Como?

I don't think so like you said all the towns and villa's on the lake offers so much to do on a daily basis but add on to that you take quick day trips into Milan (39 mins aways) go into Switzerland etc. I envy you . I've never been but we heading over to Lake Como this summer and doing all my research and looking at things to do, I don't know if a Month is ENOUGH time LOL

enjoy.

I'm not sure Lake Como will be beautiful enough in March to choose it as a month-long base. I spent four nights in the mid-lake area last September. It was pretty then, but there really wasn't a great deal to do for a long visit. I am a sightseer, not someone who looks forward to sitting in cafes, relaxing. Como, being a city, does have more sights, but I'd much rather be in Milan, or Bologna or lots of other places for a long stay.

Maybe someone on the forum has spent a lot of time on the lake in March and can give you something other than my speculation.

We visited Lago di Como at the very start of April, and the ferries across the lake had only just stared for the season. Meaning, I think if you are there in March you may miss out on taking ferries across the lake, which to me was one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting. However, I am sure you would still have a great time. I would check the latest ferry schedule to see when they operate.

Thanks for all your comments. Keep them coming.

Just looked at the ferry schedules and they seem to be running now, at least for Varenna and Bellagio. Will dig deeper.
Pretty does count. Will look into that too.
I should clarify that I will be in Milan for a solid week, then a week in Bologna and two in Venice.
I have read that the beautiful small towns in the mid lake section do not have long term interests or sufficient food supplies which is why I was thinking the big metropolis of Como???

sufficient food supplies

????? Are you concerned that the lake towns will run out if food? I can assure you that unless there is some massive catastrophe, that is not the case. And given that they are used to serving huge crowds if tourists every year, there are plenty of eating establishments. So, not really a factor for selecting a base camp . But if you prefer staying in a city vs a smaller town, then of course go with your preference. Thinking that you will be able to strike up any kind of relationship with the neighbours may be wishful thinking. Personally, I think March is too early in the year especially for a prolonged stay.

Maybe if we spread the rumor that visitors must carry enough supply of K-ration to lake Como, they will stop overrunning Varenna every year. I haven’t had the K-ration since I served in the military but it was pretty nasty.

@acraven-“ I'm not sure Lake Como will be beautiful enough in March to choose it as a month-long base. I spent four nights in the mid-lake area last September. It was pretty then, but there really wasn't a great deal to do for a long visit. I am a sightseer, not someone who looks forward to sitting in cafes, relaxing.”

I’ve lived in northern Italy in the past and can tell you without a doubt that except for the cooler weather I much prefer March and April in Como, and Lecco to a larger extent. There’s a ton to do there year round and most of it involves hiking or strenuous walking.