Explore the charming town of Menaggio Lake Como, stroll along the scenic lakeside, take a ferry to beautiful Varenna, and discover the picturesque village of Argegno during our relaxing Days 5 and 6 itinerary in Italy.
Day 5 – A Rainy Morning on Lake Como, Italy: Menaggio and Varenna
Our fifth day in Menaggio began with cool temperatures and grey skies hanging over Lake Como. As we could see from the balcony at our accommodation, Il Balcone di Elma. The mountains were partly hidden by low clouds, and a light drizzle gave the town a peaceful atmosphere.
Walking into Menaggio Town for Last-Minute Shopping
Before leaving Menaggio the following day, we needed to go to town to pick up a few last supplies for both ourselves and for the baby. So we headed into town toward the Conad supermarket. We decided to walk, not take the car. We left the baby with her grandma at the accommodation and we headed down Via L. Cadorna. to reach Menaggio town center.
Traveling to Lake Como with a Baby?
Traveling with a baby requires a few extra essentials. Before your Lake Como adventure, check out our recommended baby travel essentials, from compact travel gear to practical accessories that make days on the road easier.
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We took the usual shortcut from the accommodation to Menaggio old town. From Via L. Cadorna, we kept ahead on Via Como at the corner of Pizzeria Lugano. Next we turned right on Via Enrico Caronti and then left on the main street, Via Annetta e Celestino Lusardi, passing by St. Stephen’s Church. We crossed the street to the right side. Continuing our walk, we passed the elegant Town Hall, Comune di Menaggio, with its warm yellow façade.
Coffee Stop in Menaggio
It started to rain slowly and so we searched for a place to have a coffe. We stopped for a morning coffee at Break Cafè, next to Menaggio town hall. We enjoyed a warm drink while watching the slow rain fall outside.
Despite the gloomy weather, Menaggio retained its charm, with the colourful buildings and mountain scenery creating a beautiful backdrop.
These quiet streets and small gardens around were reflecting the relaxed pace of life in the lakeside town of Menaggio.
Shopping at Conad City Menaggio
After a few minutes walk we reached Conad City – Supermarket, the main supermarket in Menaggio and a convenient place for both locals and visitors staying around Lake Como. The store had everything we needed for our final day in Italy, from baby supplies and toiletries to snacks and drinks for the journey home. What impressed us most was the fresh food selection. The fruit and vegetable section offered a variety of seasonal produce, while the bakery counter was stocked with fresh bread, rolls, pastries, and traditional Italian baked goods. The supermarket also featured a well-stocked wine section, local products, pasta, olive oils, cheeses, and other Italian specialties that make grocery shopping in Italy such a pleasure.
The highlight was undoubtedly the deli counter. The assisted-service gastronomia and salumeria departments displayed an inviting selection of cured meats, prosciutto, salami, mortadella, regional cheeses, olives, and freshly prepared foods. It was the perfect place to pick up ingredients for a simple Italian lunch or aperitivo. The quality and variety reflected the rich food culture of the region. Moreover, it gave us one last opportunity to enjoy authentic Italian flavors before leaving Lake Como.
Travel Essentials for Your Lake Como Trip
If you’re preparing for your own trip, you can also find our favorite travel essentials and packing accessories to help keep everything organized while traveling.
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Exploring Menaggio Town Beyond the Waterfront
After completing our shopping at Conad and stocking up on essentials for the journey home, we headed back on the same route. From the main road near the Conad supermarket, we stopped for a moment to admire the small river that flows through Menaggio. The stream, was lined with stone embankments and lush vegetation.
Looking upstream, we could see an old stone bridge framed by colourful houses and gardens climbing the hillside.
The views towards Borgo Castello revealed a quieter side of Menaggio, away from the busy lakeside promenade. Traditional Italian homes in warm shades of yellow, red, and cream were scattered among trees and terraced gardens, with the mountains rising in the background. The narrow streets winding uphill hinted at the town’s medieval origins and invited exploration beyond the waterfront.
Finally we returned to our accommodation to drop everything off and decide how to spend the rest of the day.
