Planning your dream vacation to Lake Como? You’ll definitely be spending some time in Menaggio, one of the most charming spots on the lake!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your time in Menaggio during your Lake Como trip. Find out how to spend the day in Menaggio, the best things to see, and the must-go restaurants.
Quick Facts
Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, and the most well-known internationally. It has served as a peaceful retreat since Roman times and continues to attract celebrities and aristocrats who own vacation homes along the lake shores.
In 2014, it earned the title of the most beautiful lake in the world, thanks to its unique blend of nature and opulent villas. Visiting Lake Como feels like stepping into a movie, where the majestic mountains meet the blue water, punctually adorned with stunning Italian villas and charming towns.
The must-visit spots in Lago di Como are Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio, and Como. Thanks to its popularity, the lake region is very developed making travel between these places effortless, often by ferry. So be sure to put on your list several towns, as it won’t be hard to go from one place to another.
Itinerary
This 3-day trip to Lake Como starts in Menaggio, less famous than Bellagio or Varenna, but equally charming. If you’re planning to visit other destinations around the lake, be sure to check the itineraries for the best things to do in Bellagio and Varenna.
Menaggio is the smallest of the four lake towns, which means that with one day dedicated to exploring it, you have time to wander through its historic center and pay a visit to the two incredible nearby villas.
As mentioned earlier, Menaggio’s is less crowded and offers a more relaxed vibe, making it the perfect stay stop during your trip to Lake Como. The accommodation prices tend to be more affordable than in the other towns, and there’s a high chance of finding an option with a lake view, courtesy of the town’s concentration on the lakeshore.
Another great reason to stay here is the proximity to Bellagio and Varenna, both within a convenient 35-minute ferry ride. Menaggio’s unique position offers the best views of the lake, as it allows one to see both Bellagio and Varenna.
Let’s dive into our one-day itinerary in Menaggio!
1. Breakfast at Pasticceria Cassera Moretti
The day doesn’t truly begin until you’ve treated yourself to a delicious breakfast! Right in the heart of Menaggio, this lovely bakery offers an variety of fresh sweet, and savory options to kickstart your morning in the best way.
Opening hours: Every day from 7.30am to 7.00pm
2. Villa Carlotta
If you’ve not spent the night in Menaggio, chances are this will be your first stop of the day. From the center of Menaggio, it’s just a quick 7-minute drive if you’ve got a rental car, or you can catch the C10 bus at Piazza Roma, in the town center.
Villa Carlotta stands out as one of Lake Como’s main attractions, due to its stunning beauty and the premium lakeside location, offering mesmerizing views of both the lake and the mountains.
Originally constructed in the 17th century by a Milanese marquis, the property changed hands multiple times, passing through various affluent families.
Although undeniably beautiful, the villa itself is the least captivating part of the visit for me. The true highlight is the botanical garden, with more than 500 species of plants, ranging from precious flowers to exotic trees, including a dedicated Japanese section. Strolling in the tranquility of this botanical treasure while contemplating the stunning views of the lake is an unforgettable experience.
Opening hours: Every day from 10.00am to 7.00pm
Ticket price: 15€ for adults, 13€ for visitors over 65, 10€ for students under 25, 6€ for students under 18, and free for children under 5.
Book your tickets here.
Pro Tip: Make sure to take advantage of the balcony on the top floor of the villa. It’s the perfect spot to immortalize this moment in a photo, as it offers one of the best views of Lake Como!
3. Lunch: Osteria Il Pozzo
For lunch, head over to the center of Menaggio. At Osteria Il Pozzo you’ll discover an authentic gem of typical lake Cuisine. The experience is even better thanks to the cozy atmosphere, rustic decor, outdoor setting area, and the friendly hospitality of the staff.
The restaurant offers regional dishes such as rabbit and salted sardines with polenta. While the specialties lean towards meat and fish, don’t miss out on the pasta dishes. The homemade gnocchi and ravioli are to die for!
Opening hours: Every day from 12.00pm to 2.00pm and from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Closed on Wednesdays. Price range: 20€ – 30€ per person
4. Villa Vigoni
Our next stop is yet another incredible villa! Right outside Menaggio town, with a 6-minute car ride, lies the historic Villa Vigoni, a stunning 19th-century villa and equally amazing gardens located along the lakeshore. Originally a farmhouse, it was transformed into a magnificent villa that blends Italian and German architectural styles. Inside you’ll find grisailles motifs adorning the walls, complementing the embellished furnishings, sculptures, and paintings, all evoking the charm of the 19th century.
Villa Vigoni is surrounded by an English-style garden, containing several exotic plants, marble sculptures, fountains, and other hidden treasures, with a direct view over the lake.
Opening hours: Guided tour every Thursday at 3.00pm.
