Coronavirus: how to visit Como and its Lake

The health situation is closely monitored.

On the web site of the Ministry of Health  all useful information and operational guidelines are available about measures that must  be respected in Italy to safeguard everyone.

All updates are available at the following link https://www.regione.lombardia.it/wps/portal/istituzionale/HP/coronavirus (in Italian).

Green Pass
Effective from June 1, 2022, it is no longer mandatory to show a Green Pass to enter Italy from a foreign country and to access businesses and services in Italy. Therefore, free access to local and national public transportation, bars and restaurants, shops, museums, theaters, cinemas, stadiums, gyms, spas, etc.

Use of masks
The use of FFP2 masks remains mandatory in the following locations:

• ships and ferries used for interregional transport services
• High Speed, Intercity, Intercity Night, and Interregional Trains
• buses connecting more than two regions
• buses/coaches used for chartered services with driver
• local and regional public transport.

However, the use of the mask in all indoor environments and in all cases of crowded outdoor events is highly recommended.
Please note that nonetheless, in all situations, the following people are excluded from the requirement to wear masks:

• children under the age of six
• persons with a medical condition or disability that is incompatible with the use of a mask, and persons who must communicate with a disabled person
• individuals who are engaging in athletic activities

For all information about the opening of the borders we recommend you to visit the website of Foreign Affairs.

In this context we suggest to who is still in doubt to confirm his reservation.
The two capitals Como and Lecco are waiting for you with their characteristic historical centers, streets full of shops for your shopping, churches, museums and monuments.
You can swim in Lake Como, in fact it is monitored every month by the Insubria Agency of  Health Protection, a the following link http://www.ats-insubria.it/balneabilita you will find the updated data for all locations (in Italian).
Take the opportunity to enjoy Lake Como in complete tranquility without problems of overcrowding, it is an opportunity not to be missed!

Milano Malpensa, Milano Linate and Orio al Serio (Bergamo) airports are open.
It is important to check your flight since some airline companies are flying with a reduced timetable.
The trains from/to Milan and from/to Switzerland are running normally too.

Here all information about connections from airports and rail links.

SS 340 Regina road is closed to the traffic in Colonno until 29th March 2022: in order to get to the central part of the lake (Tremezzina), you will have to get alternative roads.

To visit Lake Como area you can use different means of transport such as buses, boats, funiculars/cable cars and trains.

BUSES: the buses run with regular service and it is recommended to purchase the tickets on ARRIVA MyPay app to reduce contacts with the staff (available for smartphone IOS and Android, in Italian). Anyway it is possible to buy tickets at the bus station in Matteotti Square in Como (from Mondays to Saturdays 06.30 a.m. – 08.00 p.m, closed Sundays) or at ASF network retailers  (all information on their website www.asfautolinee.it, in Italian).

NAVIGATION: boats/hydrofoils run with regular service and it is recommended to purchase the tickets online to reduce contacts with the staff (it is possible to buy through website one way boat tickets only), for all other type of tickets it is possible to purchase them at the pier or, in case there is no ticket office, directly on the boat/hydrofoil. Bar/restaurant service on board, where planned, is available.
New timetables are valid until 11th June 2021.
All information and updates on https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/#

FUNICULAR COMO-BRUNATE: it runs regularly from 6.00am to 10.30pm, on Saturdays from 6.00am until midnight, reduced capacity at 35 people per wagon. For further information http://www.funicolarecomo.it

CABLE CAR ARGEGNO-PIGRA: The Argegno-Pigra Funicular railway will be stopped from October 17th 2022 due to extraordinary maintenance operations, for approx. 30-45 days http://www.comune.pigra.co.it/hh/index.php

TRAINS: they run regularly.
The ticket office at the Como San Giovanni Railway Station is open every day, including holidays, from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm. as alternative you can purchase tickets online, at the machines, newsstand, bar or minimarket inside the station. The ticket office at Como Lago Railway Station is open all days 06.00 a.m. - 08.00 p.m..
For further information/updates visit these websites https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html and https://www.trenord.it/EN/.