Lake Como Ferry from Menaggio to Varenna, Italy
Although the weather remained uncertain, we did not want to miss the opportunity to visit Varenna one more time. Hoping for an improvement in conditions, we made our way to the ferry terminal and crossed Lake Como .
The ferry ride itself was memorable, offering beautiful views across the lake despite the lingering clouds and the baby crying.
We knew that near Varenna ferry terminal was a lakeside playground. We wanted to stop there so the baby could play. But once we got to Varenna, we saw that unfortunately the place was under renovations.
Walking Along Lake Como on Lovers’ Promenade in Varenna, Italy
We walked along the Varenna lakeside promenade. We continued ahead on the arched walkway called The Lovers’ Promenade or Passeggiata degli innamorati. Then we reached Porto Riva Grande with its Molo Riva Grande. We kept forward along the Varenna lakeside on Riva Garibaldi and come across Bar Il Molo. Last time we were in Varenna we had a superb lakeside lanch there. We considered stopping there again, on our way back to the ferry terminal.
The famous waterfront walkway was peaceful and inviting, with colourful houses, flowering balconies, and stunning lake views accompanying us every step of the way. We were grateful that the weather had given us a break.
Exploring the Historic Center of Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
We kept ahead on Varenna lakeshore on Riva Garibaldi and we got to Piazza al Prato.
We walked ahead on Contrada del Prestino and passed by Hotel du lac.
Navigating Varenna’s lakeside charming lanes with a baby carriage was not always easy, especially along some of the narrow stone passages and stepped alleyways, but it was worth the effort. Every corner seemed to reveal another postcard-perfect view of the lake and colourful buildings.
Our Top Recommendation: A Compact Travel Stroller
Exploring Varenna with a baby can be challenging, especially on the narrow, uneven streets. A compact travel stroller can make exploring Lake Como much easier, particularly when using ferries or walking through historic villages.
And then we kept forward on Contrada del Molo di Sotto and we got to the Spiaggia – beach pavilion.
Stopping at Varenna Beach on Lake Como, Italy
We stopped at the small spiaggia on Varenna’s lakeside, a peaceful pebbled shoreline surrounded by colourful historic buildings and stunning mountain views. The dramatic skies and calm waters created a beautiful atmosphere, and we spent some time simply enjoying the scenery. It was one of the most photogenic spots we found during our visit to Varenna.
Piazza San Giorgio and Lunch in Varenna
From Varenna lakeside we turned left and we arrived in Piazza San Giorgio, the town center of Varenna, through the narrow Contrada della fontana.
The beautiful stone church of San Giorgio and its elegant bell tower dominate the square, while the surrounding cafés, hotels, and traditional buildings create a welcoming atmosphere. We wanted to visit Villa Cipressi gardens, but we thought to visit it after we stop for lunch. Hotel Villa Cipressi with its botanical garden laid out over several floors, offering a fascinating panorama of the lake was just a few steps away from the square, next to the beautiful Villa Monastero which we visited thoroughly in the past.
We were ready for a break. Across the square from the church we saw Hotel Royal Victoria, with its 2 restaurants: Royal Gourmet and Victoria Grill. Royal Gourmet it’s an expensive restaurant; while The Victoria Grill is the informal alternative to the gourmet restaurant. We wanted to eat at Victoria Grill, but it was fully booked.
We settled at Albergo del Sole Ristorante Pizzeria, located just opposite to Hotel Royal Victoria. It proved to be an excellent choice for a family lunch. The restaurant was welcoming and accommodating, making it easy to dine with a toddler. We enjoyed a relaxed meal of classic Italian dishes at the terrace in their courtyard. It was the perfect opportunity to rest, recharge and feed the baby of course.
As always, our little one attracted plenty of smiles from locals and visitors alike. Sitting comfortably in her high chair, she happily observed the world around her while we savoured the slower pace of Varenna.
A Rainy Return from Varenna to Menaggio
Unfortunately, our luck with the weather finally ran out while we were having lunch at Albergo del Sole Ristorante Pizzeria. What had started as a few drops soon turned into a heavy downpour. We waited inside the restaurant for a while, hoping the rain would ease. But it quickly became clear that it was not going to stop anytime soon.
