This Rustic Italian Village Sits Perched Above Lake Como & Surrounded By Stunning Scenery

Perched high above Lake Como in Lombardy is the rustic village of Brunate, known as "the balcony over the Alps" for its panoramic views. From its vantage point over 2,346 feet above sea level, the town perfectly frames the drama of Lake Como's deep blue waters, cradled by lush green hillsides. Brunate is home to only about 1,800 full-time residents, but when summer comes, the area fills with energy and people. Visitors flock to its boutique villas and wander the quiet streets of the old town, pausing to marvel at the Art Nouveau villas. The hauntingly lovely village also encompasses several small churches as well as a tidy cluster of cafes and scenic piazzas.

Getting there is relatively easy. Travelers typically arrive at Milan Malpensa or Linate airports, then take a train to Como San Giovanni or Como Lago. From Como Lago station, it's a 6-minute scenic lakeside walk to the funicular station at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi. The funicular (cable railway) runs regularly every day from 6 a.m. to about midnight. It takes about 7 minutes to get to Brunate, and the round-trip fare is around $8.40. The trip ascends a mountainside and passes through a tunnel before opening up to glorious lake views. Besides being scenic, it's a convenient and refreshingly cool way to reach the village on hot summer days. 

One place you should definitely not miss while in Brunate is the Faro Voltiano lighthouse, a 95-foot-tall octagonal tower that was built in 1927 to honor scientist Alessandro Volta. At night, the lighthouse sends out alternating beams of red, white, and green light in honor of the Italian flag. Getting to the lighthouse first involves a 30-minute uphill walk from the Brunate funicular stop. Then, you'll have to climb 143 steps to get to the circular balconies of the lighthouse, where you'll be rewarded with expansive views of Lake Como, all the way to Mount Viso, the Mount Rose massif, and the Swiss Alps.

Plan your visit to the lighthouse around midday or early afternoon for optimal light. Be sure to pause your walk at panoramic lookout points like Belvedere of via Pirotta, Piazza Bonacosa, and Via Pissarottino — each offering different beautiful perspectives of the surroundings. When you're done exploring Brunate, make sure to check out the quiet town of Lecco for another authentic Lake Como experience. This town is just a 45-minute drive east of Brunate.

A well-rounded itinerary for a day trip from Como to Brunate could be to spend a morning exploring Como's lakeside promenade or going on a private boat tour of the lake. Next, hop on the funicular, and when you reach the top, enjoy lunch in Brunate. An excellent choice would be the Ristorante Bellavista, which is located near the funicular and has been serving delicious meals with suberb views on the side for over a century. After you've had your fill, it's time to amble. Wander the peaceful village lanes and save some energy for the trek up to the lighthouse. Finish with sunset drinks before riding back down into the glow of Como's lakeside lights. Bring walking shoes, a camera, sunscreen for sunny days, and layers for cool summer nights.

The best time to visit Brunate is late spring through early fall, when the streets and trails are free from snow, and the sun is shining. However, summer weekends can bring long lines for the funicular, so arriving early will help you beat the crowds and ensure crisp views before the haze sets in. In Brunate, lodging is limited to a few boutique hotels and vacation rentals with views. You'll find a wider variety of options for overnight stays in Como. Expect mid-range hotels or bed and breakfasts in Como to be around $150 to $230 per night. If you are feeling boujee, there are romantic, elegant hotels looking over Lake Como, like the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, about an hour's drive north of Brunate.