BIKE SHARING (COMO): it is possible to buy the pass through BicinCittà app or on the website bicincitta.com.
You can buy the annual pass and replace the card at  Como Fitness Club (Via Einaudi 4, Como- open from Monday to Friday 06.00 a.m. - 09.00 p.m., on Saturdays 06.00 a.m. - 01.00 p.m.), at Caffeé Maya Tobacco Shop (Piazza Vittoria 21, Como – open from Monday to Saturday 07.00 a.m. - 09.00 p.m., IAT Anagramma (Largo Campanini 1, Cernobbio – open from Monday to Wednesday 07.30 a.m. - 07.00 p.m., from Thursday to Sunday 08.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m. For other requests (tourist pass, pass renewal and pass recharge) you have to go through the website or the app. With the latter you cannot require the card replacement.
During the registration the system asks the tax code so it is a service usable only by Italians.

TAXI:
Radio Taxi Como 031 261515
Radio Taxi Lario Duemila 031 272000
Taxi Como 031 8118 (you can make reservation through Skytaxi app or with a text +39 3346747924) 031 271000 / 800 012380 / 031 260259
Bellagio Taxi Service 328 0649328
Taxi Bellagio serale 333 8235536 and 333 2996404
Taxi Menaggio 0344 31244, 335 8036670, 338 2047279, 334 5267507
Taxi Alto Lago 347 9242769, 347 3520540, 335 631574

Almost all hotels in Como are open, here the updated list.
B&B, apartments and holidays homes have reopened too, in this web page the major part is reported. It is necessary to contact them to verify their availability.
The list of hotels and extra-hotels accommodation on Lake Como is available at the following link: https://www.lakecomo.is/be-our-guest-accommodation/

For those traveling by camper there is the possibility to stop at trailer parks.

Check opening times on the following website: http://www.governo.it/it/coronavirus-misure-del-governo (in Italian)

Restaurants, pizzerias, trattorias, bars, pubs, bakeries and ice cream shops are open until 11.00pm and you can also have lunch or dinner inside.
Here you find the list.
If you want to spend a nice lunch break or a romantic dinner next to the lake, in the historical centre of Como, in one of the many small villages or on fresh hills, look for the place that you like the most and if it is possible reserve your table, in this way your culinary experience will immediately start.

Booking required. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 08.30am – 12.30pm / 03.00pm – 07.30pm; check the Sunday opening on https://www.farmaciediturno.org/comune.asp?cod=13075

From 1 September 2021, pharmacies which have acceded to the protocol promoted by the Government will perform rapid swab tests at a regulated price valid for the issue of the Green Pass. The list, constantly updated, is available at the following link https://www.farmaciediturno.org/comune.asp?cod=13075

Tests will cost 15 euros each. Minors between 12 and 18 years old are entitled to a public contribution of 7 euros and, therefore, the tariff to be paid by the user will be 8 euros. Appointments are managed directly by each pharmacy.

PCR TEST

The PCR test can be carried out with MANDATORY RESERVATION on the web site www.asst-lariana.it > ZERO CODE in drive through mode only (it is therefore mandatory to show up by car), it costs €70,00 and you can receive the result in English after 24h without additional cost.
Requested documents:
•    identity card/passaport
•    email address.
You can pay with credit card or debit card (NO CASH).
For groups of more than 10 people please contact the hospital.
Here the locations and contacts:

• Como, Via Napoleona 60, at the clinic Sant'Anna:
  From Monday to Friday from 07:30 a.m. to 09:30 a.m.
  Tel: +39 031 5851
• Menaggio, Via Virginia Casartelli 7, at the Hospital Erba Renaldi:
  From Monday to Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  Tel: +39 0344 33111

Since, cause of Covid-19, it is recommended to stay outdoor we have decided to list the 10 outdoor activities to do in Como and surroundings, here you are the list:
1. SPINA VERDE REGIONAL PARK
Just behind the city a natural reserve covers a thousand hectars with countless of easy and well-marked paths that extends along the Swiss border from Lipomo to Colverde.
This particular Park is home of many sites of great historical, archaeological and natural value.
One of the most famous is Pin Umbrela that offers a fantastic view of Lake Como first basin and its surrounding mountains but also Tibetan Bridge (Ponte Tibetano) is noteworthy in fact it is very appreciated by children.
Here are based Linea Cadorna trenches and Baradello Castle too: ancient fortress that has always watched the city and now it is the symbol of the Park.

