Family-Friendly Adventures in Como CO, Italy!

Como-Brunate Funicular Railway (Funicolare Como–Brunate)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Como-Brunate Funicular Railway Adventure

Morning: Start at Como

Begin your day in the charming city of Como. Arrive early to explore the historic center with its beautiful squares, notably Piazza Cavour and Piazza Volta. Grab breakfast at a local café, enjoying Italian pastries and a cappuccino.

Visit Como Cathedral

Before heading to the funicular, take a short walk to the Como Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. This cathedral is perfect for sparking the curiosity of young minds about history and art.

Late Morning: Ride the Funicular

Head to the Como-Brunate Funicular Railway, located near the lake at Piazza Alcide De Gasperi. Buy your tickets at the station (consider family tickets for better rates), and board the funicular. The journey to Brunate offers spectacular views and takes about 7 minutes, climbing over 500 meters. The railway, operational since 1894, provides a thrilling glimpse into the engineering of the past.

Afternoon: Explore Brunate

Once at the top, take time to wander through Brunate, known for its scenic vistas and Art Nouveau villas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where families can savor dishes like polenta and local cheeses, coupled with panoramic views of Lake Como.

Visit the Volta Lighthouse (Faro Voltiano)

Post-lunch, take a leisurely hike to the Volta Lighthouse. It’s an easy trek for families and takes about 30 minutes. The lighthouse, built in 1927 to honor Alessandro Volta, offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and the lake.

Evening: Return to Como

Descend back to Como via the funicular in the late afternoon. Enjoy a leisurely dinner by the lakeside, where kids can play nearby, and parents can relax as the sun sets over the lake.

End of Day

Reflect on a day full of history, stunning landscapes, and funicular fun, promising memories that will last a lifetime for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Brunate

Why Visit?

Brunate, a picturesque village perched above Como, Italy, offers stunning views and a host of activities perfect for a family outing. Here"s a fun-filled itinerary to make the most out of your Brunate adventure:

Morning

Start your day by taking the funicular from Como to Brunate. This century-old cable railway operates from Viale Geno and in just seven minutes, you ascend to Brunate, located over 700 meters above Como. Kids will love the ride as they watch the scenery transform while climbing up the mountainside.

Once you arrive, take a leisurely hike to the Volta Lighthouse. This short walk is suitable for kids and offers panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps. The lighthouse, built in 1927 to honor Alessandro Volta, a famous physicist born in Como, is a great spot for family photos.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria. Many places offer dishes with polenta, a regional staple, which is sure to be a hit with the children.

Afternoon

Post-lunch, explore the Chiesa di Sant"Andrea. This historic church dates back to the 12th century and features beautiful frescoes and architecture. It’s a serene place to teach kids about Italian history and art.

Next, venture on a nature walk along the "Strada Regia," an ancient mule track connecting Como and Bellagio. The path is easy for young walkers and offers enchanting views and encounters with local flora and fauna.

Evening

Return to the funicular and head back to Como. Before you leave, stop at the public park near the funicular station in Brunate for some rest and let the kids play in the playground.

This one-day itinerary in Brunate combines education, nature, and fun, making it a perfect escape for families seeking both relaxation and adventure in the beautiful backdrop of Northern Italy.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Villa Melzi Gardens (Giardini di Villa Melzi)

Why Visit?

Embark on a memorable family day trip to the enchanting Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio, Italy. These gardens offer a harmonious blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, ideal for a refreshing escape.

### Before You Go

- Best Time to Visit: April to October when the gardens are in full bloom.

- Tickets: Purchase at the entrance. Consider family tickets for savings.

- Getting There: Villa Melzi is easily accessible via ferry from various points on Lake Como to Bellagio. From the ferry terminal in Bellagio, it’s a scenic 10-minute walk along the lakefront to the gardens.

### Itinerary

- 10:00 AM - Entrance and Orientation

Begin your adventure at the neo-classical gate of Villa Melzi. Grab a map and let the kids lead the way!

