If you are looking for a day trip with real panoramic views, no unnecessary complications and that unmistakable “Lake Como” feeling that stays with you, the combination of Como, Brunate and the Volta Lighthouse is one of the best choices. In spring, it works even better: the air is often clearer, the colours are brighter, and everything feels a little more relaxed and human-paced.
It is a perfect itinerary if you arrive by train and want to avoid using a car, but it also works very well if you are staying nearby and want a stress-free half-day trip “up above” — quite literally.
Who it is for: couples, families and slow travellers. How long it takes: 3–5 hours as a half-day trip, or a full day if you add lunch and a longer walk. Difficulty: easy; it only becomes “moderate” if you choose to walk up to the lighthouse or do the full Como–Brunate climb on foot.
A little context: why the view from here feels so different
Como is a city of water and stone: the lake in front, the mountains behind, and a light that can change several times within a single hour. Brunate, on the other hand, is its natural terrace. It is no coincidence that it is often called the “balcony” of Como: from here, the view opens out over the lake, the city and, on clear days, even towards the plain.
The funicular, a historic line opened at the end of the 19th century, was created for exactly this reason: to quickly connect the city with the hill, at a time when Brunate was becoming a fashionable holiday resort. You can still feel that atmosphere today. As you walk through the village streets, you come across Art Nouveau and eclectic villas, both small and grand, telling the story of an era when architecture was designed to blend with the landscape rather than dominate it.
And then there it is: the Volta Lighthouse, a tribute to Alessandro Volta. At night, it shines in the colours of the Italian flag; by day, it offers one of the most complete views in the area.
Why visit in spring and what to see in Brunate
In spring, Como and Brunate have a rare quality: they let you enjoy the view without feeling that you have to rush or “fight” for every little thing. Walking is more pleasant, even uphill, the light is softer and more photogenic, and you often find fewer queues and more space.
Practical note: in case of strong wind or rain, the lighthouse may be closed. The simple trick is to check the updated opening times before you go. If the weather is uncertain, you can still enjoy Brunate and its panoramic viewpoints. The trip is still worth it.
How to get to Como, including from La Maison de Geraldine
Como is one of those destinations that is perfect for a car-free day trip. And let’s be honest: in spring, slowing down feels natural. Como, with the lake in front and the hills behind, has exactly that kind of charm.
If you are arriving by train — the option we recommend if you are staying at La Maison de Geraldine — the most convenient stop is Como Lago. From there, you are already by the lake, and in just a few minutes on foot you can reach the funicular station. If you prefer to come by car, that is possible too. At weekends, however, Como city centre can easily make you lose time. It is better to park and then continue on foot.
The heart of the experience: the Como–Brunate funicular
The funicular is the part of the trip that makes everything easy: in about 7 minutes, you are already up above the city, and the view completely changes.
Clear directions, without unnecessary detours
The Como funicular station is just a short walk from the lake, in Piazza Alcide De Gasperi, Como. From Como Lago station, you can easily get there on foot with a short walk along the lakeside. The Brunate station is located in the village, making it a convenient starting point both for a walk between the panoramic viewpoints and for the route towards the lighthouse.
Opening times and official links
Opening times may vary depending on the season or maintenance work, so it is always a good idea to check the official pages before setting off.
- Official ATM page for the funicular with notices, information, and links to timetables and fares: https://www.atm.it/en/OtherServices/Transport/Pages/ComoBrunateFunicular.aspx
- PDF orari ATM (molto comodo da salvare sul telefono): https://www.atm.it/it/AltriServizi/Trasporto/Documents/Orari%20Funicolare%20Como-Brunate.pdf
Alternative route: walking up from Como to Brunate
If you feel like a slower and more active experience, you can also walk up to Brunate along the old stairways, often referred to as Salita San Donato or the “trail to Brunate”. It is a beautiful way to earn the view step by step.
Here, however, a simple common-sense disclaimer is useful: this is a real uphill walk, so it requires a minimum level of fitness, or at least some experience walking uphill. If you do not feel in shape, if you are travelling with very young children, or if the weather is unstable, the funicular is the better option. You will still enjoy the view.
We will cover this in a dedicated article, with a precise route, landmarks and suggested stops. For now, just know that it is a feasible and very rewarding alternative.
You may also be interested in an alternative walk on the other side of the lake, from Tosnacco to Laglio, along the Greenway and through its beautiful landscape. We talk about it in this article.
Recommended itinerary for a half-day trip
Picture it like this: first, you enjoy Como at a relaxed pace; then you go up, take a breath, and admire the view from above.
Como: a short walk along the lakeside before going up
Before taking the funicular, treat yourself to a short walk along the lakeside. You do not need to walk for kilometres: just a short stretch with the water beside you and Como moving slowly around you is enough to get into the right mood. The perfect little ritual is simple: a coffee, a couple of photos without rushing, and then off to the station.
Brunate: viewpoints, villas and that old holiday-resort atmosphere
In Brunate, the temptation is to try to see everything quickly, but here the opposite works much better. Take it slowly and let the view guide you. Between one viewpoint and the next, you will start noticing interesting architectural details, especially in the areas where small villas and larger houses in Art Nouveau or eclectic style appear. This is one of the reasons why Brunate is not just a “panoramic viewpoint”, but also a small journey into another era.
