The relaxed Italian hotspot ideal to visit in autumn when summer crowds fade

Autumn is arguably the best time to visit Lake Como
-Credit: (Image: Portia Jones)


Charming Lake Como, located in the Lombardy region, feels like the grandest of the Italian lakes, with neoclassical villas, luxurious hotels and romantic lakefront restaurants.

Here, Italian grandeur meets deep blue lake waters and spectacular alpine vista, with dreamy views best enjoyed while sipping a classic Aperol Spritz and feasting on Cicchetti, (small snacks or side dishes).

There are also plenty of small towns and fishing villages to discover dotted around this inverted ‘y-shaped’ lake, with the city of Como, its historic centre, and plentiful hotels serving as an excellent base.

Autumn is arguably the best time to visit Lake Como, offering fewer crowds, colourful foliage, and mild weather.

The lake's distinctive charm remains as the summer crowds fade, making it an ideal season to explore without the large crowds that fill the narrow streets and lakefront promenades in high season.

The vibrant hues of the autumn foliage also paint the landscape in rich shades of red, orange, and gold, contrasting beautifully against the lake's deep blue waters.

With pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors, the season allows for a more relaxed experience, whether sipping wine on a villa terrace or wandering through the historic towns.

Here's what you can do when you visit Como in the autumn.

Explore Lake Como’s picturesque towns

Lake Como is best explored by boat, and public ferries and private boats allow day trippers to visit the many lakefront towns and villages without needing a car.

Dubbed “the pearl of the lake”, Bellagio is one of the most popular spots on Como’s southern shores. Its narrow, cobbled streets packed with boujie wine bars and ochre-coloured boutique stores make it easy to see why visitors flock here.

Head to Salita Serbelloni, one of the most photographed passageways in Bellagio, for alfresco dining, shopping and picturesque views of the old town centre when you reach the top of the sloping medieval street.

Rainbow-coloured Varenna is a quieter option than the busy Bellagio. Bask on the sun-baked shoreline with creamy gelato, wander the blooming botanical gardens at Villa Monastero and have a leisurely lakeside stroll along the boardwalk.

Lake Como is best explored by boat
Lake Como is best explored by boat -Credit:Portia Jones

Visit historic villas

Lake Como is home to some of the most opulent villas in the world, where historic art, architecture and beautiful gardens blend seamlessly.

Villa del Balbianello is one of the more famous villas in the region, as it served as a filming location in the Bond film Casino Royale (2006) and in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002).

Over in Tremezzo, the exquisite, 17th century Villa Carlotta houses elegant botanical gardens and a museum, whose collection includes impressive works by Francesco Hayez, Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen.

Created as the summer residence of Francesco Melzi d'Eril, neo-classical Villa Melzi in Bellagio is surrounded by statues and exotic foliage, including Japanese maple trees and cedar trees, alongside blooming azaleas and rhododendrons. Join one of the guided tours during the warmer months to get a peek inside the stately museum, chapel and gardens.


Villa del Balbianello is an unspoilt and stunning villa that allows visitors to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello is an unspoilt and stunning villa that allows visitors to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lake Como -Credit:Getty Images

Get cultured at Lake Como’s museums

Culture is at the heart of Lake Como, and plenty of it can be found in its historic museums, villas, and grand galleries.

The Museo della Seta [Educational Silk Museum] offers insight into Como’s long textile industry and skilfully displays the entrepreneurial tradition of silk making. It also showcases heritage machines, looms, and fabric samples.

For Renaissance-era art, head to the 17th-century Pinacoteca Civica, which houses a vast collection of sculptures and paintings, including the 16th-century Portraits of Illustrious Men collection by Paolo Giovio.

Pretty Bellagio also has several small galleries and museums, including the creative hub – Tower of the Arts and the curious Museum of Navigation Instruments – packed with vintage telescopes, compasses and solar clocks.

Sip local tipples on a wine-tasting tour

Lake Como has several verdant vineyards nearby, centred around the Montevecchia hills and North Lake Como, where you can sample high-quality local vino in leafy surroundings.

In the Valtellina region, north of Lake Como, red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape is produced, while a range of white, red and sparkling wines are produced in the south.

The best way to learn more about the region’s winemaking traditions and history is to book a wine-tasting tour where you can sip on samples paired with local produce.

