You are finally on holiday at the magnificent Lake Como, but the weather is starting to act up. Grey skies, ominous clouds on the horizon, and the first raindrops begin to fall. You might think: time wasted, holiday ruined! But don’t despair! Even on a rainy day, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained and relaxed.

In case of bad weather, the first option is to visit the museums and monuments of Alto Lario. In Dongo, you can use modern multimedia technology to immerse yourself in the history of the Resistance on Lake Como and the end of the Second World War at the Museo della Fine della Guerra (End of the War Museum), housed in the halls of Palazzo Manzi. In Pianello del Lario, on the other hand, the Museo Barca Lariana (International Museum of Vintage Boats) will leave you dumbfounded as you discover its vast collection of over 400 boats and countless maritime artefacts. For those intrigued by local history, the Civic Museum in Musso is the ideal site to learn more about silk production on Lake Como and the history of Musso. In Colico, you can visit Forte Montecchio Nord, Europe’s best-preserved World War I stronghold, or immerse yourself in ancient rural life at the Museum of Peasant Culture.

If you’re an art enthusiast, the Sacred Area of Gravedona ed Uniti is a must-visit. It includes the Church of S. Maria del Tiglio, a masterpiece of Como Romanesque architecture, and the parish church of S. Vincenzo, with its captivating crypt dedicated to San Antonio. Explore Colico’s Olgiasca peninsula for the splendid Abbey of Piona.

On a drizzly day, grab an umbrella and wander through the narrow streets, squares and historic buildings of Alto Lario’s villages like Domaso, Gravedona ed Uniti, Dongo, and the medieval hamlet of Corenno Plinio in Dervio. Lose yourself in the charm of these historic alleyways and delve deep into the past!

If the sun is shining, you can enjoy the lush gardens surrounding the villas in the centre of the lake. On rainy days, take the opportunity to explore the villa interiors and marvel at their well-preserved collections and furnishings. Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello in Tremezzina, and Villa Monastero in Varenna welcome visitors even in bad weather.

Rainy days are also perfect for visiting nearby cities such as Como, Lugano, Milan, and Bergamo for the first time or to delve deeper into their world-renowned landmarks and monuments.
If relaxation is your priority during holidays, indulging in a pampering session at a wellness centre is a perfect way to spend a rainy day. Many local accommodation facilities offer spa services to visitors. For those willing to travel a bit farther (over 100 km), the famous thermal baths of Bormio in Valtellina provide a serene retreat. Between massages, saunas, and spas, you’ll find yourself almost glad that it’s raining!

If the museums and art bore you, or if spas aren’t your thing, take advantage of the opportunity to go shopping. Explore a variety of shops in the villages of Alto Lario where you can buy clothing, household items, souvenirs, jewellery and more. Larger cities like Como, Lecco, and Bellagio boast an abundance of shops and boutiques.

Even in bad weather, sports enthusiasts can enjoy indoor facilities such as tennis courts, gyms, swimming pools, climbing gyms, and go-karting tracks, ensuring a fun and active day regardless of the weather.

Lastly, if the rain continues, why not treat your palate to delicious traditional cuisine, perhaps accompanied by a glass of fine wine? You can choose to dine at one of the many local restaurants or embark on a wine tasting journey at a nearby wine cellar. You can also explore the variety of local stores offering excellent local produce.