We plan to spend a couple of nights on Lake Como
(lodging undecided so far), but I was wondering if anybody could share some fun experiences they had with their teenagers in the area.

If you have lodging recommendations in the 300 euro range for a quad or suite for 2, that would be great, too!

thank you!
dina

When are you going?

They should be able to see and appreciate the beauty and culture of the area, plus some of the lake ferries.

Visit the Villa Balbiniello where Starwars was filmed. Lake Como is also known for its waterskiing if your teenagers are into it.

I think you can rent windsurf boards in Menaggio and also up towards Colico. But there's a lot to do just walking around. At the Castle of Vezio above Varenna there's a daily falconry show, they tell me it usually starts around 4 pm but that may vary with time of year - see http://www.beginningwithi.com/italy/travel/vezio.html for video.

We like taking the boats to towns that we do not know. The leg from mid-lake to Como is my personal preference.

You probably want to tour at least one villa (or castle) while you are there.

There is a lakefront 'greenway' that runs from Griante north to Cadenabbia. Market day in Lenno was Tuesday. Possibly Friday for Colico.
There is golf in the area.
Boat rentals and even sea plane rides are available.

You should be able to find lakefront lodging in your price range, but the better rooms and hotels book up quickly.

Thanks for all your replies.
This would be a visit in late june 08.

We would love to see a villa & visit towns by ferry. Maybe even try waterskiing for the first time.

Does anyone have any specific information on hikes?
Can one rent kayaks or small boats to take around without a guide?

thanks again,
dina

There is also windsurfing in Varenna. We are familiar with a hike from Varenna up to the Castello di Vezio - it ran from our hotel (Eremo Gaudio). If you want to look at a map of Varenna, check out the map link at: http://www.varennaitaly.com/english.html.

I'd recommend the Eremo Gaudio as a hotel as well - spectacular views and a good hike from the town. It is around 15-20 minutes downhill (going to town) & is a good way for kids to burn off excess energy.

I also forgot to mention that there are bike rental places in the area. For sure Varenna & Belaggio offer rentals, as does Como.

Thanks, bobby!

The Eremo Gaudio looks wonderful. I just checked out their website.

Where do you bike with the rentals? Are there paths along the lake front or is it mountain biking?

thanks!
dina

I don't have the info on me, but as I recall, when I got to the hotel, they provided a Varenna guide and in there it had the info. I could be wrong tho. Certainly Belaggio had bike rentals as well.

Lots of biking in the area, there are cruisers for around towns (not really necessary for the mid lake towns), mountain bikes for what I presume are good biking trails and road bikes. I rented a road bike in the city of Como - and rode 90km up to and around Madonna del Ghisallo. Highly recommended if you are an experienced biker, not for the feint of heart.

As for around the lake, I was surprised at how hilly the ride was on the east shore between Belaggio & Como. Again, not something for the novice. Perhaps the west side is less intimidating, though I'm not sure.