Last updated on February 21st, 2024 at 09:21 pm
Are you considering a trip to Lake Como with kids? Well, look no further. Here’s what we packed into our itinerary when we travelled to Como with kids and what we’d recommend – from the best areas to stay in Lake Como to the answer to the question: Is Lake Como worth it?
We stayed in Bellagio, positioned at the tip of the peninsula which divides Lake Como into its two ‘arms’. Bellagio, known as ‘the pearl of the Lake’, makes the perfect base. Not only is it conveniently located, but it’s well known for its breathtaking scenery and views. There’s also lots to do here if you’re staying in Bellagio with kids.
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How To Get to Lake Como
The nearest major airports to Lake Como are:
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): This is the largest and most well-connected airport in the region. From Malpensa, you can get to Lake Como by car or by taking a train to Milan and then transferring to a train heading to Como or Varenna, both of which are towns on Lake Como.
Milan Linate Airport (LIN): Linate is another airport in Milan, but it’s smaller than Malpensa. You can also reach Lake Como from here by car or by travelling into central Milan and getting a train.
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY): This airport is located near Bergamo and is often used by budget airlines. Like the other airports, you can travel to Lake Como by car or take a bus to Bergamo’s train station and continue by train.
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If you’re already in Italy and are travelling by train, Milan Centrale is the train station to head to. There are a couple of different routes from Milan (operated by Trenitalia; tickets can be booked in advance or when you arrive at the train station), including trains to Lake Como and the towns of Varenna and Colico.
This was a relief to us, as, on the day we travelled, all trains from Milan to Como had been cancelled. It was easy enough to get on a train to Varenna and get a bus from there. The journey from Milan to Lake Como will take you around 45 minutes.
✅ Check train schedules and book train tickets with Raileurope.com HERE
Hiring a car to drive from Milan to Lake Como is another option. We avoided this since we knew parking in Lake Como and Bellagio could be an issue, and that driving in this part of Italy isn’t necessarily for the faint-hearted!
✅ Book a hire car with Rentalcars.com HERE
Getting Around Lake Como
The best way of getting around Lake Como with kids is by ferry. The ferry system is fairly efficient (although does get busy), and it connects the majority of the lakeside towns.
Whether you’re wondering how to get from Como to Bellagio, or want to hop between the towns over the course of a day, the ferry schedule in Lake Como should always be your first port of call.
Ferries in Lake Como are a great way to sightsee as well as reach other parts of the lake.
The most popular ferry routes include:
- Como to Bellagio: One of the most scenic and popular ferry routes on Lake Como. You’ll pass by picturesque villages and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Bellagio to Varenna: Bellagio and Varenna are both popular and pretty towns on Lake Como. Both offer beautiful lakeside promenades, historical attractions, and relaxed atmospheres.
- Menaggio to Cadenabbia: Menaggio is a popular town on the western shore of Lake Como, and the ferry ride from Menaggio to Cadenabbia on the opposite shore provides fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
- Tremezzo to Bellagio: Tremezzo, another lovely town on the western shore, is known for Villa Carlotta and its beautiful gardens. It’s also famous for the Grand Tremezzo Hotel – accommodation for the elite!
- Lenno to Isola Comacina: Lenno is known for its charming waterfront and Villa del Balbianello. The ferry route from Lenno to Isola Comacina takes you to the only island on Lake Como, where you can visit the historical ruins and enjoy eating at one of the lakeside restaurants.
- Como to Colico: This is a longer ferry route that spans a significant portion of the lake, connecting Como in the south to Colico in the north. It’s a great option if you want to see a wider range of landscapes and explore the less touristy northern end of Lake Como.
- Varenna to Bellano: Varenna and Bellano are two attractive towns on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The ferry route between them provides views of their charming waterfronts and historic sites.
- Argegno to Pigra: This unique ferry route includes a cable car ride from Argegno to the hillside village of Pigra. It’s a fun and scenic way to experience the lake from a different perspective.
- Cernobbio to Moltrasio: Cernobbio is known for its elegant villas, including Villa d’Este, while Moltrasio offers a glimpse into the local life along the lake. The ferry between these towns provides a taste of both.
