Lake Como in the wintertime is simply magical, with the reflections of sparkling lights on the shimmering waters, Christmas markets and snow-topped mountains. The air is crisp and rather chilly, but you’ll soon warm up on a walk, through breathtaking lake scenery, stopping at pretty villages for a hearty lunch at a family-run trattoria.

You could even come home to your own property by the Lake. With 160 km (99 miles) of shoreline, Lake Como (Lago di Como in Italian or Lario) offers plenty of opportunities to buy a villa or apartment with a lake view. Having your own place gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy strolling around the local fruit and veg market, choosing fresh produce to cook at home, and snuggling up in front of the fire.

Why buy property at Lake Como?

Lake Como is one of the most sought-after locations to buy a property in Italy. Mostly because of its breathtaking scenery and charming villages. Lake Como also provides a relaxing escape, while being conveniently located close to Milan and excellent transport links. It’s an ideal location for both holidays and year-round living. The area is rich in culture, outdoor activities, fine dining and elegant Italian charm.

Handy for short breaks

Due to the frequency of flights to Milan throughout the year, owning a property at Lake Como means you can take a break even in the wintertime. Some people even rent out their property in the summer, then enjoy autumn, winter and spring breaks here themselves.

By keeping some clothes at your property, you will be able to travel light, thus benefitting from the lowest flight prices, without paying for that extra case. Plus, it will give you the excuse to go on a shopping spree in the fashion stores of Como or Milan.

Year-round flights

There are three major airports that serve the Milan area. The closest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). There are several daily flights to Malpensa from London throughout the year. From Malpensa it is just a 45-minute drive to the town of Como. The other two airports are at Linate (a one-hour drive from Como) and Bergamo (just over an hour from Como).

Great hiking trails

Lake Como is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Trails such as the Greenway del Lago di Como offer wonderful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It is a great walk for all ages – all you need are some comfortable trainers.

If you would like something more challenging, why not try hiking up Piani dei Resinelli? In addition, in the Grigne mountains, is the new panoramic “il Belvedere” walkway. This elevated walkway reaches out of the mountain, providing the most spectacular views. There are many routes for cyclists, too, and you can even cycle the full 160 kilometres around the perimeter of the lake.

Property for sale with stunning views of Lenno, Lake Como

Explore the valleys

I asked Gemma (of Lake Como real estate agency Gemma Immobiliare) where she likes to visit near her Lake Como home. Gemma replied “I’m a mountain lover, so for me the best thing is to go for long walks with family and my dog.  There are really great places to discover here, among the best at this time of year are probably the Mello and Masino Valleys, for their incredible magical landscape with all the colours of autumn.”

Proximity to ski resorts

Gemma considers herself to be very lucky to be, “very close to famous ski Resorts like Madesimo (50 minutes from the Lake), Bormio (two hours and 30 minutes), Aprica (less than two hours), and Livigno (three hours).” Other ski resorts you can reach by car from Lake Como include Piani di Bobbio and Valchiavenna.

Warming winter dishes

After a long walk or spot of skiing, it’s delightful to visit a local trattoria or Osteria to try some delicious winter dishes. These might include Pizzoccheri – similar to tagliatelle but using buckwheat – or Polenta Uncia, which is a cheesy, buttery cornmeal with sage and garlic. A favourite with meat lovers is wild boar braised in wine until beautifully tender or Boar Ragu with pasta. Risotto, fish and grilled sausages also make an appearance on Lake Como menus.

Winter events and activities

Food and wine tasting

Gemma also told me about her favourite autumn/winter events, saying, “I enjoy the wine and food tasting. Autumn is a good time for that, because we have open cellars and various kinds of tastings. At the moment in the Tremezzina area there is the Tremezzina Gastronomica.

Basically, the main restaurants of the area prepare a dedicated autumn menu with a fixed price. There is a calendar with different dates for each one, and I have to say it is a good way to try new dishes, as all the chefs are very keen to create the best one!”

Christmas festival in Cernobbio

The most stunning annual Christmas festival at Lake Como is “Città dei Balocchi” (City of Toys). From 7th December 2024 until 7th January 2025, Piazza Risorgimento, the central square of Cernobbio, will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland, featuring Christmas displays, festive lights, a Christmas market and an ice rink. Plus, this year they have some extra surprises planned, such as a Holographic Nativity Scene and a unit that takes you on a virtual journey to the house of Santa Claus.

Cernobbio is a great location all year round with a charming lakefront promenade with bars, restaurants and even a lido. It can be reached in just 15 minutes by car or boat from the city of Como.

Four-bedroom villa for sale in Argegno

Christmas markets

If you like Christmas markets, you’re in luck – around Lake Como they are a wintertime highlight. The largest Christmas market on Lake Como is held in the city of Como. The market runs from late November to early January and features stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to decorations and traditional Italian sweets.

