Adventure Is Calling With These Exciting Day Trips From Lake Como
From foodie destinations to spa towns and medieval cities, there is plenty to explore around Lake Como
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So, you’re spending your holidays in Lake Como. Aren't you lucky? While you’re in the area, you may as well make the most of your time by travelling further afield to experience everything this part of Italy has to offer. There are some fantastic destinations just a short drive or train ride from Lake Como, each offering something different. In fact, you can even pop across the border into Switzerland for the day. To help you choose where to go, our travel experts at Plum Guide have put together this handy guide to the best day trips from Lake Como.
Milan
Glass domed roof of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in central Milan, one of the world's oldest shopping malls, Milan, Italy
Italy's capital city is one of the most exciting day trips from Lake Como. It's around an hour's drive from Como, but the more scenic (and environmentally friendly) way of doing it is to take a direct train from Como S. Giovanni station. Depending on train times, you can reach Milan in forty minutes to an hour.
Once you're here, the city offers a wealth of attractions like art galleries, museums, fashion boutiques and historical monuments. Take a photo with the iconic Duomo and climb to the rooftop for epic views of the city and beyond. Don't miss the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Teatro alla Scala, and the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology. After working up an appetite, try local dishes like risotto alla Milanese, a rich rice dish with a luxuriously creamy texture, stained yellow from fragrant saffron.
Bergamo
Panoramic view of Bergamo's historic buildings in Old City (Citta Alta), as seen from the hill above
Just a one-hour and fifteen-minute drive from Como – or a ninety-minute to two-hour train ride – lies the city of Bergamo. A wonderful place to visit for the day, it’s divided into two sections – the older upper district called Città Alta (Old Town) and the newer lower district called Città Bassa.
Romance on the Lake, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
Start your explorations in the Old Town, where 16th-century walls surround narrow streets and medieval buildings like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Wander over to Piazza Vecchia to relax in the sunshine – it's the beating heart of the city with the Contarini Fountain at its centre. After a bite to eat, take a ride on the funicular railway down to Città Bassa, which is worth exploring for its shopping and dining options. It’s also home to a few noteworthy attractions, such as the Accademia Carrara art museum and the 18th-century Teatro Donizetti opera house.
Lugano
Scenic view of the Alps, Lake Lugano and the old town of Lugano
One of the best things about Lake Como is its proximity to Switzerland. In fact, the border is so close that you can take a day trip here – it's just a forty-five-minute drive or a train can get you there in as quick as half an hour.
Above The Piazza, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
Located in the Italian-speaking Ticino region, Lugano is perched on the shores of the stunning Lake Lugano. Take a stroll along the lakeside promenade, passing through the romantic Belvedere Gardens with its sculptures, bright blooms, and snow-capped mountains in the background. Lugano is a great spot for art connoisseurs who can visit the MASI (Museo d’Arte della Svizzera Italiana), a three-storey museum showcasing contemporary artwork and exhibitions. With its unique blend of Italian and Swiss cultures, incredible natural beauty and delicious food and drink (think Swiss chocolate), Lugano is one of our favourite day trips from Lake Como.
Parma
Evening street scene in Parma, Italy featuring the Palazzo del Guvernatore with people dining alfresco
Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, the city of Parma is a must-visit for any foodie. Famous for its culinary delights like prosciutto di Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, we recommend visiting with an empty stomach. You’ll find plenty of shops where you can pick up parma ham, cured meats and local cheeses to take home – La Prosciutteria is a quintessentially Italian spot with an overwhelming number of hanging hams. As well as its food, Parma is also known for its art and musical heritage, with attractions like Teatro Regio, the National Gallery, Museo Glauco Lombardi, and the Baptistery – a breathtaking monument with one of the most spectacular interiors you’ve ever laid eyes on.
Parma is about a two-hour drive from Como, and it can take up to three hours on the train. It may be wiser to visit by car if you want plenty of time to sightsee.
