Emily's Guidebook
Easy hiking and walking
There are so many accessible walks very close to the house or in nearby villages, as well as more difficult hikes. The best reference for directions and maps is the Menaggio tourist office or online 'menaggiocom' or the 'mylakecomo' site.
Don't forget you can walk from the house into the center of Menaggio via the cycle path that was the old railway line between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. Start from Bar Stazione. It's roughly 20 minutes downhill and longer uphill. The Senagra river below the house is a favourite spot to cool down in the summer months.
Easy hiking leaving directly from the house. Different variations for longer or shorter walks. You can walk to La Vecchia Chioderia restaurant where they breed trout if you fancy fresh trout for lunch. It has an extremely local atmosphere and is beautifully cool in the summer. Local families come here to play along the river.
Information from the Menaggio tourist office online or 'mylakecomo' site.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Parco Val Sanagra
2-8 Via MoliniEasy hiking leaving directly from the house. Different variations for longer or shorter walks. You can walk to La Vecchia Chioderia restaurant where they breed trout if you fancy fresh trout for lunch. It has an extremely local atmosphere and is beautifully cool in the summer. Local families come here to play along the river.
Information from the Menaggio tourist office online or 'mylakecomo' site.
Lovely circular walk departing from Villa Camozzi in Codogna village just up the road from the house. It takes just over an hour and the forest is very peaceful.
Menaggio tourist office online for indications.
Il Rogolone
Lovely circular walk departing from Villa Camozzi in Codogna village just up the road from the house. It takes just over an hour and the forest is very peaceful.
Menaggio tourist office online for indications.
Located in the village of Griante-park at the start of the pilgrim’s route and walk up to the church. It takes about 40 minutes uphill. The views are spectacular. Detailed info on 'mylakecomo' site.
12 lokalkjente anbefaler
Chiesa di San Martino, Griante
Located in the village of Griante-park at the start of the pilgrim’s route and walk up to the church. It takes about 40 minutes uphill. The views are spectacular. Detailed info on 'mylakecomo' site.
Visit the San Domenico church for arguably the best views of the lake. The easy walk through a wooded area is very accessible and extremely beautiful. See Menaggio tourist office online for directions.
You can end with a simple and inexpensive meal at Hotel Breglia which also has a nice terrace to cool down during the summer heat. This is a very simple, quiet, tranquil place and away from the tourist areas. There is a little path to the left of the hotel which leads to a natural spring.
From Breglia you can also walk the old pathways through the woods to Carcente which is a very quaint old village.
For more serious hikers you can reach the Rifugio Menaggio and Monte Grona from Breglia. The views are stunning. It is possible to eat at the rifugio.
Detailed info on 'mylakecomo' site.
San Domenico, Breglia
Visit the San Domenico church for arguably the best views of the lake. The easy walk through a wooded area is very accessible and extremely beautiful. See Menaggio tourist office online for directions.
You can end with a simple and inexpensive meal at Hotel Breglia which also has a nice terrace to cool down during the summer heat. This is a very simple, quiet, tranquil place and away from the tourist areas. There is a little path to the left of the hotel which leads to a natural spring.
From Breglia you can also walk the old pathways through the woods to Carcente which is a very quaint old village.
For more serious hikers you can reach the Rifugio Menaggio and Monte Grona from Breglia. The views are stunning. It is possible to eat at the rifugio.
Detailed info on 'mylakecomo' site.
Trincee/Crocetta. WW1 trenches and lookout point.
Located between our house and the hamlet of Croce, Menaggio, right off the cycle path. This location is full of history and spectacular views and is an easy walk.
Follow the cycle path in the direction of Menaggio then turn right before you get to the tunnel. Continue to the tiny village of Croce (bar Stella Alpina has excellent homemade ice cream). Follow the brown signs for 'Trincee' to see remains of WW1 trenches and stunning views.
Detailed info 'mylakecomo'
La Crocetta
Trincee/Crocetta. WW1 trenches and lookout point.
Located between our house and the hamlet of Croce, Menaggio, right off the cycle path. This location is full of history and spectacular views and is an easy walk.
Follow the cycle path in the direction of Menaggio then turn right before you get to the tunnel. Continue to the tiny village of Croce (bar Stella Alpina has excellent homemade ice cream). Follow the brown signs for 'Trincee' to see remains of WW1 trenches and stunning views.