Travelling with a toddler meant we had to think practically. The restaurant staff kindly helped us with a few plastic bags, which we used to cover the baby carriage and protect it from the rain. Once we felt as prepared as possible, we stepped outside and began the journey back to the ferry terminal.
Because of the weather, we decided against retracing our route through Varenna’s narrow lakeside streets, stone passages, and steep stairways. The wet cobblestones had become slippery, and pushing a stroller through them would have been challenging. Instead, we followed the main road, Via Venini, heading in the direction of the railway station and hoping to find a more convenient route back towards the ferry terminal before reaching it.
The rain continued relentlessly as we walked. Although we were getting soaked, the stroller cover did its job and kept our little one dry and comfortable. We used Google Maps GPS. Then, at some point we tured left on Via alla Rive and passed by Hotel Olivedo and we saw the ferry terminal. Reaching the ferry felt like a small victory, but the journey was not over yet.
Lake Como Rainy-Weather Essentials
Lake Como weather can change quickly, so we recommend being prepared with a stroller rain cover, lightweight rain jacket and compact travel umbrella.
BABY TRAVELStroller Rain Cover
Keep your little one protected from rain while exploring outdoors.
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RAIN GEARLightweight Rain Jacket
A packable waterproof layer for unexpected showers and cool days.
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TRAVEL ESSENTIALCompact Travel Umbrella
Lightweight and easy to keep in your day bag when traveling.
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Lake Como Ferry Ride and Goodbye to Varenna, Italy
Even onboard, the rain was blowing into some of the passenger areas. So, it forced us to move around in search of shelter.
At one point, the weather became so intense that we briefly took refuge in the ferry’s restroom while waiting for conditions to improve.
Our Final Evening in Menaggio
Fortunately, the crossing back to Menaggio was relatively quick. Watching the rain sweep across Lake Como from the ferry offered a very different perspective from the sunny scenes we had enjoyed earlier in the trip. It was a dramatic and memorable end to our final excursion.
Once back in Menaggio, we returned to our accommodation and decided to stay indoors for the rest of the day. The rain showed no signs of stopping, so we spent a quiet evening relaxing, enjoying dinner at the apartment, and packing our bags for our departure the following morning.
Much of the evening was dedicated to spending time together as a family. Our daughter happily played with the toys, pacifiers, and teething toys we had purchased in Porlezza during the first days of our holiday.
Day 6 – Leaving Lake Como
Our final day at Lake Como started early. We packed the car and left Menaggio in the morning, planning to drive to Bergamo Airport for our afternoon flight home.
Final Morning at Il Balcone di Elma
Before leaving Menaggio for the airport, we took some time to enjoy the views from our accommodation, Il Balcone di Elma. Despite the unsettled weather, the panorama was still beautiful. From the terrace and courtyard we could see the rooftops of Menaggio, the waters of Lake Como, and the surrounding mountains hidden beneath dramatic clouds. It was a fitting farewell to a destination that had given us so many unforgettable views throughout the week.
We also gathered for one last family photo in the courtyard before loading the car and beginning the transfer to the airport. It was a special moment to remember our holiday together, capturing three generations of our family against the backdrop of Lake Como. Although our daughter was not particularly interested in posing for photographs, the picture perfectly reflects the reality of travelling with a toddler and the memories we made together.
Driving from Menaggio to Bergamo Airport
Our planned route was straightforward: Menaggio ? Argegno ? Como ? the A9 motorway ? the Milan ring roads ? Bergamo Airport.
We left Menaggio in the morning and followed the western shore of Lake Como south towards Como.
Coffee Stop in Argegno
We stopped in Argegno for a coffee and a short walk around the town.
We parked the car and got off in the town center by the Argegno ferry terminal. So we crossed the street to find a place for a coffee.
On the left side, across the street from the lake shore, just in front of the ferry stop and the parking lot we saw Hotel Argegno – Ristorante.
Just after the hotel we found Bar Motta and next to it we saw Ristorante Barchetta.
We decided to stop only for coffee at Bar Motta. But we also had someting to eat and took some sandwiches for the road.
We crossed back the street to the car as the baby was waiting for us there with the grandma. As she was ok and enjoying her time on the Argegno waterfront promenade, we took advantage and went for a quick visit of the old town.
