveau) villas. Around the turn of the 20th century, it became fashionable for wealthy families from Como and Milan to build summer houses here, and they went all in on flamboyant façades, curved balconies, floral motifs, and stained glass.

Where to look: Wander along Via Roma, Via Nidrino, and the lanes leading toward the Passeggiata del Panorama. You’ll spot turrets, painted tiles, wrought-iron railings twisting into floral patterns, and whimsical rooflines.

My experience: On a misty November morning, I did nothing but wander these streets, camera in hand. The fog turned the villas into silhouettes; sometimes a gate would be ajar and I’d glimpse manicured lawns and fountains. I never trespass, but I do indulge in a bit of respectful architectural voyeurism from the street.

Tip: If you love photography, come early when the light is soft and the streets are empty. Respect privacy—these are private homes.

8. Belvedere & Villa Pizzo Viewpoint

One of the lesser-known viewpoints along Brunate’s ridge offers a beautiful angle over Villa Pizzo (on the lakeshore near Cernobbio) and the western arm of Lake Como. It’s not heavily signed; locals simply call it “il belvedere.”

My experience: I discovered this spot by accident, following an older couple who were out for their Sunday walk. They stopped at a simple railing, leaned on it, and just gazed in silence for a while. I joined them, and we ended up chatting about how, from here, you can trace the curve of the lake and imagine all the villages tucked out of sight.

Tip: Ask a local or your guesthouse host to point you toward the belvedere overlooking Cernobbio; it’s often more peaceful than the main terrace by the funicular.

9. Strada Regia to Torno

The Strada Regia is an old mule track that once connected the villages along this stretch of Lake Como. The section from Brunate to Torno is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes in the area—stone paths, chestnut woods, stone hamlets, and constant glimpses of water below.

Hike details: From Brunate, the walk to Torno takes about 2–2.5 hours downhill at a relaxed pace. You’ll pass through hamlets like Bignasco and old chapels with faded frescoes. In Torno, you can reward yourself with a gelato or aperitivo by the water, then take a ferry or bus back to Como.

My experience: I’ve walked this route three times—once in full summer heat (wouldn’t recommend mid-afternoon in July), once in autumn when the leaves were golden, and once in May, when the path was lined with wildflowers. The May hike was perfect: filtered light, the sound of cowbells above, and that satisfying crunch of old stone underfoot.

Tips:

• Wear good walking shoes; parts of the path can be uneven or slippery after rain.
• Bring water and snacks, especially outside peak season when fewer bars are open along the way.
• Check ferry schedules from Torno back to Como before you start; in winter, frequencies drop.

10. Capanna CAO & Forest Trails

Capanna CAO (Club Alpino Operaio) is a mountain hut and popular trail hub a short drive or longer walk from Brunate. It’s where the village gives way to proper forest, and the air smells of pine and damp earth.

My experience: I like to come up here on my second or third day, once I’ve done the classic Brunate viewpoints. One October, I arrived just as a light drizzle began. I ducked into the hut, ordered a steaming bowl of minestrone and a glass of red wine, then watched as clouds rolled in and out between the trees. When the rain eased, the forest glistened and the trails felt enchanted.

Activities: From Capanna CAO, you can branch off to Monte Boletto or just do a gentle loop through the woods. Families often come up for lunch and a short walk; more serious hikers use it as a base for longer ridge hikes.

11. Hike to Monte Boletto

Monte Boletto (1236 m) is one of the classic peaks accessible from the Brunate area. The hike is moderate, with some steeper sections but no technical difficulties. On a clear day, the summit rewards you with a vast view across the Prealps and down to Lake Como.

My experience: My first ascent was on a crisp April day. Patches of snow lingered in the shade, but birds were singing and the sun was warm. I passed small groups of locals—everyone greeted each other with the standard “Buongiorno”. At the top, a group of friends had spread out salami, cheese, and bread; they insisted I take a slice of their salame di cinghiale (wild boar salami). “Up here,” they said, “everyone shares.”

Tip: Bring layers; the wind at the top can be strong. Good for active travelers with at least a bit of hiking experience.

12. Hike to Monte Bolettone

A little farther and higher than Monte Boletto, Monte Bolettone (1317 m) offers a longer, more committed hike with even broader views on the ridge. It’s popular with locals in all seasons, including winter when snowshoes come out.

My experience: I tackled Bolettone on a bright September day. The sky was a deep blue, the air already holding a hint of autumn. The ridge walk felt endless in the best way—rolling hills, scattered farmhouses, and cow pastures. I met a couple from Como who’d been doing this hike every Sunday for years; walking with them, I got a running commentary on every peak in view.

Tip: This is more of a full-day outing from Brunate; start early, bring plenty of water, and check the weather.

13. Brunate Historic Cemetery

It might sound odd to list a cemetery among the must-see attractions in Brunate, but the village cemetery is a peaceful, contemplative place with beautiful sculptures and views across the valley.

My experience: I wandered in one afternoon purely by accident, following a lane out of the center. The graves are often decorated with photos, fresh flowers, and small mementos; you can trace entire family histories. A few tombs belong to notable local figures, including professionals and clergy who shaped Brunate’s development.