Detailed info 'mylakecomo'
Restaurants walking distance from the house
En route when walking around the Val Sanagra which is the area around the apartment. They offer a simple menu of fresh trout. The location is very characteristic, even if just for a drink as you pass by.
Agriturismo La Vecchia Chioderia
3 Via MoliniEn route when walking around the Val Sanagra which is the area around the apartment. They offer a simple menu of fresh trout. The location is very characteristic, even if just for a drink as you pass by.
Good, simple food and popular with the locals. It is a short walk from the apartment (follow Via Forno).
17 lokalkjente anbefaler
Agriturismo Barcola
8 Via barcolaGood, simple food and popular with the locals. It is a short walk from the apartment (follow Via Forno).
Mountain Restaurants
Typical mountain food such as 'polenta uncia', stews, cold meats and preserves. Great views.
A few minutes from the apartment by car (or walk up if you like hiking), they offer typical mountain cuisine with a relaxed ambience and views over Lake Como from the outside terrace.
Crotto Buba
Via alle AlpiA few minutes from the apartment by car (or walk up if you like hiking), they offer typical mountain cuisine with a relaxed ambience and views over Lake Como from the outside terrace.
Crotto Mirabel
Pleasant rustic restaurant, very traditional and lovely views over Lake lugano
This is a personal favourite because it’s so simple and a great place to stop if you do the easy walks around Breglia (see our easy hiking suggestions). It’s nice and cool in the hot summer months and is out of the way of the crowds down on the lake.
Albergo Breglia
2 Via San GregorioThis is a personal favourite because it’s so simple and a great place to stop if you do the easy walks around Breglia (see our easy hiking suggestions). It’s nice and cool in the hot summer months and is out of the way of the crowds down on the lake.
One of the few mountain refuges that is reachable by car (on a very narrow road!). Most people hike there. The history of the site dates back to World War 1. You can still visit some of the old military constructions. The food is typical of the area and the views and atmosphere are special.
15 lokalkjente anbefaler
Rifugio Venini
Localita' Monte GalbigaOne of the few mountain refuges that is reachable by car (on a very narrow road!). Most people hike there. The history of the site dates back to World War 1. You can still visit some of the old military constructions. The food is typical of the area and the views and atmosphere are special.
It is possible to reach the mountain refuge directly from the house in approximately 3 hours. Otherwise take the car to Breglia and walk from that village. It is possible to eat traditional dishes at the refuge with excellent views of the lake. It's a favourite spot to sunbathe on the open fields with incredible views.
32 lokalkjente anbefaler
Rifugio C.A.I. Menaggio
It is possible to reach the mountain refuge directly from the house in approximately 3 hours. Otherwise take the car to Breglia and walk from that village. It is possible to eat traditional dishes at the refuge with excellent views of the lake. It's a favourite spot to sunbathe on the open fields with incredible views.
Lakeside Restaurants and Bars
An absolute favourite with locals so you need to book. It is a small restaurant offering excellent pizza right next to the tiny port of Acquaseria - a little lake village offering views of the Villa Gaeta where James Bond Casino Royale was filmed.
35 lokalkjente anbefaler
Creme Caramel
7 Via Molino NuovoAn absolute favourite with locals so you need to book. It is a small restaurant offering excellent pizza right next to the tiny port of Acquaseria - a little lake village offering views of the Villa Gaeta where James Bond Casino Royale was filmed.
Right on the Cremia beach. Perfect if you want to have an informal lunch with a great lake view, have a swim, or enjoy the walking/cycle path that goes from Cremia all the way to Gravedona with lovely views. It is a good option with small children due to the proximity to beach and walking path. It also combines well with a ore dinner aperitivo at Lo Scalo bar.
12 lokalkjente anbefaler
Hotel Ristorante Pizzeria Lumin Cremia Lago di Como
10 Via San VitoRight on the Cremia beach. Perfect if you want to have an informal lunch with a great lake view, have a swim, or enjoy the walking/cycle path that goes from Cremia all the way to Gravedona with lovely views. It is a good option with small children due to the proximity to beach and walking path. It also combines well with a ore dinner aperitivo at Lo Scalo bar.