2.    LAKESIDE PROMENADE
One of the first things we do just arrived in Como is the lakeside promenade from Villa Geno to Tavernola,  4,5 km long, very charming due to its many villas from Villa Geno to the funicular and from the Aero Club to Villa Olmo. After Villa Olmo it continues until Tavernola pier where you can take the boat to get back to town or you can take the opportunity to enjoy a Lake Como tour. There is the possibility to continue the path and arrive up to Cernobbio, one of the most famous Lake Como villages.

3. BRUNATE
Right over the city you can see a village perched on the mountain… that is Brunate, famous for its view points and walks in the nature.
This small village can be reached with the funicular that takes 7 minutes only.
Just reached the village you can decide to relax in the centre among alleys, liberty style villas, bars, restaurants or undertake an adventure and explore the paths of the area.
The two main promenades are Via Regia and Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano.
Via Regia is very simple because flat and it has a modest altitude (600/650 m a.s.l.) with connecting trails to all lake villages (the most famous trail is Brunate-Montepiatto-Torno).
La Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano is more difficult because it reaches greater heights that exceed 1000 m a.s.l., so the first part is quite steep then you can walk along the ridge that is more or less flat. Along the promenade you will find the Volta’s Lighthouse: a very important piece of Como history and open to the public.

4. FIRST BASIN BOAT TOUR
One of the main activities to do is the boat tour because it is the only way to admire Lake Como beauties and live an unforgettable experience.
We suggest to buy the daily ticket of €8,90 that includes the visit of the first basin, an area rich in villas visible from the lake only.
Since the ticket is daily you can hop on hop off in all stops of the first basin without limits so you have the opportunity to visit characteristic villages like Cernobbio, Moltrasio and Torno.

5.    MOUNT BISBINO – MOUNT COLMEGNONE
An other outdoor activity to do with your family is the walk from Mount Bisbino to Mount Colmegnone, it is a very easy walk, mostly flat, with magnificent views of the lake. On the trail there are mountain huts where you can have lunch or a break like Baita Vetta Bisbino, Rifugio Bugone, Rifugio Murelli or Agriturismo Roccolo San Bernardo.

6.    THE ‘’VIA VERDE’’
This is a very simple path suitable for all that starts in Moltrasio and arrives in Laglio.
It starts in Moltrasio centre to reach Tosnacco where it continues towards Laglio along a panoramic walk that develops through the villages too so you can explore the most hidden corners of these small centres.

7.    THE EXPRESSIONS PATH
The Expressions Path is an easy trail that starts in Schignano and arrives at Mount Comana, fantastic panoramic point.
This walk is dotted with hand carved wooden statues according to the village skilled artists tradition, in fact Schignano is famous for its traditional carnival where handcrafted wodden masks are worn by all.

8.    THE GREENWAY
The Lake Como Greenway is perhaps the most known path of all area.
This simple trail starts in Colonno and arrives up to Griante, it can be done in the opposite direction if you wish.
Mostly flat with wide lake views the Greenway is perfect for those who want to combine nature and sport with culture, in fact along the path you can stop in Lenno and/or in Tremezzo to visit the famous Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.
The luck of this walk is also the possibility to interrupt it everywhere because, being close to the main road, you can stop and come back to the starting point (with public transport too) at any time.

9.    ALPE DI COLONNO – MOUNT GALBIGA
An other easy trail to do with your family is the one that starts from Alpe di Colonno and arrives up to Mount Galbiga.
You can reach Alpe di Colonno by car and then continue by foot on a simple path with some ascents.
Along the walk you will find cheese and butter local producers with cows and goats grazing (during spring and summer only).
Just below the top is located Rifugio Venini where you can take a break and just above there is one of the best view points of all lake: in fact you can see both Lake Como, Lake Lugano and Lake Piano.

10.    SAN MARTINO
As last option we propose an other trail that starts from the ferry station of Cadenabbia and arrives to San Martino Church, small jewel set in the mountain that overlooks the village below.
It is an easy path, not too much climbing and short (about 1h15m) but it has a magnificent view over central lake.

