Planning Italy by car with a one year old baby? Follow this scenic route from Milan Malpensa to Menaggio, Lake Como, featuring baby stuff shopping stops, driving tips, and Lake Como best accommodation.
Driving from Milan Malpensa to Menaggio, Lake Como: Scenic Italy by Car
Route: Malpensa Airport → Cernobbio → Brienno → Argegno → Colonno → Sala Comacina → Ossuccio → Tremezzo → Menaggio
Milan Malpensa to Lake Como Italy Car Trip Stops: Brienno, Argegno, Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Menaggio
Driving from Milan Malpensa Airport to Menaggio is one of the most scenic ways to begin a Lake Como holiday. Rather than taking the fastest route inland, this Italy by car itinerary follows the western shore of the lake, passing through a series of picturesque villages rich in history, culture, and spectacular landscapes. After leaving the airport, the route passes near Cernobbio before continuing along the famous Strada Statale 340.
Along the way, there are opportunities to stop in charming lakeside towns such as Brienno, Argegno, Colonno, Sala Comacina, and Ossuccio. Each offers unique viewpoints, historic churches, waterfront promenades, and traditional Italian cafés. The car journey continues through Tremezzo, home to elegant villas and luxurious hotels. Then you are finally arriving in Menaggio, one of the most popular and beautiful towns on Lake Como, Italy.
Driving from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como is much more than a car ride, it is an unforgettable introduction to the region’s stunning scenery, picturesque villages, and the authentic atmosphere of Italy.
Arrival at Milan Malpensa & Lake Como Shopping Stop near Cernobbio
From Milan Malpensa Airport – Terminal 2 arrivi to Bennet hypermarket near Cernobbio on Lake Como shore is a 1 hour drive, 55 km.
Don’t enter Como, nor Cernobbio. You will find a Bennet hypermarket within Centro Commerciale Lario, by SS340. Stop there to buy baby supplies and other stuff needed for the car journey and also for the first days at Lake Como, given that you can arrive late at the accommodation in Menaggio and there are not many shopping options there, nor in the villages nearby.
As exiting the hypermarket turn left and continue on Strada Statale 340. After passing by a Lidl store, you will enter a 5 km long tunnel.
On of the advantages of visiting Italy by car is that you can stop for photos anywhere you want. For example, in Carate Urio you can stop at the bus stop Urio – ponte for a panoramic view of the lake. You can also stop by Hotel Bersagliere in Laglio for some views.
Then you can stop in Brienno for a quick visit.
Brienno – Lakeside Village Visit
Before entering Brienno, you can see Chiesa di San Vittore (o S.Anna) on the right.
At the crossroads don’t enter the tunnel and keep right and enter Brienno. There is a free parking lot on the right. Park the car there and walk along the lake shore following Via Regina Nuova (Strada Statale 340), famous in Italy. Continue ahead until you see Brienno boat stop on the right.
The boat stop is just by the Chiesa dei Ss Nazaro e Celso and Bri’en Pizza e cafe’. The church is located above the water. There is a square with old houses that descend into water, tiny streets and passages. From the square you can enjoy an excellent view of the lake and of Nesso, on the opposite shore of Lake Como.
Bri’en Pizza e cafe’ is the main place where you can eat in Brienno and it is quite cheap. Get some nice views from the rooftop terrace.
Climb the stairs down to the port of Brienno. Then go near the church by the lake shore; there is a small lawn. As facing the church head north along the lakeshore on Via delle Vale . You will get to the city hall, Municipio di Brienno. From there you can have beautiful views of the Chiesa dei Ss Nazaro e Celso and the tiny houses. There are some small tunnels, stairs and alleys.
Afterwards, drive north on Via Regina and just above a road tunnel you will see a church, La Madonna dell’Immacolata. On the right there is a free parking lot and Bar Pinseria, La Terrazza 125. You can eat there and enjoy the lake views.
Continue driving on Via Regina and stop next in Argegno for a snack and visit.
Argegno – Lake Como Snack Stop on the Route Milan Malpensa to Menaggio
Get off in the town center, by the Argegno ferry terminal, where is also the bus stop. There is a payment parking lot. In the town center, Piazza Roma, there are many restaurants and cafés, where you can eat. On the left side, across the street from the lake shore, just in front of the ferry stop, there is Hotel Argegno – ristorante – nice terrace, beautiful views, elegant restaurant and rooms. It is quite cheap the accommodation. Just next to the hotel there is a Gelateria Pasticceria up some stairs. Then after the pasticceria there is RIstorante Barchetta: 9 – 20 euros a course.
Continue north and there is a square, Piazza Roma, and The fountain “Le Ciotole”.
