- Walk up to the Santuario di San Martino and learn about its rich history
- Indulge in a gelato in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi
- Hop on a ferry to nearby towns like Bellagio
Menaggio relaxes on the western shore of Lake Como, at the mouth of the valley to Lake Lugano. It’s a popular spot for the Milan elite who favour the extravagant piazzas and villas for their summer holidays. But for all its riches, Menaggio remains a welcoming town where a wealth of lake and mountain views (and tempting gelato shops) glitter around every corner. Walking and cycling paths reach around the lakefront and into the mountains behind– and it’s all just a 15-minute ferry ride from Bellagio.
Menaggio town: walking through the history books
Civilisations have wrestled over Menaggio’s strategic, sheltered seat for thousands of years. Walking around town reveals remnants of Roman, Spanish and World War II fortifications. Alleys and stone staircases framed by shops, aperitivo bars and restaurants climb to the medieval part of town and the old castle. Here, you’ll also find the stone Church of San Carlo and its distinctly Spanish bell tower. Back at lake level, meander along Menaggio’s tree-lined waterfront– home to a pocket-sized harbour, palatial villas and a monument to the tessitrice silk weavers who once worked in the waterfront mills.
Discovering mountain rifugi & railway routes
Want to do more than marvel at the mountains around you? Spends your summer holiday taking to the walking trails on Monte Grona, aiming for the rifugio restaurant and alpine dairy farms. The adventurous (and fit) can continue clambering to the peak, which offers dizzying views over three lakes. Easier walking and cycling routes include the route to Porlezza that traces the old railway line between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. Alternatively, head north to Sorico via the lakeside promenade and abandoned state road that runs through fishing villages and some seriously lovely mountain scenery.
Exploring the crossroads of Lake Como
Menaggio is the place where vital trade and transport routes once met, including the Via Regina, which connected Lake Como and Milan to the Alps beyond. These days, you can follow its steep tracks past sanctuaries, villages and stone bridges. Menaggio’s excellent connections extend to its boat routes too. Ferries scoot between the towns on Lake Como’s shores– Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Cadenabbia, Como Town– or you can explore the lake under your own steam aboard a sailing boat or kayak. A stunning way to spend your Italian summer holiday!
Summer in Menaggio: life on the lake
The squares and waterfront of Menaggio come alive in the summer, staging Renaissance concerts, craft markets, book fairs and open-air art exhibitions, as well as a Friday evening market. August’s International Guitar Festival treats visitors to impromptu “musical aperitivi” in the streets, whetting the appetite for the evening performances. Piazza Garibaldi is a great place walking around and soaking up the atmosphere, or sitting in a cafè with a cappuccino and plate of polenta in reach.
Why book a summer holiday in Menaggio with Inghams?
Experience the freedom of flexible walking holidays in Menaggio with Inghams. With no fixed itineraries and no moving around each night, you can simply unpack, settle in, and explore at your own pace.
- With 90 years of travel experience, we know how to take the hassle out of your holiday to Menaggio
- Flights or rail, transfers and accommodation are included in every holiday package
- We’re with you every step of the way with insider knowledge and tailored support from our Destination Experts during your holiday
- During your stay you’ll have access to our Digital Resort Guides, which are packed with self-guided walks, things to do and useful information for your Menaggio holiday
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