Volta Lighthouse: the full version of the day
If you are looking for the iconic spot, the lighthouse is your goal. It is located in San Maurizio (Monte Tre Croci area) and can be reached from Brunate with an uphill walk along a mix of paths and paved sections, especially pleasant in spring.
How to get to the lighthouse from Brunate (simple directions)
From the upper station of the funicular, head towards the San Maurizio area, following the signs for the Volta Lighthouse. The most common route follows a well-maintained path. In general, allow a little over half an hour for the climb, depending on your pace and any stops along the way. As always, the golden rule applies: wear comfortable shoes and bring some water, especially on warmer days. The view over Lake Como will be worth every single step.
Lighthouse opening hours (and official link)
Opening hours vary depending on the season and may be suspended in case of bad weather, such as strong wind or rain. The most reliable source is always the official page of the Municipality of Brunate:
- Volta Lighthouse – Municipality of Brunate (updated opening hours, ticket prices and notices): https://www.comune.brunate.co.it/it/vivere/faro-voltiano
To give you an idea, in some winter periods the Municipality indicates typical openings on weekends and public holidays, for example from 10:30 to 16:30. In spring and during holiday periods, the opening hours can be extended, for example from 10:30 to 18:30. Since these times can change, checking the official link before you go helps you avoid surprises.
A brief historical note (without turning it into a lecture)
The lighthouse was built as a tribute to Alessandro Volta, on the occasion of the centenary of his death in 1927. It is a tall and distinctive tower, and in the evening it shines with the colours of the Italian flag, visible from far away. It is one of those landmarks that, once you have seen it, you start noticing every time you look at Como at night.
Note (Volta Lighthouse – 21/03/2026)
At the moment, the Volta Lighthouse is closed to the public: access to the tower is suspended until further notice for technical and structural inspections. Before heading up, check the latest update on the official Municipality of Brunate website. Even with the tower closed, Brunate and its panoramic viewpoints are still well worth the trip.
Full-day version (with lunch and a walk)
If you have a full day ahead and want to enjoy it properly — without turning it into a marathon — there is one key idea: a gentle pace. Como in the morning, Brunate when the light is at its best, lunch with a view, and then a short walk, just enough to stretch the moment a little longer.
Arriving in Brunate in the morning has a special charm: the air is often fresher and the view clearer. For lunch, in spring it is hard to go wrong. Even just sitting down and looking out over Como can make you feel completely recharged. In the afternoon, you can choose to keep things relaxed — viewpoints and a return — or add a bit more walking if you feel like it.
If you feel like turning it into something more “trekking-style”, from Brunate you can head towards Monte Boletto and Bolettone, stopping — when it makes sense — at the mountain huts along the way for a break or a simple lunch. This is a whole chapter on its own. We will cover it in a dedicated article with routes, timing and elevation details. For now, just keep it in mind: these are beautiful hikes, best done in good weather and with a basic level of fitness — or at least with the caution of someone who respects the mountains.
What to bring (without overpacking)
You really do not need much here: comfortable shoes with a good sole, a bottle of water (especially if you plan to walk up to the lighthouse), and a light sweater or jacket, as the air can change quickly at higher altitude. On bright days, sunglasses are a simple but very useful addition
Three simple tips to help you enjoy the trip even more
The first tip is to check the weather before heading up: with strong wind or rain, the lighthouse may be closed, and you might end up making the trip for nothing. The second is to choose your timing carefully. If you can avoid peak hours — early morning or just after lunch is ideal — you will enjoy both the funicular and Brunate much more calmly. The third is not to underestimate your footwear if you plan to walk to the lighthouse. You do not need technical gear, but a decent sole really makes a difference.
Where to stay for a stress-free trip to Como
If you want to enjoy Como and the surrounding area without complicated logistics, the simplest strategy is to choose a quiet base outside the busiest areas, well connected to both Como and Milan. This way, you can move around easily during the day and return in the evening with a clear, relaxed mind.
La Maison de Geraldine is designed exactly this way: a cosy, quiet apartment, convenient for getting around and perfect for recharging your energy.
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FAQ
How long does it take to visit Como, Brunate and the Volta Lighthouse?
In the basic version, allow around 3 to 5 hours. If you add lunch and a longer walk, it can easily turn into a full-day trip.
Is the Volta Lighthouse always open?
No. Gli orari dipendono dal periodo e può chiudere in caso di maltempo. Per evitare sorprese, controlla sempre la pagina ufficiale del Comune di Brunate prima di salire.
Nota (Faro Voltiano) 20/03/2026
Al momento il Faro Voltiano è chiuso al pubblico: l’accesso alla torre è sospeso fino a data da definirsi per verifiche tecnico-strutturali. Prima di salire, controlla l’avviso aggiornato sul sito del Comune di Brunate. Anche con la torre chiusa, però, Brunate e i belvedere valgono comunque la gita.
https://www.comune.brunate.co.it/index.php/it/news/faro-voltiano
Is it suitable with children?
Yes, especially the Como–Brunate route and the panoramic viewpoints. The walk up to the lighthouse depends on the children’s age and how comfortable they are with walking uphill.
Do you need a car?
No. It is a perfect itinerary even without a car, especially if you arrive by train.
Are there alternatives if the funicular is too crowded?
Yes. You can move your ascent to a quieter time, such as early morning or just after lunch, or simply stay in Como and enjoy the lakeside promenade and the town centre.