A walking tour in Italy: Menaggio, an elegantly chic lakeside village
Menaggio is situated in the Lombardy region of Italy, west of Lake Como. It is certainly one of the prettiest villages along the western shore, boasting a beautiful historical centre with cobbled streets and a harbour. No sooner has the warm weather arrived, that the café terraces in the centre are teeming with people from Milan, elegantly dressed who also enjoy strolling along the long promenade by the lake. With the boats moored to the pontoon and the Ferraris parked along the water side, Menagio is both chic and picturesque!
A bustling village centre
The main square in Menaggio, Piazza Garibaldi, is the beating heart of the village and a meeting place for all Italians. The square is superbly located by the lake and is an ideal place for enjoying a drink in one of the numerous cafés and watching the world go by. Enjoy the local way of life on your Italy lake region walking holiday! Behind the square, you can explore the streets of old part of the village. The church is a baroque style building, painted pink. Go inside to see the paintings that decorate the columns, the walls and the dome above the altar. If you have the time, you can hire a boat or for the more adventurous, you can try water skiing on the lake. You can also enjoy a dip in the water from the pebble beach.
A wonderful lakeside stroll
The lakeside promenade is one of our favourite walks to do on the shores of Lake Como, especially during spring when the flowers lining the promenade are in full bloom, although the walk has its charm all year round. From the pier in Menaggio, it is easy to reach other lakeside villages such as Bellagio, Varenna and Lenno, even Como city, and is an excellent base for your walking holiday in Italy and to go exploring the surrounding area of Lake Como.
Menaggio is a popular tourist destination for as well as the various water sports, there are beautiful hiking trails and cycling routes that head into the surrounding mountains. Book your Italy lake region walking stay with us and enjoy the following walks:
. Climb up above the village of Menaggio towards the Madonna della Pace sanctuary, built in 1659 to celebrate the peace in Pirenei that marked the end of a 30-year war between the French and the Spanish. The characteristic touch is the Romanesque hanging bell (13th century). In the sanctuary is the venerated image of a Virgin who is said to flow with tears.
. From Menaggio, you walk on the heights, along the « antica strada regina », a section of the old roman road that runs alongside the western shore of Lake Como. The path heads through woods and old villages and boasts stunning views over the lake.
. Would you like to gain altitude? Head for the Menaggio refuge and the Monte Grona (1736m above sea level). From the summit, the views of the highest peaks of the Mont Viso à la Bernina mountain chain are simply breathtaking. (For experienced hikers).
