Weather lowdown
Lake Como is one of the largest lakes in Italy, located in the Lombardy region, 45km north of Milan. Surrounded by high mountains with stunning lake views, the quaint towns and villages dotted along the Lake Como shoreline are a fantastic place to spend a holiday.
Lake Como is a popular tourist destination all year round thanks to its typically Mediterranean weather conditions, with warm summers and mild winters. Summer tends to be the high tourism season though, thanks to peak temperatures, so spring is a fabulous time to visit Lake Como if you want to enjoy good weather and avoid crowds.
March sees the end of the winter months in Lake Como, as spring weather arrives. Average temperatures jump significantly from February, to around 9°C during the day and high temperatures can reach 13°C on warmer days. Visitors to Lake Como in March should be prepared for some colder temperatures on an evening though, and should pack their clothing accordingly, with temperatures falling to 5°C on occasions.
Sunshine is plentiful in Lake Como in March, with an average of around 8 hours every day, the same as February. Take advantage of this abundance of sunny weather by enjoying Lake Como's stunning natural scenery as much as you can (but don't forget the sunscreen!).
While many days will be bright and sunny, Lake Como will see some rainfall in March. The month is the second driest of the year though, so it shouldn't affect your holiday too much. March sees around 47mm of precipitation and rainfall is typically limited to just 13 days throughout the month.
If you want to enjoy all that Lake Como has to offer without the crowds and high prices of the summer season, March is a great time to visit Lake Como. As flowers and trees start to blossom, the area is particularly beautiful at this time of the year.
Where to stay
Casa la Rosa
For quiet accommodation, try Casa la Rosa that sits on a hilltop in Aureggio, just 10 minutes from the town of Bellagio. This five apartment B&B is painted pink, living up to its translated name of the Pink House, so visitors can't miss it. Rooms here are budget-friendly all year round, although children under 16 are offered huge discounts of up to 60% so this is a great choice for families..
Park Hotel Meuble
Park Hotel Meuble is a chic and stylish three star hotel located in Como. Sitting next to the departure point for boat trips on Lake Como and just a short walk from the centre, it makes a great base for exploring the area. Recently renovated, accommodation here is contemporary with excellent facilities including free Wi-Fi and a colourful bar area where guests can enjoy an evening drink.
Eating and drinking
Trattoria Pizzeria
Italian culture revolves around food and authentic Italian cuisine is one of the main draws that attracts visitors from other countries. It is simply delicious. Sample some real, homemade Italian food at Trattoria Pizzeria in Borgovico, Como where the wonderful wood-fired pizzas are the main attraction. There's also a great selection of seafood. The restaurant has a charming ambience with exposed brick walls and twinkling fairy lights inside while outside there's a patio area where guest can watch the world go by.
Ristorante Silvio
For a true taste of Lake Como, head to Ristorante Silvio in Bellagio. Located by the harbour, just beyond Villa Melzi, this rustic restaurant specialises in lake fish served various ways. Visitors will be wowed by the spectacular lake and mountain views from the veranda. An ideal venue for a romantic dinner or a fabulous family meal.
Osteria Le Bocce
Finally, if you're looking for a great place to eat in the Lecco region, discover the local favourite of Osteria Le Bocce in Valmadrera. Offering an authentic dining experience with every course, guests can enjoy amazing anti pasti, pizzas, fresh seafood and a range of decedent desserts.
Things to do
Villa Balbianello
Why not take a trip to the beautiful commune of Lenno which sits on a small wooded peninsula on Lake Como? The terraced gardens at the picture-perfect Villa Balbianello located here are famous around the world for appearing in films such as Star Wars Episode 2 and Casino Royale. A lovely place to spend an afternoon, the villa and gardens offer outstanding views across Lake Como.
Monticello Golf Club
The Monticello Golf Club is one of the top courses in Italy and is located just a short distance from the city of Como. Home to no less than seven Italian Opens, it is sure to have even amateur players feeling like pros.
The Lake
Of course, the main attraction of a visit to Lake Como is the lake itself. Nothing beats discovering the beauty of the lake from the water, so take a trip and admire the stunning landscapes and quaint lake-side villages right before your eyes. There are many frequent boat services that run between towns on the lake, including ferries and traditional steamers as well as night-time lake cruises with dinner and dancing.