Have a snack at Cafe Colombo and/or Grandi pasticceria. Cafè del Porto, Pizzeria – Ristorante Lido di Argegno and Bistrò Argegno are also good food options in Argegno.
Restaurants & Cafés
Near Ristorante Barchetta, to the left, there is Cafe Colombo, a cheap restaurant with good pizza and nice piazza views.
On the opposite side of the piazza there is another good and cheap restaurant – Ristorante la Piazzetta , serving good pizza. And just next to it is Grandi pasticceria. It is a nice, old fashioned pastry shop, with old style interior, good coffee and breakfast options.
Continue north on the main street and there is also a bar on the lake shore, with great views of Lake Como, but expensive food and drinks: The Port Cafè – Cafè del Porto – Caffè, Cocktail Bar & Bistrot.
Continue north on the lake shore, through Piazza Dante Rosati and arrive at Pizzeria – Ristorante Lido di Argegno, with prices: 6 – 12 euros a course – cheap.
Historic Bridge & Church Area
From Pizzeria – Ristorante Lido di Argegno turn right, cross the bridge and continue to the right on the lake shore and arrive at Parrocchia Santissima Trinità – Argegno. The church is built at the mouth of Telo stream, a waterway that separates the town in two parts. A magnificent ancient bridge, dating back to Roman times, connects the two parts of Argegno and offers a characteristic glimpse of the town. The ancient bridge can be seen from the terrace of the restaurant La P’Osteria, prices: 14 – 18 euros a course, 6 euros dessert. The restaurant can be reached by returning from the church but not crossing back the bridge, but keeping forward on that side of the river Telo. The restaurant it’s on the left just after the cars bridge, Via Spluga. Nearby it is Bistrò Argegno.
Greenway del Lago di Como
Drive ahead on SS340 through the Greenway of Lake Como – hiking area – 10 km. The trail is very well marked with blue and yellow directional signs as well as circular plaques/medallions inset into the path. The wander through the villages, along the water and up to higher points provide tons of great spots for pictures. Lots of spots to stop for lunch, a drink, or a gelato along the way. Greenway del Lago di Como begins at Colonno, right next to Argegno, and reaches Cadenabbia di Griante. The route follows the path of the ancient Via Regina.
Optional Stops on the Route from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como
Optional Stop – Colonno
You can also stop in Colonno, the first village on the Greenway del Lago di Como. Italy by car with a baby on boards means you have to plan some regular stops.
You see a parking lot on the right side, in front of the Colonno ferry terminal. Park there, then you can walk to the right on Via Natale Cazzaniga that leads to a square on the lakefront where the church of San Michele Arcangelo is. Back on the road, pass through the village center where the main square Piazza Matteotti is.
Optional Stop – Sala Comacina
Driving ahead, next village on the Greenway of Lake Como is Sala Comacina, stop or not.
Near the Church of San Bartolomeo, on the left, there is a free parking lot, Parcheggio Via Bordoli. If you want you can descend the steps across the street to visit the historical center of Sala Comacina. You will pass through an arched way and you will reach a beautiful square on the lake shore and there is a place to eat, but quite expensive – Locanda La Tirlindana, the cover charge is 3 Euros and the main course goes from 15 to 30 Euros.
To the left, on Puncia promontory there is Lido di Sala Comacina, another option for a meal, maybe more reasonably priced.
From the lido, looking left you will see Villa Rachele, not open to the public.
Back to the main road, Via Statale, as exiting the village, there is on the left Parking Greenway from where you can have nice views of the lake and of the next village, Ossuccio.
Optional Stop – Ossuccio
You can also stop in Ossuccio, a locality of Tremezzina.
On the main road you can find Chiesa di San Giacomo on the right. Further ahead, also on the right you will reach the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena. It is known for its bell tower, one of the symbols of Lake Como, located in front of the island Comacina. To capture a perfect picture of the church tower go up on Via Andrea Castelli, where there is a parking lot. Near the church there is a beach on the lake, in front of the Comacina island. From where you can take a traghetto boat to the Isle of Comacina. Moreover, the Lakeshore promenade offers panoramic views of Comacina island.
Scenic Drive Through Lenno, Tremezzo & Cadenabbia
Continue on SS340, pass by Chiesa Di Sant`eufemia, then enter Lenno. Pass through Lenno, see Chiesa Santo Stefano – Lenno followed by Piazza 11 Febbraio on the right. Pass through Azzano, hamlet of Lenno, and then reach Villa Sola Cabiati.
Then you will arrive in Tremezzo. See the Church of San Lorenzo on the left and Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli and Hotel Ristorante La Darsena on the right.