Tip: Be quiet and respectful; this is an active cemetery, not a tourist sight. Avoid taking close-up photos of individual graves.

14. Via Roma & Old Town Lanes

Via Roma is the spine of Brunate’s village center. It’s short but full of life: cafés, the small alimentari (grocery), the post office, and a handful of restaurants and guesthouses. From it, narrow cobbled alleys climb and twist away, revealing hidden corners and small courtyards.

My experience: I love Via Roma in the early morning. Locals queue at the bakery, schoolkids trot past with backpacks, and older residents lean on doorframes to gossip. Once, I watched a man carry an enormous basket of mushrooms into the back door of a trattoria; that evening, there was a special mushroom risotto on the menu.

Tip: If you’re staying several days, get to know the people behind the counters. A friendly “Buongiorno” and a smile go a long way; by day three, they’ll remember your coffee order.

15. Via Crimea & Old Stone Stairways

Via Crimea is one of the steep, old routes linking Brunate with Como. Today, most visitors use the funicular, but these stairways were once the main paths. Walking part of them gives you a feel for how physically connected (and demanding) life between lake and hill used to be.

My experience: One cool March afternoon, a local friend convinced me to walk down to Como via one of these stairways. My knees complained but my eyes were happy: stone walls, lizards sunning themselves, tiny vegetable gardens clinging to impossible slopes, and the lake slowly rising to meet us. I wouldn’t recommend walking up in full summer heat unless you’re very fit.

Tip: Good shoes are essential; some steps are irregular. If you have knee issues, consider descending by foot and taking the funicular back up instead of the reverse.

16. Sunrise & Sunset Viewpoints

Brunate is made for golden hours. Different viewpoints work better for sunrise or sunset, and over multiple visits I’ve tested them more than once.

Best for sunrise: The eastern-facing viewpoints around the Passeggiata del Panorama and toward the woods catch the first light on the opposite hills. In winter, the sun rises late enough that you don’t have to be up at a ridiculous hour.

Best for sunset: The terrace at the funicular station, the Faro Voltiano base, and the belvedere toward Cernobbio. Watching the sky turn pink and orange behind Como while church bells echo around the basin is one of those moments you carry home with you.

My experience: My most memorable sunset here was in August 2023. A thunderstorm had rolled through in the afternoon, clearing the humidity. By evening, the sky was clear, the air crisp, and the light almost unreal. I shared the terrace with a small crowd; when the sun finally dipped behind the mountains, everyone spontaneously applauded.

17. Local Enoteca & Wine Bars

For a village its size, Brunate has a surprisingly good wine culture. Small enoteche (wine bars) and restaurants often have curated lists featuring Lombard and Valtellina wines, plus Italian classics.

My experience: One rainy evening, I ducked into a tiny enoteca on a side street (ask locals; places open and close, but there’s usually at least one). The owner poured me a glass of Sforzato di Valtellina and we spent an hour discussing how climate change is affecting Alpine vineyards. Meanwhile, a family at the next table was introducing their teenage son to his first proper glass of red—this is Italy, after all.

Tip: Ask for wines from Valtellina (Nebbiolo from the north) and Oltrepò Pavese (sparkling). Many places will do small tasting flights if you show interest.

18. Playgrounds & Family Spots

Brunate is surprisingly family-friendly for a hill village. There are a couple of small playgrounds where kids can burn off energy while parents enjoy the view from a bench.

My experience: Traveling with friends and their two young kids, we spent a relaxed hour at a small playground with a swing set and slide just a few minutes from the funicular. The kids made instant friends with local children; the adults compared notes on gelato flavors.

Tip: Bring a ball or small toys; space is limited but enough for simple games. The air is cooler than Como in summer, which helps with cranky toddlers.

19. Creative & Cultural Workshops

In the last few years, a small creative community has taken root in Brunate. Especially in shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), you’ll find occasional watercolor workshops, photography walks, and yoga retreats based in and around the village.

My experience: In May 2025, I joined a half-day watercolor class led by a Como-based artist. We sat along the Passeggiata del Panorama, trying to capture the blues and greens of the lake and hills. My painting was terrible, but the act of sitting still and really looking at the layers of landscape made me appreciate the view in a new way.

Tip: Check bulletin boards near the funicular station and ask your accommodation about any scheduled events in 2026–2027; many are advertised locally rather than online.

20. Winter Brunate & Snowy Walks

Winter is Brunate’s quietest and, in some ways, most magical season. Snow is not guaranteed every year, but when it comes, the village becomes a fairytale: roofs powdered white, trees outlined in frost, and the lake a deep steel blue below.

My experience: I spent a long weekend here in January 2024. A fresh snowfall had just fallen. The funicular still ran, but the usual crowds were gone. I walked to San Maurizio in near-silence except for the crunch of snow under my boots and occasional laughter from kids sledding. In the evening, restaurants were cozy and uncrowded; I lingered over polenta and stew by a window fogged with condensation.

Tip: In winter, check opening hours carefully—some restaurants and bars reduce hours or close for holidays. Bring proper winter shoes; paths can be icy.