Cadenabbia

Cadenabbia is a great, and mainly underestimated, spot. Technically, it’s part of the municipality of Griante, so you’ll often see it referred to as Cadenabbia di Griante. Think of it as a double dose of Italian charm! Cadenabbia sits right in the heart of Lake Como, giving it a prime location for exploring the surrounding areas. It’s just a short ferry ride across the water to iconic villages like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

This makes it a fantastic base for hopping around and seeing all the best bits of the lake without having to pack and unpack every day.

It’s got a bit of a glamorous past, having attracted royalty and other notable figures over the years (Queen Victoria was a fan, which is a pretty good endorsement, if you ask me). What I appreciate about Cadenabbia is its balance. It offers stunning views, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to other attractions, without being as overwhelmingly busy as some of the more famous towns.

What to see in Cadenabbia

Cadenabbia offers some worthwhile sights and experiences. It’s not about rushing from one monument to another; it’s more about enjoying the atmosphere and appreciating the beauty of the surroundings.

Villa Rosa

Villa Rosa was built in 1904, which means it’s seen quite a bit of history unfold on Lake Como. It wasn’t just some random construction project; it was commissioned by a German family named Heck. This gives it a bit of an international flair, which is fitting for a place that has always attracted visitors from all over the world.

Now, here’s where things get interesting: Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of West Germany after World War II, spent some time at Villa Rosa. His first stay was in 1956. This connection to such a significant figure in 20th-century European history gives the villa a certain weight.

While I can’t give you a detailed tour of the interior (it’s a private property, after all), I can tell you that it contributes significantly to Cadenabbia’s architectural landscape. It’s one of those villas that helps define the character of the town. It’s not the biggest or the most extravagant villa on the lake, but it has a certain understated elegance that I find appealing.

Villa Margherita

Like many of the grand residences around Lake Como, Villa Margherita has its roots in the 19th century, a time when wealthy Europeans were flocking to the area to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. They wanted somewhere beautiful to relax, entertain, and show off their wealth.

Villa Margherita is a fine example of the architectural style prevalent during this period. While I won’t bore you with technical jargon, you can easily spot its classic design, often featuring symmetrical facades, ornate details, and spacious balconies or terraces designed to take full advantage of the lake views.

What’s interesting about these villas, including Margherita, is that they weren’t just summer homes. They were often used for social gatherings, parties, and other events, making them important hubs of social life in the area. While I don’t have specific details on the interior of Villa Margherita it’s safe to say it would have been designed with comfort and luxury in mind. High ceilings, large windows, and elegant furnishings would have been standard.

San Martino Church

This isn’t your average Sunday stroll to church; it’s a bit of a hike, but trust me, the views are worth the effort. Think of it as a workout with a divine reward at the end. This sanctuary sits on the slopes of the Sasso di San Martino (San Martino Rock, continue reading) at an altitude of 475 meters (around 1,560 feet).

This lofty position gives it some seriously impressive panoramic views across the central part of Lake Como. You can see for miles, which is a good thing since you’ll have worked up a bit of a sweat getting there.

The Church of San Martino was built in the 16th century. It became a revered Marian sanctuary after the discovery of a 15th-century wooden statue of the Madonna and Child. Legend has it that in the 17th century, a local girl found the statue in a mountain cave, where it had been hidden a century earlier by a resident of Menaggio when the town was devastated by the Grisons.

When the news spread, the faithful brought the statue to the parish church of Saints Nabore and Felice, but it miraculously disappeared and was found again on the Sasso di San Martino. This was interpreted as Mary’s desire to be venerated on that spot, leading to the construction of a niche and later the current oratory.

Villa Maria

Let’s talk about Villa Maria in Cadenabbia. Now, there are a few villas with “Maria” in their name around Lake Como, so to be clear, we’re focusing on the one specifically in Cadenabbia, part of Griante. It’s an important distinction, because getting your villas mixed up could lead to some slightly awkward situations (like showing up at the wrong place with your luggage!).

The Villa, a majestic neoreinassance venue, was built between 1889 and1892 and designed by Giacomo Mantegazza of Menaggio. From what I’ve seen, Villa Maria presents a classic design, typical of the period when many of these lakeside residences were built.

It has a certain elegance about it, with well-proportioned features and a style that blends in harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. It adds to the overall refined atmosphere of Cadenabbia. Because Villa Maria is a private property (as far as I know), there are no public tours or access to the interior.

You’ll primarily see it from the outside, either from the lake itself (if you’re on a boat) or from the road that runs along the shore. This external view, however, is still worthwhile, as it allows you to appreciate the villa’s architecture and its contribution to the overall scenery of Cadenabbia. It serves as a nice backdrop for photos, too.

Sasso of San Martino

It’s not exactly a “sasso” (rock) in the sense of a single, massive boulder, but rather a rocky promontory that provides some seriously amazing views over Lake Como. Think of it as nature’s own balcony, with a front-row seat to one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes.

Now, getting to the Sasso isn’t exactly a casual stroll. It involves a bit of a walk uphill, as it’s located near the San Martino Church (we’ve just talked about that). It’s not a hardcore hike requiring special equipment, but you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes. Trust me, your feet will thank you. The path itself winds through some lovely woodland, which makes the walk quite pleasant, even if you’re slightly out of breath.

Here’s a practical tip: since it’s a natural rock formation, there aren’t any facilities like cafes or restrooms directly at the Sasso. So, it’s a good idea to bring water, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months. And maybe a small snack, just in case you get peckish while enjoying the view.

Cadenabbia’s Beaches

Cadenabbia doesn’t have large, sandy beaches. What it does offer are some nice spots for accessing the lake, swimming, and soaking up the sun.

Lido di Cadenabbia

First off, it’s important to clarify: unlike some large coastal lidos with miles of sand, the Lido di Cadenabbia is a more contained area designed for relaxation and enjoying the lake. What I like about it is the focus on comfort. You’ll generally find sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent, which is a definite plus if you prefer not to lie directly on the grass or pebbles.

It’s a bit more civilized than just spreading out a towel, if you know what I mean. This makes it a good option for families or anyone who appreciates a bit of extra comfort.

Because it’s a “lido”, there are usually some facilities available, such as changing rooms and restrooms. This is always handy, especially if you plan on spending a good chunk of the day there. It’s the kind of practicality that makes a day at the “beach” much more enjoyable.
🔗 Official website: cadenabbiadigriante.com

CO146 Beach

Let’s talk about the CO146 beach in Cadenabbia (Griante). Located right along the main road (hence the “CO146” designation – it refers to the provincial road), this spot offers a convenient place to get into the refreshing waters of Lake Como.

It’s not a huge area, but it provides a decent spot for a quick dip or to simply relax by the water’s edge. One of the main advantages of CO146 is its accessibility.

Being right by the road makes it easy to reach, whether you’re walking along the lakefront or arriving by car. Don’t expect extensive facilities here. There aren’t rows of sunbeds or beach umbrellas for rent. It’s a more basic setup, so it’s best to come prepared with your own towel or a small portable chair if you plan on staying for a while.