Holidays in Menaggio

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Lake Como

Want to get to know the real Lake Como? Then put on your walking boots and hit the trails above the lake. Walking above and around the lake will open up an entire area of traditional farmland, mountain huts, sleepy old towns and historic churches, that you'd have never seen following the typical tourist trail. There's so much more to Lake Como than just celebrity-spotting or snapping lakeside Instagram photos, and walking is the way to discover the area in a whole new light.

Ferries

The ferry network is one of the most efficient ways to explore the lake. With direct links between Menaggio and Bellagio and access to many other resorts, we'd recommend making the most of it on your summer holiday. Buy a 6 day ferry pass for easy access to resorts in the central Lake Como area. For more information head to the Cards & Passes tab. The official ferry website has information about timetables and dropping off points.

Buses

The buses in our resorts can be a useful and cost effective way of travelling short distances along the lakeside. For getting to next door towns and attractions such as Villa Balbianello in Lenno. The C10 bus will take you directly from Menaggio to Lenno in under 20 minutes. However, if you're hoping for a punctual service, the ferry is the better option as the buses run on their own timetable and may not come when you expect them to!

The Greenway Path

The Greenway Path is one of the most popular trails in Lake Como. Its well-maintained paths and gentle ascent makes it accessible for all walking abilities. The walk takes you through some of the most charming villages on the lake, including: Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo and Cadenabbia before arriving at the village of Griante. The path follows some of the old ‘Antica Strada Regina’ and takes you up to some beautiful viewpoints of the lake and through some traditional towns on the mountain side, slightly off the usual tourist trail.

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Walking time: approx. 4 hrs
• Ascent: 100m
• Distance: 10km

San Martino Chapel Walk

The church of San Martino sits at an altitude of 475m on the steep slopes of Sasso San Martino above the village of Griante. An easy path leads up to the church from where you have one of the most beautiful views of the central part of Lake Como. The walk is mostly an ascent up the mountain, but the trails are well-maintained and easy to navigate. You'll pass through wooded areas and come across little religious shrines, dotted along the path. Make sure you read up about the history of the church before you go, in particular its relation to the First World War.

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Walking time: approx. 3 hrs
• Ascent: 100m
• Distance: 6 kilometres

Rifugio Menaggio

Rifugio Menaggio (1400 m) is situated on the southern slope of Monte Grona where one can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. From the rifugio you can add on more by hiking to Monte Grona (1736 m) and to Monte Bregagno (2107 m). Or, stop for a drink and a bite to eat in the rifugio, before heading back to the walk starting point.

• Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
• Walking time: approx. 4 hrs
• Ascent: 650m
• Distance: 10km
• Useful Information: This walk starts from the mountain town of Breglia, which you can get to from Menaggio on the C13 bus line

Bellagio–Brogno–Belvedere di Makallé–Visgnola–Bellagio

A circular route heading past churches and through rustic villages and forested trails, this walk will take you over to Mount Nuvolone. Literally translated, Mount Nuvolone means Cloud Mountain; so you can imagine how good the views will be from up here! You'll head up to the Belvedere di Makallé which is a fantastic viewpoint with panoramas over the tip of Bellagio.

• Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
• Walking time: approx. 4 hrs
• Ascent: 550m
• Distance: 11km
• Useful Information: This walk starts from the Bellagio ferry point

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle and a snack. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking guidelines

The mountains, lakes and natural parks are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help them stay that way, and remain enjoyable and safe places for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  Italian Emergency Services: 112
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking wild flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Flights to Milan are available from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh 

Transfer times: 

• Milan airport: approx. 2 hour by coach

Private transfers are available on request, for a supplement.

We offer holidays by train to Menaggio, which depart on a Wednesday and Friday. The journey takes around 14 hours. 

Provisional outbound timings are: 

Walking around Menaggio

Want to get to know the real Lake Como? Then put on you walking boots and hit the trails above the lake. Walking above and around the lake will open up an entire area of traditional farmland, mountain huts, sleepy old towns and historic churches, that you'd have never seen following the typical tourist trail. The walking above Menaggio really is fantastic and there are many trails to discover on the nearby Monte Grona.

Exploring ancient streets in Menaggio

There's nothing nicer than sitting in a cafè in Menaggio's Piazza Garibaldi and soaking up the languid Italian atmosphere with a cappuccino or a gelato in hand. We love wandering along the lakeside promenade, and up and down old streets, wandering into rustic churches like the 17th Century San Stefano, San Carlo and San Giusto along the way. Menaggio is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the classic Italian summer holiday scene and really get to grips with the true meaning of the phrase 'il dolce far niente' ('the sweetness of doing nothing').