If you’re staying in Bellagio, there are two ferry terminals: Bellagio Lido Terminal and Bellagio Cadennabia Terminal. Bellagio Lido Terminal in the town centre is the main ferry terminal, with Bellagio Cadennabia Terminal being used mainly for travel to the western shore of the lake (for towns such as Menaggio and Tremezzo).
If you have 2 days in Lake Como and Bellagio…
A visit to Lake Como can easily be combined with a stay in Milan or other areas of Italy. If you want to include a number of locations in your Italy trip, then 3 days in Milan and Lake Como will allow you to experience much of what I suggest below.
How long you stay depends on how many of the lakeside towns you’d like to explore, and how action-packed you want your days to be. You can fit in visits to several of the towns in the space of one day, but this might feel rushed for some people.
If you have 2 days in Lake Como and are basing yourself in Bellagio, or nearby, here’s what I’d recommend:
Explore Bellagio Town Center
Wander through Bellagio’s narrow streets and up its steep steps. You’ll discover pretty alleyways, quaint shops, and tempting places to eat. Bellagio is popular with tourists, but this doesn’t detract from its laid-back feel.
Walking through the cobbled streets was probably one of our favourite things to do in Bellagio. Make sure you pay a visit to Bellagio’s most famous street, Salita Serbelloni.
Book a Boat Tour of the Lake
Booking a private or small group boat tour is a more relaxed way to see Lake Como with children. There are a number of companies offering boat tours in Bellagio, at varying price points.
We went with Bellagio Boat Service who offer one of the most reasonably priced boat tours of the lake. Their tour lasts 70 minutes and takes you past some of the most famous villas, such as Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello and Villa La Cassinella (owned by Richard Branson).
There was some commentary in English during the tour although I probably would have liked a little bit more.
✅ Book HERE for your Lake Como Boat Tour
Visit Villa Melzi Gardens
Villa Melzi, located on the lakeshore, has beautiful gardens that are open to the public. Unfortunately, the villa itself is not open to the public but you can visit the small museum in the grounds. This consists of Greek and Egyptian artworks and artefacts which the previous owners of the villas have collected.
These Lake Como gardens here are beautiful and particularly peaceful with some amazing views over the lake. You can book guided tours of the gardens in advance via the website.
Villa Melzi Contact Details:
Villa Melzi Gardensvia Lungolario Manzoni, Italy
Phone: +39 339 457 3838
Email: [email protected]
✅ Book HERE for a combined tour of Villa Melzi and other Lakeside villas (ferry transport included)
Walk Along Bellagio Promenade
Walking along the lakeside promenade offers breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for photos. There are plenty of benches to sit down and people watch too. While we were there, we spotted some fairground rides and bungee trampolines along the promenade.
Nearer the town centre (in the square by the ferry terminal), you can catch the mini train (the Trombetta Express) which travels along the promenade. Particularly helpful if you have people in your family (big or small) who need to rest their feet!
Catch the Ferry
Taking a ferry ride to explore other towns on Lake Como should definitely be top of your list when visiting Bellagio.
Check out the most popular routes above under my ‘Getting Around Lake Como’ section.
Wandering around other towns such as Varenna and Menaggio is a great way to spend a few hours and it’s easy to hop back on the ferry to the next town.
You can buy a circular ticket which allows you to travel to different towns around the lake as long as your journey finishes where it started. If two adults purchase the circular tickets, then two children up to the age of 12 years old go free. Find more details here.
Visit Villa Balbianello
If you have time to see only one villa while you’re in Lake Como, make it Villa Balbianello. It isn’t the closest one to Bellagio if that’s where you’re staying. You’ll need to take the ferry from Bellagio to Lenno, then it’s a water taxi or 20-minute uphill walk), but it’s worth it.
Built in the 13th century and originally a monastery, its most recent owner prior to being signed over to Italy’s National Trust was Count and explorer Guido Monzino. Book a week or two ahead if you want to tour the villa itself.
We thought the gardens were probably the highlight and that the kids would be happier just seeing those. You might recognise Villa Balbianello… It’s famous for being featured in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, and the James Bond film Casino Royale.
Look out in particular for the Loggia Durini – the open-air terrace overlooking the lake. That’s where the scenes in those movies were filmed.
