This lakeside town on Lake Como has 18th-century villas, a medieval castle ruins, and a promenade lined with cafes. Popular base for hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Menaggio sits on Lake Como's western shore, where medieval stone houses line narrow streets and a wide promenade runs along the water. You'll find 16th-century frescoes in the Church of Santo Stefano, Renaissance gardens at Villa Mylius Vigoni, and swimming spots at Lido di Menaggio. The town connects to Bellagio and Varenna via frequent ferries, while hiking trails lead into the surrounding Val Sanagra nature reserve.
Walking Through Central Menaggio
Piazza Garibaldi forms the heart of Menaggio, where cafe tables spill onto the square. Walk down the pedestrian Via Calvi to find local shops selling mountain honey, aged cheese, and Como silk scarves. The lakefront Viale Benedetto Castelli includes covered pergolas that shade benches and walkways. The flat streets in the historic center make walking easy, including for wheelchair users.
Historic Churches and Architecture
Inside the Church of Santo Stefano, three naves contain 16th-century frescoes showing the Last Supper and scenes from Saint Stephen's life. The Church of Santa Marta's 1885 facade includes pointed Gothic arches and detailed stone saints. Walk uphill to find stone walls from a medieval castle, which defended the town until Spanish troops destroyed it in 1523.
Exploring Villa Mylius Vigoni
Villa Mylius Vigoni opens its English-style gardens to visitors from March through October. Join guided tours through the grounds and cultural center on Tuesdays (German/English) and Thursdays (Italian). The villa's garden terraces step down the hillside, with clear views across Lake Como to the eastern mountains.
Nature and Hiking
Val Sanagra Park's marked trails wind through beech forests and alpine meadows. A 3-hour hike leads to Rifugio Menaggio at 1,400 meters, where the mountain hut serves polenta with local cheese and lake views. The park includes the Rogolone oak tree, which rises 25 meters high with an 8-meter trunk circumference - Italy declared it a National Monument in 1928.
Getting Around Lake Como
Ferries depart from Via IV Novembre pier every 30 minutes in summer (hourly in winter), taking 15 minutes to Bellagio and 30 to Varenna. Buses run hourly from Como (45 minutes) and Lugano. To reach Menaggio from airports, take a bus or taxi from Lugano (34 km) or connect through Como from Milan's Malpensa and Linate airports.
Swimming and Beach Activities
At Lerai Beach, stone steps lead into clear water, with free entry and morning sun. Lido Beach Menaggio includes two pools, a sandy beach area, and a restaurant. Both beaches face east toward the Grigne mountains, making them ideal for morning swims and sunbathing.
