Cadenabbia
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Latest page update: 6 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The lakeside location of Cadenabbia is situated in the Province of Como, on the shores of Lake Como. It's a part of the Comune of Griante and is located a distance of 80 kilometres north of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.
Cadenabbia has a Lake Como ferry port, while nearby places of interest include Villa Carlotta, Bellagio and Giardini di Villa Melzi. |
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What People Ask About Cadenabbia
Is Cadenabbia worth visiting?
What is there to see in Cadenabbia?
How do you get to Cadenabbia?
Are there boat services in Cadenabbia?
When is the best time to visit Cadenabbia?
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Cadenabbia Overview
Cadenabbia, located in the Lombardy region, is a charming village situated on the western shore of Lake Como, known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The village offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect destination for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Cadenabbia is easily accessible by ferry, providing visitors with an excellent base for exploring nearby towns around the lake.
The town is famous for its historic villas, including the impressive Villa Carlotta, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers visitors the chance to explore its art collections and lush grounds. The village also features a lakeside promenade, ideal for leisurely walks with breathtaking views of Lake Como. For outdoor enthusiasts, Cadenabbia offers hiking trails that lead up to the surrounding hills, providing panoramic views of the lake and the nearby Alps. The village’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with its historic landmarks and natural beauty, makes it a great place to experience the charm of Lake Como.
The town is famous for its historic villas, including the impressive Villa Carlotta, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers visitors the chance to explore its art collections and lush grounds. The village also features a lakeside promenade, ideal for leisurely walks with breathtaking views of Lake Como. For outdoor enthusiasts, Cadenabbia offers hiking trails that lead up to the surrounding hills, providing panoramic views of the lake and the nearby Alps. The village’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with its historic landmarks and natural beauty, makes it a great place to experience the charm of Lake Como.
Top Things to Do in Cadenabbia
- Lakeside Promenade and Views of Bellagio: The waterfront at Cadenabbia offers sweeping views across Lake Como to Bellagio, with a flat promenade lined by hotels, restaurants, and boat landings. This stretch of lakeside is especially popular for its sunsets and the ease of access to ferries, making it both scenic and practical for visitors.
- Chiesa Anglicana: Built in the late 19th century for British residents and travellers, the Anglican Church of the Ascension is a rare example of Protestant architecture on Lake Como. Its simple stone structure and stained-glass windows reflect the area’s historic appeal to foreign visitors, particularly during the Grand Tour era.
- Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): Just a short walk from Cadenabbia, Villa Carlotta is one of Lake Como’s most famous landmarks. The villa features neoclassical interiors, art collections, and extensive terraced gardens that bloom throughout the spring and summer. It is open to visitors and remains a major highlight of the central lake area.
- Lido di Cadenabbia: This lakeside lido offers a swimming pool, sun loungers, lake access, and a bar, providing a relaxed spot to enjoy the water. Popular with both tourists and locals, it’s well positioned near the ferry terminal and offers direct views of the lake’s most iconic scenery.
- Day Trip to Bellagio: Regular ferries connect Cadenabbia to Bellagio in just a few minutes. Visitors can explore the cobbled lanes, lakeside gardens, and shops of one of Italy’s most photographed towns, before returning to the quieter and more spacious lakeside of Cadenabbia.
Cadenabbia - frazione di Griante
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Comune: Griante
Province: Como Region: Lombardy Elevation: 274 metres Highlights: lakeside promenade Travel facilities: ferry port Close by: Villa Carlotta, Bellagio, Giardini di Villa Melzi, Tremezzo |
My recommended accommodation options for Cadenabbia:
- Grand Hotel Cadenabbia Located directly on the lakefront opposite Bellagio, this historic four-star hotel features elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace with pool, and a restaurant with panoramic views. Guests appreciate the classic architecture, central location, and easy access to ferries and Villa Carlotta. €€€€ (luxury)
- Hotel Riviera Positioned just a few steps from the lake and ferry terminal, this family-run hotel offers simple, comfortable rooms—many with balconies—and a terrace restaurant facing the water. Visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, good food, and proximity to local attractions. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Britannia Excelsior A grand lakeside hotel offering a range of rooms and suites, large outdoor pool with floating deck, several dining options, and regular boat transfers across the lake. Guests value the convenience, facilities, and location near the centre of Cadenabbia. €€€ (high-end)
- Villa La Mirabella A beautifully restored 19th-century villa with a lakeside garden, swimming pool, and classically furnished rooms. Set between Cadenabbia and Tremezzo, it offers quiet surroundings and walking distance to Villa Carlotta. Guests enjoy the refined setting and friendly service. €€€ (high-end)
- Alberghetto della Marianna A charming lakeside inn with only a few rooms, known for its peaceful setting and excellent on-site restaurant. Visitors appreciate the traditional feel, personal touch, and beautiful views over the lake to Bellagio. €€€ (high-end)
My recommended restaurants in Cadenabbia and the local area:
