Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is another vote for Varenna. It's less crowded by far than Bellagio and is very charming. Recommend you rent a car which makes it easier to explore, which can easily be taken on the ferry across to Bellagio. Drive down from Bellagio towards Como (the town), stopping at Villa Carlotte, Villa d'Este etc. At Villa D'Este, you need a reservation to eat to get in (make one for the bar which has a beautiful patio on the water).

We were there in August, so obviously peak of peak. Yes Varenna was less crowded than Bellagio, which no joke felt a bit like Times Square, but it was still VERY crowded. Also, driving a car onto the ferry there during the peak times will require a LOT of patience, sitting not moving for long periods of time, crawling through hordes of people walking, etc. That looked like a pretty awful experience from someone who took the ferry just as a foot passenger.

I took a bus around the lake, to where I was staying. Then ferried around to villas and towns on the lane.

A town I liked—though popular—was Varenna.

I stayed in this charming hotel in Tremezzo, right across the road from the lake.

https://www.hotelvillamarie.com/en/home/

It is probably less fancy than what you seek, but the views from the rooftop are spectacular. It is very affordable, and within walking distance of a historic villa with spectacular gardens. From here, you can take the ferry to Varenna (and other more crowded towns on the lake).

A very different experience would be staying on Lake Annecy in France. But that has more activities for teens.

We were there about 13 years ago in June/July.

Drove from Munich to Lake Como. Stayed in Menaggio, right next (I mean right next) to the church in the heart of downtown (bells rang all day long, but we got used to it) in an apartment. It was a great location, we had two young kids at the time and definitely took our time as there were naps involved. We found the area relaxed and laid back.

We rented through these people: https://www.happy.rentals/property.php. They were very helpful and responsive, helped us with directions back to Munich through Lucerne so we could see that.

We obviously had a car, which was difficult to park. Ended up finding a public spot, parking it and leaving it for the entirety of our stay. Perhaps if you have your own villa/house there will be parking on site. Took the ferry to Ravenna, Bellagio, Varenna, etc. Great food, friendly people and a memorable vacation. Cute town square which was very busy at night, and Menaggio was very walkable.

There is a swimming pool inside of a "resort" type thing and you pay an entry fee - you have to wear a cap to swim which was a different kind of thing for us Americans (they are 1Euro each so no big deal). There is also a public beach which was mostly unused (and free), but I will say even in the summer, the Lake is freezing. I think someone said "You can tell who's German, they are the only ones swimming." One note as Americans - the grocery store (and most shops) do close "for a break" maybe 1-3 every day. You'll need to plan around that. Or, take a nap as the Italians do