Menaggio at a glance
Menaggio lies on the western shore of Lake Como, across the water from Varenna. It is one of the four stops of the central ferry network, together with Bellagio, Cadenabbia and Varenna. That network is the reason people use Menaggio as a base: from here you can cross the lake by car ferry or passenger boat and reach the other shore in a quarter of an hour.
The town has a lakefront promenade, a square, a loop walk through hamlets above the water, and a beach club. This is an independent guide, not run by the municipality, a ferry company or a hotel. Prices are in euros, as listed for 2026, and they change.
How Menaggio connects to the lake
Weekday crossings on the autumn 2026 timetable, which runs to 1 November.
| Crossing | Time |
|---|---|
| Menaggio to Varenna | 15 minutes |
| Bellagio to Cadenabbia | 10 minutes |
| Bellagio to Varenna | 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the run |
These are weekday crossing times, not a guaranteed frequency. Only landings marked "traghetto" take vehicles. A single adult fare costs between €3.00 and €14.50 in 2026, depending on the tariff step, and fast boats add a supplement. Arrive about 20 minutes before departure. The timetable changes with the season, and a winter timetable follows the autumn one, so check it before you plan the last boat back. More on lines and tickets is on the ferry page.
Lake Como tours from the west shore
Boat trips, villa visits and day trips around the central lake, with live prices and availability.
The loop walk above Menaggio
A loop leads through the old hamlets above the town. It starts at Piazza Garibaldi, first along the lakefront and Via Mazzini, and passes Croce, the old railway line, the castle, Loveno and Nobiallo. The loop is 11 km long, takes about 3 hours and climbs 280 m.
A variant by way of Crocetta adds distance and height: 13 km, about 3.5 hours and 411 m of climbing. The turn toward Crocetta is steep, so wear hiking shoes. Take water, and start in the morning in summer.
For longer walks, the Greenway follows the west shore from Colonno to Cadenabbia di Griante, about 10 km through villages and past villas. Do not count on a flat, car-free path the whole way. See the hiking page for how it compares with the Sentiero del Viandante on the east shore.
Swimming and the lido
A beach club at Via Roma 11.
Victoria Beach is a beach club at Via Roma 11 in Menaggio, and it takes reservations. A beach club does not mean the lake water has been cleared for swimming. Whether you may swim depends on the spot and on local bans, and the swimming season runs from 1 May to the end of September. Opening days and prices for 2026 vary, so ask the club before you plan around it. Our swimming guide explains how the water is tested.
Using Menaggio as a base
What to combine with it.
Villas on the west shore
Villa Carlotta is in Tremezzo and Villa del Balbianello is reached from Lenno. Neither is in Menaggio, so look up the opening times and the way in for each one.
Villa Carlotta →Across the water to Varenna
Varenna has the direct train from Milan, so Menaggio can be reached from Milan by train to Varenna and then the ferry.
Varenna →Bellagio on the headland
Bellagio belongs to the same central network, with a crossing from Cadenabbia in 10 minutes.
Bellagio →For the lake as a whole, see Lake Como in the Lombardy guide. Menaggio is not automatically cheaper than the other towns, so compare your dates. Our page on where to stay compares the towns by transport.
Nearby sights
Two villas on the west shore.
Menaggio: frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Menaggio to Varenna?
About 15 minutes on the weekday autumn timetable, which runs until 1 November 2026. Check the current timetable before you go.
Can I take a car on the ferry from Menaggio?
Yes, on the car ferry network that links Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio and Cadenabbia. Only landings marked "traghetto" take cars. A car with driver costs €10.10 for a vehicle up to 3.50 m in 2026.
Is there a hike from Menaggio?
Yes. The loop walk starts at Piazza Garibaldi and runs 11 km in about 3 hours, with 280 m of climbing. A variant by way of Crocetta is 13 km and steeper.
Can I swim at Victoria Beach?
Victoria Beach is a beach club, but that does not clear the water for swimming. Check local bans, and use our swimming page for the rules.
How do I get to Menaggio from Milan?
There is a direct train to Varenna-Esino, then a ferry across the lake. The Milan day trip page has the details.