Hotel Bellavista

To the north of the lake above Tremezzo and Cadenabbia and looking across to Bellagio. One of the main towns on the lake Menaggio has a large pretty piazza with many gelaterias, shops and cafés as well as a very picturesque lakeside promenade.

Halfway along the western shores of Lake Como, a holiday in Menaggio offers a very popular Italian Lakes getaway. Established by the Romans as a strategic settlement on the Via Regina road, it was fortified in medieval times with walls, towers and castles and again in the Great War and WWII. Remains from all these periods can be seen around town. The fascinating upper town has narrow medieval alleys, steps and frescos, whilst lower down you will find 19th century alpine style buildings, the harbour and a picturesque lakeside promenade lined with shady trees, flowers and well-kept villas.

As well as soaking up the atmosphere with a cappuccino on the pretty Piazza Garibaldi, you can wander along the prom, through the gardens and up and down streets encountering lovely little churches like 17th century San Stefano, San Carlo and San Giusto along the way. The “plucky” amongst you will appreciate the Managgio Guitar Festival, and for “teetime” there is a nearby 18-hole golf course. There is good hiking above on Monte Grone, whilst Lake Como offers all sorts of boat hire choices including sailing boats, skiffs and power boats with skis, and there are ferries to Bellagio and Varenna.

• Use the ferries to explore the lake
• 18 hole golf course at Menaggio
• Hiking around Monte Grona (above Menaggio)
• Mountain biking trails around lake
• Trips to well-known Villas of Balbianello (Lenno), Carlotta (Tremezzo) and Monastero (Varenna)
• Como Town - 30 minutes away by hydrofoil

• Longitude: 9.2353401
• Latitude: 46.0192315
• Distance to Resort Centre: 100 km

For more information on travel and transport visit our Menaggio page

St. Moritz & the Bernina Express (full day)

Leave Lake Como and travel by coach into the majestic Val Valtellina, stopping for coffee in the small town of Tirano, before boarding the magnificent Bernina Express. This spectacular journey then travels past glaciers and over dramatic gorges before arriving in St. Moritz. You’ll have some free time to explore and enjoy a spot of lunch (payable locally) in this picturesque town. The return to Lake Como by coach is just as scenic and follows the road through the Maloja pass, stopping in the historic town of Chiavenna where you’ll find cobbled streets and local boutiques.

Departs: Wednesdays from mid May to mid September

Price: £57pp.

Milan (full day)

Enjoy a full day excursion visiting the fashion capital of Italy. An expert guide with show you Milan’s highlights starting with Sforzesco Castle, which was once considered one of Europe’s greatest fortresses. Your excursions continues by coach where you’ll enjoy a full commentary by your guide as you drive around the city. Once you reach La Scala, Milan’s famous opera house, you’ll continue by foot through the historic centre to see the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele – the world’s first shopping mall! The afternoon is at leisure for you explore and maybe do a spot of shopping.

Departs: Tuesdays from mid May to mid September

Price: £52pp.

Lake Orta & Stresa

Lake Orta is one Ital’s prettiest lakes and oozes romance. It’s picturesque cobbled streets are too narrow for cars, which makes it a pleasure to wander around as you discover local shops, charming cafes and lovely lake views. When you’ve had enough time to explore, the tour continues to Lake Maggiore and the lakefront resort of Stresa. A private boat will take you across the lake to the Borromean Islands where you can visit the botanical gardens of Isola Bella.

Departs: Fridays from mid May to mid September

Price: £57pp. Entrance fee to Isola Bella is payable locally.

Villa Balbienello (half day)

No visit to Lake Como would be complete without seeing it’s most beautiful villas and spectacular gardens. Built at the end of the 18th century, the villa now belongs to the FIA, Italy’s version of the National Trust. Wander through the villa and admire exquisitely-furnished interiors and a vast art collection. The manicured gardens are delight to walk through and you can enjoy stunning lake views from many spots in the garden.

Departs: Sundays from mid May to mid September

Price: £48. 

Piona Abbey & Wine Tasting (approx. 6 hours)

The impressive Piona Abbey sits at the peninsula of Olgiasca and enjoys fantastic views over the lake. Spend some time enjoying these and the lovely, peaceful atmosphere of the Abbey, which is still inhabited by Cistercian Monks. In the afternoon you’ll a tasting of two local wines in an historic wine cellar.

Departs: Thursday from mid May to mid September

Price: £50pp.

Como & Lake Lugano (full day)

Start your day in the charming town of Como where you can admire its lakefront piazza and stunning cathedral. Continue by coach to Lugano, one of Switzerland's most elegant towns. Visit the wonderful Via Nassa and the square of Riforma with their striking buildings and exclusive shops or choose to spend time in the town's pretty park.

Departs: Fridays from mid May to mid September

Price: £55pp.

Bergamo (full day)

Bergamo has been described as the open air museum in the world. Birthpace of opera writer Gaetano Donizetti, this small city is brimming with history. Medieval towers look out over cobbled streets and charming piazzas, and there are wonderful views at every turn. You’ll begin your day here with some free time to explore before meeting an expert city guide for an interesting walking tour of Bergamo.

Departs: Thursdays from May to October

Price: €60pp. Please note that this excursion is only bookable locally in resort (subject to minimum numbers).

Please note that we act at all times as a selling agent for our suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. See terms & conditions.

Restaurants & Bars

The restaurant at Hotel Bellavista has a wonderful and traditionally decorated interior as well as a vast al fresco dining space overlooking the lake. Operated by separate management to the hotel, their menu boasts plenty of international cuisine as well as delicacies created with fish fresh from the lake.

The bright and quaint bar offers a fabulous wine and cocktail list which can be taken out on the veranda from 10.30am onward.

Pools & Beaches

There is a gorgeous lakeside pool and surrounding sun terrace at the Hotel Bellavista. Pool towels are provided free of charge from reception and there is also bar service out on the veranda.

General Facilities

• Free wifi
• Parking

• Buffet breakfast

Please note: Hotel Bellavista offers a continental breakfast and a made to order egg service which has a supplement of €5 per person per day. 

Guests may book à la carte dinners locally. Inghams guests receive a 10% discount

• No of restaurants: 1
• Dress code for restaurants:

  Informal

• Breakfast service:

  A rich and varied continental buffet is served each morning in the onsite restaurant with freshly baked pastries, fresh fruit, coffee and hot options available. 

  In the evening, dinner is taken in the  vast al fresco dining space overlooking the lake. Boasting a menu of international cuisine as well as delicacies created with fish fresh from the lake, salad bar and delightfully sinful desserts. 

   

• Dinner service:

  Waiter

Board basis options available

• Bed & Breakfast

This property caters for the following special dietary requirements

• Gluten Free
• Vegetarians