Rainy Day in Lake Como: what to do?

6 activities to do in a rainy day in Lake Como

You know, rain is useful (and how!), but when it comes, let’s say that organising your days, especially your free time in Lake Como, becomes a bit more of a problem.

The secret is to take things in the right direction and discover that, after all, thanks to bad weather, you can have the chance to visit things you wouldn’t otherwise visit and do things you probably wouldn’t do in sunny weather.

Here are 6 useful ideas to make even a rainy day enjoyable!

What to do on a rainy day in Lake Como?

1# Visit a villa

A visit to one of Lake Como’s beautiful villas on a sunny day is certainly ideal, as at least half of their charm comes from the gardens in which they are set.

However, as the historic houses are real treasure chests of beauty, all to be discovered and enjoyed, it is worth visiting them even in bad weather!

It will be an excellent opportunity to fully enjoy the interiors, which are rich in furniture, furnishings, works of art and architectural details of inestimable value, and to dive head first into the history of these places.

I have visited all the most important villas in person and in my articles I will tell you what you must see during your visit.

2# A day at the SPA

What could be better than spending a day in the whirlpools, swimming pools, steam baths and saunas when it’s grey and raining outside? I would say that there is no better situation to enjoy this kind of pastime.

There are many hotels on the lake that allow access to their wellness centres, by appointment, even to external guests.

Among the many, I can’t fail to mention the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, the Grand Hotel Vittoria in Menaggio, the Grand Hotel Imperiale in Moltrasio, the Sereno in Torno (booking a treatment is compulsory) and the Mandarin Oriental in Blevio.

It’s easy to see that these are simply fabulous places to stay!

And speaking of luxury and romantic hotels, discover my mini-guide 20 romantic hotels on Lake Como.

However, there is no shortage of spas for every budget.

One place I’ve been to more than once is La Fiorida, in Mantello, which is ideal for spending a relaxing half-day with simplicity. It’s a beautiful farmhouse with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and a small but perfect wellness centre where you can switch off for a few hours. There’s a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, two saunas, a Turkish bath, aromatic showers, a relaxation area and a fitness room.

I also recommend lunch here: the menu includes many traditional Valtellina dishes and, of course, they are all made with 0 km products.

3# Take a Cooking Class

Another idea to consider as an indoor activity is to take part in one of the many cookery courses organised on the lake. This is a great way to have fun in the kitchen, learn about traditional dishes and meet new people.

Among the many proposals now available both in town and around the lake, I cannot fail to suggest the courses organised by Le Cesarine, Italy’s most famous network of chefs and home cooks. I, in particular, had the luck to follow the lessons of La Zia Beuz, in Como and HERE you can see the recipes I learned with her!

Even lunch at a restaurant is a great way to pamper yourself on a rainy day. Read my article 12 perfect restaurants for dinner for two…but not only!

4# Day trip to Milan

Another great idea when it rains is to spend the day in the city!

As I have already told you in a previous article, of course Como is also worth a visit! But if you have already visited it, it is worth considering a trip to Milan.

You can get there by train from Varenna, or from Como (the starting point depends on where you are staying) in about an hour. If you prefer to go by car, but would rather not drive into the centre, park at Lampugnano and take the metro from there.

What to do in Milan? Well, you are simply spoilt for choice, it just depends on your interests! The last time I was there, I visited the Brera Art Gallery, walked to the Arch of Peace and Sempione Park.

Of course, if you have never been there, I can only recommend a visit to the Cathedral and Leonardo’s Last Supper!

As in any big city, you can really indulge yourself!

5# Attend a wine tasting

If you’re not the best in the kitchen, you can certainly redeem yourself with wine.

A great idea for enjoying wine is to take part in a wine tasting in a wine cellar! Wine warms the body and soul, and when it rains you can appreciate it even more…

In this case, it is always useful to have a look at the Viator portal to get an idea of the available experiences or tours. When I travel, I always keep an eye on their proposals, both for the ease with which they can be booked and for the possibility of free cancellation.

6# Indoor playground for kids

The last idea is thought for families. I realise that being on the lake with small children when the weather is bad is not the best. Unfortunately, indoor places for fun activities are somewhat lacking.

In summer, one possibility is to check out the events taking place in the various historic villas: from spring to September there are many workshops that are organised and to which you can enrol your children.

But if the events calendar doesn’t help and you don’t want to travel all the way to Milan, a solution could be an indoor playground where children can run wild without danger and have a great time.

In Como, there is the Kids Park (Via Pasquale Paoli) and the Bimbi Family Park (Cermenate), both of which have inflatable playgrounds, playgrounds, elastic nets and much more.

Your children will thank you!

Read also: 12 activities to do with kids on Lake Como