Lake Como might be known for its glamorous villas and romantic escapes, but it’s also a fantastic destination for families — especially those who love a laid-back beach day with kids. While the lake’s shorelines tend to be more pebbly than sandy, there are still plenty of safe, scenic, and well-equipped beaches where families can relax, swim, and enjoy the Italian summer.
If you’re staying between Como and Lenno, here are some of the top family-friendly beaches to visit, complete with gentle waters, shade, nearby cafes, and that signature Lake Como charm. Let’s check the best beaches together:
1. Lido di Cernobbio
📍 Cernobbio (10 min from Como)
This lido is perfect for toddlers, young kids, and parents who want a bit of elegance with their beach time.
Just a short drive or ferry ride or bike ride from Como, Lido di Cernobbio is a modern, well-managed lido right in the heart of the stylish village. The beach offers both free access areas and a private lido with sun loungers, umbrellas, a pool, and even waiter service for food and drinks.
Why families love it?
- Calm, shallow waters ideal for small children.
- A clean, grassy area for playing and picnicking.
- A nice café and restaurant on-site for easy lunches.
- Great facilities (changing rooms, bathrooms, showers).
You can pair your beach day with a gelato in town or a stroll through Villa Erba’s lakeside gardens. Check the website for the full offer of services. I also advice you to book online in high season.
2. Lido di Moltrasio
📍 Moltrasio (15–20 min from Como)
Perfect for: Older kids and teens who want to swim and explore.
This lido is lesser-known and more peaceful than Cernobbio’s, nestled in the elegant village of Moltrasio. It offers grassy terraces and a pebble beach with access to calm lake water. There’s a swimming dock, loungers, and a small bar serving snacks and drinks. Check the website for all the available services. This lido is more expensive than Cernobbio and it’s mandatory to book your spot in advance. You can do it online in Italian only. Let’s hope that also this part of their website will be soon translated into other languages.
Why families love it?
- Chill atmosphere without the crowds.
- Clean water and gentle lake entry points.
- Fun diving platform for confident swimmers.
- Beautiful views and shade in the afternoons.
Extra tips:
Bring water shoes for the pebbles
Make sure to try a lakeside lunch or dinner at Trattoria del Fagiano or La Moltrasina nearby.
If you have time, walk along La Via Verde: beautiful path starting in Moltrasio and leading to Laglio. You will pass stone houses, olive trees, and enjoy extraordinary lake views.
3. Spiaggia di Laglio
📍 Laglio (25 min from Como)
Perfect for families looking for a quiet swim and those who love the nature.
This free public beach doesn’t have all the lido-style services, but it’s a peaceful spot with clear water and fantastic views. There’s a grassy area for laying down towels and a gentle stone path into the lake. It’s ideal for a quick dip or picnic stop if you’re exploring by car or boat. A little playground for small kids is definitely a big plus for families.
Why families love it?
- Natural setting with space to spread out.
- Free access and no crowds.
- A relaxed vibe for older kids and teens.
- Playground on site
- Close to quaint cafes and small trattorias.
Note: No lifeguards or changing facilities, so bring what you need and be careful!
4. Lido di Argegno
📍 Argegno (35–40 min from Como)
Perfect for families who want everything in one place. Here you will spend a full beach day with food, fun, and ferry access.
Argegno is one of the most charming towns on the lake’s western shore, and its lido offers both a beach and a pool — great for families with mixed-age kids. The beach area has loungers and umbrellas, and the attached restaurant serves everything from coffee to pizza and cocktails. You can check the current prices here. The website is in Italian only but if you call, the staff speaks a English and German. No problem booking your sun bed in advance.
Why families love it?
- Pool + beach combo for all swimming levels.
- Easy access by ferry, bus, or car.
- Shallow lake entry and clean facilities.
- A nearby gelateria (ice cream shop) and playground in town.
In the summer, the lido sometimes hosts family-friendly events and live music in the evenings. It’s super well organized but also crowded. Book your ticket online in advance.
5. Lido di Lenno
📍 Lenno (50–55 min from Como)
Want to combine beach time with sightseeing? Lido di Lenno is a perfect location for you!
This beach is located near Villa del Balbianello, one of Lake Como’s most iconic villas. The lido has sun loungers, a restaurant/bar, and access to both a private area and public beach zone. The water is calm and great for swimming, and there’s even kayak and SUP rentals. The website is available in English but it works properly only in Italian. The sun bed prices with umbrella starts at 60 EUR for a day. In high season it’s advisable to book in advance. In order to do so click the button “prenota” on the official website here.
Why families love it?
- Very safe swimming area.
- Mix of sand, grass, and pebbles for comfort.
- Perfect base for visiting the villa or walking the Greenway trail.
- Excellent pizza and seafood restaurant on-site.
Rent a pedal boat or paddleboard for a family activity on the water.
Park + Picnic Spot at Ossuccio
📍 Near Sala Comacina
For a quieter, more local experience, head to the grassy area near the church in Ossuccio, where locals gather for casual swims and family picnics. There’s no formal lido, but the water is clean, the grass is soft, and the views across to Isola Comacina are breathtaking. It’s free, casual and simply perfect to enjoy the lake at its best. Nearby parking is available but you will struggle to fin a free spot in summer so I advice not using car while you are visiting Sala Comacina and surroundings.
Bring a picnic basket, towels, and maybe a beach ball, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon just like the locals.
Family Tips for Lake Como Beach Days:
- Bring Water Shoes because most beaches are pebbly
- Remember the Sun Protection. The midday sun can be strong. Bring hats, sunscreen, and a sun umbrella if using free beaches.
- Floaties + Toys are great for little ones. If you didn’t bring them with you, no problem finding them in many shops in Como or Menaggio.
- Check Opening Hours: Some lidos may close early and some others require reservations in peak season. Always check the official website to get all the information.
Between Como and Lenno, families are spoiled for choice when it comes to lake swimming, gentle beaches, and picture-perfect views. Whether you want a stylish lido with all the amenities or a quiet natural spot where your kids can play at the water’s edge, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
So pack your towels, grab your sandals, and get ready for slow, sunny days by the lake — Lake Como-style.
Nomadlytics 
Leave a comment