CATHEDRAL: timetable from Mondays to Fridays 09.30 a.m. – 05.30 p.m., Saturdays 10.45 a.m. – 04.30 p.m., Sundays 01.00 p.m. – 04.30 p.m., https://www.cattedraledicomo.it/en/turist/
BASILICA OF SAN FEDELE: open for religious worship only every day 8.00 a.m. – 12.00 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. https://www.parrocchiasanfedelecomo.it/home/chiese-della-parrocchia/basilica-di-san-fedele/linterno-della-basilica/ (in italian)
BASILICA OF SANT'ABBONDIO: open every day 08.00 a.m. – 06.30 p.m. During religious services visits are suspended.
ARCHAEOLOGIC and HISTORICAL MUSEUMS: closed until further notice
VOLTA'S TEMPLE: open only by reservation at least 2 days before the chosen date: ask to Infopoint Broletto or send an email to infopointcomo@comune.como.it. From Tuesdays to Sundays 10.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
PINACOTECA: open from Tuesdays to Sundays 10.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
SILK MUSEUM: open from Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 am-01.00pm and 02.00pm-06.00pm
https://www.museosetacomo.com/?lang_id=2 The Museum will be closed to the public from 23rd December 2022 until 9th January 2023
VILLA OLMO: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 a.m. - 06.00 p.m.; the park is open all days 07.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. for free (1 October - 30 March) and all days 07.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m. for free (1 April - 30 September)
EX-CASA DEL FASCIO: Visits with prior authorization issued by the Guardia di Finanza’s Como Provincial Command
WAR MEMORIAL: closed until further notice
KILOMETER OF KNOWLEDGE: (Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota parks): open from April to October, except Saturdays, Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m., Sunday 9.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m. https://www.villadelgrumello.it/it/progetti/km_c/ (in italian)
CASTELLO BARADELLO: open on Saturdays and Sundays 9.30 a.m. - 06.00 p.m., mandatory reservation https://www.spinaverde.it/main/visite-guidate-castello-baradello/ (in italian)
VOLTA'S LIGHTHOUSE (BRUNATE): open every day (except on working Wednesdays) from 10.30am to 6.30pm. Closed in case of bad weather. https://www.comune.brunate.co.it/it/news/1085176 (in italian)

Starting from Como it is possible to reach the main points of interest of the area. Hereafter we list some of them, to find other ideas visit the website www.lakecomo.is
VILLA BERNASCONI (CERNOBBIO): open from Fridays to Mondays 10.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m. with mandatory reservation: https://www.villabernasconi.eu/en/acquisto-biglietti-ingresso/
VILLA ERBA PARK (CERNOBBIO): closed
COMACINA ISLAND (TREMEZZINA): Taxi-boat from Antiquarium to Ossuccio, last entry at 5:00 pm, last exit at 6:00 pm. Opening hours Museo Antiquarium 2022: Thu – Fri – Sat – Sun from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm https://isola-comacina.it/en/
VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO (TREMEZZINA): Continuous hours from 10.00am to 6.00pm., closed on Monday and Wednesday, apart from Italian bank holidays. Last entrance to the Garden at 500 pm. Last entrance to visit the interiors of the Villa, with a 45 minute guided tour, at 4.30 pm. https://www.fondoambiente.it/villa-del-balbianello-eng
VILLA CARLOTTA (TREMEZZINA): daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. https://www.villacarlotta.it/en/visit/
LAKE COMO INTERNATIONAL MUSEUMS OF VINTAGE BOATS (PIANELLO DEL LARIO): Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 2 pm-6 pm; open on request for groups of at least 15 people https://www.museobarcalariana.it/ (in italian)
END OF THE WAR MUSEUM (DONGO): July and August daily from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm https://www.museofineguerradongo.it/en/
VILLA MELZI (BELLAGIO): open every day from 10:00am to 7:00 pm – last entrance at 6:30 pm http://www.giardinidivillamelzi.it/GIARDINI_DI_VILLA_MELZI/HOME_PAGE_ENG.html
THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION PARK (BELLAGIO): open every day from 10:00am to 7:00 pm – last entrance at 6:30 pm.
The visit lasts about 90 minutes and is accompanied by a guide who tells the story of the park and the Villa from its origin to the present day.
Access is allowed to a maximum of 60 people per day and only through guided tours. Reservation is mandatory and you can buy tickets online only with Promobellagio through this web page: https://www.bellagiolakecomo.com/it/bellagio-lago-di-como/PDI-punti-di%20interesse/parco-di-villa-serbelloni
VILLA MONASTERO (VARENNA): June-July-August: House Museum: daily from 9.30 am to 8 pm. Botanic Garden: daily from 9.30 am to 8 pm. September: House Museum: from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm; closed from 21st September to 24th September 2022. Botanic Garden: daily from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm. Closed on 22nd September and on 23rd September 2022; it will open on 24th September 2022 at 3 p.m.. 1st October – 1st November: House Museum: from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Botanic Garden: daily from 10 am to 6 pm. https://www.villamonastero.eu/index.php/en/
VILLA CIPRESSI BOTANICAL GARDEN (VARENNA): June, July, August 9.30 a.m. - 08.00 p.m..; September 9.30 a.m. - 07.30 p.m.; October 8.00 a.m. - 08.00 p.m.. https://www.hotelvillacipressi.it/1/86/EN/The_Botanic_Garden_of_Villa_Cipressi_Varenna.htm
VEZIO CASTLE (VARENNA): Monday-Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday-Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm, from the 1st Saturday of March until the 1st of November. Closed if raining http://www.castellodivezio.it/EN/home-en.html
FORTE OF FUENTES (COLICO): daily 10am - 5 pm from 1st July to 4th August https://www.fortedifuentes.it/ (in italian)
PIONA ABBEY (COLICO): open every day 09.00 a.m. – 12.00 a.m. / 02.30 p.m. – 06.00 p.m., https://www.abbaziadipiona.it/ (in italian)
OREZIA TOWER AND SAN LEONARDO CHURCH (DERVIO): Saturday-Sunday from 10.30-12.00 am and 2.30pm to 5.30 pm
ORRIDO OF BELLANO (BELLANO): daily 8.45 a.m. - 08.00 p.m https://www.discoveringbellano.eu/en/orrido-di-bellano-en/
GHISALLO MUSEUM (MAGREGLIO): daily 9.30 a.m. - 05.30 p.m from the 1st Saturday of March until the 1st Sunday of November info@museodelghisallo.it or call +39 031 965885 https://www.museodelghisallo.it/en

