Located on the western shores of Lake Como in Italy’s Lombardy region, is the picturesque village of Menaggio.
This quaint town makes a great location for either a day trip or as a base for exploring the Lake Como region. There is a long, elegant promenade along the lake front which is perfect for early evening strolls and has lovely views back across the lake to the beautiful towns of Varenna and Bellagio.
The village square, Piazza Garibaldi, houses boutique stores and restaurants, cafes and bars which are ideal for lunch, dinner or enjoying an afternoon Aperol Spritz in the sunshine.
The upper part of the village has retained its medieval style and is lovely to explore but be prepared for steep hikes and steps – wandering the narrow streets is a workout in itself! With limited taxis in towns (there are only two) getting around requires a lot of walking if you aren’t staying close to the lake front or don’t have a car.
The village, while still busy in peak time during summer feels a little quieter than nearby Varenna and Belaggio – both of which are a quick ferry ride away with regular departure times during the season.
Homemade crostata, fettuccine cooked perfectly al dente and simple breads with home grown ripe summer tomatoes and slabs of local cheese were some of our favourite food experiences in Menaggio.
The Grand Hotel Menaggio is a great accommodation option if you want to be right on the lake, however our favourite place to stay is a quaint family run hotel in the hills called Hotel Royal. What this hotel may not have in terms of luxury five star amenities it makes up with through pure heart – it feels like staying in a lovely, relaxed family home with great, simple home made Italian food. On our last day the owner, Mario Colombo, even drove us to the ferry terminal, carted our luggage, brought the tickets and made sure we were safely onboard. Unfortunately it is closed for the 2018 season but fingers crossed it reopens for 2019. It’s a true hidden secret at a very affordable price that is rare to come across these days.
A trip to Menaggio, whether for a day trip or to stay is highly recommended for any visitors to the Lake Como region.
Why would anyone want to live anywhere else? It is magnificent there.
We so agree!
Love this blog. An enchanting hotel and village. Such a delightful part of Italy.
Each picture is amazing! I would love to visit Italy some day!
Thank you! It is really such a beautiful part of the world
We also stayed in Mennagio when we were there. Beautiful place and beautiful photos!
Isn’t it a great base for exploring the region! Thanks for your comment x
Did I spy an Aperol Spritz? Quite my favourite summer evening cocktail. We love the whole Lake Como area and have cycled all around the lake though we usually stay nearby in Varese or in Como itself. .
You did! Isn’t it a perfect drink for a sunny afternoon. Cycling would be a great way to get around the area
I love Italy and want to visit the lake region-this seems perfect!
If you do get a chance you should go to the Lake region, it’s so beautiful. Thanks for the comment
Looks idyllic to me. Fabulous photos of a beautiful little place. We’re currently down in Umbria and it doesn’t look anywhere near as nice as that.
It really is a beautiful place, we haven’t been to Umbria yet – so much of Italy to still explore!
It’s a big country isn’t it? Larger than most people think and so many varied places to visit. Never been to Lake Como so need to address that some day.
Beautiful lake nice pictures dear
Thank you x
Beautiful post. I stopped in there last year and really loved it https://liveeatcolour.com/2017/09/05/como-panoramic-lake-views-and-splendid-villas/
It’s so beautiful isn’t it!
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