Location: Menaggio
Top Things to do in Menaggio
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What to do and see in Menaggio, Italy: The Best Places and Tips
Menaggio (Lombard: Menas) is a town and comune in the province of Como, Lombardy, northern Italy, located on the western shore of Lake Como at the mouth of the river Senagra.
Restaurants in Menaggio
1. Ristorante Il Caminetto Cookery Lessons
Overall Ratings
5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By Paul M - Leicester, United Kingdom
My girlfriend and I attended a cookery class a couple of days ago. We were greeted at the port by Moreno, the restaurant owner, who took us to his lovely traditional Italian restaurant up in the hills above Varenna, the decor is very much rustic and charming with large beamed ceilings and stone fireplaces, in keeping with the area.
We started with a well received coffee before Moreno went over the days activities and menus. Our menu consisted of handmade tortellini stuffed with recotta and porchinis and a tomato sauce and for main, prosutto wrapped veal loin, he did ask us if any of us had any issues and any dietary requirements were dealt with, one lady was lactose intolerant for example. The manner of the class was extremely friendly and jovial, with any question answered with a touch of Italian poetry, Moreno discussed his family history and the history of the area, all very fascinating. The food was prepped and we all joined in making the torts. A plate of antipasti was given along with wine, all of which was seemingly unlimited, then the now cooked food which was stunning, very traditional and extremely good.
Overrated the experience was fabulous, Moreno was brilliant and very funny and entertaining. I would 100% recommend anyone to take this class, the value for money is superb in comparison to other classes in the area.
2. Wallfahrtskirche San Martino
Overall Ratings
5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Daryl C - Pleasanton, California
While traveling via water taxi from Menaggio, we saw a small white church perched on what seemed to be a vertical cliff. My first thought was "how do you get there?" From the lake, it seemed like there was no path. As luck would have it, I found a trail guide that showed us how to get there. I'm glad we did.
The trail starts in Cadenabbia near the ferry terminal. Look for Via Roma just north of the Hotel Britannia. From there, the path is very well marked. It will take you up through small villages as it climbs from the lake. One of the villages is especially picturesque with streets so small that the mail is delivered via motorcycle. (Yes, we saw it.) Shortly, the trail tilts upward and gets steep though not rough.
The church itself (San Martino) is very small and only opens two or three days per year. There are few picnic tables in the yard so you can bring a lunch and soak up the commanding views.
3. i Giardini di Villa Melzi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
National Monument and Private Gardens This magnificent villa, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, assistant to General Napoleon, is one of the most emblematic examples of neo-classicism in Lombardy.....The Gardens Are visitable March to October every day 9.30 am to' 6.30 pm
Reviewed By lfbmonkey - fort lee , new jersey
We paid the admission although the villa was closed. The Gardens are beautiful , even in the beginning of November. Autumn colors abound. They front Lake Como with gorgeous views. Unusual horticulture . This is a great walk to get back to the water taxi.
4. Castello di Vezio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 717 reviews
Reviewed By lncclc - Saratoga Springs, New York
After a steep hike from Varenna, you arrive at this wonderful, privately-owned old castle. You have to pay a few Euro to enter, but worth it (plus they have bathrooms and some snacks available). The views are gorgeous. There are statues and annually made plaster casts of people decorating the walkways. Really nice.
5. Villa del Balbianello
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Built in the late 16th century and only reached by boat from Sala Comacina, this magnificent villa is known for its picturesque Gardens, which exclusively feature flowers and trees the colors of the Italian flag: green, white and red. The villa is currently closed, it will open to the public on March 11th 2017.
Reviewed By johannamaa - Gothenburg, Sweden
We almost missed this place because of confusing ferry-boats, but I'm so glad we made it there on our last day!
Such a beautiful place and views!
Took the ferry to Lenno. We walked to the Villa, and it took about 15 minutes for us, no problem (we are both in our 20s).
You can choose to either just visit the Gardens or the house as well.
I think the prices are 10 for the Gardens and 20 for both. They also have student-discount. When you visit the house, you must do so with a guide.
When we arrived at the villa, we only had to wait and hour for the english-speaking tour. So worth the wait!
The interior of the house is amazing, all the collections from different parts of the world and the stories about the traveller Guido Monzoni! There tour took about 50 minutes in total.
Go there!
6. Taxi Boat Varenna - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By lfbmonkey - fort lee , new jersey
They have a dock in Varenna and do not show up until a few moments before the tour. Narration is very poorly heard as his amplifier was not working. Free water. They take you to Villa Balbaniello for the included very nice tour. I would take it again but maybe sit closer to hear him. He should face you when he talks rather than speaking towards the front of the boat. Boat sits about ten and is comfortable.
7. Villa Carlotta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Villa Carlotta welcomes you with its magnificent botanic garden and art masterpieces in over 70.000 square metres of Gardens and museum. The beautiful villa was built at the end of XVII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in a natural basin between lake and Mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio.
Reviewed By krisdlynch - salt lake city
I stayed at the Grand Tremezzo and as I was waiting for my room, they gave me a complimentary pass to visit. I am so glad, because since I was so short on time, I probably would have missed this and believe me, it should not be missed. Tremezzina ofers a small tourist train, the Trombetta express thet goes from Menaggio to Lenno stopping at all of the major sights and Villa Carlotta is one of these stops.
8. Boats 2 Rent
Overall Ratings
5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By Clauclau_9 - Ville-la-Grand, France
We rented a double kayak for 3 hours and went over to Bellagio, took a stroll through town and went back. The rental team were friendly, all very uncomplicated and the kayak itself in good condition. It took us while to get used to the kayak, I would say to really enjoy a trip on the lake you should have a bit of experience, otherwise it can be a bit frustrating.
9. La Punta Spartivento
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 451 reviews
This is what Italy is all about when you visit this scenic park on Lake Como, as you gaze upon the magnificent views of the distant Swiss Alps that seem to touch the waters of the lake.
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
Bellagio is an absolute gem, sonold world, peaceful and picturesque. The lakeside location is just perfect abd its less than an hour along a winding road from the city of Como itself.
The very best views of the lake come here at La Punta as you see the lake split in two from here. If you can imagine Lake Como as an upside-down Y, Bellagio marks the point where the split occurs, hence La Punta Spartivento. The views are just wonderful here at any time if the day, especially sun sets over the Mountains. A wonderful place with plenty of benches to sjt on and enjoy the view, a short walk from the centre of Bellagio village
10. Villa Monastero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 981 reviews
Reviewed By lfbmonkey - fort lee , new jersey
A very nice walk that descends for quite a bit so be prepared for the graduated ascent. Old growth trees with a panoramic Lake Como view. Many specimens and even in late October there was many flowers in bloom.
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