The Dis-loyal Guide To Lake Como
The Dis-loyal Guide To Lake Como
Lake Como without the crowds? It's not a myth, it's just winter. While everyone else is fighting over sun loungers somewhere warmer, the lake slips into its most charming season: quieter streets, moodier views and all the beauty with none of the elbowing. Think mist rolling across the water, leisurely lunches that turn into early dinners and enough breathing room to remember why people fell in love with the place in the first place. Read on for our guide to experiencing Lake Como at its most relaxed, and arguably, its best.
Villa del Balbianello
You could visit Villa del Balbianello in peak summer alongside everyone else on their holiday photo shoot. Or you could come in winter, when the crowds evaporate and the estate feels wonderfully cinematic. Perched above the lake, surrounded by misty mountains and impossibly still water, it's the sort of setting that makes you feel like the main character, minus the audience.
The Greenway
The Greenway is proof that not every Lake Como highlight needs a ticket, queue or gift shop. This scenic walking route threads together lakeside villages, quiet pathways and some of the region's best views. In winter, you'll have much of it to yourself, making it feel less like a tourist attraction and more like you've somehow stumbled into a private corner of northern Italy.
Figli dei Fiori
Part flower shop, part café, part mood board come to life, Figli dei Fiori is a welcome splash of colour against Lake Como's winter palette. Filled with plants, blooms and good coffee, it's the ideal stop when you need a break from wandering cobbled streets pretending you've moved here permanently. Come for brunch, leave with design envy.
Osteria del Gallo
The ultimate endorsement for Osteria del Gallo? It has been feeding hungry Como locals for centuries. In winter, the cosy dining room feels even more inviting, with traditional Lombard dishes designed to combat both cold weather and any lingering summer FOMO. Settle in, order something hearty and embrace the fact that you've got nowhere else to be.
Dispensa63
When Lake Como's temperature drops, Dispensa63 becomes exactly the sort of place you want to accidentally lose an afternoon in. Equal parts deli, wine bar and local institution, it's a refuge from the cold where regional produce and excellent bottles take centre stage. Come for a quick aperitivo, stay because you've convinced yourself one more glass is practically sightseeing.
Mass Wine Bar
Winter is red wine season and Mass Wine Bar understands the assignment. With a carefully curated list of Italian bottles and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, it's the sort of place made for escaping the cold and extending the evening by several completely unplanned hours. Consider any itinerary after your first glass purely aspirational.
Life Electric Waterfront Detour
Life Electric sits at the end of Como's waterfront like a giant reminder to slow down. Designed by Daniel Libeskind and surrounded by open lake views, it's worth the short walk at any time of year. In winter, though, with crisp air, dramatic skies and considerably fewer selfie sticks in circulation, the journey there can be even better than the landmark itself.
Piazza Perretta Christmas Market
Forget sprawling festive markets that require military-grade navigation. Piazza Perretta's Christmas market keeps things charmingly low-key, with twinkling lights, local crafts and enough seasonal treats to justify a second hot chocolate. It's festive without feeling frantic, which, frankly, is a Christmas miracle.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE COMO
1 Hotels
