Wondering Where to stay in Lake Como with family? In this post, I will help you to find the best areas to stay in Lake Como with family and the best hotels to stay in each town.
Lake Como is a beautiful destination in northern Italy and a great choice for a family vacation. With its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and numerous activities, Lake Como offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Lake Como offers several ideal areas for a family stay. From the charming town of Bellagio to the peaceful Varenna, there are options to suit different preferences, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable vacation for all.
Where to stay in Lake Como with family?
The best areas to stay in Lake Como with family are Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. These areas provide plenty of family-friendly accommodations and amenities, making them ideal choices for a memorable stay in Lake Como.
Families looking for a vibrant experience will find Bellagio and Como town ideal, offering bustling streets and plenty of activities. For those seeking a tranquil escape, Varenna and Menaggio are perfect.
Overviews of best towns to stay in Lake Como for families
| Como | is the largest city and transportation hub on Lake Como, great base for families exploring the region. It offers a range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. You can take a leisurely stroll along the lakefront promenade, visit the Como Cathedral, or take a funicular up to the village of Brunate for panoramic views. |
| Bellagio | is known for its elegant villas, cobbled streets, and stunning lake views. Often referred to as the Pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio is an excellent choice for families due to its central location, relaxed vibe, luxury hotels, fine dining, and a variety of activities. You can explore the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi, take boat trips to nearby attractions, or simply enjoy the lakeside ambiance. |
| Varenna | is a delightful town on the eastern shore of Lake Como, that is home to a train station with direct link from Milan and a ferry dock, for access to nearby towns. It offers a quietr and authentic vibe. Families will appreciate the charming waterfront promenade, the medieval Vezio Castle, and Villa Monastero. |
| Menaggio | Situated on the western shore of the lake, Menaggio is a family-friendly town with a laid-back atmosphere. It offers a range of amenities and activities, including a lakeside lido with swimming pools and beach areas. You can also explore the surrounding hills on hiking trails or take a ferry to nearby towns and attractions. |
4 Best areas to stay in Lake Como with family
1. Como
Como is one of the best areas to stay in Lake Como for families who seeking a vibrant city atmosphere with the wide selection of tourist amenities and excellent access to public transportation.
Como is the largest city and the transportation hub of the lake, located on the southwestern tip of Lake Como, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.
Como is easily accessible by various means of transportation. It is home to two major train stations, Como San Giovanni and Como Nord Lago, offering good train connections to major cities like Milan, making it convenient for families traveling with children.
Additionally, Como also is home to a bus station and a ferry dock, making it a great base for families to take a day trip by bus or ferry to explore other towns and villages on the lake, including the popular towns of Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna.
Como itself also has several attractions that appeal to families. You can explore the historic center with its charming streets, lively square, stunning churches, museums such as the Como Cathedral, the Silk Museum, and the Broletto town hall.
Discover quaint shops, gelaterias, and local markets. Don’t miss Piazza Cavour, and Piazza del Duomo, where you can relax and people-watch.
Families can take a stroll along the lakefront promenade, or visit the Tempio Voltiano museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery; or take a look at the magnificent Villa Olmo, a neoclassical villa surrounded by picturesque gardens.
Also, be sure to take you kids on a funicular ride to Brunate for panoramic views of the lake and its surrounding mountains.
As the biggest city around the lake, Como offers a wide range of amenities and facilities suitable for families. It has more shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes than other towns on the lake.
You’ll find plenty of family-friendly accommodation options, including hotels and vacation rentals that cater to different budgets and family sizes. You can choose to stay close to the train station, in the historic center, or right next to the lakefront for the views.
Best places to stay in Como Town for families:
- Luxury: Vista Palazzo – Small Luxury Hotels of the World, 5-star hotel with family rooms, situated close to the bus and train stations, the Ferry Terminal, and Cable Car Como-Brunate.
- Mid-range: Como City Home, great apartment, featuring family rooms, located near the Como San Giovanni Train Station, offering easy access to Milan.
- Budget: Albergo del Duca, 3-star hotel, located in the perfect location, close to Como Nord Lago Train Station with links to Milan.
2. Bellagio
Bellagio is the best place to stay in Lake Como with family families who appreciate scenic beauty, enjoy a relaxed and charming atmosphere, and want a central location for exploring Lake Como.
Situated right at the intersection of Lake Como’s three branches, Bellagio has a in a picturesque location. It offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Bellagio features narrow, cobbled streets, quaint shops, and lovely waterfront promenades. The town exudes a charming and relaxed atmosphere, providing a pleasant setting for families.
Due to its position on the lake, Bellagio serves as a great base for exploring other parts of Lake Como. Ferries and boat services operate from here, allowing you to easily visit neighboring towns and attractions.