Ticket price: 14€ for adults and 10€ for students.
To book your visit write an email to reception@villavigoni.eu
5. Historic Center
Italian: Centro Storico
Back to Menaggio, onto the itinerary part where we explore the town. Garibaldi Square serves as the ideal starting to discover the authentic streets of the historic center. Despite its small size, the village has a traditional charm that invites you to wander through its streets and shops.
6. Santo Stefano Church
Italian: Chiesa Santo Stefano
Right next to Garibaldi Square lies Santo Stefano Church. This 17th-century Romanesque building hides precious frescoes made by Italian masters, including a copy of the Madonna del Luini, as the original is displayed in the Louvre. It surely does deserve a visit!
Ticket price: free
7. Menaggio Castle & San Carlo Church
Italian: Castello di Menaggio e Chiesa di San Carlo
Heading up on the hill, you’ll reach the next stop on our itinerary. While we can only admire the ruins from the Menaggio Castle and its walls, you can visit the medieval church of San Carlo, which also serves as a panoramic point to get an amazing view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Despite its rather simple exterior, San Carlo Church contains several captivating paintings and houses the sepulchral stone of the Calvi family, responsible for the church’s construction in the 17th century.
Ticket price: free
8. Ice Cream at Il Gabbiano
Go towards the lake shore for a well-deserved ice cream break. At Il Gabbiano you get to taste the ice cream you’ve been dreaming of all year: velvety, refreshing, and crafted with the best fresh ingredients. If you fancy a pre-dinner drink, an aperitivo in Italian, you can also treat yourself to an Aperol Spritz or your drink of choice accompanied by some nibbles to snack on. The best part? The fantastic location and breathtaking view, right by the water’s edge.
Opening hours: Every day from 8.00am to 7.00pm. Closed on Wednesdays
9. Walk through Lakefront
Italian: Passeggiata in Lungolago
One of the best things to do in Menaggio is to walk along the lakefront promenade, in Viale Benedetto Castelli. With a direct view over Bellagio, it offers one of the most stunning views of Lake Como. Unlike other towns, Menaggio is very serene and with a relative lack of crowds, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing stroll in this magical place that feels straight out of a movie scene.
10. Dinner with a view: Dal Tato
Looking for the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the lake while enjoying delicious food? I got you covered!
The final destination of this Menaggio itinerary is Dal Tato Restaurant where you can taste traditional pasta dishes from various regions of Italy – from the Roman Carbonara to the Venetian Spaghetti with clams. Not to mention the delicious meat dishes, the classic pizza, and even hamburgers. The choice is yours! Obviously, the highlight of this restaurant is the stunning view directly overlooking the lake, a sight that words can’t describe.
To finish this day on a high note, treat yourself to the smoothest Tiramisù you will ever try.
What an end to a perfect day in Menaggio!
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8.00am to 11.00pm. Price range: 25€ – 35€
Transport and Moving Around
The historic center of Menaggio is very small so everything is within walking distance, with the exception being the two Villas. For Vila Vigoni you can opt to go by car, with a 5-minute journey, or catch the bus C13 and get there within 17 minutes. For Villa Carlotta, take a 10-minute car ride or catch the bus C10 and you’ll arrive in 12 minutes.
The best way to arrive at Menaggio is by ferry. If you’ll be arriving at Como by train, from the Lago Como train station, go to the ferry terminal, and with a scenic 55-minute ferry ride you will arrive at Menaggio. Alternatively, from the Varenna-Esino train station, within a 7-minute walk, you can reach the ferry port and enjoy a 15-minute ride with breathtaking views of the lake.
From other cities you can reach Menaggio by train and ferry:
- Milan – around 2 hours
- Rome – around 5 hours
- Turin – around 3 hours
Tips
Lake Como in general is a tourist destination, so anticipate some crowds during your visit. Preferably plan your trip for the springtime – when the lake it’s in full bloom – or the early days of summer, when it’s not as packed and the weather is perfect. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance and make reservations at restaurants to make sure your holidays go as smoothly as possible.
Summary
In this itinerary, we have explored some of the most iconic things to see in Menaggio, from its charming historic center to the magnificent Villa Carlotta and Villa Vigoni. Along the way, we’ve suggested some fantastic restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy great food and the most stunning panoramas of Lake Como.
Don’t forget to check the itineraries with the best things to do in Bellagio and Varenna for a perfect itinerary around the lake.
Happy travels!
Planning a day trip to Milan after enjoying the lake?
Check our travel guide with the best things to do in a day!
Milan, Italy: the city that effortlessly joins the new, such as luxury fashion, with the glorious days of the past, like the timeless Milan Cathedral. If you will be exploring Milan city and you are wondering what to do