Brunate

"From Como, take the 7 minute funicular ($6 per person) up to this hilltop town for panoramic views of the lake followed by lunch at Bellavista. This can also be done as a hike. There are two options from Como: one runs alongside the funicular and the other passes by the Hermitage of San Donato, founded by the Benedictines in the fifteenth century. If you want to keep going, continue on toward San Primo for a 15 mile hike with spectacular vistas. Refuel along the way by stopping at one of the many refugios or mountain huts for a local lunch of cured meats and polenta. From San Maurizio you go up to piazzale del Cao: the “mountain lodge walk”, so-called because along the trail you will come across the “Carla” mountain lodge, the “Bondella” mountain lodge and the “Boletto” mountain lodge where you can enjoy typical dishes for lunch, winds its way along a mule track that leads into the woods. The path brings you to the peaks of Mount Boletto, Bolettone and Palanzone, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake. From San Primo, call a taxi or arrange a transfer through your hotel. "

"On the first day already you can explore views of Lake Como from Brunate. The funicular from the centre takes you all the way up. Not only do you get to have an amazing view of Lake Como, you can explore and walk around Brunate itself, in about half a day"

"Take the funicular ride up to the hillside town of Brunate for amazing views over Lake Como "