Menaggio & surrounding

Menaggio and the western shore

Menaggio lies on the western shore of Lake Como, facing Bellagio and Varenna across the widest part of the lake. It is a busy, friendly small town with a long lakeside promenade, a lido, an old centre of narrow lanes and a good choice of cafés and restaurants. Being a real town rather than just a resort, it has shops and services open all year, which makes it a practical base for a longer stay.

The car ferry stops here, so a trip to Bellagio or Varenna takes only a few minutes, and it is easy to spend a day hopping between the three. Menaggio is also where the road leaves the lake for Porlezza and Lake Lugano, putting Lugano and the Swiss lakes within an easy day trip.

Villas, gardens and the Tremezzina

South of Menaggio, the shore known as the Tremezzina has some of the finest gardens on any of the Italian lakes. Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo is known for its terraced gardens, which are at their best when the azaleas and rhododendrons flower in spring, and for its collection of sculpture and paintings. At Lenno, Villa del Balbianello stands on a wooded headland and has appeared in several films; many visitors arrive by boat.

A waymarked walking route, the Greenway del Lago di Como, follows old paths and lanes along this shore, linking villages, churches and viewpoints on mostly gentle gradients. Above Menaggio, more demanding paths lead up into the mountains for wide views over the lake.

Food, seasons and getting here

Restaurants serve lake fish such as perch with risotto and missoltini, the local dried shad, along with polenta, game and cheeses from the valleys behind. Many lakeside terraces are ideal for a long lunch watching the ferries come and go.

Spring and early autumn are the best times for walking and garden visits, while July and August bring warm swimming from the lidos and a livelier atmosphere. The nearest airports are in Milan, with Como itself roughly an hour away along the lakeside road.

The area suits couples, families and walkers who want to explore the lake without driving every day. Find out more about Lake Como, or browse the villas listed below to find your base around Menaggio.