Lake Como is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Italy. In the warmer months, it is full of water activities and the breath of "sweet life". The combination of stunning scenery and chic style has attracted Hollywood celebrities, including George Clooney, who can be seen pulling in his Riva boat, as smooth and fast as Ferrari.

However, it's not just movie stars who flood here. Milan is only 90 minutes away from the hotel, which helps explain why it is such a popular holiday destination for fashionable urbanites, who desire to enjoy the fresh lake breeze when the city is sweltering.

As the weather turns cooler, the crowd is sparse and the pace slows down. The cultural attractions and natural environment of tranquil hillsides and tranquil woodland have attracted people's attention. The pristine peaks of the snow-capped Alps add to the charm of winter.

Como is one of many lovely towns around Lake Como. Shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions are open all year round, making them an excellent base for exploration. The off-season lasts from mid-October to Easter, providing an authentic experience and plenty of elbow room. Hotel prices fall with the thermometer, so it is easy to get discounted rooms.

Here are 10 ways to enjoy Lake Como in the off-season.

Take the cable car to the snow-capped Brunate — Photo courtesy of Probrunate/Mario D'Alessio

Take the funicular up the steep hill to Brunate, which is picturesque and picturesque. It only takes 7 minutes to reach this picturesque village with Liberty-style buildings, lighthouses and stunning views of Lake Como and the Alps. Although it is rarely lower than the frozen lake, Brunate’s high altitude brings a hint of powdery white snow sprinkled in winter.

An extensive ferry network is a great way to cross the lake — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

Locals rely on a cheap year-round ferry network for transportation. For tourists, the ferry is the perfect habitat for sightseeing, allowing you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the elegant lakeside villas that blend with the natural scenery. Get off at your favorite place and stop in a small storybook village, such as Cernobbio, where Villa d'Este is located. This iconic hotel is closed in winter, but its magnificent lakeside location, park-like grounds and magnificent architecture make it very worth seeing.

Daniel Libeskind's contemporary sculpture Life Electric — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

Enjoy public art without crowds. Daniel Libeskind's contemporary sculpture "Life Electric" pays homage to the legacy of hometown hero Alessandro Volta. Volta invented the battery, hence the word voltage. "Life Electric" is made of stainless steel and boldly stretches into the lake, bringing Como's eye-catching landscape elements such as water, sky, and mountains into view.

Deep snow in Piani di Artavaggio — Photo courtesy of Mauro Lanfranchi, Archivio Provincia di Lecco, Italy

The fresh air and thick snow make Valsasina a favorite of winter sports enthusiasts. Piani di Bobbio-Valtorta is located to the east of Como in the province of Lecco and opens the way for alpine skiers and snowboarders. The mountain pastures of Piani di Artavaggio are a great place to enjoy the cold panorama and unspoilt tranquility, perhaps wearing snowshoes.

Admire the breathtaking view of Lake Como from Vista Palazzo — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

Overnight in the five-star Vista Palazzo is a sense of aristocratic immersion. Its 18 magnificent guest rooms and suites are gorgeously decorated with Dedar fabrics, Italian marble and bathtubs. Alberto, the housekeeper, personally provides pets to the guests, and he provides benefits such as pillow menus. During the off-season, there will be a gratifying decline in house prices.

Go to the penthouse and enjoy an aperitif or a splurge for dinner at Sottovoce, with magnificent lake and mountain views. Barman Alessandro’s worthy cocktails range from classic to creative, and talented chef Stefano Mattara’s modern interpretation of Italian cuisine evokes attention to seasonal products in nearby fertile fields and unspoiled valleys.

A. Picci's display of colorful silk products — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

Como was once a major producer of silk. Today, production has moved to a nearby industrial zone, although a small amount of high-quality silk is still produced here. The family business A. Picci is a boutique in the center of the town. A glance at the scarves, ties, and various accessories made of Como silk displayed in its colorful window displays, you will need willpower to resist the purchase.

The owner of Osteria del Gallo pouring freely local wine — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

Traditional valley cuisine dominates the winter menu, which includes fortified dishes such as polenta and stew, reflecting Como's northern status. In Osteria del Gallo, the owners Giuseppe and Rosanna De Toma pride themselves on offering ultra-local products, including rustic stone-ground cornmeal, luscious wildflower honey and thin slices of Valtellina Bresaola air-dried beef.

Customers order from a handwritten menu that changes every day. The sumptuous dishes complement Terre Lariane, and the local wines are ruby ​​red, golden yellow and pink.

Christmas market in Como — Photo courtesy of Consorzio Como Turistica

From late November to January 6, Como will host the Old World Christmas Market Città dei Balocchi. Buildings and monuments are illuminated by flashing lights, mulled wine is scented in the air, and live music is played. The skating rink adds to the fun of the festival, food stalls provide opportunities to taste traditional cuisine, and handmade crafts are a good excuse for shopping.

Como Cathedral is an eclectic and striking fusion style — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

Explore the old town of Como, where there are only walking cobblestone streets lined with retail shops and restaurants. Marvel at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was built in 1396 and took more than 300 years. It is one of the most striking cathedrals in northern Italy, combining Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, with magnificent domes, precious tapestries and altarpieces made of marble, onyx and bronze.

According to legend, touching the little frog carved on the left entrance wall will bring good luck and add a whimsical idea.

The Silk Museum in Como is a window into its history as a major silk producer — Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi

A century ago, Como's luxurious silks became popular all over the world. A visit to the Silk Museum highlights Como's historic and pivotal role in silk manufacturing and trade. Visitors can gain insights into every stage of production, from sericulture to loom weaving to finished fabric samples, and understand the impact of the industry on the economic and social development of Como.

Allison Tibaldi (Allison Tibaldi) is a travel and food writer living in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Australia, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She has written for numerous publications, including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, New York Morning, Emirates Open Sky, Family Traveler and Travel Weekly. 

Read more about Allison Tibaldi here.

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