Italy is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural treasures. Northern Italy, in particular, is home to some of the country’s most picture-perfect lakes—offering not only peaceful getaways but also a deeper connection with Italian life and culture than we had ever experienced before.

This enchanting lake region in Northern Italy had long been on our travel wishlist. And in January of last year, we finally made it happen: before heading off to a ski holiday, we added a short road trip through the lakes. So, at the start of 2024, we explored the magical worlds of Lake Como and Lake Garda with our 2.5-year-old daughter in tow.

January turned out to be a truly special time for this trip. Instead of the summer crowds, we were welcomed by a calm, intimate atmosphere that allowed us to truly feel the magic of the lakes. We spent four nights by each of these iconic lakes, soaking in the peaceful winter landscapes, admiring the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains, and wandering through the charming, quiet streets of lakeside villages. We ended our journey with a day in Verona, exploring its beautiful landmarks and timeless romance.

The stunning scenery of Lake Como and Lake Garda has been inspiring artists, writers, and travelers for centuries—and now we, too, were lucky enough to be part of that story. Crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain backdrops, quaint towns, and that unmistakable Italian charm came together to create an unforgettable trip.

Is Winter Travel to Northern Italy’s Lakes Worth It? Absolutely!

Most people choose to visit Lake Garda, Lake Como, or even Lake Maggiore in the summer or spring. We went in winter—and we have no regrets! Each season brings out a different side of the region, and we were completely enchanted by the quiet beauty, crisp air, and fairy-tale-like atmosphere of winter.

If you love peaceful, scenic places and aren’t put off by cooler weather, these Northern Italian lakes are a fantastic off-season destination—even with a young child.

Traveling with a toddler, winter turned out to be a surprisingly practical choice. We never had to queue or deal with crowds, driving around the lakes was smooth and stress-free, and we didn’t have to rush to beat the midday heat or secure a spot at busy attractions. We always found free tables in restaurants and cafés, making our meals relaxing and unrushed.

Plus, winter prices were a dream! Accommodations were significantly cheaper than in peak season, entrance tickets were often discounted, and we even noticed lower prices at many restaurants. Flights and car rental costs were also far more budget-friendly—making the whole trip noticeably more affordable than it would have been in summer or spring.

Why Visit in Winter? Here’s What We Loved:

Fewer Tourists – Explore charming lakeside towns at your own pace without the crowds.
Cozy Christmas Markets – In December, the villages are lit up with festive lights and the smell of mulled wine fills the air. Even in January, many places still had their decorations up, adding to the seasonal magic.
Snow-Capped Alpine Views – The dramatic peaks surrounding the lakes are at their most stunning this time of year.
Mild Winter Weather – While it can be chilly in the mountains, temperatures by the lakes often stay between 5–10°C, making it much more pleasant than many other winter destinations.

For the best local experiences, check out platforms like GetYourGuide and Tiqets, where you can discover tours and activities in the area

We fell so in love with this region that we’re already planning to come back in another season! Some attractions were closed for winter, and we’d love to return to see them—though traveling with a young child, we focused on the places that were open and accessible. And honestly, there was still so much to enjoy that one trip could never be enough to see it all. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

Let’s Take a Look at How Our 9 Magical Winter Days Unfolded!

Enchanting Lake Como

We spent the first four nights of our trip on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Como. Nestled in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, Lake Como is not only the most famous of the Italian lakes, but also ranks among Europe’s most prestigious travel destinations. Shaped like a sprawling “Y” carved by ancient glaciers, Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy—following Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore—and one of the deepest in Europe, plunging to nearly 400 meters.

Set amidst the rugged Alpine slopes, the lake’s narrow, elongated form creates a dramatic landscape. Its unique blend of Alpine grandeur and Mediterranean charm gave us an unforgettable experience. Every moment spent discovering the area felt like stepping into a painting—an experience etched into our memories for life.

Beyond its natural beauty, Lake Como is also a land of contrasts. The lake is fed by the Adda River, which flows in from the north and exits at Lecco in the south—though interestingly, the Como branch of the lake has no natural outlet, making it a kind of vast, enclosed basin.

Along the shoreline, you’ll find everything from luxurious villas to charming fishing villages and scenic hiking trails beloved by backpackers. The area is dotted with aristocratic estates, elegant botanical gardens, historic chapels, and postcard-perfect towns. And of course, the local restaurants offer a tempting array of authentic Italian dishes that are hard to resist.

Lake Como’s striking scenery has also drawn the attention of filmmakers from around the world. Some iconic movie scenes were filmed right here, including the romantic sequences in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, the high-stakes casino scenes in Ocean’s Twelve, and key moments from Casino Royale. Even Hollywood stars can’t resist its charm—George Clooney famously owns a villa on the lake, adding even more sparkle to its international reputation.

