Top Things to Do for Easter in Lake Como

Easter on Lake Como offers a charming mix of Italian traditions, scenic beauty, and exciting events that make this picturesque destination even more special during the spring season. From local customs and historic Easter markets to memorable family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of things to do in Como during this festive time of year.

Easter Traditions and Local Customs in Como

Easter in Italy is a deeply spiritual time, and Como, with its rich cultural heritage, celebrates the occasion with a range of traditions. Among the most cherished is the creation of La Resta di Como, a traditional Easter sweet bread. This delectable treat is made with raisins and candied fruits and often adorned with an olive branch—symbolising peace and rebirth. Many locals bake it at home, filling the air with Easter’s sweet, inviting aroma.

Other Easter traditions in Como include families gathering for big meals, attending special Mass services, and enjoying the festive atmosphere of the town’s vibrant Easter events. It’s a time for both religious reflection and joyous celebration, as the arrival of spring breathes new life into the region.

Easter Events and Activities in Como

Lake Como is known for its stunning scenery, but it also boasts various events and activities that make Easter truly memorable. From historic markets to exciting egg hunts, here’s a look at some of the best Easter events in the area:

Easter Markets Como

A must-visit during Easter is the Fiera di Pasqua (Ester Market), a historic market held annualy in Como. Running from Holy Thursday through Easter Monday, this bustling market features over 160 stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and festive goods to regional foods. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir, taste local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the Easter spirit.

Easter Egg Hunts Como

For families, Easter egg hunts are a delightful tradition, and many towns around Lake Como host these joyful events. One notable venue is Villa d’Este, where guests are invited to indulge in a world of exquisite, artisanal chocolates. A special display showcases an array of meticulously crafted Easter eggs, each a masterpiece of high-level chocolaterie, allowing guests to select their most coveted creation and experience a truly enchanting moment of indulgence. Another popular location for egg hunts is Villa Carlotta, which also offers a lovely setting for kids to search for colourful eggs hidden throughout the grounds.

Easter Sunday Mass at Lake Como

Easter Mass is a significant event for locals and visitors alike. In Como, the Duomo di Como (Como Cathedral), with its stunning Gothic architecture, hosts a traditional Easter Mass on Easter Sunday. Attending this Mass is a spiritual and cultural experience, allowing you to connect with the region’s history and the religious significance of the occasion.

Good Friday – 18 April 2025

Morning (6:30 am – 12:00 pm): Final opportunity to venerate the Crucifix in the basilica.

3:00 pm: Solemn city procession departing from the sanctuary on Viale Varese.

Route: Viale Varese, Viale Cattaneo, Via Cadorna, Via Milano, with a stop at the Church of San Bartolomeo for a blessing by Bishop Cantoni.

The procession continues towards Piazza Vittoria, then proceeds against the normal traffic flow along Viale Cattaneo and Viale Varese, returning to the basilica for Mass.

Traffic information: No parking from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. Road closures along the entire route during the event.

8:45 pm: Repositioning of the Miraculous Crucifix.

---

Duomo (Como Cathedral) Celebrations
Maundy Thursday (17 April):

• 10:00 am: Chrism Mass

• 6:00 pm: Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday:

• 6:00 pm: Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord

Easter Sunday:

• 10:00 am: Pontifical Mass with Papal Blessing

From 17 to 21 April (Easter Monday): Tourist visits to the Cathedral are not permitted.

A Boat Tour on Lake Como

For a truly unique experience, consider exploring Lake Como aboard a boat. You can opt for a private boat tour or hop on a ferry, which offers regular services along the lake. The boat allows you to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding villages, mountains, and historic villas. The serene beauty of the lake is even more enchanting during Easter when the weather begins to warm, and the scenery comes alive with the colours of spring.

Celebrate Easter with Traditional Lunch Treats in Lake Como

Easter on Lake Como is also a treat for the taste buds, with traditional meals and seasonal sweets that celebrate the flavours of spring.

Traditional Easter Meals in Lake Como

Restaurants across the region offer special Easter menus featuring local dishes and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Many establishments offer multi-course meals, often showcasing traditional Italian Easter fare. Expect to find lamb, a symbol of renewal, alongside a selection of local wines and desserts.

Easter Sweets: La Resta di Como and Colomba

For dessert, be sure to try La Resta di Como, the region’s famous Easter bread, as well as other Italian Easter sweets. One popular treat is the Colomba di Pasqua (Easter Dove), a sweet, leavened cake shaped like a dove, symbolising peace and love. This cake is often decorated with sugary almonds and is a favourite across Italy during Easter. It’s best to buy a Colomba made with high-quality ingredients from artisanal bakeries—these are a true taste of Easter in Italy.

Easter Lunch on Lake Como

Many restaurants and hotels around Lake Como offer special Easter Sunday menus, often featuring a four- to five-course meal. A great spot to enjoy a festive Easter lunch is Villa d’Este, where the renowned Easter lunch tradition is celebrated with exquisite dishes and magnificent views of the lake.

For an intimate setting, head to Ristorante Momi , located right on the water. Here, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine with a stunning view of the lake and mountains. Momi offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable Easter celebration. The special menu blends tradition with creativity, highlighting seasonal ingredients and rich Italian flavors. Among the highlights are sharing platters with a refreshing broad bean salad, mint, and pecorino, a creamy asparagus soup served with a breaded egg and fondue, and lake fish delicately infused with rosemary. To end on a sweet note, a slice of handmade Colomba cake captures the essence of the festivities.

At ROTEO, the fine dining restaurant within the MUSA Hotel, enjoy an exquisite seven-course tasting menu. The menu blends Italian traditions with Eastern influences, such as glazed five-spice lamb saddle paired with puntarelle and anchovies.

Alternatively, the Locanda Sant’Anna in Aregeno, set on the hills, offers a perfect place to indulge in traditional local fare while soaking in the region’s surrounding beauty.

Scenic Springtime Experiences on Lake Como

Easter on Lake Como is also a wonderful time to explore the region’s natural beauty. With spring in full bloom, the lakeside promenades, gardens, and charming villages are particularly inviting.

Villa Monastero and Villa Melzi

For a peaceful stroll, visit Villa Monastero in Varenna, where you can walk through its beautiful gardens and enjoy spectacular views of the lake. Another scenic destination is Villa Melzi in Bellagio, renowned for its well-kept gardens, perfect for a springtime walk amidst blooming flowers.

Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta

Don’t miss a visit to Villa Balbianello, located on the tip of a peninsula, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The villa is famous for its terraced gardens, ideal for a leisurely walk during Easter. Similarly, Villa Carlotta boasts extensive gardens filled with spring blooms and is a popular spot for Easter egg hunts.

Easter on Lake Como is an enchanting blend of traditions, events, and scenic beauty. From attending the historic Easter markets and Mass services to indulging in traditional Easter meals and sweets, there is something for everyone.

Whether you’re celebrating with family, relaxing by the lake, or enjoying the springtime beauty of the region, Easter in Como offers a memorable experience that captures the essence of Italian culture and the charm of one of the most stunning lakes in the world.

Celebrating with family, unwinding by the lake, or soaking in the springtime beauty, Easter in Como offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Italian culture, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most stunning lakes.

---

Related articles:

Fine dining experience: Michelin restaurants on Lake Como

The 5 Italian Cuisine Restaurants On Lake Como

7 must-have apps to travel on Lake Como

Lake Como Weather: When to Take A Journey

Seven Interesting and Quirky Facts About Lake Como