Italy
Carriola

Discover travel destinations of travelers writing a travel journal on FindPenguins.
Travelers at this place
    • Day 5

      Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna

      November 17, 2017 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

      "Menaggio, hotel hotel hotel
      Bellagio, shopping shopping shopping" Nonna Tosca, our bnb host exclaimed to us. Although her English is very limited, she makes herself understood through the international language of gestures, facial expressions and mime. These she used to inform us that most things are shut, but there are still beautiful walks along the promenades and above the village. She used to own Hotel Albergio where she received a municipal award for working, ceaselessly, 365 days for 40 years, from 5am to 8pm. She's an energetic bundle of warmth and love, and I think she's the angel of Varenna.

      Menaggio and Bellagio are 2 other towns on Lake Como, accessible by ferry from Varenna. The ferry carries both vehicles and passengers, and tickets can be bought from a kiosk manned by a person who speaks English. How convenient.

      Menaggio has a beautifully preserved small medieval area above the town which we had a quick explore after walking along its beautiful promenade along the lake. Bellagio was certainly full of shops, most of which were shut. We met the Italian couple we saw on our walk to the Castillo in Varenna, and through more international communication of hands and mime, they told us of the walk over to the other side of the peninsula and even explained how to find the path. We explored a small web of quaint stone streets much like a miniature medieval village. The tall stone walls hid lakefront villas and their gardens.

      We returned to Varenna for a late lunch followed by the yummiest gelato at La Pasarella. We were surprised to find out from Julie the owner that it was vegan. Just made with water, fruits and chocolate without milk or cream. She explained that it is a special technique to produce the smooth and creamy texture. I was in taste heaven with chocolate and ginger gelato. We had to check out the tourist information office which had a sign the day before that promised "Open as soon as possible". We were wondering when possible was, and it was possible then. It was opened.

      Dinner back at Il Caminetto was another delight. A couple from Milan sat at the table next to us, and we got chatting. We received a lot of information from them on the culinary specialities of the regions we would be visiting on this journey.

      We love Varenna. We would return in a heartbeat to stay with Nonna Tosca at Tosca House and bask in her warmth.
      Read more

    You might also know this place by the following names:

    Carriola

    Join us:

    FindPenguins for iOSFindPenguins for Android