🏝️ Ultimate Guide to Lake Como: Western Shore Gems & Family-Focused Delights

The-Ski-Guru

3 days ago

View of Lago di Como. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Ultimate Guide to Lake Como: Western Shore Gems & Family-Focused Delights.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake Como—perfect for families, teenagers, and anyone craving elegant hillside vistas, lively villages, and luxurious stays. Focused on the western shore (with highlights in Bellagio and Como City), here’s how to get there, where to stay, what to see, and where to dine.

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The lake from my room at Hotel Asnigo in Moltrasio. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Ultimate Guide to Lake Como.

🚗 How to Get There

Night view from Moltrasio. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

By Car

From Milan (Malpensa/Linate/Bergamo), it’s ~50 minutes to Como City, and 20–30 minutes more to Tremezzo or Lenno.
Roads are scenic but narrow; ferry crossings (like Cadenabbia to Bellagio) save time in peak season.

By Train

Direct trains from Milan to Como San Giovanni or Varenna-Esino.
From Varenna, walk to the ferry terminal and cross to Bellagio or Menaggio.

You can book via Rail Europe here.

By Boat

Ferries and hydrofoils connect all major towns: Como, Bellagio, Tremezzo, Menaggio, Varenna, Lenno.
Car ferries run from Cadenabbia to Bellagio and Varenna.

One of the boats seen from the pool where we were staying once in Moltrasio. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Ultimate Guide to Lake Como.

🏨 Where to Stay. 🏝️ Ultimate Guide to Lake Como: Western Shore

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

A five-star icon with floating pool, three restaurants, lush gardens and art nouveau elegance. Great for couples or families with teens. grandhoteltremezzo.com

Villa d’Este, Cernobbio

Renaissance-era luxury with 25-acre gardens and floating pool. Michelin-star dining, spa, and unforgettable views. villadeste.com

Il Sereno, Torno

Modern luxury with interiors by Patricia Urquiola, perfect for those seeking sleek design on the lake. Book here

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio

Belle Époque grandeur, with exquisite lake views and direct access to the heart of Bellagio. Book here

Hotel Asnigo, Cernobbio

A hillside hotel with stunning views, great value, and a scenic walk down to the lake. Book here.

If you stay up the hills, you need to be prepared to walk down to the shore (if you do not want to drive!). Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

Hotel Centrale, Cernobbio

Charming, central location just steps from the lakefront. Comfortable and convenient for exploring town on foot. Book here

Ozzy loved the bed at the Hotel Centrale in Moltrasio. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Book your stay at the Hotel Centrale here.

Hotel de la Posta, Moltrasio

Small family hotel just across from the boat station in Moltrasio. Lovely views from the lake view rooms. Good breakfast. Book here.

Having dinner outdoors at the Hotel Posta in Moltrasio. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Book your stay at the Hotel Posta in Moltrasio here.

🌊 What to See & Do

Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)

Stunning villa with romantic gardens and masterpieces by Canova and Hayez. Ideal for a family morning visit. Arrange your visit here.

Villa del Balbianello (Lenno)

Famous for its movie appearances (James Bond, Star Wars), the villa and gardens are jaw-dropping. Book ahead here.

A walk around the coast in Cernobbio, is always a pleasant experience. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

Bellagio

Wander cobbled lanes, the lakeside promenade, and enjoy visits to the gardens of Villa Melzi. bellagiolakecomo.com.

Check this shared boat trip ride from Bellagio around the coast of Lake Como.

Como City

Visit the majestic Duomo, the funicular to Brunate, and stroll the lakefront boulevard. visitcomo.eu

Villa Melzi d’Eril – Serene gardens and romantic walks in Bellagio.
giardinidivillamelzi.it

Funicolare Como–Brunate – Take the cable car up to Brunate for sunset views over the Alps and lake.
funicolarecomo.it

For a one-day trip out of Milano, check this trip with Tiqets. It includes visit to Lake Como with Bellagio and Lake Lugano and is a full day guided tour. To read more and book it check here.

