Car Hire Como - Mini guide to Como
Como and the adjoining lake of the same name are breathtakingly beautiful. Whether you are seeking crystal clear blue waters, snowy alpine peaks or historic walled towns, you will find them all in Como.
Besides the stunning scenery, no visit to Como is complete without seeing the historic sights clustered in the walled Old Town. Interesting buildings include the cathedral, which is a superb example of differing architectural styles, and the medieval walls themselves, complete with the spectacular standing tower of Porta Vittoria and the great basilica of San Corpoforo.
A scenic walking tour takes in the lake’s western perimeter where you can see the Tempio Voltiano, a classic marble temple housing the tools of Alessandro Volta - a pioneer in electricity. A further walk in this direction takes you to the formal gardens and wild park of Villa del l’Olmo, a sumptuous lake home named after a Roman elm forest.
As one of Europe’s most chic resorts, Como abounds in quality eateries and designer shopping. But if you are after bargains, then visit the market in the Piazza San Fedele, which is held on the first Saturday of every month.
A short drive from Como is Cernobbio, with an old town featuring delightful picturesque houses and narrow alleys plus one of the grandest hotels in Europe, the Villa D’Este - with its huge sumptuous rooms and ‘floating swimming pool’. To the north is Lake Como’s only island, Isola Comacina, where every June 24 they have a costumed procession from the ruins of San Eufemia.
You can fly to Como from Milan and the flight takes about thirty minutes. By car from Switzerland or Milan, take motorway A9, exit at Como Monte Olimpino or Como Nord. Trains leave from Milan Central station to Como S.G. station every hour in the morning and afternoon.
