The boat trip from Menaggio to Varenna gives you one of the most spectacular views of Lake Como as the boat crosses the middle of the lake, right there where its three 3 branches meet.
The peaceful town with its colourful houses is graciously woven into the mountain landscape dominated by the ruins of the Castello di Vezio.
Description
From the boat dock to the right, you follow a romantic walk called “Lover’s Lane” which leads to the centre of the town. It features steep narrow cobble stoned streets and steps that hide picturesque areas and important architectural features such as the
medieval church of San Giorgio.
The town hosts beautiful villas such as Villa Monastero. The inside of the villa hosts a museum with 14 rooms furnished with original objects and furniture. The villa stands
in a magnificent park where citrus, cypresses, pine trees and agaves
grow and stretches over more than a kilometre.
Close to Villa Monastero stands the Villa Cipressi built between 1400 and 1800 with asplendid botanical gardens spread out over various levels. It is possible to buy a joined ticket which allows you to visit both villas.
The castle of Vezio, built in the 13th century, can be reached on foot (uphill) in
approx. 30 min. from the ferry dock. The monument can be visited and hosts a “population” of friendly ghosts (gauze and plaster statues) who enjoy the wonderful view. The castle is closed in case of bad weather – www.castellodivezio.it. Vezio is a little village, mostly built of natural stone. From here you can walk along the Viandante, an ancient path way, in 1h30 to the town Bellano. We also recommend the
walk to the source of “Fiume Latte”, Italy’s shortest river. It springs from a cavern in the mountains and it disappears during the winter.
Directions & Parking
By public transport
Boat tickets can be purchased on-line (www.navigazionelaghi.it) or at the Navigazione ticket office at Menaggio. You could decide to buy a day ticket for the central lake area which includes Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio, Cadenabbia and Tremezzina (the boat docks at Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo and Lenno).
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