Visiting nearby towns: from Bellagio to Como City

From the nearby towns of Lenno and Tremezzo you can easily access the famous Greenway Path or walk up to the Church of San Martino; we highly recommend this walk, not only for the incredible lake views, but for its historical significance, which is worth reading up on. Varenna and Bellagio (The Pearl of Lake Como) are also just a short ferry ride away, and perfect for a day trip These are two of the prettiest towns on Lake Como, adorned with flower lined promenades, historic churches and several lakeside bars and cafès where you can stop for a spot of lunch. Varenna is also home to the Villa Monastero a 12th Century villa turned museum with stunning botanical gardens to explore.

If you head over to Cadenabbia and Tremezzo, then don't miss the Villa Carlotta and its botanical gardens. Built by the Marquis of Milan at the end of the 17th Century and well worth a visit if you're in the area. Como city is also around an hour away on the ferry, which is home to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the Gothic style. The cathedral we see today was completed in the 18th Century and has an intricate Rococo cupola and 15th Century Rose Window, which is a real treat for art history lovers.

Activities by the lake

If an active holiday's more your speed then why not walk up to Rifugio Menaggio or rent a bike and try out one of the trails above the lake, or cycle along the lakeside promenade. Alternatively, spend your 'tee-time' at the nearby 18-hole golf course. Lake Como's also great for boat hire and watersports, including sailing boats, skiffs and power boats with skis.

For your cultural fix, the 'plucky' amongst you will appreciate the Menaggio Guitar Festival an annual musical celebration in the centre of town, featuring live music, workshops and a lively communal atmosphere.

Book your excursions in resort with your Inghams representative

Milan from £70 per person (full day)

An expert guide will show you Milan’s highlights starting with Sforzesco Castle. Once you reach La Scala, Milan’s famous opera house, you’ll continue on foot through the historic centre to see the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele – the world’s first shopping mall! The afternoon is at leisure exploring Milan at your own pace.

Departs on Tuesdays

Lake Maggiore from £75 per person (full day)

Hop on a bus to the second biggest lake in Italy, Lake Maggiore where you'll get to experience a private boat trip which will take you across the lake to the Borromean Islands where you can visit the botanical gardens of Isola Bella and the Borromeo Palace. Next, you'll stop off at the traditional fishing island, Isola dei Pescatori with it's narrow lanes, little boutiques and wonderful fresh fish. You'll finish the day in Stresa where you'll have some free time before returning to Lake Como by bus.

Departs on Fridays. Entrance fee to Isola Bella is payable locally.

Villa Balbianello from £70 per person (half day)

No visit to Lake Como would be complete without seeing its most beautiful villas and spectacular gardens. Built at the end of the 18th century, the villa now belongs to the FIA, Italy’s version of the National Trust. Wander through the villa and admire exquisitely-furnished interiors and a vast art collection. The manicured gardens are a delight to walk through – there’s lots of spots where you can admire the stunning lake views.

Departs on Sundays. Discounted tickets for National Trust members are also available. 

Como & Lake Lugano from £66 per person (full day)

You'll start the day by heading to Gandria a little lakeside village on the border of Italy and Switzerland. From here you'll take a 45 minute boat trip over to Lugano where you'll have some time to explore this beautiful town and the markets, shops and architecture it has to offer. Lugano is often called the Rio de Janeiro of Switzerland due to it's friendly and lively atmosphere and is home to the famous Franciscan church of Santa Maria degli Angeli - definitely worth a visit! After lunch you'll transfer to Lake Como where you'll have some more free time to enjoy the fantastic artwork, churches, gardens, parks and palaces. You'll then head back to your hotel by bus at around 5pm.

Departs on Fridays. A passport may be required for this excursion as you will be crossing country borders.

Pre-book the following excursion online or give us a call

St. Moritz & the Bernina Train from £75 per person (full day)

Leave Lake Como and travel by coach into the majestic Val Valtellina before boarding the Bernina Express. This spectacular railway journey travels past glaciers and over dramatic gorges before arriving in St. Moritz. You’ll have some free time to explore and enjoy a spot of lunch (payable locally). The return to Lake Como by coach is just as scenic and follows the road through the Maloja pass, stopping in the historic town of Chiavenna.

Departs on Mondays

We act at all times as a selling agent for our suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. See terms & conditions.