Villa Balbianello Contact Details:
Via Guido Monzino, 1Loc. Lenno22016 Tremezzina
Phone: +39 0344 56110
✅ Book HERE for your Villa Balbianello Entrance Tickets
Cool Down With Some Gelato
Italy and gelato go hand in hand of course. But it’s always handy to know where to go for the best ice cream. Lucky for us, one of the best gelaterias was opposite our accommodation.
Gelateria del Borgo is a gorgeous ice cream shop in pastel-coloured hues – but more importantly, the ice cream is fab. Whether or not you’re visiting Lake Como with children, this place will be a hit! Try the black cherry flavour (this was my absolute favourite) but the Toblerone gelato was also fantastic.
Gelateria del Borgo Contact Details:
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 46, 22021 Bellagio
Phone: +39 031 950755
Lake Como Itinerary 3 days
If you have an extra day to spare, add these extra activities to your list of things to do in Lake Como with kids:
Book a Water Activity
Rent a paddleboat, kayak, or rowboat to enjoy Lake Como. It’s a fun and active way to experience Lake Como with kids.
✅ Book HERE for your Lake Como Kayak Rental
Visit the Museum of Navigation Instruments
If you or your kids are interested in sailing or the ocean, the Museum of Navigation Instruments might be of interest. This small museum features 200 artefacts, such as telescopes and compasses, which have allowed explorers to reach new lands.
Museum of Navigation Instruments Contact Details:
Piazza Don Miotti 22021 San Giovanni di Bellagio
Phone: +39 031950309
Go Shopping
Bellagio has a large selection of shops, boutiques, and artisanal stores selling local products and souvenirs. You’re bound to find some great gifts to take home. Bellagio is particularly well known for its silk production, so you’ll find some beautiful silk scarves, dresses and ties in the local shops.
Take a Cooking Class
Book a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta and tiramisu. A fun activity for all the family, kids will love learning how to make fresh pasta – so how about trying one of these cookery sessions, some of which are at Lake Como locals’ homes?
✅ Book HERE for a Lake Como cookery class
Wine Tasting
Lake Como is located near the Lombardy wine region and there are a number of enotecas (wine bars) where you can try a glass of wine or two. Enoteca La Principessa is a good one to try. If you’re in Lake Como with kids, you can pick up a bottle to take back to your accommodation instead.
Check out Get Your Guide for local food and wine-tasting tours. These Lake Como: Winery Tour with Wine Tasting are good value.
✅ Book HERE for your Lake Como Wine Tour with Wine Tasting
Where to stay in Lake Como
One of the best places to stay on Lake Como is Bellagio. It’s one of the bigger towns with great ferry connections and lots of great restaurants but is also particularly beautiful.
We stayed at Residence La Limonera which is perfect if you’re looking for a self-catering option in the middle of town. Really, you can’t get a better location than this. It also has pretty gardens you can sit out and relax in after a busy day exploring Bellagio. Plus it’s right opposite the best Gelato shop in town!
The most expensive hotel in Lake Como is the famous five-star Grand Hotel Tremezzo. While undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Lake Como for families, you might be looking for something a bit more budget-friendly. If so, and you’d prefer a hotel to self-catering, check out Hotel Du Lac or Hotel Belvedere Bellagio.
✅ Book HERE for the best rates on family-friendly places to stay in Bellagio via Booking.com
Where to Eat in Bellagio
We ate most of our meals in Bellagio, as this is where we were based, and there are plenty of options here.
There are lots of restaurants, cafes and bars in Bellagio and they get busy during peak season. You’ll find that you can’t book ahead at a lot of the restaurants – you’ll just have to get there early (or be prepared to wait)! If you’re travelling with kids, this will probably work out pretty well anyway.
Here are our favourite family restaurants in Bellagio:
La Fontana – A simple Italian pasta and pizza restaurant. We all enjoyed our food here and thought the service was good. They had some good specials on offer when we went and I really liked my lake fish filled tortellini.
