Brunate sits high above Como and offers a calm hilltop experience. Below is a step-by-step plan that gets you from the lake to a comfortable night at Villino Rubini. Follow the steps and you will have a smooth, memorable visit.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Decide Why Brunate Como Fits Your Trip
- Step 2: Plan the Journey Up from Como
- Step 3: Build a Brunate Como Day Plan
- Step 4: Choose the Right Way to Stay at Villino Rubini
- Step 5: Prepare for a Comfortable Stay Above Lake Como
- FAQ
Step 1: Decide Why Brunate Como Fits Your Trip
First decide what draws you to Brunate. The village is known for its narrow streets, historic villas and easy access to walking trails. If you enjoy quiet villages, panoramic viewpoints and a short ride on the historic funicular, Brunate matches those needs. According to Wikipedia, the town sits at 715 m above sea level and offers views of the Alpine range on clear days. It also attracts families, cyclists and small groups who want a break from the busier lakeside towns.
Consider the type of stay you prefer. Villino Rubini provides ten rooms across three buildings, a heated pool, a spa, a sauna and a garden that can hold up to one hundred guests for outdoor events. This makes the estate suitable for romantic getaways, small weddings or corporate retreats. If you need a private, quiet base for a day of hiking or a short bike ride, the estate fits well. Those who seek a bustling nightlife will find Brunate quieter than Como, which is part of its charm.
Make a quick list of your priorities , scenery, walking routes, event space, historic atmosphere , and check them against what Brunate and Villino Rubini offer. By the end of this step you should know whether Brunate is the right backdrop for your travel plans.
Step 2: Plan the Journey Up from Como
The most popular way to reach Brunate is the Como-Brunate funicular, which has run since 1894. The ride lasts about seven minutes and climbs roughly 500 m. Tickets are sold at the bottom and top stations; cash and cards are accepted. The funicular runs daily from 06:00 to 22:30, with extended hours on summer weekends. For the most current schedule .
If you travel during peak season, expect longer lines at midday. Arriving early or late in the morning helps you avoid crowds. The line moves quickly because each car holds many passengers and the journey is short. On rare occasions the line undergoes maintenance; in early 2026 a spring closure required a replacement bus service every 30 minutes. Check the service alerts before you leave.
For those who prefer a road trip, a private car can reach Brunate via Via per Brunate in about 20 minutes. The road is narrow in places, but parking is available near the historic lighthouse. Walking up from Como is also possible; a steep route is suitable for experienced walkers.
Our own guide to the funicular is available in the Villino Rubini journal. You can read it for tips on timing and ticket purchase: Brunate Funicular: A Usable Guide to the Como Climb.
Step 3: Build a Brunate Como Day Plan
Start your day with a sunrise ride on the funicular. Once at the top, walk ten minutes to the terrace with views across the village. The short stroll is flat and works for families with strollers.
Next, visit the Faro Voltiano lighthouse. It was built in 1927 to honor Alessandro Volta. A small fee grants you access to a spiral staircase with a panoramic view of the surrounding Alps. The walk from the funicular station to the lighthouse takes about 20-30 minutes and passes several historic villas.
After the lighthouse, head back toward the village center. The historic parish church offers a quiet interior and modest frescoes. A quick coffee at a nearby café lets you rest before the next leg.
In the early afternoon, consider a short hike on a local mountain path. The section that passes through Brunate offers gentle slopes and occasional viewpoints. For a longer trek, the Via dei Monti Lariani starts near Brunate and follows the mountain crest toward Bellagio , a 30 km route that can be broken into stages.
If you prefer water, return to Como by funicular and catch a ferry to Bellagio or Varenna. The ferry ride takes 45-75 minutes and provides a different perspective of the lake. After a leisurely lunch in one of the lake towns, you can explore gardens or a historic castle.
When the day ends, head back to Villino Rubini for dinner under the garden tent. The estate can seat about one hundred guests outdoors, making it ideal for a group dinner after a full day of exploring.
For more ideas on how to spend a full day around Lake Como, : Lake Como Travel Guide: Plan Your Stay Above the Lake.
Step 4: Choose the Right Way to Stay at Villino Rubini
Villino Rubini offers several rental scenarios. The most common is the Bed & Breakfast option, where you book one of ten rooms and receive a continental breakfast each morning. The rooms are spread across the main Villa, the Dependance and the Orangerie, allowing privacy while staying on the same grounds.
If you need an entire estate for a wedding, corporate retreat or family reunion, the exclusive hire option lets you reserve all ten rooms, the heated pool, the spa, the sauna and the garden tent for up to one hundred guests. This is the only venue in Brunate that can host such a large outdoor dinner while keeping the overnight capacity intimate.
For wellness-focused visitors, Villino Rubini runs experience stays that include yoga classes in the studio, guided hikes and access to the gym. The heated pool is open year-round, and the sauna provides a place to unwind after a long hike.
All stays include daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi and a private shuttle to the funicular station. The shuttle runs on the same schedule as the public funicular, so you never miss your connection.
Our wedding venue page offers details on how the garden tent can be arranged for up to one hundred guests and how the historic interiors can be used for ceremonies: Lake Como Wedding Venue.
When you decide which scenario fits your group, use the online reservation system to check availability. Prices vary by season and by the type of stay, so it is best to request a quote early.
Step 5: Prepare for a Comfortable Stay Above Lake Como
Pack layered clothing. The hilltop climate can be cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon, especially in summer. Comfortable shoes are essential for the cobbled streets and the walking paths that start near the funicular.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Several small bars and cafés in Brunate sell coffee and light snacks, but refill stations are limited. The estate provides fresh fruit and mineral water at the lounge during the day.
Check the shuttle schedule ahead of time. The private shuttle aligns with the funicular timetable, but it may require a short wait during peak hours. Knowing the departure times helps you plan your morning ascent without rush.
If you travel with children, the funicular is wheelchair-accessible and the terrace near the station is flat, making it a safe first stop. The garden of Villino Rubini is fenced and offers a safe play area for younger guests.
Finally, confirm any special requests , such as extra pillows, dietary needs for breakfast or a late-check-out , with the estate at least 48 hours before arrival. The staff can arrange these details without extra fuss.
FAQ
How do I buy tickets for the Como-Brunate funicular?
You buy tickets at the ticket office in either the bottom or top station. Cash and credit cards are accepted, and tickets are not date-specific, so you can use them any time on the day of purchase.
What is the best time of day to visit Brunate for fewer crowds?
Early morning, just after the funicular opens, offers the fewest visitors and soft light for photography.
Can Villino Rubini host a wedding for one hundred guests?
Yes, the estate can seat about one hundred guests outdoors under a tent in the garden, while providing ten rooms for up to nineteen overnight guests.
Is there Wi-Fi at Villino Rubini?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the estate, including the rooms, the lounge and the garden area.
Do I need a car to explore the surrounding area?
A car is not required. The funicular and the estate shuttle give easy access to Como, and local buses connect Brunate to nearby hiking trails.
For a relaxed hilltop escape, book Villino Rubini and follow this plan. Check availability online, pack for changing weather and enjoy a quiet day above Lake Como.
Occasional stories from the estate, sent a few times a year at most.