Cadenabbia holidays

Location-wise, this village is nigh on perfect for exploring Lake Como a pied: it’s on the fabulous 10km Greenway trail, which follows the path of an ancient Roman road linking hamlets on the west coast – each as delightful as the next with old chapels, Medieval bridges and grand villas (not to mention stonking lake views).

Cadenabbia’s also on the ferry network, with easy access over the water to Bellagio and Varenna – both brimming with brilliant walks. Bellagio has paths linking old fishing villages and olive groves, while anyone in Varenna HAS to hike the Wayfarer’s path, on old mule tracks above the lake.

Don’t forget the village itself, famously home to the pilgrim’s trail to San Martino which leads from the centre, up a cobbled path to a chapel on the cliff edge. The views up top can’t be beaten and the hike takes about an hour.

Cadenabbia di Griante (pronounce it: Cad-e-nar-bee-a dee Gree-ant-ay)

is excellently equipped for exploring Lake Como: you can hop on the ferry to visit Bellagio and Varenna and take buses up and down the lake to see what Domaso, Como and the villages between them have to offer. Further afield, there’s public transport to Lake Maggiore taking under an hour, and to Milan taking around two.

That said, there’s ample seeing, doing and relaxing to be had in Cadenabbia itself. Loll by the lakeside at the Lido or Ponte dei Ronconi public beach, take to the tennis courts or head to the Golf Club Menaggio Cadenabbia for a round on the historic 18-hole course.

You’ll struggle to find a Cadenabbia restaurant that doesn’t come with a corking view: Cucina della Marianna does a different set menu each day of the week, all featuring classic family recipes. If you prefer a la carte dining, we like Belle Isole which has everything from seafood to pizzas to curry. Iron Gate’s another popular spot, serving pizzas, pastas and salads with good wines and beers. Ristorante Rodrigo specialises in pizzas and pasta and does good gluten free alternatives (just save room for their desserts). For tea and cake, don’t miss Bar Victoria. All of the above look out to the lake, and if you book a table just before sunset, you’re in for a treat.

The fact that Cadenabbia is part of the ferry network is a big perk for cyclists, giving you easy access over to Bellagio for its iconic Madonna de Ghissallo and Muro di Sormano bike routes. Two stars of the Giro Lombardia, they can be done independently or linked – the first features the legendary shrine to cycling, while the second’s best known for its fist-clenching gradients.

A ten-minute or so drive up to Cardano (in the hills behind Menaggio) takes you to the beginning of a route along old railway track, which ends up on the edge of Lake Lugano. If you have a decent amount of pedal power left in you, continue along Lugano past San Mamete and cross the border to Switzerland for a taste of two lakes AND two countries.

The loop of the lake is an endurance tester you won’t have to commute for - most cyclists prefer riding clockwise which puts you closer to the water. Of course, you don’t have to do the full circuit if you fancy a shorter stint – thankfully the roads on this side of the lake don’t tend to see too much traffic (weekdays outside of July and August tend to be especially quiet).

When it comes to mountain biking, there are off-road routes galore. Hop on the funicular from Argegno to the peak of Mount Tremezzo then ride down past WW1 trenches back to the lake (or do the climb up for leg burning zig zags but unquenchable pride).

Cadenabbia’s too deliciously chilled to have a crazy nightlife – which is exactly what people love about it. The Lido does throw a disco on summer weekends, but otherwise it’s all about good vino, a cocktail or two and dizzying views.

If you like a bit of culture with your claret, Bar Victoria puts on a Tenor night (usually on a Tuesday) where a singer serenades you as you sit and sip. The Iron Gate’s our favourite waterside watering hole for an aperol spritz (or wine, or beer) and there’s also the balcony bar of the Grand Hotel Cadenabbia for sophisticated sipping.

"We take care of everything"

Enquire or call Idalette on 020 7770 6888