Lago di Como Favorites

Favorite thing: On the lake Como you'll sometimes find very old, authentic boats, that are still sometimes used in small villages where the time has stopped.Disappear somewhere where tourists wouldn't usually go and you'll discover the real charm of the lake.

Favorite thing: Ossuccio is a very cute place near Isola Comacina, typical lakeside town, but very charming. There is this old medieval church, and a nice walk by the lake, which are the highlights of this little town.

Favorite thing: Climb up a bit higher above the lake, it's practically possible at any place, but I'd suggest the side with high mountains - around Lecco and Varenna. On the way, just by the road you'll find many wonderful viewpoints, where you can admire the beauty of the lake from high above!

Favorite thing: In the nights of the full moon, go at the Como's side of the lake at dusk, and enjoy the beautiful view of Bellagio on the moonlight, the glitter on the water and the serenity of the beautiful surroundings.

Favorite thing: This I took at Tremezzo, in front of Villa Carlotta, in a late November afternoon. There was nobody around, as it's the dead season, and as usual, they are performing works, but it was no less beautiful than in other seasons, and the sunset was so serene... There are many spots along the lake where you can enjoy a romantic sunset.

Fondest memory: On vacation the unexpected is what I relish. I am not much of a car enthusiast, at least, not these days. But, in 1967 driving was much more than mere transportation. On a pleasant June afternoon I fell in love with ... a white Morgan sports car. In the blink of an eye the decision was made. I would return after dinner with checkbook in hand and she would be mine.

Home now. Full of excitement and anticipation. Pickup the mail and rush inside. "What's this fat manila envelope?" What's this !@*#! "Greetings", from Uncle Sam? I was drafted into the military. :-(((

That would be the closest I'd ever be to the dream car of my youth until Carol and I turned a corner in Menaggio. Carol seemed puzzled by my sudden lack of interest architecture and my uncharacteristic automobile fascination, but I was stunned. There she was just as remembered her, leather hood strap and all. I guess 37 years later the spark is still there.

Fondest memory: It was our third day on Lake Como but it was our first ferry boat ride. Varenna is on the opposite side of the lake from where we were staying in Ossuccio. Taking the ferry was the simplest and most direct way to get there. More importantly, it was definitely the "best way" for us to arrive there for a first view. The ride from Lenno made several stops along the way including Villa Carlotta and Bellagio. Every stop was beautifully unique but Varenna...this was special.

Here the colorful homes were built right to water's edge. There was a steep rock face where nothing could be built and seemed to divide the village. Cleverly a promenade had been built cantilevered over the water. The walkway leads past shops and a few cafes with "you-never-have-to-leave-your-chair" photo opps. Boats were most often merely pulled up on shore and tied off.

Varenna is home to two very elaborate villas and gardens - Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero. Both are definitely worth a visit. But in my mind, the real allure was exploring the walks and back lanes of the tiny town. I read somewhere that, "If Bellagio is the pearl of Lake Como then Varenna is the diamond". This seemed surely true.

Fondest memory: Gravedona is almost at the northern end of Lake Como. If you have a car the drive up is really beautiful and worth the time. Otherwise I would recommend taking the ferry and walking around. We had been driving for most of the day and had seen a lot of churches and wonderful small towns. Gravedona was larger than most and it seemed worth a little more time.

Carol is an artist and is always keenly aware of light and shadow. It was mid afternoon when we arrived in Gravedona and everything seemed in crisp contrast from the autumn sun. We parked on a shady side lane where gardeners were pruning the trees of a large villa. There was the unmistakable scent of gardenias in the air that seemed to be coming from a tree with tiny white flowers.

We worked our way up the cobbled walkways and found vividly painted buildings of yellow, terra-cotta and coral interspersed with structures completely of stone. As we walked we saw a sign that read "Panorama". We turned the corner and saw a spectacular view of the the town's lakeside with the water sparkling in the afternoon sun.