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Menaggio is one of those lovely little towns on Lake Como that often ends up being just a stopping point, but it deserves far more attention than it usually receives.
Located on the western shore of the lake, Menaggio captured my heart not only for its stunning natural beauty, but also for being a perfect base to explore the entire Como region. It was from there that I set off to discover Varenna and Bellagio, parking the car in town and taking advantage of the ferry system to travel around the lake.
Menaggio has that understated elegance that characterises the finest towns on Lake Como. Its colourful houses extend gently up the mountainside, creating a postcard-perfect view that seems too beautiful to be real.
The town’s waterfront is simply gorgeous, with palm trees that create an interesting contrast with the Alpine mountains in the background. It’s almost surreal, this combination of Mediterranean landscape with the Swiss Alps on the horizon!
The historic centre is compact and can easily be explored on foot. The narrow streets, charming cafés, and small local shops create a lovely atmosphere for an unhurried stroll.
What to do in Menaggio?
Stroll along the waterfront: The lungolago (lakeside promenade) is perfect for relaxing walks, especially in the late afternoon when the golden light reflects on Como’s waters.
Villa Mylius Vigoni: An elegant 19th-century villa that now functions as an Italian-German cultural centre. The gardens are stunning and the lake view is breathtaking. I didn’t visited.
Church of Santo Stefano: A small church with interesting frescoes and a very serene atmosphere.
Local market: On Fridays, the market brings life to the streets with local produce, clothing, and handicrafts.
Lido di Menaggio: The town’s small beach, perfect for a refreshing dip in the lake during the warmer months.
Base for exploring the lake
What really makes Menaggio special is its strategic location. From there, you have easy access to Lake Como’s main attractions through the ferry system.
That’s exactly what I did: we parked the car in Menaggio and enjoyed the freedom to explore Varenna and Bellagio without worrying about traffic or parking – which, I must say, can be quite tricky in the more touristy towns in the region.
The water transport system is fantastic, and the ferry journey is an attraction in itself. The views of the lake and mountains during the trip are absolutely spectacular.
Ferries
Ferries offer two types of tickets: the free circulation ticket (“biglietto di libera circolazione”) and the single-journey ticket (“ordinaria intera adulti”). We opted for the free circulation ticket for the freedom to embark and disembark multiple times.
Public boats traverse the 40 small towns around the lake, with ticket prices depending on the chosen route and the time of year.
The boat journey from Como to Varenna or Bellagio takes approximately 2 hours by slow boat and 1 hour by fast boat. From Varenna to Bellagio, the trip takes less than 20 minutes.
As destinations and tour durations vary, pay attention to the route and boat schedules. Tickets for the fast boat are more expensive, and prices and schedules may vary depending on the time of year. Find more information here (in English or Italian).
Cuisine
As one would expect in Italy, the cuisine in Menaggio is quite something. The lakeside restaurants offer that classic Italian experience: good food, excellent wine, and incredible views.
Don’t miss trying the lake fish, especially the **trout** and **luccio** (pike). **Polenta** is also a speciality of the Lombardy region and pairs perfectly with local dishes.
And of course, a good **risotto** washed down with a regional wine is almost obligatory! Many restaurants have terraces overlooking the lake, creating perfect settings for romantic dinners or relaxing lunches.
TIPS
- Menaggio is ideal to visit between April and October, when the weather is milder and attractions operate normally.
- Parking in Menaggio is easier and cheaper compared to other lake towns, which reinforces the advantage of using it as a base.
- Buy the free circulation ferry ticket (“biglietto di libera circolazione”) if you plan to visit several towns. It’s absolutely worth it for the flexibility it offers.
- During summer, arrive early at restaurants or make a booking, as the region gets quite busy.
How to get there?
By car: Menaggio is about 1.5 hours from Milan. The town has several parking options, both free and paid.
Train + Ferry: From Milan, you can take the train to Como and from there continue by ferry to Menaggio. The journey is scenic and relaxing.
Bus: There are regular bus services connecting Menaggio to other towns in the region and to Milan.
If you’re thinking of hiring a car, I usually compare rental options through Discover Cars, which brings together providers in one place and makes it easier to find a car that suits the trip and budget.
International connections
An interesting curiosity about Menaggio is its proximity to Switzerland. The town is only 30 minutes by car from the Swiss border, which allows you to combine a visit to Lake Como with a quick trip to Switzerland. Many visitors take the opportunity to discover Lugano or other nearby Swiss towns, creating a very interesting international itinerary.
So there you have it, everyone! Menaggio might not have the fame of Bellagio or the historic charm of Varenna, but it has its own appeal and, most importantly, offers a perfect base to explore all the magic of Lake Como.
And you lot, do you know Menaggio already? Or do you usually use a specific town as a base when visiting the Italian lakes region? Do tell me in the comments about your experiences or questions about planning!
Also, don’t forget to explore Bellagio and Varenna while you’re in the area. Enjoy your day!
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