Set around a sheltered bay on Italy’s Lake Como is the laid-back village of Cadenabbia. Enjoy scenic walks along a picturesque waterfront and explore deep into forest-clad hills. Visit elegant and historic villas and relax in cafés and ice cream parlors.
Cadenabbia first came to wider attention during the 19th century when it was a popular vacation spot for writers, European royalty and nobility. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world who come for its charms and to use it as a base for discovering the rest of the Lake Como area.
Cadenabbia is a great place to discover on foot. Get a feel for the village by walking through its streets, then stroll down to the tree-lined waterfront promenade for exceptional views across the lake to Bellagio. Visit the 19th-century Church of Ascension, which was one of the first British churches built in Italy. On a warm day, take a refreshing swim at the open-air swimming pool of Lido di Cadenabbia.
Walk north along the waterfront toward the hamlet of Griante. Check out Villa Margherita, an 18th-century villa where Giuseppe Verdi composed La Traviata. Follow centuries-old alleyways to Piazza San Rocco. From here a path leads through fields and woods to San Martino. This hilltop church offers unbeatable views over Lake Como and its scenic location is a good place for a picnic. There is another excellent walk from Griante, and that is to Rogaro, an ancient settlement framed by mountain scenery.
During your time in Cadenabbia, sightsee more of the local area. Walk south along the waterfront to Tremezzo, a village famous for its villas built between the 17th and 19th century. Delight in the tropical plants and trees of the botanical garden at Villa Carlotta. Then go inside the 18th-century mansion to view its art collection.
Cadenabbia is just a 45-minute drive from Como, Lake Como’s main city, and is well served by buses. Ferries connect the village with popular lake destinations such as Bellagio and Varenna. Cadenabbia’s scenery, hotels, guesthouses, cafés and pizzerias make it a great place for both daytrips and longer stopovers.