Two of the most charming wineries you can tour include Azienda Agricola Sorsasso and Cantine Angelinetta, both based in northern Lake Como. Explore the wine cellars and the tasting rooms, visit the vineyards, and meet knowledgeable wine producers.

Step back in time and visit historic churches and monasteries

Religious heritage is abundant in Lake Como and the wider Lombardy area, with towering churches and tranquil monasteries that have opened their creaky doors to visitors.

One of the most impressive spiritual sites is the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio, which originally dates back to the 5th century CE – making it one of the oldest churches in Como. Its current Romanesque structure, however, was built in the 11th century.

Known for its ecclesiastical frescoes, intricate carvings and colourful stained-glass windows, the Basilica also features twin bell towers and a plain façade, an unusual architectural style for that age.

Como's Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the more striking landmarks in the city. Renaissance and Gothic styles include intricate stone carvings, a rose window, and a distinctive green copper dome. Inside, several important works of art are housed, including a remarkable polyptych by the artist Bernardino Luini.

You can also find several monasteries in the wider area, including the isolated Monastery of San Benedetto, a 9th-century medieval abbey located on the southern slope of Mount Galbiga.

Go hiking in the hills

Hiking the trails around Lake Como is one of the best ways to experience panoramic views of the lake
Hiking the trails around Lake Como is one of the best ways to experience panoramic views of the lake -Credit:Portia Jones

Hiking the trails around Lake Como is one of the best ways to experience panoramic views of the lake while escaping the crowds. Greenway del Lago di Como is one of the most scenic hikes around the lake and passes by sleepy villages, lavish villas and gardens over its 10km stretch.

The Sentiero del Viandante is a longer Roman Road 45km trail on the east coast of Lake Como that can be completed in sections. Hikers can enjoy a variety of landscapes during their trek, from forests and pastures to rugged outcrops and lakeside promenades.

For a more challenging hike, head to the summit of Monte Grona, which stands at 1,736 meters.

Several strenuous trails to the summit include steep climbs and rocky passages that require ropes and technical climbing ability. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panorama of the Alps and the Como, Lugano and Piano lakes.

Go to a chestnut festival

Every October, the hilltop village of Peglio, overlooking Gravedona, comes alive with the Sagra delle Castagne, a beloved culinary festival celebrating the humble chestnut.

This centuries-old tradition pays homage to the chestnut harvest, a staple in the region’s cuisine, and draws food enthusiasts across Lombardy and beyond.

You'll find many local specialities highlighting chestnuts' rich, earthy flavours at this niche festival. From freshly roasted chestnuts served hot from open fires to delicate chestnut cakes, pies, and gnocchi, visitors are treated to a wide array of gastronomic delights.

The festival also offers an opportunity to explore other regional delicacies, such as hearty polenta, cured meats, and local cheeses, all enjoyed in a warm, convivial atmosphere. Vendors line the streets, and communal tables are filled with families and friends enjoying meals together.

Beyond the food, the Sagra delle Castagne celebrates local culture, with traditional music, folk dances, and artisan markets adding to the charm.

For discerning gourmets and culture seekers, Sagra delle Castagne offers an authentic taste of Lake Como’s culinary heritage, set against autumn’s striking scenery.

How to get to Lake Como

Getting to Lake Como from the UK is straightforward
Getting to Lake Como from the UK is straightforward -Credit:Portia Jones

Getting to Lake Como from the UK is straightforward, with multiple travel options that combine flights and scenic train journeys. The most convenient way to reach the region is by flying into Milan, which is served by several airports, including Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN), and Milan Bergamo (BGY).

Direct flights from major UK cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are frequent, with a flight time of around two hours. Airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet offer regular services to Milan, making it easy to find a flight that suits your schedule.

Once in Milan, getting to the town of Como by train is easy. You can board a direct train from Milano Centrale, Milan’s main railway station, to Como San Giovanni, the town’s central train station.

The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, with frequent services throughout the day operated by Trenitalia. Alternatively, if you land at Milan Malpensa, you can take a train from Malpensa Airport to Saronno, where you can change onto a regional train that takes you to Como. This route also takes just over an hour.

To reach Lake Como from Venice, take a high-speed train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Milano Centrale (about 2.5 hours), then transfer to a regional train to Como San Giovanni (40 minutes). From Rome, the fastest option is a high-speed Frecciarossa or Italo train from Roma Termini to Milano Centrale (around 3 hours), followed by the same 40-minute regional train to Como.