Exploring Argegno’s Old Town
Argegno felt much quieter than some of the more popular destinations we had visited during our stay. The relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect place for a final break before continuing our drive.
We took a few photographs of the lake, the mountains, and the elegant buildings surrounding the main square. This way we wanted to enjoy our last moments beside Lake Como.
We walked through the small town centre, admiring the colourful buildings, narrow streets, and the waterfront promenade. The surrounding green hills rose behind the town, creating a picturesque setting.
In the middle of the square, Piazza Roma, we found the fountain “Le Ciotole”. In the back there were Cafè Colombo, Piazzetta | Lago di Como and Pasticceria Grandi.
The weather was much calmer than the previous day. Argegno looked beautiful under the cloudy sky, with its colourful buildings, lakeside promenade and mountain backdrop.
Find Accommodation in Argegno
Argegno is also worth adding to your Lake Como itinerary if you have some extra time. Find hotels and accommodation in Argegno and turn a simple driving route into another lakeside stop.
Back on the lakshore in the parking lot we enjoyed one last glimpse of Lake Como before beginning the journey towards the airport.
The Drive to Bergamo Airport
From Argegno we continued towards Como and joined the motorway network heading east.
Initially, we thought we would have enough spare time to make another stop along the way. We considered visiting Milan, Monza, or even visting Bergamo Alta again. We thought we would have time for a quick lunch and final sightseeing.
However, the drive took much longer than expected. We encountered some confusion at the motorway toll booths and ended up paying extra after taking the wrong lane. The traffic and navigation delays quickly consumed the time we had set aside for sightseeing.
As if that was not enough, we still needed to refuel the rental car and find a car wash before returning it. Finding both near the airport proved more difficult than expected, and locating the correct rental car return area added even more stress to the day.
Fortunately, the vehicle inspection went smoothly and there was no damage to report. The only issue was that the fuel tank was not completely full, so we paid the difference at the rental desk.
By then we were running late. We still had to take the shuttle bus from the rental car area to the airport terminal while managing our luggage and looking after the baby, who was hungry and needed to be fed. What had started as a relaxed morning quickly turned into a race against the clock.
By the time we finally returned the car and boarded the shuttle bus to the terminal, our relaxed final morning had turned into a stressful race against the clock. Fortunately, the flight was delayed with one hour, so we successfully completed the final stage of our Lake Como family adventure.
Read On
You can find all our posts about Lake Como on this page. And for more inspiration and practical tips on visiting Italy, grab our maps and travel guides and also head over to our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your starting point for all things Italian! And if you’re looking to expand your itinerary, don’t miss our posts on Rome and Vatican experiences, and also our day trips to Nemi, Tivoli and Riviera di Ulisse.
Thanks for reading!
Plan Your Lake Como & Lugano Family Road Trip
Planning a Lake Como road trip with a baby? After spending six days exploring Menaggio, Como, Porlezza, Lugano, Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Argegno by car, we discovered that the right accommodation, car, baby gear and travel planning can make a big difference. Here are some of the travel resources and practical essentials we recommend for planning your own family adventure.
Find Accommodation Around Lake Como
We chose Menaggio as our base because it gave us easy access to the ferry terminal, lakeside promenade, restaurants, shops and many of the places we wanted to visit. Staying in one location also made travelling with a baby much easier.
Whether you prefer an apartment with a kitchen, a family-friendly hotel or a lakeside stay, compare accommodation around Lake Como before your trip.
Rent a Car for Your Lake Como Road Trip
Renting a car at Milan Malpensa gave us the freedom to travel at our own pace, stop whenever our baby needed a break and explore places that are harder to reach by public transport.
Our route included Menaggio, Como, Porlezza, Lugano, Tremezzo, Bellagio, Varenna and Argegno. A rental car was especially useful for our airport transfers and for exploring the western shore of Lake Como.
Explore Lake Como by Ferry or Boat
Some of our favorite moments were on the water. We took ferries from Menaggio to Bellagio and Varenna and enjoyed beautiful views of the lake, mountains and lakeside villages along the way.
For a special experience, you can also choose from private boat trips, scenic cruises and guided Lake Como excursions.