- 10:30 AM - Explore the Gardens

Stroll through the beautifully landscaped English-style gardens. Marvel at towering trees, exotic plants, and vibrant flowers. Engage the kids with a game of “I spy” looking for different types of plants and sculptures.

- 11:30 AM - Visit the Villa Melzi Museum

Step into the small museum located in the orangery. Show your kids the Napoleonic relics and artwork, making history come alive.

- 12:30 PM - Picnic by the Lake

Enjoy a family picnic by the shores of Lake Como. There are several picturesque spots to choose from with sublime views of the lake.

- 1:30 PM - Leisure Time by the Waterfront

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk along the lake. Capture family photos with the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the serene lake.

- 2:30 PM - Departure

Wind up your visit and walk back to Bellagio town, perhaps stopping at a local gelato shop to treat everyone with a delicious Italian ice cream.

This family-friendly itinerary for the Villa Melzi Gardens not only highlights the best of nature but also offers a touch of culture and history, making it a perfect educational and fun outing for all ages.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fort Montecchio Nord (Forte Montecchio Nord)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Fort Montecchio Nord (Forte Montecchio Nord)

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Kick-off your adventure at Fort Montecchio Nord, the best-preserved World War I fortress in Europe. Located near Colico, at the northern end of Lake Como, it"s easily accessible by car or public transport. If you"re driving, take the SS36 road directly into Colico, and follow the signs. For those preferring public transport, catch a train to Colico station, and from there, it"s a short taxi ride to the fortress.

Start with a guided tour (available in English and Italian) which begins every hour. The fortress, constructed between 1911 and 1914, is famous for its four original 149mm cannons, still in working condition. These cannons, each with a range of 14 km, were designed to protect Italy"s northern borders. The fortress was also uniquely built with advanced concrete use, showing early 20th-century military architecture.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a picnic by the nearby Lake Como, just a few minutes" drive from the fortress. The lake"s scenic backdrop is perfect for a relaxing family lunch. Alternatively, Colico has lovely family-friendly restaurants that offer delicious local cuisine.

Afternoon: Leisure by the Lake

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Como. Engage in some light activities like bird watching or a boat ride from Colico to explore other parts of the lake. The area is also great for cycling with family, as bike rentals are available near the lake.

Evening: Reflect and Relax

Wrap up your day with a gelato from one of Colico’s local gelaterias, while you enjoy the sunset over the lake. Reflect on the day"s journey through history and nature as you unwind and prepare for more Italian adventures.

This engaging blend of history, nature, and local culture at Fort Montecchio Nord promises a memorable journey for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Villa del Balbianello

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical family adventure to the enchanting Villa del Balbianello, located on the scenic shores of Lake Como, Italy. This stunning villa, not only rich in history and beauty but also famous for its appearances in films like "Star Wars: Episode II" and "Casino Royale," promises a memorable day for both adults and children.

Getting There

Villa del Balbianello is accessible via a pleasant boat ride from the town of Lenno. You can catch a public ferry to Lenno from various points around Lake Como. Once in Lenno, a short walk through a picturesque street leads you to the small dock where private taxiboats whisk you directly to the villa. Alternatively, embrace a bit of adventure by taking a 25-minute scenic walk from Lenno through the lush woodland paths directly to the villa.

Exploring Villa del Balbianello

Start your visit at the villa"s gates, where guided tours are available, offering intriguing insights into the villa"s history and its last owner, Guido Monzino, an explorer and collector. Inside, you"ll find rooms adorned with artifacts from Monzino"s expeditions and exquisite furniture. The tours are engaging and cater well to children"s curiosity about the villa"s past and its cinematic fame.

Gardens and Grounds

After exploring the interior, stroll through the immaculately manicured gardens. The landscapes are a fantastic backdrop for family photos and offer plenty of space for kids to explore. The panoramic views of Lake Como from the terraced gardens are breathtaking and provide a perfect spot for a family picnic.

Wrap up the Day

Conclude your visit by relaxing at the café near the villa, where you can enjoy some refreshments while soaking in the views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

This visit to Villa del Balbianello will offer your family a blend of culture, history, and stunning natural beauty, creating lasting memories of your time at Lake Como.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.