You’ve surely heard Lake Como described as luxurious, sunny or even bellissimo. But have you ever heard ‘teen-friendly’ and ‘Lake Como’ in the same sentence? Probably not. Luckily, that’s about to change: here are three top tips for enjoying a stunning summer holiday and keeping the teens entertained… at the same time!
Not sure where to stay when you visit Lake Como? Check out our guide about our favourite surrounding towns here.
Explore the Waterfront
What could be better than tanning in the sun, reading a good book and going for a refreshing dip? While you may think that you’ll need to find a sandy beach for that, fear not: Lake Como’s shingle beaches, equipped with comfortable day beds, parasols and plenty of food kiosks, are perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day, and for beginning your holiday on a tranquil note.
If you’d rather be on than in the lake, you could also take your teens on a boat tour and explore the area. To sit back, relax and enjoy the view it’s best join a group tour or hire a private driver, which is a popular option in the majority of lakeside towns. If, however, you’re feeling more adventurous, you may want to look into the possibility of renting and navigating the boat yourself (which is often possible without a licence). Whether you master the art of steering the boat or embarrass yourself in front of your family, your teens are guaranteed to be entertained.
*Insider Tip: While most towns have shingle beaches and boat tours, I recommend focusing your search on Como and Menaggio, which have a large variety of options for families.
Cook the Local Cuisine
If you’re ready for an interactive family experience, it’s time to spice up your lake retreat with a cooking class. How about making pasta from scratch or kneading some pizza dough, but not having to clean up the mess that these cooking adventures leave behind? For a laidback and delicious afternoon, it’s worth looking into the array of gastronomy lessons that are offered around Lake Como. Perhaps you won’t only engage your teens, but will also encourage them to help out in the kitchen when you return home… You can always dream, at least!
*Insider Tip: Although there are a lot of classes to choose from, check out this one, which is family-friendly and will even teach you some basic Italian phrases!
Shop the Sales
Do you have a shopaholic in the family? Along with Lake Como’s notorious abundance of upscale designer shops and boutiques, tourist towns such as Menaggio, Lecco, and Como host weekly (or sometimes bi-weekly) open-air markets that are truly worth a look. Whether you’re interested in sampling the region’s fresh produce or have your eye on new shoes, jewellery, or house decorations, you’re sure to be overwhelmed with options at local vendors’ stands. Kill two birds with one stone by buying yourself a nice souvenir and keeping your kids happy as they poke around the market. Maybe they’ll even learn some new bargaining techniques!
How to Get to Lake Como
Fortunately it’s incredibly easy to get to Lake Como, meaning that you probably won’t have to deal with nagging teens. It is advisable to book a direct, two-hour flight from London to Milano Malpensa Airport, which is offered by popular airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways.
Upon landing, don’t push your luck by opting for unreliable public transportation. A long wait or overcrowded buses are guaranteed to put you and your teens in a foul mood, which would undoubtedly start your holiday off on the wrong foot. Instead of playing with fire, pre-book a shared or private taxi service with Shuttle Direct, whose experienced drivers will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Depending on which lakeside town you choose to stay in, your ride could take anywhere between 40 minutes (Como) and 2 hours (towns on the northernmost side of Lake Como). With Shuttle Direct, you’ll ensure that your trip is as safe, quick and comfortable as possible.
Where to Stay
Best Western Hotel Continental: Situated a mere 1,000 yards from the lake, this Como-based hotel is perfect for family getaways. With its air-conditioned rooms, televisions, and complimentary WiFi, you and your teens are in for a care-free stay. You can even start off your days together with a scrumptious breakfast buffet, which will definitely carry you over until dinner. Comfortable, convenient and economical – this hotel has it all!
Hotel Sonenga: For a panoramic view of the region’s rolling hills and waterfront, look no further than Hotel Sonenga, a family-friendly accommodation near the town centre of Menaggio. When you’re not out and about, you’ll be able to lounge on the sun terrace, take a plunge into the outdoor pool, or surf the internet with free WiFi – all while enjoying a breathtaking view. In the mornings, you’ll also be able to have a family breakfast in the hotel’s beautiful dining room.
About Shuttle Direct:
With its dependable prices, elegant vehicles and economical prices, Shuttle Direct is a leading transport service in Europe and North Africa. For a convenient and stress-free airport transfer to your hotel, pre-book one of our shared or private rides on our user-friendly website today.
