Brunate

Brunate on Lake Como is a popular holiday town in the hills rather than along the lakeshore. It has ancient origins going back to the Celts but is more well known as a getaway for wealthy and famous who built a lot of villas here. In fact, one of the things you'll immediately notice is the vast variety of villas dotting the hillside. The town is easily accessible by its funicular that travels uphill in just a few minutes. The landscape is covered by forests, mostly by maple, ash, pine, birch, locust, oak, chestnut and beech trees. And of course, there are fantastic views from up here! You can see across the lake to the green hills that give way to the rugged mountain peaks.

The defining feature is the tall white lighthouse that rises from amidst the trees. There are several restaurants in Brunate, making it worth the trip not just to enjoy the panoramas but to eat! Some places are tucked in the countryside, while others offer nice views of the lake, and still others are down-home family-run restaurants. Something for everyone.