Lake Maggiore
The Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) on Lake Maggiore
Swap the waters of Lake Como for those of Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second-largest lake. The easiest way to get there is by car, and it’s just an hour and fifteen-minute drive from Como. Alternatively, take a train to Milan and switch for a train to the towns of Stresa or Arona, both charming spots on the shores of the lake. The journey takes around an hour and a half in total.
Lakeside Mosaic, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
Once in Lake Maggiore, you can spend a relaxing day exploring the three Borromean islands of Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre. Each has its own charm, featuring enchanted gardens, palaces, and magical views of the lake and mountains. Maggiore is a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts, and you can spend the day hiking, cycling or trying out watersports.
San Pellegrino Terme
Sun shining above the ancient San Nicola Bridge over the Brembo River in San Pellegrino Terme
Just under two hours by car from Como and even faster from the southeastern Lake Como city of Lecco, San Pellegrino Terme is a village known for its thermal springs. Rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium and sulphur, the springs have long been a favourite destination for health and wellness seekers. If the name sounds familiar, that's because it's the home of the beverage company San Pellegrino – an ice-cold Limonata, anyone?
Dubbed the 'gem of the Brembana Valley', the pretty village is straight out of a postcard, with Art Nouveau buildings surrounded by breathtaking mountains. You can't come here and not try at least one of the spa treatments – pamper yourself at QC San Pellegrino Terme spa, housed in a building which was originally a thermal bath complex in the 20th century. Whether it's a deep tissue massage or a moment of peace in the Zen pool, you're bound to leave feeling rejuvenated.
Novara
View of The Basilica of San Gaudenzio in Novara, Italy
Located in the Piedmont region, the city of Novara is just over an hour’s drive from Como – it's about a one-hour and twenty-minute journey by train (switching in Milan). As a crossroad between Milan and Turin, Novara doesn’t see as many visitors as its neighbouring cities. But this doesn’t mean that there are no attractions – in fact, you may be surprised at the number of things to do and see which you can enjoy without the tourist crowds.
Tower of Power, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
Don’t miss the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, a Renaissance-style church dating back to the 16th century. At over 120 metres high, its distinctive copper dome is one of the tallest in Italy – you can even climb to the top for panoramic views. Be sure to pop by the Castle of Novara, a medieval fortress home to the city’s museum. Feeling thirsty after all that sightseeing? Grab a seat at a cafe and enjoy a glass of Gattinara, a local red grown in the hills northwest of the city.
Verona
City of Verona and Adige River aerial view through a leafy tree
Famous as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a wonderful destination whether you're a star-crossed lover or not. It's a bit further away from Como, but worth the drive. One of its most notable attractions is Juliet's House, a medieval palace thought to be the location of the play's famous balcony scene (although the balcony was added in the 20th century). It may be touristy, but it's still a fun attraction nonetheless.
Lakeside Slate, Plum Guide home in Lake Como
Visit the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheatre built in 30 AD. It's still in use today and, if you time your visit right, you can catch a concert or performance. Wander to Piazza delle Erbe, once the town's forum during Roman times. Today, you can browse the vendors at the open-air market, relax at the various cafes and admire the historic buildings and monuments surrounding the square.
From Como, Verona is a two-and-a-half-hour drive. We recommend driving as the train can take between two and a half to three and a half hours, depending on the time.
Cremona
Violinmaker carving and sculpting an instrument at his workshop in Cremona, Italy
Calling all violinists – this is your chance to visit Italy’s most famous violin-making city. Known for its centuries-old tradition of violin craftsmanship, Cremona is home to artisan workshops specialising in high-quality stringed instruments. The fastest way to get here is by car, with it being just under a two-hour drive from Como. You can also take a train, but the times vary, ranging between two hours and forty minutes to four hours.
When you get here, follow the trail of legendary Cremona-born luthier Antonio Stradivari who crafted over 1,000 stringed instruments during his lifetime. Pop into Museo del Violino to delve into the history of violin-making and see a violin-making workshop as well as some of the most significant instruments produced in the city (there’s even a violin dating back to 1566).
