Cadenabbia...
Opulent Villas and Famous Guests

With a population of only 700, Cadenabbia and its nearby Griante has held its feeling of exclusivity over the ages, flashing its opulent villas, lavish gardens and stunning lake views into the eyes of tourists.

Really...even royalty has dashed through the streets of Cadenabbia, people like Queen Victoria, Nicholas II of Russia and Pope Pio XI. Verdi and Stendhal also spent some time to writing their great works.

Perhaps our wealthy guests from the past, loved the seclusion and quiet offered by this town? Or, perhaps the fact that the huge mountain in the background (Grigne range) wouldn't allow neighbours to build any more villas as space is truly limited in this small community?

Who knows! But today the visitor can enjoy walking among these beautiful gems or viewing them from a distance walking around the lakeside promenade or from a boat.

Getting Here

From Milano, you can take a train to Como and then take the C10 bus to Cadenabbia. Griante, although on the same route (C10), is even more secluded and just a short walk away.

Getting here by car

Printable maps of Cadenabbia

Cadenabbia Video

Splashy Hotels

You might as well add the word "Grand" to most hotels found in Cadenabbia if it doesn't have so already. Grand Hotel Cadenabbia and the nearby Grand Hotel Tremezzo tower over the lake like giants.

But for those on a smaller budget who want to stay among the wealthy villas offered by this small town, not to worry! There is a fair share of smaller, family-run 3-star hotels scattered about the town.

View a directory of all hotels in Cadenabbia, Italy

Favorite Activities

In one word. Walking.

Of course, with all the perks that come with walking...sightseeing, stopping for gelatos and coffees, shopping and people watching.

British tourists will no doubt want to visit the first Anglican church in Italy (Church of the Ascension), built in the 1800s and located close to the ferry that goes to Bellagio.

Also, the little, white, 16th century San Martino church requiring a more rigorous walk is worth a visit.

Return to the list of the best Lake Como towns.