Right on the Cremia beach, it has a young vibe, great views and offers an excellent selection of craft drinks. It is perfect for an aperitivo /pre-dinner drink. We often combine this with a pizza at Pizzeria Lumin and a walk along the cycle path. This is also a perfect evening out with small children and for families with strollers.
13 lokalkjente anbefaler
Lo Scalo
9 Frazione San VitoRight on the Cremia beach, it has a young vibe, great views and offers an excellent selection of craft drinks. It is perfect for an aperitivo /pre-dinner drink. We often combine this with a pizza at Pizzeria Lumin and a walk along the cycle path. This is also a perfect evening out with small children and for families with strollers.
Located in Lenno. We love the outside terrace overlooking the lake. It's a good place to enjoy a drink or snack before visiting Villa Balbianello.
20 lokalkjente anbefaler
bar IL GOLFO
19 Via dei BarcaioliLocated in Lenno. We love the outside terrace overlooking the lake. It's a good place to enjoy a drink or snack before visiting Villa Balbianello.
Lovely lakeside terrace. Good quality food and cocktails. Excellent location if you are visiting Villa Carlotta
Bar & Bistrò Vittoria
11 Via ReginaLovely lakeside terrace. Good quality food and cocktails. Excellent location if you are visiting Villa Carlotta
A nice option for a special occasion. In the summer months they have tables right on the port overlooking Isola Comacina (Comacina Island). Book in advance.
25 lokalkjente anbefaler
Locanda La Tirlindana
5 Piazza Giacomo MatteottiA nice option for a special occasion. In the summer months they have tables right on the port overlooking Isola Comacina (Comacina Island). Book in advance.
Other Restaurants
Good trattoria style food in the center of Menaggio. Homemade pasta.
13 lokalkjente anbefaler
Osteria Il Pozzo
1 Piazza GaribaldiGood trattoria style food in the center of Menaggio. Homemade pasta.
Meat based menu, excellent quality and very characteristic and cosy. The roast rabbit is not to be missed. The views in summer are lovely and the fire and ambience in winter is equally good. One of our favourites.
16 lokalkjente anbefaler
La Fagurida
17 Via RogaroMeat based menu, excellent quality and very characteristic and cosy. The roast rabbit is not to be missed. The views in summer are lovely and the fire and ambience in winter is equally good. One of our favourites.
Traditional family-run restaurant in the quaint hamlet of Campo. It's the most authentic spot close to the lake in Tremezzo.
9 lokalkjente anbefaler
Il Grifo
19 Via Mattia del RiccioTraditional family-run restaurant in the quaint hamlet of Campo. It's the most authentic spot close to the lake in Tremezzo.
Great pizza and good selection of other dishes. Nice terrace under the trees. Good option for families and informal occassion. Easy parking.
Hotel La Solitaria
333 Via Statale ReginaGreat pizza and good selection of other dishes. Nice terrace under the trees. Good option for families and informal occassion. Easy parking.
Ristorante Pizzeria Co. Ri.
57 Via per la GronaPizzeria with the best lake view
Lovely retro setting in the heart of Tremezzo with good food - easy dining.
9 lokalkjente anbefaler
Casa Aquadulza
3 Via Giuseppe MazziniLovely retro setting in the heart of Tremezzo with good food - easy dining.
Tiny and unique restaurant in a historical 16th century building in an ancient hamlet in Mezzegra. Lovely views of the lake, outside seating. Ingredients are all sourced from local producers. Dinner only - closed for lunch. Great for a romantic dinner or special occasion. You need to book well in advance.
Ali di Alice
4 Via del RialeTiny and unique restaurant in a historical 16th century building in an ancient hamlet in Mezzegra. Lovely views of the lake, outside seating. Ingredients are all sourced from local producers. Dinner only - closed for lunch. Great for a romantic dinner or special occasion. You need to book well in advance.
Lovely courtyard and great menu in the direction of Lake Lugano. We suggest booking a table.