- Ristorante Il Cenacolo: Located in Cadenabbia, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a variety of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, including fresh lake fish and homemade pasta. The restaurant’s scenic terrace overlooks Lake Como, providing an ideal spot for a leisurely meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- La Veranda - Grand Hotel Tremezzo: Situated in Tremezzo (approximately 1 km from Cadenabbia), La Veranda offers sophisticated Italian cuisine with views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The menu features a blend of traditional and modern dishes, prepared with the finest local ingredients. The elegant setting makes it perfect for special occasions. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Ristorante Antica Contrada: Found in Lenno (approximately 3 km from Cadenabbia), Ristorante Antica Contrada specializes in traditional Italian and Lombardian dishes, including risotto and fresh fish. The intimate setting, along with its welcoming service, makes it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria San Giacomo: Located in Tremezzo (approximately 1 km from Cadenabbia), Trattoria San Giacomo offers a casual dining experience with classic Italian dishes such as pasta, risotto, and grilled meats. The charming setting and outdoor seating area with views of the lake make it an excellent choice for a relaxed meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Caffè del Lago: Situated in Menaggio (approximately 7 km from Cadenabbia), Caffè del Lago offers light meals, snacks, and drinks, including sandwiches, salads, and local pastries. The outdoor terrace offers fantastic views of Lake Como, making it a great place to stop for a coffee or quick bite while exploring the area. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Close to Cadenabbia
- Tremezzo (approx. 5 km south of Cadenabbia): Located on the western shore of Lake Como, Tremezzo is renowned for the stunning Villa Carlotta, which is famous for its beautiful botanical gardens and impressive art collections. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the lake promenade, enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, or explore the town's cafes and shops, all while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
- Menaggio (approx. 10 km north of Cadenabbia): A charming town on the western shore of Lake Como, Menaggio offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills. The town is a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm, with highlights including the Piazza Garibaldi, the Chiesa di Santa Marta, and the lakeside promenade. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports, or simply relax in one of the many cafes.
- Bellagio (approx. 15 km southeast of Cadenabbia): Known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio is famous for its cobbled streets, charming old town, and panoramic views of the lake. Visitors can explore the lush gardens of Villa Melzi, stroll along the scenic Lungolago, or take a boat trip to nearby towns. The vibrant town centre offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for a leisurely day by the lake.
- Varenna (approx. 15 km northwest of Cadenabbia): A picturesque town located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Varenna is known for its colourful houses, narrow cobbled streets, and beautiful lakeside views. Visitors can explore the Villa Monastero and its botanical gardens, walk up to the Castello di Vezio for panoramic views, or simply relax by the water in one of the town’s charming cafes.
- Como (approx. 35 km southeast of Cadenabbia): The city of Como, located at the southern tip of Lake Como, is full of historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Cattedrale di Como, take a funicular ride to Brunate for stunning views of the lake, or enjoy the bustling town centre, which offers plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Como is a great base for exploring the rest of the lake and surrounding areas.
How to get to Cadenabbia
By Rail: Cadenabbia does not have its own railway station. The nearest major station is Como San Giovanni, located approximately 30 kilometres to the south. Trenitalia and Trenord operate frequent services from Milan to Como San Giovanni, with journey times of about 40 minutes. From Como, travellers can reach Cadenabbia by bus, taxi, or ferry.
By Road: Cadenabbia is approximately 80 kilometres north of Milan and about 30 kilometres northeast of Como. Driving from Milan takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A9 motorway, exiting at Lago di Como, and then following the SS340 road along the western shore of Lake Como. From Como, the journey is approximately 45 minutes via the SS340 road. The roads along the lake can be narrow and winding, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearest International Airports:
Lake Como Ferries: Cadenabbia is well-served by ferry services on Lake Como, providing a scenic and convenient means of transportation to various lakeside towns. The ferry terminal in Cadenabbia offers regular services to destinations such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Car ferries operate between Cadenabbia and Bellagio, allowing both vehicles and passengers to cross the lake efficiently. The journey from Cadenabbia to Bellagio takes approximately 15 minutes. Ferry schedules and routes vary seasonally, so it is advisable to check the current timetables and plan journeys accordingly.
By Road: Cadenabbia is approximately 80 kilometres north of Milan and about 30 kilometres northeast of Como. Driving from Milan takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A9 motorway, exiting at Lago di Como, and then following the SS340 road along the western shore of Lake Como. From Como, the journey is approximately 45 minutes via the SS340 road. The roads along the lake can be narrow and winding, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Located about 90 kilometres southwest of Cadenabbia, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A36 and A9 motorways, exiting at Lago di Como, and then following the SS340 road. From the airport, travellers can take the Malpensa Express train to Milan Cadorna station, then a train to Como San Giovanni, followed by a bus, taxi, or ferry to Cadenabbia.
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated around 95 kilometres south of Cadenabbia, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes via the A9 motorway, exiting at Lago di Como, and then following the SS340 road. Public transport options from Linate Airport to Cadenabbia involve taking a bus to Milan Centrale station, then a train to Como San Giovanni, followed by a bus, taxi, or ferry to Cadenabbia.
Lake Como Ferries: Cadenabbia is well-served by ferry services on Lake Como, providing a scenic and convenient means of transportation to various lakeside towns. The ferry terminal in Cadenabbia offers regular services to destinations such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Car ferries operate between Cadenabbia and Bellagio, allowing both vehicles and passengers to cross the lake efficiently. The journey from Cadenabbia to Bellagio takes approximately 15 minutes. Ferry schedules and routes vary seasonally, so it is advisable to check the current timetables and plan journeys accordingly.
