will be staying in Menaggio, Lake Como for 5 days.

Rental car not necessary. I had a rental in Menaggio, but it was parked the entire time I was there except for when I spent the day in Lugano, Switzerland, (45 min drive each way), which however is served also by the local ASF C112 bus , if you feel inclined to see Lugano while you are there. I also used it to see the spot where Mussolini was executed by the partisans, in Giulino di Tremezzina, just south of Menaggio. Everything else (Varenna, Bellagio) can be reached by ferry (10 min crossing). Villa Balbianello, which is on the same side of the lake as Menaggio, can be reached also by the C110 bus, which also stops at Villa Carlotta along the way. To reach Menaggio from Milan you can take the train to Varenna, then the ferry across to Menaggio, or you can take the train to Como Lago (from Milano Cadorna), then the ferry to Menaggio or also the bus to Menaggio (the aforementioned C110 bus goes all the way from Como to Menaggio and back, traveling on the western shore of the lake). The slow ferry is very relaxing and scenic, as the Como branch of the lake is the most beautiful.

If you want a hike, go up the mountain behind the town of Menaggio, to see the WW1 trench system still there.
There’s a huge cross up there visible from below.
A fabulous view over the lake and the town.
We stopped at the tourist office first and were shown where to get the bus up instead of an uphill climb on a warm day.
Then we walked back down.

Is it necessary to have a rental car in this region? Absolutely not.

Any suggestions on ferry passes, or other transportation needs. Ferries and walking are the best means. Join the wait lines for ferry tickets the day of, yet well in advance.

Restaurants, sites to see in the lake como region, not just Menaggio. I'll speak to some Mennagio restaurants. Tip: Search this forum, the Web, and travel guides for Lake Como suggested sites.

• For breakfast, treat yourself to Pasticceria Cassera Moretti.
• For lunch or dinner (reservations), try Osteria Il Pozzo and the even better Cera Bistro. Avoid the convenient, yet very disappointing, Caffè Centrale.

I love Lake Como area and we used Varenna as a home base. You must enjoy evening sunsets there for dinner. Stunning. There is also a wonderful walk up the hill to the castle ruins with an incredible view of the lake. Absolutely worth the walk. Even our 18 year old daughters loved the hike, castle and view. A highlight.