10 Things to Do in Lake Como in Winter

Packed with things to see and do, Lago di Como during the winter becomes a popular tourist destination for a relaxing getaway full of outdoor activities.

Here are 10 things to see and do in Lago di Como during winter.

The lake is spectacular in winter and one of the best ways to enjoy it is on board a boat. There are several boat tours available that will allow you to see the breathtaking views of the lake from a unique perspective.

In winter, boat trips on Lago di Como can be an unforgettable experience. However, it is important to keep in mind that weather conditions can be a bit uncertain in winter, so I recommend checking before booking any of these excursions.

Also, in winter the boats are often equipped with roofs to protect them from the rain and cold, and the views of the lake and snow-capped mountains are spectacular.

Bellagio is a beautiful town situated on the tip of the lake, renowned for its breathtaking views of the water and mountains. During the winter, taking a guided tour of the old town is especially enchanting with its streets adorned with lights and Christmas spirit and craft shops.

In winter, Bellagio has a number of activities you can enjoy. Here are some great options for you to get to know the city in depth:

• Stroll through the picturesque village of Bellagio, admiring the views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Take a ferry to explore other towns on the lake, such as Varenna or Menaggio.
• Visit the Villa Melzi Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and historical artefacts
• Relax in one of the nearby thermal baths, such as Terme di Esino or Grotta Azzurra
• Ski or snowboard in the nearby Alps, such as Madesimo or Piani di Bobbio.

The lake is surrounded by mountains and there are several cross-country skiing trails nearby. Therefore, a great way to enjoy the winter scenery of the lake while staying active is cross-country skiing.

Moreover, in winter cross-country skiing becomes a very popular activity in the mountainous areas near Lago di Como. There are several cross-country skiing areas in the Alps that are close to the lake, such as Piani di Bobbio and Madesimo.

These areas offer a wide variety of trails for cross-country skiing, whether you are a beginner or an expert, with distances and gradients ranging from 4 km to 30 km. They also offer services such as equipment hire and lessons for beginners.

It is important to note that snow conditions may vary depending on weather conditions, so it is advisable to check before planning your trip.

This impressive 17th century palace, which has been restored for use as a museum and public garden, is a must-see for history and architecture lovers, boasting an impressive collection of sculptures, frescoes and botanical gardens.

The Lake Palace, also known as Villa Carlotta, is a stunning historic villa on the shores of Lago di Como. The villa is known for its beautiful garden and stunning architecture, with a mix of Italian and French styles.

The palace is open to the public all year round and in winter the garden can be covered in snow, offering a breathtaking view. It is a popular place to visit and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

A fun and exciting way to explore the lake in winter is by sleigh. Sleigh rides in the mountains near the lake are some of the best tours in Lago Di Como.

Taking a winter sleigh ride on Lago di Como is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Note that there are some companies offering sleigh rides in the mountainous areas near the lake, such as Piani di Bobbio and Madesimo.

The lake is famous for its wines and there are several wineries nearby that offer tastings and guided tours where you can try different types of wine and learn more about the history and production of wine in Lake Como. This is a great way to taste the local wines while enjoying the most breathtaking views of the lake.

Wine tasting in Lago di Como in winter is one of the most enjoyable experiences you will ever have. The area is known for its high quality wines, including the famous typical wine of the lake, the "Sfursat", a red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape.

Another way to taste these delicacies is at wine tastings in some restaurants and bars in the towns near the lake, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the breathtaking views of the lake and the snow-capped mountains.

The lake is a great place for a bike ride and there are several trails that allow you to explore the lake and the nearby mountains. It is a great way to stay active and enjoy the winter scenery.

A bike ride in Lago di Como in winter can be a challenging and exciting experience, but be aware that the cold can be intense, so it is important to wear appropriate clothing and prepare for the weather conditions.

There are several bike routes in the area that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, but I recommend that you check the availability of the routes before planning your bike ride to avoid snowy or icy areas.

An exciting way to explore the lake in winter is by snowshoeing. There are several trails available for snowshoe hikers, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the lake and its surroundings while keeping you on the move.

Snowshoeing in Lago di Como in winter can be a challenging activity. In the mountainous areas near the lake, such as Piani di Bobbio and Madesimo, there are several routes you can snowshoe. These routes offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, and are a great way to enjoy nature in winter.

It is important to keep in mind that snow conditions may vary depending on weather conditions, so I recommend checking before planning your trip. And something very important: don't forget to take appropriate clothing for the cold.

The lake has several restaurants and shops offering a wide variety of local food and produce. It's a great opportunity to try some delicious Italian food and take home a souvenir of your trip.