Notice Tremezzo promenade with all its glamorous hotels and restaurants, among which the 5-star Grand Hotel Tremezzo stands out. Next you will notice the beautiful Villa Carlotta on the left. And as you get to Cadenabbia, you will see another series of hotels and restaurants along Lungolago di Cadenabbia promenade.
The Greenway Lake Como ends in Griante by the Chiesa Anglicana dell’Ascensione, followed by other hotels and restaurants.
End of the Journey from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como, Arrival in Menaggio
As you enter Menaggio, you will keep forward on Via IV Novembre, notice Grand Hotel Menaggio on the right and at the first intersection go left on Via L. Cadorna. In front of Pizzeria Lugano go left and finally arrive at the accommodation, Il Balcone di Elma.
Lake Como Best Accommodation
When choosing the best accommodation at Lake Como, Menaggio stands out as one of the best bases for families, especially those travelling with a baby.
Located on the central part of the lake, Menaggio offers easy access to Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, and the western shore villages, while avoiding some of the crowds and logistical challenges found in the more touristy destinations.
The town combines a beautiful lakeside setting with practical amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, kids playgrounds, restaurants, parking facilities, and frequent ferry connections. For visitors exploring Italy by car, Menaggio is particularly convenient thanks to its road access and central location.
Among the many accommodation options available, Il Balcone di Elma is one of the best choices for families looking for comfort, space, and spectacular views of Lake Como.
For travellers searching for the best accommodation in Lake Como, Menaggio offers an ideal balance between scenery, convenience, and value. Unlike some Lake Como villages where accommodation can be difficult to reach by driving, Menaggio is relatively accessible and family-friendly and has a central position.
Other excellent examples of best family-friendly accommodation on Lake Como include apartments and residences in Menaggio itself, as well as properties in nearby Tremezzo, Griante, and Lenno. Best Lake Como accommodation for families provide parking, kitchen facilities, multiple bedrooms, outdoor spaces, and easy access to ferry terminals. Hotels such as Grand Hotel Menaggio offer a prime waterfront location, while apartment-style accommodations in Menaggio and Tremezzina can provide more space and flexibility for longer stays.
For those travelling with babies or young children, choosing accommodation in Menaggio remains one of the best decisions, combining the beauty of Lake Como with the comforts needed for a relaxed family holiday.
Dinner and Evening Walk in Menaggio
After check-in, you can go out for dinner at Dal Tato restaurant or Ristorante Del Porto Menaggio.
Also, you must have an evening walk to the town center.
Go down on Via L. Cadorna, turn right on Via Como, at the end of the street turn left on Via IV Novembre. Across the street there is Dal Tato restaurant, followed by Ristorante Del Porto Menaggio.
At the intersection turn right on Via Giuseppe Mazzini, see Marina Menaggio and then continue on the lake shore. You will finally arrive at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. Piazza Garibaldi is a nice place to sit for dinner or for a coffee or an ice cream in the morning while admiring the views.
Stroll on Via Calvi and take a look at the small boutiques and shops of craftsmen, who sell local products such as food, shoes, clothing, and home accessories. Also, see the Church of Santa Marta.
Conclusion of the Journey from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como
As the first day comes to an end, Menaggio is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of Lake Como. After passing through picturesque villages, historic churches, lakeside promenades, and panoramic viewpoints, seeing Italy by car from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como becomes much more than a simple airport transfer. It is an introduction to the beauty, culture, and charm of the region.
An evening stroll along the waterfront and the views across the lake provides a memorable conclusion to the day, while the experience of travelling by car from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como Italy offers a glimpse of the unforgettable landscapes and authentic Italian villages that await during the rest of the trip.
Read On
Be sure to explore Destination Italy: Lake Como and Lugano by Car + Baby on Board – Day 2 for the next chapter of our Italian journey — from hidden corners to breathtaking views, there’s so much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Lake Como on this page. For more inspiration and practical travel tips, don’t miss our maps and travel guides, and visit our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your go-to resources for exploring Italy in depth. Are you looking to expand your itinerary? Don’t miss our posts on Venice!
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Table of contents
- Driving from Milan Malpensa to Menaggio, Lake Como: Scenic Italy by Car
- Milan Malpensa to Lake Como Italy Car Trip Stops: Brienno, Argegno, Colonno, Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Menaggio
- Arrival at Milan Malpensa & Lake Como Shopping Stop near Cernobbio
- Brienno – Lakeside Village Visit
- Argegno – Lake Como Snack Stop on the Route Milan Malpensa to Menaggio
- Greenway del Lago di Como
- Optional Stops on the Route from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como
- End of the Journey from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como, Arrival in Menaggio
- Conclusion of the Journey from Milan Malpensa to Lake Como
- Read On
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