When the summer sun fades and tourists leave wearing their shades Lake Como reveals its true self. For the throngs of summer tourists rarely see the peaceful tranquility of this North Italian jewel in the winter months.
Between November and February visitors see a different Lago di Como, one where there are fewer tourists to bump into, visitors who want to see the real Lake Como, not just to tick off their bucket list or because a famous person has visited or to follow an Influencer.
Such visitors are rewarded with spectacular kaleidoscope of autumn colours found on the slopes of the mountains surrounding the lake. A myriad of shades of greens and browns bleed into each other and dominate the scenery above the towns and villages of the lake, which can be viewed from a car or better still on foot to work up a healthy appetite.
The temperatures at this time of the year can range from 3C to 10C and slightly warmer in the winter sun, but unlike the UK the air is dryer so less frost, ice and damp atmosphere.
Local restaurants and mountain rifugi and crotti change their menus to accommodate the shift in season and will include dishes such as:
Pizzoccheri – buckwheat pasta with cheese, cabbage, potatoe, garlic, sage and butter.
Polenta – a porridge like consistency of flour, butter, cheese garlic and sage.
Sciatt – deep fried balls of cheese.
Cinghiale and Cervo – wild boar or deer braised in red wine.
Winter events around the lake include:
Christmas Markets – Como Town being the largest
Presepe – nativity scenes throughout most towns and villages. Domaso has a tour of around 25 presepi, whilst Argegno holds a living Nativity.
Citta dei Balocchi – city of toys and festival of lights in Como Town
Ice Skating – temporary ice rinks situated in the centre of a number of towns including Menaggio.
Capodanno – New Year celebrations usually a set menu and fireworks to bring in the New Year.
Winter sales – two month months of discounts (up to 50%) at shops starting early January.
Carnevale – February is the month of carnival celebrations in villages throughout the area.
Befana Day – celebrating the Epiphany (6 January), local events featuring the spectacular arrival of good witches showering crowds with sweets.
Food festivals – celebrating season harvests throughout the lake Gastronomia Tremezzina being a prime example.
Some say that Lago di Como has a lot more to offer in the winter months with its array of events, sites and activities complementing the variety and depth of colour of the countryside as a contrast to the summer months.
The winter months are ideal for buyers to view properties, to see how the property looks and feels out of season. The change in views to and from the property, the effects of the winter sun trajectory.
Furthermore, the shift in availability of local amenities, availability of trades people, opening times of shops, restaurants and bars.
These plus more play a very important part when purchasing a property at the lake, the summer months might influence the decision to buy but the winter months may influence where to buy.
That is why Gemma and her team recommend clients to view properties at different times throughout the year. So if you are thinking about buying a property at the lake why not call in and discuss the less obvious out of season appeal of Lago di Como in Inverno.
