Best things to do on Lake Como in October and November

Visiting Italy in October and November is not necessarily on the average traveler’s radar. Lucky for you, you’re anything but average! And you know these are great months for a stay at your favorite luxury hotel on Lake Como. Passalacqua guests are definitely the kind of travelers who appreciate the perks of autumn by the lake: cobbled lakeside streets bereft of summer’s crowds, distant mountains charming in snowy caps, and seasonal delicacies just waiting to be discovered.

Perhaps the best reason to stay at Passalacqua in the autumn and winter months is the opportunity to experience Lake Como as a local. With most of the more tourist traps shuttered for the winter, you can enjoy food, ambiance and culture that cater more for locals and are as authentic as they come. You are also more likely to meet actual Comaschi in your daily adventures – exactly the kind of cross-cultural encounters that elevate travel to experience. Plus, an autumnal stay at our 5-star hotel on Lake Como gives you unfettered access to life at the villa, from seasonal specialties and culinary classes to satisfying spa rituals and lazy library afternoons by the fire.

So, what are the best things to do on Lake Como in October and November? That depends on what kind of traveler you are…

For epicureans

Autumn is the perfect season in which to enjoy some of Lake Como’s most traditional culinary treats at our luxury hotel and across Lake Como. When temperatures start to drop, it is finally time to enjoy polenta either served with a stick-to-your-ribs sauce of local game or drenched in copious amounts of butter and cheese in a traditional Tóc. Truffles start to appear on everything from pasta and eggs to steak—don’t miss our special truffle menu designed by Executive Chef Viviane Varese—while the smell of chestnuts roasting in old steel drums fills the air. This is also the season for the area’s mouth-watering food and wine festivals—another great opportunity to rub shoulders with local residents as you taste your way through the local villages.

October 5/6 and 12/13 - Morbegno in Cantina
The Valtellina, one of the most dramatic wine landscapes in Italy, invites guests to discover its authentic flavors in the annual Morbegno in Cantina festival, where you can stroll through the ancient cellars in the historic center tasting the best local delicacies and red wines. There are 5 routes focused on different themes, whether it’s the Nebbiolo grape, organic delicacies, white and sparkling wines, etc., and they are open from 4 – 10 pm Saturdays and 12 – 6 pm Sundays.

October 1 - November 18 - Selvatica
Designed to promote conscious consumption of the region’s lesser-known delicacies, this initiative offers a unique menu based on game, Lake Como fish and food foraged locally at participating restaurants, including two of our favorites Crotto del Lupo and Momi. 

October 4-6 - Festa d’Autunno and Fiera Casearia
Taking place in nearby Lugano, these two artisanal festivals showcase the best in Ticino’s food and wine culture—as well as the annual cheese awards—with open-air performances by local folklore groups.

October 6 - Dì de la Brisaola
Chiavenna, just north of the northern tip of Lake Como, is home to the delicious dried beef concoction known as Brisaola (not to be confused with Bresaola from neighboring Valtellina). On this October Sunday, the entire quaint village will be filled with food stalls and entertainment centered around the region’s favorite food.

For outdoor enthusiasts

Autumn is a great time to explore the outdoors on Lake Como—the leaves erupt in a riot of fall color (before they fall, revealing uninterrupted lake views!), and the chalet restaurants known as rifugi along the trails offer a true refuge with hearty meals, soothing wines and roaring fires (like the imminently charming Rifugio Murellli at almost 4000 ft!). Whether it is a gentle stroll through our native village of Moltrasio or a more ambitious hike on majestic Monte Colmegnone (and many more trails in between!), time spent outdoors elevates your wellbeing as only Mother Nature can. The guests of our luxury hotel on Lake Como have access to the area’s best naturalist and hiking guides to make your experience as safe, simple and pleasurable as possible. There are also great sporting events to take part in during October and November—either as a spectator or a competitor!

October 12 - GF il Lombardia
The event of the year for Lombardy’s ciclismo fans, this almost 70-mile race winds its way through the mountains and along the lake. Head to the famed Madonna del Ghisallo church (dedicated to the patron saint of cycling!) to cheer the teams on during the toughest climb.

October 25-27 - Centomiglia del Lario
The 75th edition of the Centomiglia del Lario brings the fastest powerboats to Lake Como (most by helicopter!) for the world championship races—venture to Villa Olmo in Como to watch the high-octane action of the final race on Sunday Oct. 27 at 2 pm.

October 27 - Bellagio Sky Race
Starting and ending on the Bellagio shore, this 18-mile race takes runners on winding trails with 6,000+ feet of elevation gain—a real test of endurance. Kids from 6 to 11 years of age can take part in the Mini Sky Race in the Villa Melzi gardens.

November 23, 2024 – January 7, 2025 - Menaggio on Ice
As part of the Christmas celebrations by the lake, the city of Menaggio hosts an ice skating rink in Piazza Garibaldi every year. A thrill for young and old, and a new holiday tradition in the making!