The lake is always inviting for a quick dip. Note that boats keep on passing, moving the water a bit, so you might want to keep an eye if you have little ones with you. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

🎢 Family & Teen-Friendly Activities

Boat Rentals: Self-drive boats (no license needed) are widely available in Tremezzo, Bellagio, Menaggio. There are many different tours to choose from here.
Lake Como Adventure Park: Zip lines, tree trails and fun for older kids. Book here
Orrido di Bellano: Walkway through a dramatic gorge near Varenna. Book it through Trip Advisor here.
Go-Karting near Como:
- Kart & Go – Montano Lucino: Indoor + outdoor tracks, karts for adults and kids from age ~7.
- Top Race Park at Driver Como: Two-floor indoor track, drift sessions, and racing simulators.

This mural is on the thin street coming back from Moltrasio towards Cernobbio, it gives you a good idea of what is located where. There I could see the Valle S. Giacomo, next to the Valley of Engadina, on the North East of the map, that is from where my family came! Photo: The-Ski-Guru

🏊 Lidos & Swimming

Lido di Lenno: Bar, restaurant, sunbeds, and access to a sandy beach. lidodilenno.com
Lido di Bellagio: Trendy spot with music and beach vibes. lidodibellagio.com
Grand Hotel Tremezzo: Floating pool for guests.
Lido di Cernobbio – Pool, garden, bar. Great for teens. lidodicernobbio.com
Lido di Villa Olmo (Como) – Large park and beach vibe in the city.

🍽️ Where to Eat

Cernobbio

Villa d’Este Restaurants: Refined lakeside fine dining.
Kitchen Restaurant & Bar: Chic and family-friendly. kitchencomo.com

Moltrasio

Imperialino Restaurant: Elegant setting, lake view, and creative cuisine. imperialemoltrasio.it
Trattoria La Moltrasina: Local favorite for tasty, affordable meals in a rustic setting. Great for families. lamoltrasina.it

Lenno & Tremezzo

Local trattorias and osterias near the lake, perfect for relaxed lunches.

You cannot go wrong at the local trattorias of Tremezzo and Lenno. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

Bellagio

Terrazza Belvedere: Terrace dining with views.
Belas Pool & Restaurant: Easygoing and stylish. belasbellagio.com

My boys in a beautiful building in Ossuccio. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

🍸 Where to Go for Aperitivo

Cernobbio: Garden bar at Villa d’Este or Hotel Asnigo. Also Harry’s Bar, an iconic spot with a glamorous terrace by the coast.
Tremezzo: Lakeside cocktail bars near the ferry landing or an expensive option at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Bellagio: Spritz at Mazzini street cafes while watching the boats glide by.
Sky Bar at Hilton Lake Como
Rooftop drinks with a panoramic pool and view over the lake and Alps.
hilton.com
Caffè Vassalli – Moltrasio
A relaxed spot near the lake for a spritz with locals.

Aperitivo in downtown Cernobbio. Photo: The-Ski-Guru.

💞 Final Tips. 🏝️ Ultimate Guide to Lake Como: Western Shore

Book villas and ferry tickets in advance in high season.
Consider splitting your stay: Tremezzo + Bellagio = best of both shores.
Most hotels can arrange transfers, boat tours, and guided hikes.
For everyday essentials, groceries, picnic items or snacks, stop by the Bennet supermarket in Montano Lucino, just before entering the Cernobbio area if arriving from Como/Milan. It’s one of the largest and most convenient spots to stock up. bennet.com

One of the first years we’ve started to go to Lago di Como, always a favourite for our family. Photo: The-Ski-Guru

Lake Como is not just for honeymooners or the ultra-rich. With the right plan, it’s a dream destination for families and art-loving travellers alike. Whether you’re after relaxation or lakeside adventure, its western shore is a treasure chest of Italian charm.

The view from Burlingame in Aspen. Soft pastels on pastel paper. In my shop.

Start planning your next trip!

If looking to stay in the heart of the Mont Blanc Valley in the Aosta Valley, check the direct booking for Il Coure della Valdigne here. This is our own family home in the mountains, that I am renting out when not using.

Il Cuore della Valdigne. Book your lodging directly with me here.Il Cuore della Valdigne. Stay at the Heart of the Valdigne to ski in Courmayeur, La Thuile and Pila/Aosta.

If you prefer, you can also book my apartment through Booking.com

Booking might be cheaper if you have Genius status!

Check my Mountain Art on my Shop

You can go to my shop and see what have been inspiring me lately, lots mountain landscapes in soft pastels, and now in oils too. Go here to check my latest works!