7 lokalkjente anbefaler
Trattoria Della Vigna
3 Via Al PorticoLovely courtyard and great menu in the direction of Lake Lugano. We suggest booking a table.
Wine bars with light meals
Excellent selection of wines , lovely open terrace and a favourite with the locals. Order the ‘tagliere dell’amicizia’ to enjoy a platter of the best cheese and cold meats to have with your wine. It is a sociable, relaxed place to have a quick snack and some good wine
30 lokalkjente anbefaler
Cantina Follie
16 Via Alessandro VoltaExcellent selection of wines , lovely open terrace and a favourite with the locals. Order the ‘tagliere dell’amicizia’ to enjoy a platter of the best cheese and cold meats to have with your wine. It is a sociable, relaxed place to have a quick snack and some good wine
In the heart of Menaggio, it's the most authentic wine bar in the town. The food is perfect for a quick meal, using good quality ingredients.
Divino 13
9 Via Enrico CarontiIn the heart of Menaggio, it's the most authentic wine bar in the town. The food is perfect for a quick meal, using good quality ingredients.
Classic Lake Como
The must-see places for first time visitors. The best villages on lake Como for first time visitors are in the Central Lake area ie. Menaggio, Tremezzo, Bellagio and Varenna. It is very easy to get a day pass and hop on and off the ferry to these villages
Beautiful village, great atmosphere, good shops and restaurants. Don’t miss Trattoria San Giacomo in the centre of Bellagio for traditional and delicious trattoria food. Alle Darsene in Loppia is a great place for a special meal - start with a walk through the Villa Melzi gardens and end here.
One of our favourite spots is the hamlet of San Giovanni, a few km outside of Bellagio - Ittiturismo Mella is the best place to eat lake fish. Babayaga is a good option for families. Bar Rossi makes delicious sandwiches and the interiors are all original wood panelling and very pretty.
The tour of the Villa Serbelloni park is our a favourite activity in Bellagio itself, together with a walk to Pescallo.
647 lokalkjente anbefaler
Bellagio
Beautiful village, great atmosphere, good shops and restaurants. Don’t miss Trattoria San Giacomo in the centre of Bellagio for traditional and delicious trattoria food. Alle Darsene in Loppia is a great place for a special meal - start with a walk through the Villa Melzi gardens and end here.
One of our favourite spots is the hamlet of San Giovanni, a few km outside of Bellagio - Ittiturismo Mella is the best place to eat lake fish. Babayaga is a good option for families. Bar Rossi makes delicious sandwiches and the interiors are all original wood panelling and very pretty.
The tour of the Villa Serbelloni park is our a favourite activity in Bellagio itself, together with a walk to Pescallo.
Classic lake village with lovely atmosphere and wonderful villas to visit. The Villa Monastero botanical gardens is our favourite spot. Explore the Sentiero della Viandante for some lovely places off the tourist track.
395 lokalkjente anbefaler
Varenna
Classic lake village with lovely atmosphere and wonderful villas to visit. The Villa Monastero botanical gardens is our favourite spot. Explore the Sentiero della Viandante for some lovely places off the tourist track.
The best known villa here is the Villa Balbianello of Star Wars fame.
Villa Carlotta is also worth a visit especially for the gardens. Head on to the Tremezzo Park (parco Mayer) for a swim or a drink by the lake, or have a platter of excellent cheese and wine at the Cantina Follia. If you enjoy walking, do a section of the Greenway which is a marked walking route running from Griante to Colonno 'greenwaylagodicomo'
57 lokalkjente anbefaler
Tremezzina
The best known villa here is the Villa Balbianello of Star Wars fame.
Villa Carlotta is also worth a visit especially for the gardens. Head on to the Tremezzo Park (parco Mayer) for a swim or a drink by the lake, or have a platter of excellent cheese and wine at the Cantina Follia. If you enjoy walking, do a section of the Greenway which is a marked walking route running from Griante to Colonno 'greenwaylagodicomo'
Quaint village from where you either walk or take a boat to the historic Villa Balbianello (featured in movies including Star Wars Attack of the Clones). Sit on the lovely terrace of the Bar il Golfo overlooking the lake and have a drink. For a great local food, go to "Il grifo" in the small hamlet of Campo for lunch. Some of their dishes have been prepared in the same way for 100 years.
68 lokalkjente anbefaler
Lenno
Quaint village from where you either walk or take a boat to the historic Villa Balbianello (featured in movies including Star Wars Attack of the Clones). Sit on the lovely terrace of the Bar il Golfo overlooking the lake and have a drink. For a great local food, go to "Il grifo" in the small hamlet of Campo for lunch. Some of their dishes have been prepared in the same way for 100 years.