There are no particular limitations for public beaches except for individual accountability by adopting respectful attitudes of 1 m. distance among people.
Individual sports that are usually played on the beach (like beach tennis) or in the water (like swimming, surf, windsurf, kitesurf) can be regularly practiced, respecting the measures of interpersonal distancing.
There are many free beaches of different sizes.
Some of the largest are:
Lido di Ossuccio
Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli a Tremezzo 
Spiaggia di Santa Maria Rezzonico 
North Lake Como

A calendar rich of events and cultural activities for all tastes is available on the website: https://www.visitcomo.eu/en/enjoy/events/index.html

Tours on Lake Como with private boats are available.

International seaplane base of Como is open to let you experience the emotion of a seaplane flight.

The Tour Guides Associations are ready to guide individual and groups (max 20 people) in interesting visits and private tours of the city and lake.

It is possible to rent bikes and scooters  to discover the region and the small villages following the roads along the lake, paying always attention to the cars, or ,for the more sporty, choosing off-road routes  with MTB on mountains or trying to emulate the deeds of own champions along Giro d’Italia and Il Giro di Lombardia routes, reaching Madonna of Ghisallo sanctuary, patron saint of cyclists.
With the family you can peacefully cycle along the lake from Como to Cernobbio (3km), on a bike path at low speed  paying attention to pedestrians; in North Lake Como there are two cycling paths: from Menaggio to Porlezza and from Menaggio to Sorico.
Here the list of shops where you can rent bikes/scooters:
Cicli Ferca, via Dottesio 8, it has MTB, trekking and racing bikes (https://rentbikecomo.com/)
Como Rental Solutions, via Manzoni 10, it has city bikes, e-bikes and scooters (http://www.comorentalsolutions.com/home-en/)
Stunning Bike Co-Tours, via Coloniola 37, it has e-bikes, possibility to join to organized tours (https://www.stunningbikecotours.com/)
Run and Bike, via Borgovico 161, it has e-bikes MTB, city bikes and racing bikes (www.runandbike.it in italian)

There are countless walks in the nature or more challenging trekking routes leaving from Como. Here some suggestions

In the ‘’4 Zampe’’ magazine July 2020 edition you can find a lot of useful information about holidays with your pet.