Lake Como, Italy With Kids
Traveling to Lake Como With kids
Lake Como, Italy with kids. Now that’s not something you hear every day. I will admit, traveling to the beautiful destination with a little one in tow is a journey, but it was one that was filled with so many great memories. We chose to stay in Bellagio and travel to different towns each day. Fortunately, the lake has a great ferry system (more on that later) making traveling from town to town a breeze.
Most travel to Lake Como for the breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and historic villas. And, the proximity from Milan makes it such a convenient extension of any trip to the city center. I loved traveling here with my 5 month old, but I would note that traveling to Lake Como with small children is more ideal than traveling there with older kids. With Meyer at only 5 months old, we were still able to do what we wanted throughout the day like tour villas instead of needing to keep him entertained like going to a zoo. In saying that, Lake Como will offer you endless views and a welcoming environment that makes it an ideal destination for families with children of any age. Take a look at our favorite towns, restaurants and things to do while visiting Lake Como.
lake como towns
When researching what towns to visit in Lake Como and where to stay, I found it to be very overwhelming for any traveler let alone a seasoned traveler. I just wanted someone who had been to tell me what to do, so I’m going to do exactly that — below are the towns we visited, why I chose them and why I ended up loving them.
- Bellagio: We chose to stay in Bellagio for many reasons and one of those being the nickname it’s gotten as the Pearl of Lake Como. Bellagio is renowned for its picturesque setting with charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and panoramic views.
- Varenna: Located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Varenna is a serene village offering a quieter escape. It has a colorful waterfront, narrow alleys (not ideal for strollers!), and the beautiful Villa Monastero with its gardens make it an ideal spot for a romantic leisurely visit.
- Tremezzo: Home to the stunning Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo is known for its grand villas and gardens. The village’s lakefront promenade coupled with its proximity to Bellagio, made it a convenient and charming destination.
If you have more time, then I suggest visiting the towns of Lenno (featured in several films), Como (a more urban destination) and Cernobbio (elegant villas and waterfront views). Plus, if you end up doing a boat tour of the lake, which I highly suggest you do on your first day, you’ll be able to knock off a few more of the towns along the way.
lake como HOTELS
When staying in Bellagio, I found Hotel Belvedere to hit the mark in every single way possible. It’s a luxury stay with a boutique vibe and is perfect for those traveling to Lake Como with kids. From the incredible views right from the pool, beautiful rooms, and amazing on-site restaurant, Hotel Belvedere has it all. If you’re looking for other options, I found Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and Hotel du Lac to be equally as great.
For those looking for other hotels around the lake, use the booking finder below to find what you need.
top things to do in lake como
+ take a boat tour
My favorite thing that we did in Lake Como was tour the lake by boat. It’s a mesmerizing experience that shows the lake’s beauty from a unique perspective. I highly recommend taking a tour like this on your first day to get a lay of the land. Our tour guide took us all around the lake pointing out historic villas, hidden gems and iconic filming locations. I can’t recommend using Como Classic Boats enough when heading to Lake Como.
For an intimate and leisurely exploration of Lake Como’s shores, you’ll find this to be such a great activity to do with the kids or as a couple. Here are a few other boat tours to take a look at:
+explore bellagio
I am so glad we ended up staying in Bellagio while in Lake Como. It’s a very popular town and tourists show up like it is. However, you’ll find the crowds disappear in the early morning and late evening hours. Plus, when you have a 5 month old that wakes up at the crack of dawn, you get to stroll down to one of the cafes and enjoy a cappuccino and the amazing view without the crowds. Now that’s looking on the bright side, right?!
While I loved visiting the other towns, there is something about Bellagio. It gives off all the warm and fuzzy feelings. It’s a true picturesque little town in Italy. While I recommend staying here as your focal point of the trip, you can still take a day trip to the town and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Here’s what to do when visiting the town of Bellagio:
- Visit the Melzi Gardens: The beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi features exotic plants, sculptures, a serene lakeside setting and offers a glimpse into the region’s history.
- Discover Piazza della Chiesa: The central square is where you’ll find the Church of San Giacomoto and can experience the local atmosphere.
- Stroll along the waterfront: Enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains of Bellagio along the waterfront.
- Shop in the Old Town: Wander through Bellagio’s charming old town, characterized by their narrow cobblestone streets and cute shops full of local crafts and boutique stores.
- Hike the Punta Spartivento: For the outdoorsy and hiking type, the Punta Spartivento Trail offers panoramic views of Lake Como. The trailhead is accessible from the town center.
- Take a walk to Pescallo: A picturesque and old fishing village with narrow winding streets, colorful houses, and a quaint harbor, offers a view into the authentic and slower-paced life of Lake Como
+ wander around varenna
Varenna truly felt like stepping into a fairytale. It would be such a perfect destination town for those on their honeymoon. It’s full of romantic vibes and charming streets offering such a tranquil atmosphere. For those traveling with small children, it’s not the best town for strollers so plan to bring the baby carrier!
When in Varenna, you should:
- Tour Villa Monastero
- Walk around Old Town
- Head to Fishermen’s Beach
- Grab lunch and a view at Bar Il Molo
- Take a stroll down Passeggiata Degli Innamorati (Lover’s Walk)
- Hike to Castle of Vezio
+ take a trip to tremezzo
Tremezzo is one of the smaller towns lining Lake Como, but one that shouldn’t be missed. Many travelers stay in Tremezzzo for the absolutely stunning hotel lining the shores of this town, Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Visiting this hotel is like stepping right into a Wes Anderson movie in all the best ways. If you’re just visiting, make a reservation at Da Giacomo al Lago for the best lunch views!
Another must-do while in Tremezzo is touring Villa Carlotta, a historic villa and botanical garden.
+ take a dip in the lake or pool
While not renowned for its beaches, Lake Como offers several spots where you can enjoy the water and views. Some of the more popular lakeside areas and lidos around Lake Como are Lido Di Bellagio and Lido di Lenno. If you choose a hotel like Hotel Belvedere, then you can enjoy a relaxing day at the pool with all the views the lake has to offer (not to mention all the drinks, too). A perfect way to spend a day with kids in Lake Como.
restaurants IN bellagio
Just like most of my favorite cities in Italy, Bellagio did not disappoint when it came to food. And, for being a much smaller town, it had an endless amount of options. Our absolute favorite and can’t miss restaurant was by far La Punta. Take a look at some other noteworthy places.
+ Salice Blue
+ La Punta
+ Antico Pozzo
+ Cafe bar sport
+ barchetta
taking the ferry in lake como
Taking the ferry in Lake Como is a straightforward and enjoyable experience, providing an excellent way to explore all the towns around Lake Como. You can check ferry times and book tickets in advance online (which I recommend) or you can head to the main ferry terminal located along the waterfront promenade to find and book what you need. For the most part, the ferries are very punctual and provide both indoor and outdoor seating making it a seamless experience for everyone.
Lake Como stands as a timeless jewel with historic villas, charming towns, and breathtaking views. Whether you want the pure Italian escape of Bellagio or the tranquility of Varenna, Lake Como has something everyone can enjoy.
If you have any questions about Lake Como or a different city I’ve visited, don’t hesitate to reach out on Instagram!
happy travels, liz stanford
Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, which means when you purchase something using these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only link these companies because I have used them or truly recommend them based on their quality and the experience I had.
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