Book Lake Como Experiences
Lake Como is much more than beautiful views. During our trip we explored Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo and Como, visited Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi, walked the lakeside promenades and also took a day trip to Lugano, Switzerland.
If you want to add organized experiences to your itinerary, browse Lake Como tours, sightseeing trips and private excursions.
Lake Como Road Trip Travel Essentials
Travelling around Lake Como with a baby taught us to keep the essentials close at hand. From organizing luggage and stroller supplies to making long car journeys more comfortable, these practical travel products can be useful for a family road trip around Italy.
Digital Luggage Scale
A digital luggage scale is a handy travel essential for checking your suitcase weight before heading home. It is especially useful after shopping in Italy and helps you avoid unexpected excess baggage fees at the airport.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are perfect for keeping clothes, baby outfits and travel essentials organized during a road trip. They make it easier to find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase at every stop.
Portable Stroller Organizer
A stroller organizer keeps baby essentials such as bottles, wipes, snacks and small toys within easy reach while exploring Lake Como’s villages, cafés, promenades and scenic spots.
Portable Baby Changing Mat
A portable baby changing mat is a practical essential when travelling by car with a baby. Keep it handy for quick changes during scenic stops, shopping breaks or whenever you need a clean and comfortable place for your little one.
Car Window Sun Shade
Sunny drives around Lake Como can be beautiful, but direct sunlight through the rear windows can be uncomfortable for a baby. A car window sun shade can help reduce glare and direct sunlight during daytime drives.
Car Phone Mount
A secure phone mount is useful when using your phone for navigation. Keep your route visible while driving between Lake Como’s villages, ferry terminals, parking areas and scenic stops.
Portable Power Bank
A portable power bank is one of those small travel essentials that can save the day when you’re using your phone for navigation, taking photos or checking ferry schedules. Keep one in your day bag so you can recharge your phone while exploring Lake Como, Bellagio, Varenna or Lugano.
Kids Travel Tray
For older babies and toddlers who are developmentally ready, a travel tray can provide a convenient surface for snacks, books, drawing and small activities during longer car journeys. Choose one that is appropriate for your child’s age and car-seat setup.
Family road-trip tip: Always follow your child’s car-seat manufacturer’s instructions and make sure accessories do not interfere with the correct installation or operation of the car seat. Choose travel accessories appropriate for your child’s age and use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Travelling Around Lake Como with a Baby
Our trip was not always perfect. We lost our stroller at the airport, changed plans because of rain, dealt with narrow roads, ferry crossings and traffic, and sometimes had to slow down because of our little one.
But that was also part of the adventure. With a car seat, stroller, changing supplies, snacks and flexible plans, Lake Como can be a wonderful destination for a family road trip.
Where to Eat Around Lake Como
From casual pizzerias in Menaggio to cafés in Como, Bellagio and Lugano and family-friendly restaurants in Varenna, food was an important part of our Lake Como adventure.
If you are planning where to eat during your own trip, explore restaurants and dining experiences around Lake Como.
Planning Your Own Lake Como Adventure?
Start with our complete Lake Como and Lugano family road trip series. Follow our six-day journey from Milan Malpensa to Menaggio, Como, Porlezza, Lugano, Bellagio, Varenna and Argegno, including our real experiences travelling around Lake Como with a baby.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Life is a Journey Travel!
Table of contents
- Day 5 – A Rainy Morning on Lake Como, Italy: Menaggio and Varenna
- Walking into Menaggio Town for Last-Minute Shopping
- Coffee Stop in Menaggio
- Shopping at Conad City Menaggio
- Exploring Menaggio Town Beyond the Waterfront
- Lake Como Ferry from Menaggio to Varenna, Italy
- Walking Along Lake Como on Lovers’ Promenade in Varenna, Italy
- Exploring the Historic Center of Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
- Stopping at Varenna Beach on Lake Como, Italy
- Piazza San Giorgio and Lunch in Varenna
- A Rainy Return from Varenna to Menaggio
- Lake Como Ferry Ride and Goodbye to Varenna, Italy
- Our Final Evening in Menaggio
- Day 6 – Leaving Lake Como
- Read On
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