Menaggio: gateway to the western shore of Lake Como
This guide is part of UTLAC’s The Area section and is intended for those arriving at Lake Como to race, support an athlete, or turn the event into an opportunity to discover the area with their families.
Menaggio is one of the most complete places to feature in UTLAC’s The Area section: elegant yet accessible, scenic yet practical, tourist-oriented enough to offer services and authentic enough to still convey the character of Lake Como. For those arriving at UTLAC with their families, it is a natural base for stopping, taking a walk, eating well, and using the village as a starting point for beaches, hamlets, trails, and viewpoints.
This year it also has an even more interesting role because it enters the orbit of the 120K. This makes Menaggio not only a beautiful central-lake destination, but also a strategic place to view through the lens of the event: easy to understand, easy to reach, and perfect for those who want to experience the race without spending the entire day in the car.
At a glance
| Location | Menaggio |
| Area | Central lake, western shore |
| Access | Easy access by car and on foot from the center |
| Type | Village / point of interest / race support |
| Ideal for | Families, supporters, fans, a weekend on the lake |
| Map | Open the location in Google Maps |
What to see and do
- the lakeside promenade and historic center, pleasant to enjoy even with children
- the walk toward Loveno and the historic gardens in the upper part of town
- the proximity to Cadenabbia and Grandola, and the lake connections to Bellagio and Varenna
- the history and landscape itineraries above the village, including routes linked to the Linea Cadorna
Trails, views, and nearby places
- combine Menaggio with a visit to Plesio or trails toward Breglia and Monte Grona
- use the village as a base for getting to Sant’Amate and the Rifugio Menaggio
- consider a short boat trip on the central lake to extend your stay beyond the race
Local flavors
Among the easiest flavors to find in this area of the Lario, it is worth looking for lake dishes such as perch or missoltini, as well as polenta uncia, local cheeses, and simple pastries from village bakeries. In the villages of the central lake, the experience works well both for a quick lunch before moving along the route and for a dinner with a view.
Art, culture, and the identity of the place
Menaggio has a historic tourism identity, linked to holidays on the Lario and its privileged position at the center of the lake. The result is a village that works well both for those seeking an immediate view of the landscape and for those who prefer to wander along quieter streets, among churches, glimpses, and historic hotels.
How to experience it during UTLAC
During UTLAC, it is a very smart place for those who want to follow the event without giving up comfort. It is well suited to long breaks, lunches with a view, trips as a couple or with family, and a broader story of the area, not limited to race logistics alone.
Where to stay nearby
For lodging, it is worth checking UTLAC’s Where to stay page and, if you want to remain close to the central lake or western shore, booking in advance. Even when you do not choose Menaggio for an overnight stay, the village works very well as a daytime stop.