Making Memories: A Lake Como Luxury Vacation that Kids and Teens Will Love

Lake Como inspires visitors of every age to slow down and admire its stunning beauty, incredible food, rich culture and welcoming people. It's the perfect place for a busy family to enjoy quality time and simple pleasures in a luxurious setting. For first-class family time on Lake Como, I recommend these activities:

Discover the Beauty of Lake Como by Boat

Charter a classic wooden speedboat for a private tour with a local captain who will share Lake Como’s hidden gems and stories. This is a one-of-a-kind experience perfect for kids and teens. Discover notable villas, some accessible only by boat, including the extraordinary Villa del Balbianello, renowned for its architecture, terraced gardens and breathtaking views. Featured in films like James Bond and Star Wars, it's a must-visit landmark. Other sights include Comacina Island, Villa Pliniana, cascading waterfalls and the Roman bridge of Nesso, where you’ll see people jumping into the lake and may be inspired to enjoy a refreshing dip! This will be an unforgettable family day.

Explore Majestic Villas and Gardens

Lake Como’s historic villas embody the area's old-world opulence and are works of art themselves. Each villa has a fascinating history, magnificent formal gardens and lake views. Besides Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta (in Tremezzo) and Villa Monastero (in Varenna) are also worth seeing. These villas can be visited at your own pace and are more manageable for kids and teens than large city museums.

Uncover Enchanting Villages

Amble through the charming villages that dot Lake Como's borders, easily accessible by car or water taxi:

• Bellagio is bustling with historic buildings, winding stairways, lively restaurants and diverse shops. Visit the Basilica di San Giacomo to see 12th-century mosaics and artworks. Stroll through the stunning Villa Melzi Gardens to enjoy exotic plants, sculpted trees and mountain views. After a day of touring, relax at the nearby Lido di Bellagio, a beach club, restaurant and nightclub perfect for independent older teens.

• Varenna is less touristy but equally scenic, with colorful houses, cozy cafés, narrow passages and the beautiful lakeside “Passeggiata degli Innamorati” (Pathway of Lovers) and Villa Monastero.

• Menaggio is a picturesque fishing village with a lovely waterfront promenade and a flat, easily accessible historic center. There's even an 18-hole miniature golf course by the lake, perfect for kids and teens who might need a break from villa tours!

Shop Creative Local Designs and Crafts

Shopping on Lake Como is a must, offering something for every taste and age. Explore locally-owned specialty stores, artisan shops and souvenir stores that kids and teens will love. The area is renowned for its silks, with Como being a major silk production center. Azalea Bellagio is a top boutique for silk ties, scarves and accessories. Other local crafts include handmade lace and carved wooden decor. Kids will enjoy colorful hand-blown glass ornaments and trinkets. Don't miss the variety of clothing, leather and jewelry stores, especially my favorite, the beautifully curated women's designs at Saraceno in Bellagio.

Relax on a One-of-a-Kind Lido or Floating Pool

Busy families should reserve leisure time for relaxing by the water in this unique setting. Luxury hotels offer amazing floating swimming pools right on the lake, with the Mandarin Oriental boasting the world's largest infinity style floating pool at 40 meters. Beach clubs with lounge chairs are abundant. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo stands out with its own private lido (beach) featuring real sand and easy lake access.

Embark on a Hike for Spectacular Scenery

For an energizing family adventure or a fresh perspective, explore the walking and hiking trails accessible from every town on the lake. Depending on your location, you can choose from various destinations and difficulty levels. Check out All Trails for detailed descriptions. One of my favorites is following the ancient pathways from Varenna to Vezio Castle. Another gem is the hike from Griante village to the 11th-century San Martino church, offering stunning views of Bellagio and beyond.

Take the Funicular for Effortless Views

For panoramic views without the work, hop on the seven-minute funicular (cable car) ride from the lakeside city of Como to the quaint hilltop village of Brunate. Operating since 1894, it's a quick, fun throwback. At the top, enjoy vistas extending to Swiss snow-capped summits. For more adventure from there, hike the less-than-two-mile trail to the Foro Voltiano lighthouse, though it's steep!

Engage Your Family in a Hands-On Culinary Experience

Parents, kids and teens alike will delight in a hands-on experience learning the ancient art of pasta-making and other traditional dishes. Take a private class with a local chef, then savor the delicious results together.

One of the quintessential experiences on Lake Como is people-watching over an aperitivo or leisurely meal. For the latter, upscale restaurants abound, offering delicious dishes, lovingly prepared, with stunning views.

My recommendations below are perfect for family meals that deliver top-quality food, service and atmosphere without feeling too formal. Make sure to try the local specialties — my favorite is risotto con pesce persico (perch fish from the lake).

• Osteria Il Governo 1801 (Lezzeno) - Known for the owner’s warm hospitality, excellent service, fantastic food and its long history in a cozy lakeside setting.

• Ristorante Aurora (Lezzeno) - Authentic fare and delicious pizzas made with locally sourced ingredients in a lively, beautiful lakeview hotel.

• Trattoria del Porto (Careno, near Nesso) - A hidden jewel in a friendly, timeless stone cottage in an off-the-beaten-path part of Lake Como. The best way to get here is by boat or foot!

• Bilacus (Bellagio) - An iconic restaurant serving delicious, traditional dishes under a pergola on the famous Serbelloni staircase in the historic center of Bellagio.

• Il Gatto Nero (Hills above Cernobbio) - An upscale restaurant perched on a promontory above Cernobbio, with a warm, lively vibe, seasonal menu and priceless views from its panoramic terrace.

• Crotto del Misto (Lezzeno) - A charming lakefront restaurant serving local fare with a modern twist. Enjoy the meal and the views on an enclosed stone patio with wooden beams and high glass windows.

• Al Prato (Varenna) - Outstanding Mediterranean food and a welcoming ambiance in the heart of charming Varenna.

• Il Sereno Al Lago (Torno) - A Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant at the exceptional hotel of the same name. Indulge in creative Mediterranean cuisine al fresco on a terrace suspended above the lake.

• Aquadolce (Carate Urio) - A refined, picturesque lakeside restaurant easy to reach by boat.

• Crotto Valdurino (Moltrasio) - Opened in 1882, and still run by the same family line, this is a traditional trattoria partly built inside a cave with a homey atmosphere and great lake views.