Evenings at the theatre

The prestigious Teatro Sociale di Como organises a wonderful programme of events every year. This includes a Christmas concerto, as well as a gospel choir performance. Other performances this winter (2024/25) include opera, the nutcracker ballet and Peter Pan the musical. On selected dates, there are also tours of the theatre in Italian and English.

Nativity scenes

The various districts of Tremezzo compete to create the most beautiful nativity scenes, which are called “Presepe” in Italian. The most famous are at Villa del Balbianello, Mezzegra and the dioramas in Tremezzo. But there are many of them to admire all-round the lake villages. The craft work and artistry that goes into making them is amazing, and they can be found in the most beautiful settings. Most churches will also have their own nativity scenes.

Go shopping

As well as modern shops, there are good markets. In Como, you can buy fresh produce at the Market Mercerie, in the Viale Battisti boulevard on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. In Piazza San Fedele, in the heart of Como’s old town, there is a flea market on the second Friday of each month, with antiques and bric-a-brac.

For convenient out of town shopping the Centro Commerciale Grandate, next to the A9 road, has all kinds of shops, from clothes to homewares. Also, in Lucino, you’ll find hardware depots and supermarkets.

Swimming and ice skating

There are two sports centres in Como, the Sagnino and Casate Sports Centre, both of which have swimming pools. In Casate, there is the only Ice Palace in the province of Como, which is open from September to April. It is also home to the Como Ice Hockey club, which runs Ice Hockey courses for young people. As well as the ice rink in Como, you will find outdoor rinks in Cernobbio and Menaggio over the festive season.

Other activities

Lake Como locals and visiting celebrities are passionate supporters of the Como 1907, football team. Hugh Grant was there in October. Currently in series A, they get to play the top teams in the country, such as Naples, Inter, and Juventus. Other sports within driving distance are Monza race circuit (50 minutes from Como) and there are several golf courses. The nearest to Como is Villa d’Este at Montorfano.

While your partner is on the golf course, why not visit a spa? A real treat on a winter’s day. Plus, some of the grand villas, gardens and museums are open to the public on specific dates. Check their websites before you go.

Festivals and Celebrations

New Year’s Eve: Many towns hold special New Years Eve events, with live music, fireworks and the opportunity to experience dinner overlooking the lake.

The Pesa Vegia: Held in Bellano, every year on 5th January, the festivities include the procession of the Magi, the race of the Pesos, a bonfire on the pier, fireworks and music.

Giubiana Festival: Around the last Thursday of January is the Giubiana Festival, a fascinating folkloric event held in many villages in the province of Como. On this day big fires are lit to drive away winter.

Lake Como Carnivals: Across Italy, carnival celebrations take place in the wintertime, in February. The most traditional carnival in Lake Como is that of Schignano. Accompanied by the music of the traditional village band, the main characters parade through the streets wearing masks carved of wood.

The Palio dei Falò: The Palio dei Falò (Festival of Bonfires) is a tradition dating back to 1190, in which bonfires are lit to illuminate the lake and greet the spring, which arrives on the 21st March.

Explore the villages

Each town and village around Lake Como has its own unique charm. Whichever you choose, you are sure to find a beautiful piazza where you can sit with a hot chocolate, after exploring the narrow streets and waterfront promenades. Discover 6 pretty villages on Lake Como shores.

Where to buy property

The west coast of the lake is considered the best place to invest in a property, as it gets the most sun. Depending on an individual’s priorities, those nearest to airports, the city of Milan or the ski resorts are a popular choice. In the winter, you may prefer a town with a year-round population, as these are most likely to have restaurants and shops that are open. A property with a beautiful lake view will come at a premium, whereas one with a partial view can be cheaper.

Property for sale with partial lake view, in Carate Urio

Property for sale with partial lake view, in Carate Urio.  https://www.youroverseashome.com/property-for-sale/italy/property-detail/867063/?sortType=2

The first part of the lake above Como, has some beautiful villas right on the water’s edge. These are the fashionable choice with Inter Milan footballers, celebrities and businesspeople that work in the city. As well as being the shortest drive from airports and Milan, it is also near the extra facilities found in Como. This is where you will find villas at the highest prices.

The second part of the lake around Tremezzo, which runs from Ossuccio up to Mezzegra, is a good area to buy a home. In many parts, property is cheaper than those nearer to Como. There are various types of property available, from rustic houses to lakeside villas. Some of these are in elevated positions with breathtaking panoramic views. The villages have good services and the landscape is stunning.

Some parts of the northern section of Lake Como (Cremia to Domaso/Gera Lario) have lower-priced properties. For those who love the great outdoors and water sports, here you will find space to camp, sit on the beach and go windsurfing.

A selection of properties for sale around Lake Como can be found on Your Overseas Home.  Alternatively, you can contact one of our advisors, who will put you in contact with an estate agent covering the Lake Como area.