Contact Details: Via Centrale,7 (angolo salita Monastero)
Phone: +39 031 950 283
Email: [email protected]
Hours: March to October
12:00 – 15:30 and 18:00 – 22:00; Closed on Wednesdays
Trattoria San Giacomo – This is a small restaurant with equal amounts of seating both inside and out. It’s situated on one of Bellagio’s most famous streets, Salita Serbelloni which is probably the main reason this restaurant is so popular. The food is good, and we loved the atmosphere and all the people-watching you can do sat at one of the outdoor tables. It opens at 7 pm and there’ll be a queue snaking up the stairs by the restaurant in peak season well before opening time. I’d advise getting there at 6.30 pm if you can.
Contact Details: Trattoria San Giacomo, Salita Serbelloni 45, Bellagio
Phone: +39 031950329
E-Mail: [email protected]
Hours: 12.00 to 14.30 and 19.00 to 21.30
Closed on Tuesdays / No Reservations
La Grotta – A pizza restaurant which is well-signposted and easy to find. Another popular restaurant, both at lunchtime and dinner. I’ve had better pizza, but there’s a lot of choice and the kids enjoyed it.
Contact Details: Salita Cernaia, 14 Bellagio
Phone: +39 031 951152
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 12.00 – 15.00 and 19.00 – 22.00; Closed on Mondays
Bistrot Antichi Sapori – Next door to La Fontana, this restaurant is really good value with pasta at wallet-friendly prices. Try their truffle pasta if you’re looking for something luxurious. The service is no-nonsense and quick – perhaps because it’s so popular and there’s always a queue. It’s solid, unfussy fare here, so perfect if you’re in Lake Como with kids.
Contact Details: Via Centrale 3/5, Bellagio, Italy
Phone: +39 031 950431
Hours: 11.30 to 21.00; Closed on Wednesdays
FAQ’s about the Lakes in Italy
Is Lake Como Worth it?
Lake Como is definitely worth visiting for two or three days. There are enough activities for kids to keep families busy for this amount of time.
This is a beautiful part of the world and the views, the gardens, the villas and the lakes are worth seeing and enjoying.
I probably wouldn’t stay for any longer than a week (and I think even a week might be pushing it if you’re visiting Como with kids). Any more than a week and I think some kids might begin to feel a little bored.
Instead, I would choose to move on and explore another part of Italy. Have a look at these suggestions for inspiration:
1 Day Cinque Terre Itinerary – Italy with Teenagers
Italy with Teenagers: 24 hours in Rome
What To Do in Montepulciano With Kids
Should I Visit Lake Como or Lake Garda?
Both Lake Como and Lake Garda are beautiful lakeside towns and you won’t go wrong in terms of fabulous scenery. Lake Como is better known for its pretty streets, charm and amazing food. There are lots of different towns to visit on the shores of the lake and a number of stunning lakeside villas and gardens to visit.
Lake Garda is the biggest lake in Italy and some would argue there’s more to do there, particularly for families. There are lots of options for water sports, and the amusement park Gardaland which kids are bound to love! Which is your favourite will of course depend on your preferences and what you’re looking for.
Which is best – Lake Como or Lake Maggiore?
Lake Maggiore is another of Italy’s largest lakes, slightly to the west of Lake Como and closer to Switzerland (so it’s a great option if you want to combine Switzerland and Italy).
For those who enjoy visiting historical sights, Lake Maggiore beats Lake Como on that front. Lake Maggiore is also surrounded by a number of islands including Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. You’ll find some pretty amazing gardens and historical palaces there.
Is Lake Como very Expensive?
Lake Como does have a reputation for being one of the pricier parts of Italy to visit. This is likely to be because of its image and popularity. We found the food shops quite expensive. I felt the restaurants were slightly more expensive than in some other parts of Italy – but you could still find reasonably priced options.
We generally didn’t come across kids’ menus, however – so this added to the bill. Accommodation can be quite costly – so think about a self-catering option like Residence La Limonera!
Can you swim in Lake Como?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Como – but I wouldn’t advise swimming just anywhere. There are public beaches and designated swimming areas, as well as a few private beach clubs. Bellagio is quite busy so you’ll have to head a little further out of the centre of town to find somewhere suitable to swim. You can read about the best beaches and lidos in the Lake Como area here.
I hope you found this Lake Como with Kids post helpful.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for travel in Europe with kids, have a read of Lisbon in 4 days – first time in Lisbon family itinerary
Or if you’re thinking of combining a visit to Lake Como with kids with a stop in Sicily, visit 12 Best Things To Do in Taormina.
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