10 Things to Do in Lake Como in Winter

Full of 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 the winter.

The lake is spectacular in winter and one of the best ways to enjoy it is aboard 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 rides 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 usually equipped with roofs to protect from rain and cold, and the views of the lake and snow-capped mountains are spectacular.

Bellagio is a beautiful city located at 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 charming with its streets adorned with lights and Christmas spirit and craft stores.

In winter, in Bellagio you will have several activities you can enjoy. Here are some good 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 artifacts
• Relax in one of the nearby thermal baths, such as Terme di Esino or Grotta Azzurra
• Go skiing or snowboarding in the nearby Alps, such as Madesimo or Piani di Bobbio

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

Also, 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 slopes ranging from 4 km to 30 km. In addition, they also offer services such as equipment rental and lessons for beginners.

It is important to keep in mind 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, as it features 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 breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

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

Taking a winter sleigh ride on Lago di Como is an exciting and unforgettable experience. Note that there are some companies that offer 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 wines 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.

Tasting wines 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 an ideal place for a bike ride and there are several trails that will 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 moving.

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 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: do not forget to take appropriate clothing for the cold.

The lake has several restaurants and stores offering a wide variety of food and local products. It is an excellent opportunity to taste the delicious Italian food and take home a souvenir of your trip.

Here are my favorites 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 cozy atmosphere.
• Trattoria della Posta: this restaurant in Varenna is known for its traditional Lombard cuisine and cozy atmosphere, with a decor that gives a feeling of being in an old house.
• Il Gatto Nero: this restaurant in Bellagio is known for its Mediterranean cuisine and cozy atmosphere, with lake views and elegant decor.
• La Bottega del Gusto: this store 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 store in Como is known for its selection of local and artisanal products such as ceramics, jewelry and textiles.

This interesting museum features a wide variety of fabrics 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 hours before planning your visit, as they may vary depending on the time of year. Particularly in winter, the museum can be an excellent choice for a day indoors, as it has a variety of exhibits and educational activities to spend the day.

Temperatures in Lago di Como in winter are usually 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 keep in mind that the lake acts as a thermal regulator, meaning that temperatures may be slightly warmer in areas close to the water than in the surrounding mountainous areas.

The tourist influx in Lago di Como in winter is usually 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 may be more crowded. Therefore, if you plan to visit Lago di Como in winter, it is advisable to book your accommodation and transportation in advance to ensure availability.

Prices in Lago di Como in winter are usually lower than in summer due to the lower tourist influx. However, it is important to keep in mind 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 apartments and vacation 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 bring a flexible budget so 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 that worked for me to protect myself from the cold when I visited Lago di Como in winter. Here are some options:

• Wear thermal clothing: It is important that you wear adequate clothing to keep you warm. You can opt for thermal clothing or wool clothing to insulate your body from the cold.
• Always carry a warm coat with you: I recommend you to 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: 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 in this article I included so many exercise options, staying active will help you repel the cold. You can walk, bike or do some other type of outdoor exercise to keep warm.
• Plan a boat tour: This is one of the options I highly recommend 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 Lago di Como in winter, it is 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 coat and gloves and hats, here are some things you can't be without:

• Comfortable footwear: It is important to wear comfortable, water-resistant shoes for walking on snow and cobblestone streets.
• Extra clothes: Be sure to bring enough extra clothes to change into. Since the weather is so wet, your clothes may get wet and not dry easily, so it is important to plan for this.
• Winter accessories: Take a scarf, a 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 waterproof and cold-resistant suitcase that allows you to store all your things and is easy to carry.

As you will see, Lago di Como is a popular and unique tourist destination to enjoy in winter thanks to its breathtaking 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!