Weather lowdown
Located 45km north of Milan in the Lombardy region of Italy is an area of outstanding natural beauty Lake Como. One of the biggest lakes in Italy and backed by the Grigna mountains, the region is a year-round popular tourist destination, with idyllic scenery and mild Mediterranean weather.
Lake Como and the small towns and villages overlooking the water come to life in April. The temperatures rise and the sun shines. With the flowers and trees in full bloom, spring has well and truly arrived. Average temperatures of around 12°C are common during the days in Lake Como, while highs can reach a pleasant 15°C in April. Spring in Lake Como can still get a little chilly on an evening though. Temperatures can drop to lows of 8°C at night, so make sure to pack a few warmer layers to wear.
April sees an increase in the amount of sunshine in Lake Como. From 8 hours in March, there is a glorious 10 hours of sunshine every day throughout the month of April, perfect for al fresco dining and soaking up the rays as you explore the area.
As spring arrives in April it brings with it warmer temperatures and more sunshine but also the start of the rainy season, so visitors should be prepared for some April showers. An umbrella would be a handy accessory! There is around 110mm of rainfall throughout the month and an average of 14 wet days. As long as you're well equipped, this shouldn't affect your holiday too much though, as the area is beautiful at this time of the year.
April is a great time to plan a holiday to one off the villages and towns surrounding Lake Como. Outside of peak summer season, there will be less crowds of tourists and visitors can enjoy the relaxed Italian way of life.
Where to stay
San Giorgio Hotel
The San Giorgio Hotel is a convenient place for weary travellers to stay in Lecco. Friendly and family run, rooms here are well priced for those on a budget and accommodation is clean and comfortable. Sitting directly on the lake looking out to Bellagio, guests have a choice of rooms with lake, garden or mountain views.
Hotel Belvedere Bellagio
Hotel Belvedere Bellagio offers a luxurious stay where visitors can relax and unwind in wonderful surroundings. The impressive three-star hotel boasts an ideal position, nestled on the shores of the still water of Lake Como just a short walk from Bellagio's bustling town centre. Facilities here include a restaurant, a full service spa and an outdoor pool for guests to enjoy while rooms are beautifully decorated in a classic Italian style. Ran by five generations of the same family, you'll feel at home at the Belvedere.
Eating and drinking
Red Bay Ristorante
If you're looking for a place to dine in Mennagio, The Red Bay Ristorante is a top choice of venue located at the end of a promenade on the lake front. Here, you can sip a glass of wine and watch the world go by on the outdoor patio, which overlooks the main hub of activity near to the lake. The food here is fresh and homemade, with a range of authentic Italian pasta dishes and salads to savour.
Pizzeria Balognett
No visit to Italy would be complete without a pizza or two after all, the country is famous for this dish. In Tremezzo, nestled on a quiet street, you'll discover Pizzeria Balognett. This eatery is home to arguably the best pizza on the lake, as reported by the Guardian Newspaper. Each one is wood-fired and made with organic, home-grown ingredients, available with a range of toppings for the best taste
Locanda dell'Isola Comacina.
One of the most memorable dining experience in the Lake Como region can be found at Locanda dell'Isola Comacina on the small island of Isola Comacina (visitors can reach it by ferry from Sala Comacina). This restaurant offers a set menu of rustic cuisine featuring local delicacies such as lake-trout and chicken and guests are treated to entertainment with dinner a choreographed show including the host's famous fire ceremony.
Things to do
Villa Carlotta
A great place to see some of the most beautiful and exotic flowers is the Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. The palace was built for the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in 1690 and faces out over the lake. The 70,000 m² grounds boast an authentic old English garden with over 500 species of trees, plants and flowers for visitors to admire.
Archaeological Museum Paolo Giovio
For history buffs, Como is a must-visit location. The city is full of interesting attractions and museums such as the Archaeological Museum Paolo Giovio which houses an interesting collection of artefacts from the bronze and iron period, as well as objects from the Roman and Etruscan times. Some of the most popular exhibitions include the precious gem collection and the display of ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Como Cathedral
Don't miss the 11th-century Romanesque Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, a religious landmark in the area with beautiful grounds for tourists to stroll around. Another must-see attraction in Como is the famous Como Cathedral, A Roman Catholic cathedral with a stunning green domed roof.
