The weather is getting colder all over the world and with temperatures reaching below zero sometimes, “vacation” is not what most people think about.
The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think of winter is curling up with thick blankets, good books, a cheerful fire and hot chocolate. Packing a suitcase, going on a plane and driving through snow and ice may not sound very appealing.
But winter in north Italy, and especially in the area of lake Lugano doesn’t have to be cause for alarm. In fact, it is probably one of the most magical times to visit the area.
We collected a few great reasons why you should come to Porlezza in the winter:
The weather is usually milder
Because lake Lugano is nestled between mountains, winters here, albeit being the north of Italy, are milder. Temperatures do reach below zero and we do get some snow but it is usually quite light and the cold is tolerable. Average temps for Porlezza between January – March are 3 – 12 degrees Celsius (37.4 – 53.6 Fahrenheit).
Ski resorts nearby
Porlezza is located very close to some mountains (some higher than others) and therefore ski resorts are usually a short drive away. The advantage of staying in a place like Porlezza is that you can combine a ski vacation with a regular type of “holiday” and you can avoid the expensive prices of lodges and ski passes. You can plan for a week of fun in the snow with 2-3 days of ski and the rest of driving around the magical lakes Lugano and Como.
Lanzo D’Intelvi, just above Porlezza
Great views
Winter in Porlezza turns it into a true fairy tale. With mist and fog covering the lake, the town and surrounding forests look as if they’re taken straight out of a king Arthur tale. There aren’t enough words to describe the feeling one gets when you step out of the door in the morning and look at the mist covered lake. You really do expect the lady of the lake to rise from the water, or sir Lancelot to ride out from the forest.
Lake Lugano in February
The carnival
If you come in February, it is the time of carnivals all over Europe. Italy and Porlezza are no different. While Porlezza is not venice and there is no masks festival here, the town does hold a very big, colorful and cheerful carnival, for which the whole town prepares for months! We’ve written a separate post about it here.
Hot chocolate!
Winter is the best time (and in some cafes the only time) to get hot chocolate in Porlezza. And when we say “hot chocolate” we mean real, creamy, rich and dark decadent hot chocolate and not just warm colored milk with some powder. The cafes in town all serve it and they all take pride in their recipes. Winter is chocoholic’ heaven in Porlezza!
Quiet, romantic & cheaper!
Winter is and always be the “low season”. All accommodations and attractions are usually much cheaper than in the summer and not very busy. This is an advantage for people who wish to experience a quiet, calm vacation without the noise, hustle and bustle of the summer, when the town grows from its usual some 4000 residents to tens of thousands (thankfully not all at once!).
It is not by chance that Porlezza was named the second most visited place in the province of Como in 2014. It is a very popular destination and winter is not different.
Whatever your reasons may be for coming, we will be happy to have you in Porlezza, whether winter or summer.
