Where to Swim in Lake Como with Kids: Safe Beaches, Honest Advice & Local Tips for Families

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Updated 16 March 2026

Planning a family trip to Lake Como? Discover the best places to swim with kids, including Lierna Beach, Bellano Lido, and Onno. Honest advice, safety tips, and real family experience—including why Varenna beach may not be the best choice for children.

Lake Como With Kids: Why Choosing the Right Swimming Spot Matters

Lake Como looks like the perfect place for a refreshing family swim. The water is deep blue, the mountains rise dramatically from the shoreline, and almost every village seems to have a small stretch of beach.

But when traveling with kids, not every lake access point is equally safe or comfortable.

The first time we tried swimming in Lake Como as a family, we assumed that if there were pebbles and water, it must be fine for children. What we quickly learned is that Lake Como behaves very differently from the sea:

Many beaches drop suddenly into deep water
Ferry routes create unexpected waves
Some shorelines are beautiful but impractical for families

After a few trial-and-error swims around the lake, we started to recognize which places actually work for kids and which ones only look good in photos.

Below are the spots that truly made our Lake Como days easier and more relaxing.

Lierna Beach – One of the Best Family Swimming Spots on Lake Como

Lierna Beach

Why Lierna Works So Well for Families

If you only choose one place to swim with kids on Lake Como, Lierna is hard to beat.

The first thing you notice is how calm the water feels compared with other parts of the lake. That’s because Lierna sits away from the main ferry crossing routes, so large boats rarely disturb the water.

For families, that makes a huge difference.

Instead of sudden waves hitting the shore every few minutes, the water here tends to stay clear, calm, and predictable—something parents appreciate when kids are splashing near the shoreline.

Another pleasant surprise is the gradual entry into the lake. Children can move around without instantly losing footing, which is common in other areas of Lake Como.

Free Beach vs Paid Area

Lierna offers two options, which makes it flexible depending on your travel style.

Free Public Area

Pebble beach with open access
Plenty of space to spread towels
Beautiful mountain views

Paid Area (with loungers)

Sunbeds and umbrellas for rent
A small bar for drinks and snacks
More comfortable for spending several hours

If you're traveling with kids, renting loungers can make the day much easier. After swimming, children often want a place to rest or snack, and having a shaded base helps.

Kid-Friendly Extras That Make a Difference

Lierna beach also includes small but helpful details families appreciate:

A small playground nearby
A casual beach bar for snacks and drinks
Calm water conditions most days

It’s not a large resort-style beach, but the simplicity actually works well for families who want a relaxed, low-stress swimming stop.

The One Thing to Prepare For: Parking

The only challenge at Lierna is parking.

Like many Lake Como villages, parking spaces are limited, especially in summer.

Arriving earlier in the day makes things much easier. Otherwise, be prepared to drive around for a few minutes until a spot opens.

This isn’t unique to Lierna—it’s simply part of visiting Lake Como villages.

Why Varenna Beach Looks Better Than It Actually Is for Families

Varenna Beach

Varenna is one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Como. The pastel houses, narrow streets, and lakeside promenade make it a must-visit stop.

But for swimming with kids, the beach there can be surprisingly tricky.

What Looks Perfect in Photos

At first glance, the shoreline seems ideal:

Pebbled beach
Clear lake water
Scenic mountain views

But once you step in, the experience changes quickly.

What Actually Happens in the Water

There are several factors that make Varenna less suitable for children.

The lake floor drops suddenly

Instead of a gradual slope, the lake becomes deep very quickly. Children can lose footing faster than expected.

Constant boat traffic

The ferry terminal sits very close to the beach. Ferries and speedboats pass frequently, creating strong waves that reach the shore without warning.

Unstable pebbles

Those pretty stones shift underfoot. Getting out of the water can be harder than it seems, especially for smaller kids.

Water conditions near docking areas

With so many boats moving through, the water near the port isn’t always the cleanest.

Before vs After: Our Experience

Before visiting:
We expected a charming little swimming spot in one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Como.

After arriving:
We realised it’s a wonderful place to stroll, photograph, and enjoy lunch—but not the best stop for a relaxed family swim.

A Better Alternative in Varenna

Right next to the shoreline there is a Lido with a swimming pool, which is often a much better option for families.

You still enjoy the spectacular lake views, but children can swim safely without worrying about boat waves or sudden deep water.

Bellano Lido – A Relaxed Swimming Spot With Great Views

Bellano Lido

Bellano is often overlooked by visitors rushing between larger towns, but it hides a surprisingly pleasant swimming area.

Public Beach Option

There is a small free public beach, though space is limited.

It works for a quick dip, but if you’re planning to spend a few hours by the water, the better choice is right next door.

Bellano Lido Swimming Pool

The Bellano Lido offers a comfortable setup for families:

Swimming pool overlooking the lake
Loungers and umbrellas
A bar serving drinks and snacks
Beautiful mountain views

For parents, the biggest advantage is simplicity. Instead of navigating rocky lake entry points, kids can swim freely in the pool while you still enjoy the incredible scenery.

Oliveto Lario (Onno) – A Quiet Lake Como Swim Away From the Ferries

Free Public Beach in Onno

On the eastern side of Lake Como, the small village of Onno offers a completely different atmosphere.

Compared with busier towns like Bellagio or Varenna, this area feels quieter and more local.

Onno

There is a public beach area where families can swim for free.

The biggest advantage here is the water quality.

Because there are no nearby ferry crossings, the lake stays noticeably calmer and cleaner.

However, this spot is more natural and less organised.

Things to know before you go:

No toilets
No beach bars
No rental loungers

There are a few restaurants above the beach, but otherwise the area is quite simple.

Bring Water Shoes

One thing many visitors don’t expect is the large stones on the lake floor.

Walking into the water barefoot can be uncomfortable. Water shoes make the experience much easier, especially for kids.

Private Option: Onnolulu Beach

If you prefer more comfort, Onnolulu Beach nearby offers a private beach setup with:

Sunbed rentals
A small snack bar
Relaxed lake views

It’s a good balance between natural scenery and practical comfort.

Tips for Swimming in Lake Como With Kids

After exploring several swimming spots around the lake, a few practical lessons became clear.

1. Avoid beaches near ferry terminals

Boat traffic creates waves and churns the water.

2. Check the lake entry

Some beaches drop into deep water immediately.

3. Bring water shoes

Many Lake Como beaches have large or unstable stones.

4. Plan parking ahead

Village parking can fill quickly, especially in summer.

5. Consider lidos with pools

Sometimes a pool with a lake view offers a more relaxing family experience.

The Real Secret to Enjoying Lake Como With Kids

Lake Como is famous for villas, gardens, and glamorous towns. But some of the most memorable family moments happen during simple lake swims in the right spots.

Finding a beach where the water stays calm, kids feel confident, and parents can actually relax makes all the difference.

For our family, places like Lierna and Onno turned Lake Como from a sightseeing stop into a place where we could slow down, swim, and enjoy the lake the way locals do.

And sometimes that quiet swim becomes the moment kids remember most from the whole trip.