Bellagio offers various activities suitable for families, such as visiting the Villa Melzi Gardens, the magnificent Villa Serbelloni, taking boat tours, water sports, hiking trails, and parks.
Additionally, the town has a range of amenities, including high-end restaurants, trendy cafes, chic shops, and playgrounds.
Being one of the most popular destinations on Lake Como, Bellagio can get crowded, especially during the peak tourist season. This may result in crowded streets and busy waterfront areas.
Bellagio is situated on a hill, so navigating the town may involve walking up and down slopes. This might be challenging for families with young children or individuals with mobility issues.
Since Bellagio is a well-known tourist spot, accommodations and dining options tend to be pricier compared to some other towns around Lake Como.
Best places to stay in Bellagio with family:
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, 5-star hotel that offers family rooms, located at the end of the Bellagio promontory, offering stunning views of Lake Como and the Alps.
- Mid-range: Antico Pozzo Apartment, offering studios and family rooms with equipped kitchens, located close to jetty boats and The Rockefeller Centre.
- Budget: Residence la Limonera, excellent accommodation with family rooms, located in a limited traffic zone, near restaurants and shops, close to the pier.
3. Varenna
Varenna is one of the best areas to stay in Lake Como for families. It is best suited for those seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to other villages.
The town is centrally located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, making it a convenient base for exploring its surrounding towns such as Bellagio and Menaggio by ferries.
Additionally, similar to Como Town, Varenna is also home to the Varenna-Esino train station, with direct train connections from Milan, making it a great base if your family doesn’t plan to hire a car.
Varenna is known for its picturesque setting with charming narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning lake views. It offers a romantic and serene atmosphere that families can enjoy.
Varenna has retained its traditional Italian character and offers an authentic experience compared to some of the more touristy areas around Lake Como.
Varenna is a relatively quiet and peaceful town, making it suitable for families seeking a more relaxed and laid-back vacation. The lack of heavy tourist crowds adds to its family-friendly appeal.
Varenna offers numerous outdoor activities for families, such as hiking trails, boat rides, and swimming in the lake. You can visit the beautiful Villa Monastero with its botanical gardens, explore the medieval Vezio Castle, and swim at a small pebble beach in the area.
While Varenna has essential amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and shops, it may not offer as wide a range of choices compared to larger towns. However, this can also be seen as an advantage if you prefer a quieter and more intimate atmosphere.
Also, Varenna is built on a hillside, so be prepared for some uphill walking. This may not be ideal for families with very young children or individuals with mobility issues. However, the views from higher vantage points are rewarding.
Best places to stay in Varenna with family:
- Luxury: Hotel du Lac Varenna, a 4-star hotel with family rooms, located in a fantastic location, close to Il Giardino Botanico and the waterfront area.
- Mid-range: Hotel Olivedo, a beautiful lakefront hotel, located within easy walking distance from the pier and the Varenna-Esino Train Station.
- Budget: Varenna Guest House, great apartment, featuring family rooms, situated close to the railway station and the ferry stop to take boat tours around the lake.
4. Menaggio
Menaggio offers a charming and family-friendly atmosphere with beautiful surroundings. It provides a great base for exploring Lake Como and enjoying various outdoor activities.
Menaggio is a picturesque town located on the western shore of Lake Como. It offers various family-friendly amenities such as parks, playgrounds, and pedestrianized areas. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, making it suitable for children.
Menaggio boasts beautiful views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The stunning natural scenery provides a peaceful and enjoyable setting for families to explore and relax.
The area around Menaggio offers numerous outdoor activities suitable for families. You can go hiking, biking, or take boat trips on the lake. There are also water sports options such as swimming and kayaking available.
Menaggio is well-connected to other towns on Lake Como through a reliable ferry service. This allows families to easily explore other attractions and towns around the lake without the need for a car.
Menaggio has a range of amenities and services that cater to families, including accommodation options such as hotels and vacation rentals, restaurants offering family-friendly menus, and shops for purchasing daily necessities.
Best places to stay in Menaggio for families:
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Victoria concept & spa, by R Collection Hotels, 5-star modern hotels, featuring family rooms, with the stunning views of Lake Como.
- Mid-range: Hotel Bellavista, 3-star lakefront hotel, located in central Menaggio.
- Budget: Suites Menaggio, beautiful guest house right in the heart of Menaggio.
See more:
- Where to stay in Lake Como first time
- Where to stay in Lake Como for couples
- Where to stay in Lake Como without a car
- Where to stay in Lake Como on a budget
In conclusion, Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio are the top areas to stay in Lake Como with family. Como offers a convenient location and diverse activities. Bellagio boasts stunning views and a charming atmosphere. Varenna offers tranquility and picturesque beauty. Menaggio is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers. Choose based on your preferences!