Here are my favourites for you to visit:

• Ristorante La Punta: this restaurant overlooking the lake is located in Bellagio and is known for its traditional Italian cuisine and cosy atmosphere.
• Trattoria della Posta: this restaurant in Varenna is known for its traditional Lombard cuisine and cosy atmosphere, with a décor that gives a feeling of being in an old house.
• Il Gatto Nero: this restaurant in Bellagio is known for its Mediterranean cuisine and cosy atmosphere, with lake views and elegant décor.
• La Bottega del Gusto: this shop in Bellagio is known for its selection of local and quality products such as cheeses, wines and charcuterie products.
• La Bottega del Tempo Perso: this shop in Como is known for its selection of local and artisan products such as ceramics, jewellery and textiles.

This interesting museum features a wide variety of textiles and objects related to the history of Como's textile industry, including silk, linen and cotton fabrics. It is an excellent choice for those interested in local history and craftsmanship.

The Silk Museum houses a collection of objects related to the history of silk in the region. The museum features antique machinery and tools used in silk production, as well as a variety of textiles and decorative objects made from silk.

It is open all year round, but it is advisable to check opening times before planning your visit, as they can vary depending on the time of year. Particularly in winter, the museum can be an excellent choice for a day indoors, with a variety of exhibitions and educational activities to spend the day.

Temperatures in Lago di Como in winter tend to be cool and damp, with average lows between 0°C and 5°C and highs between 5°C and 10°C.

However, it is important to note that the lake acts as a thermal regulator, meaning that temperatures can be slightly warmer in areas close to the water than in the surrounding mountainous areas.

The tourist numbers in Lago di Como in winter are generally lower than in summer due to the cooler and wetter weather conditions. However, there are still a significant number of visitors who choose to enjoy the natural beauties of the lake as well as the activities and cultural events that take place in the region during the winter.

Some of the most popular towns on the lake, such as Como and Bellagio, are still attractive to visitors and can be more crowded. Therefore, if you plan to visit Lago di Como in winter, it is advisable to book your accommodation and transport in advance to ensure availability.

Prices in Lago di Como in winter are usually lower than in summer due to the lower number of tourists. However, it is important to note that the cost of living in Italy is generally high, so you can still expect significantly higher prices than in other areas of Europe.

For accommodation, prices can vary depending on the location, size and level of luxury of the room. For example, hotels and bed and breakfasts tend to be more expensive than flats and holiday homes.

As for food, restaurants in Lago di Como offer typical dishes of the region and prices vary depending on the type of restaurant, and the quality and freshness of the ingredients.

In general, I recommend you keep a flexible budget so that you can enjoy all the activities in Lago di Como without missing out on anything.

Due to the low temperatures that may accompany you on your getaway to Lago di Como, I want to tell you about some ways I found to protect myself from the cold when I visited Lago di Como in winter. Here are a few options:

• Wear thermal clothing: It is important that you wear adequate clothing to keep you warm. You can opt for thermal clothing or woollen clothing to insulate your body from the cold.
• Always carry a warm coat with you: I recommend that you pack a warm winter coat. I assure you that it will be your companion during the whole trip to protect you from the wind and keep your body warm.
• Don't forget to have gloves and a hat at hand: It is important to protect your hands and head from the cold, as these are the parts of your body that lose the most heat.
• Stay active: That's why I've included so many exercise options in this article - staying active will help you ward off the cold. You can walk, cycle or do some other type of outdoor exercise to keep warm.
• Plan a boat tour: This is one of the most recommended options for a winter trip to Lago di Como. A boat tour can be a great way to protect yourself from the cold while enjoying the views of Lago di Como.

If you plan to visit Lake Como in winter, it's important to make sure you pack the right clothing and items to keep you warm and comfortable during your trip. In addition to thermal clothing, winter coats and gloves and hats, here are a few things you can't go without:

• Comfortable footwear: It's important to wear comfortable, waterproof shoes for walking on snow and cobblestone streets.
• Extra clothes: Make sure you bring enough extra clothes to change into. In wet weather your clothes may get wet and not dry easily, so it is important to plan for this.
• Winter accessories: Take a scarf, cap or hat to protect you from the cold and snow, and a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun reflecting off the snow.
• Suitable suitcases: Use a suitcase that is waterproof and cold-resistant, will hold all your belongings and is easy to carry.

As you can see, Lago di Como is a popular and unique winter destination thanks to its stunning water and mountain views, its rich history and art, and its wide variety of outdoor activities.

From boating and cross-country skiing to wine tasting and museum visits, there's an activity for everyone on this beautiful Italian lake. You'll love it!