Lake Como, Italy: A Day Trip from Milan

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

During our two-week stay in Milan, we took a day trip to Como, following the recommendations of several Italian locals we’ve met on our trip. And what good advice it was! A nice change from the hustling city, Como had a relaxing feeling in the air.

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us
Swans swimming in Lake Como certainly added to this lakeside town’s charm.

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

GETTING TO COMO FROM MILAN ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Milan’s public transportation websites: atm.it / trenord.it

Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Our trip from Milan to Como on public transportation was reasonable at only 4.55 each way (plus €1.50 to first get a 90-minute urban ticket to get to a departing station). If you want to ride first class, it costs a bit more.

I recommend viewing the Regional Railway map on the Trenord website to plan your route. Trains run every 1-2 hours. Timetables should be posted at your departing station.

We took the regional railway from Milano Cadorna through Saronno and up to the Como Nord Lago station, conveniently located just south of the lake and close to the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como). When we arrived in Como, we looked at the timetables for our return trip so we could plan on a time to return to the station (and not miss the last train!)

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us
Como Cathedral exterior

Unfortunately when we were planning our day trip, Google Maps wasn’t displaying fully accurate options on Milan’s public transportation system. (The Metro lines weren’t showing up correctly during our stay in Milan.) I recommend checking atm.it or looking at the timetables at the station.

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

A POPULAR DESTINATION FOR LOCALS, TOO

Como definitely sees its share of the tourist crowd. After all, it is the home of George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra, and Star Wars fans may recognize Como from scenes shot in “Naboo.” But we discovered that more than just tourists take advantage of Como’s beauty. Our Airbnb host spent both weekends sailing in Como the two weeks we were there!

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Walking around the lake, we noticed several locals hanging out on the grassy hill next to the walking path around the lake. Seems like the perfect way to enjoy a nice day: on the grassy hillside with a lake view, lounging around with your lover or a good book.

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

A SHORT HIKE

After strolling around the lake, we found a staircase that led up the hillside, so we went exploring!

Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

The views got better as we made our way up.

Lake Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

COMO CATHEDRAL (DUOMO DI COMO)

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

The Como Cathedral (free to enter, unlike other cathedrals in Italy) was a nice treat. We enjoyed wandering around both inside and out.

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

If you want to light a candle, it’s just €1.

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

Como Cathedral in Como, Italy on northtosouth.us

In the courtyard outside the cathedral, teenagers were kicking a ball around and blasting “We Are the Champions” by Queen. I hung out on a bench while Ian took a hyperlapse of the cathedral.

Ian and Diana on northtosouth.us
After finishing our full day’s visit to Como with some gelato, we hopped on the train back to Milan.

View all the photos from our day trip to Como in the gallery below.

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