Over the course of four days, we explored Lake Como’s most iconic towns and highlights. This gave us just enough time to truly absorb the lake’s magic. The sweeping views, the rich Italian atmosphere, and the peaceful winter surroundings completely won us over. And even with a toddler in tow, the experience was both comfortable and full of joy.

If you follow in our footsteps, we’re sure Lake Como will cast its spell on you, too!

A Family Adventure at Lake Como

In early January 2024, we kicked off the new year with a trip from Stansted Airport, and by early afternoon, we had landed at Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, not far from Milan. After picking up our rental car—a Peugeot 208 we booked via QEEQ—we hit the road toward Dongo, a charming little town on the shores of Lake Como. This is where we stayed for four nights in a lovely Airbnb apartment.

You can find my full airport parking guide [here].
Why choose a rental car when flying in? Check out my best car rental tips [here].
And if you’re traveling with little ones, my family-friendly accommodation guide is [here].

Car Rental – Yes or No?

If you’re planning to visit Lake Como, renting a car can be a smart move. It offers the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace—especially useful when traveling with kids or when you’re keen to discover off-the-beaten-path gems.

Feel free to browse the car rental options below—these trusted companies offer a range of vehicles and deals to suit your travel plans.

Qeeq.com

Economy Bookings

Money-Saving Tip: Bring Your Own Car Seat
Traveling with a toddler? Many airlines allow you to bring two baby items (like a car seat and stroller) free of charge. We always take our own child car seat, and it has saved us a lot over the years!

That said, if you’d rather skip the rental, public transport is a viable option. Local buses, regional trains, and ferry services on the lake offer good coverage—though travel times can be longer, and connections aren’t always straightforward. Still, with a bit of planning, it’s entirely doable.

Getting to Lake Como from Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)

If you’re also flying into Bergamo, here’s how you can reach Lake Como using public transport:

1. Bus to Bergamo city center

Take the A1 bus from the airport to Bergamo train station—the ride takes about 15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the machine near the bus stop. You’ll need a 3-zone ticket, and you can check current prices and schedules on the [ATB Bergamo website].

2. Train to Lecco

Once at Bergamo station, catch a train heading to Lecco. You can buy tickets at the station’s vending machines or at the ticket office.

3. Continue to other towns along the lake

If your accommodation isn’t in Lecco or nearby, you can transfer to another train toward your final destination. Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry from Lecco, which is a scenic and relaxing way to explore Lake Como by water. You’ll find current ferry schedules here: [Navigazione Laghi].

On the Way to Our Accommodation

The drive from the airport to our accommodation took around an hour and a half. We had originally planned a short stop in Lecco, but since Liny didn’t nap on the plane—except for a few fleeting moments—she was already getting quite cranky after lunch. The moment we got in the car, she fell asleep instantly, so we decided to skip the detour and head straight to our apartment, which we could check into from 3 PM.

We always keep our travel plans flexible, adjusting them to whatever makes the most sense in the moment—and this time, going directly to the accommodation was definitely the right call.

Our Stay – CasAllio, Dongo

Our apartment, CasAllio, was tucked away on a quiet street in the heart of Dongo, just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, the lake, and a scenic bike path. Since it was located on the ground floor, we had our own private garden and entrance—an absolute win when traveling with a toddler.

This was truly a family-friendly stay:

• Free, secure private parking
• A small playground and an indoor playroom
• Bunnies in the yard – much to Liny’s delight
• Garden tables, perfect for peaceful morning coffees

The apartment was spacious, bright, and spotless. Our host, Sonja, was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay. If you’re planning a trip to Lake Como with kids, I wholeheartedly recommend this place—it was perfect in every way!

First Things First: Settling In & Stocking Up

As usual, our first mission was to explore the apartment and check out its amenities. After that, we headed to a nearby Penny Market to pick up some groceries.

TIP – Don’t shop blindly!
When booking an apartment, it’s a good idea to look around before doing your shopping. Many hosts provide essentials like spices, tea, or coffee, so you might be able to skip buying all the little things.

You can read my tips on grocery shopping here.

Once we finished shopping, we headed back “home,” and Liny immediately launched into explorer mode in the garden. She loved the slide and swing, but the real stars of the show were the rabbits—she watched them intently for ages. Our host even let her feed them a little snack, which completely made her day.

Later, we unpacked and settled in properly before making a cozy homemade dinner. By the end of the day, we were all happily tired. The apartment also came with a travel cot, which meant our little one could sleep in a familiar and comfy setting. After a relaxing evening, we were fully recharged and ready to begin our Lake Como adventures the next morning.

Our first 4 days around Lake Como – day by day: