Ostuni Italy is Outstanding!

The charm of Ostuni lies in its white architecture and flowered narrow lanes. Streets and steps winding up and down offer glances out to the sea. You will find many places to sit, eat and enjoy the panoramic views which span across the countryside to the Adriatic Sea. Ostuni is known as La Città Bianca (The White City). Colorful flowers and green succulent plants make for a visually stunning appearance in contrast to the white buildings. Ostuni Puglia, is one city definitely worth a visit when in this region! Read on to discover Ostuni’s highlights as well as my favorite Ostuni hotel and restaurants.

Get lost in Centro Storico! The city’s lively hub is Piazza Liberta. Grab a seat and savor an espresso in the morning. In the evening it is filled with strollers, shoppers and late diners. Ostuni becomes abuzz with activity at night. Soak in the atmosphere at one of the many local cafes and restaurants for apertivo and after dinner music and drinks.

Directly off Piazza Liberta, follow the sloping steps down to Via Vito Tamborino. It consists of a piazza with plenty of shops and eateries. You’ll hear music in the air and see a beautiful view to the sea.

The Duomo di Ostuni (Basilica Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) is an easy short walk from Piazza Liberta. There is a little square in front that sometimes has a live band. And always has tables for the gelato shop next to it. There is also a beautiful arch opposite the church, making the scenery simply lovely!

Ostuni Puglia Eats

The Puglia region has certain local vegetables and traditional dishes that are excellent.
First of all, the typical pasta in Ostuni is Orecchiette. It actually originates from Puglia, dating back to around 1500. A typical orecchiette dish is made with turnip greens and a flavorful sauce. Sometimes with anchovies and breadcrumbs added.
Second, mashed fava bean puree and chicory is a rich and flavorful dish – I really loved it.
Next, a Bombette. YUM! A thin sliced pork cutlet topped with breadcrumbs and cheese. Then rolled and baked into a Bombette. Delish!
Finally, Stracciatella is a traditional Italian cheese which is the creamy center of burrata cheese. It is extremely popular in Puglia and is amazingly delicious! We are crazy about it!

Osteria del Tempo Perso

The absolute best restaurant we had the pleasure of dining at was Osteria del Tempo Perso. Everything about it was fantastic! The food was delicious, the atmosphere divine and the staff was wonderful. We tried all the traditional foods and other dishes which were excellent. You must make reservations, especially in July and August.
Address: Via Gaetano Tanzarella Vitale 47

Antico Borgo Bristot

Antico Borgo Bristrot is a great hot spot for eats and drinks. This unique eatery is built into zig-zag multi-level steps. The view overlooks the countryside to the sea. It is the perfect place for an apertivo. Moreover the food is delicious! Everthing we had at out table of four was excellent. I would say that it is best for lunch or a light dinner. No reservations are accepted, first come, first served.
Address: Via Fina 8

Ostuni Italy Drinks

Bar Perso

We loved the seats conveniently located on the steps of the alleyway. In addition there are a few tables lower down. All have a stunning view. Very cute place with good drinks and music.

Riccardo Caffe

Riccardo Caffè in Ostuni is a great spot for an aperitivo. We just love outside seating with lounge chairs on the steps.

Ostuni Italy Hotels

This is an Ostuni Hotel that I highly recommend. It is a wonderful place where we stayed for two nights; Vico Bianco Raro Villas. We had the Superior King Room # 5 (La Terra Junior Suite) with terrace. It definitely exceeded my expectations. I absolutely loved Vico Bianco. Not only was our room, terrace and bathroom terrific. But so was the rooftop lounge area, patios and lobby. The included breakfast was excellent – as well as the staff! Moreover, the location is perfect – just steps away from Piazza Liberta.

In summary, in order to fully explore the many wonderful restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, I recommend spending 2 days in Ostuni. However, the whole city can be seen in a day, making it perfect to combine with Locorotundo, Polignano a Mare, Aberobello and Lecce, as well as other areas in Puglia.
Ostuni Italy is certainly charming!

Locorotondo is Lovely!

The Puglian town of Locorotondo, Italy is definitely enchanting! I was greeted by a maze of white-washed houses adorned with elegant wrought-iron balconies, dripping with flowers! Not to mention, Locorotondo Puglia is listed as one of Italy’s prettiest small towns in I borghi più belli d’Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). This is certainly a well-deserved honor!

Locorotondo (rotundo means round) is a village built in a circular fashion positioned above the beautiful Valle d’Itria. The hillside is filled with vineyards, olive groves and sprinkled with Trulli homes. Furthermore, I found a wonderful maze of pretty narrow streets which wind up to the central piazza.

Things to see and do…..

Via Nardelli is the ‘balcony’ road of town – a wonderful place for you to view the spectacular countryside surrounding Locorotondo Italy. Definitely take a nice walk and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley below. On Via Nardelli, you will find great places to sit and eat. After all, it’s time for an Aperol Spritz! Moreover, you can take a staircase down from here, to the vineyards of Sirose Bufano Winery for a wine tasting and bites.

We had the most amazing lunch and drinks at Controra overlooking the countryside. An incredible sandwich of prosciutto, stracciatella cheese, and pistachios. Stracciatella is the delicious gooey inside of burrata cheese and is extremely popular in Puglia! I suggest you make a stop here!

Lorocotondo Puglia is a town to simply get lost in for a few hours or immersed in for a day or two. The great thing about Locorotondo is that it is not yet crowded with tons of tourists. Therefore, you can stroll around and really get the natural vibe of this special town. Centro Storico has many tiny streets to wander and places to sit in the sun and just take in the atmosphere.

What to See & Do

By all means, roam the white washed streets and take a huge amount of pictures. Furthermore, try traditional Puglian food, such as orecchiette. And let’s not forget the wine! There are several wineries and wine bars with wine straight from the Puglia region.

Palazzo Morelli

At the center of old town is stunning Palazzo Morelli. The palace boasts an entrance in Baroque architecture which is the finest example in Locorotondo. The ornate balconies with rounded wrought iron railings, is a true example of supreme art and engineering from the 18th century.

Be sure to visit Villa Comunale Park. It contains 19th century gardens has a view of the valley. There is an extremely moving monument honoring all fallen soldiers from Locorotundo during WW1 and WW2. It was so sad to see the same last names from one war to the next. Many families here sacrificed their loved ones to fight fascism and Nazi Germany. It is hard to believe in what is now a beautiful, peaceful town.

My Favorite Restaurant in Locorotondo Italy

U Curdunn is a delicious restaurant serving traditional local cuisine. You can dine outside or in the elegant, stone vaulted rooms inside. Great atmosphere with excellent pastas and wines. You won’t be disappointed!

My Favorite Locorotundo Puglia Hotel

When I booked a suite at Sotto Le Cummerse Albergo Diffuso, I never imagined what we would get for such a great price. We had and entire three-floor apartment with 2 bedrooms and bathrooms, a full kitchen and a terrace! Moreover, they owned the best breakfast spot just steps away. I highly recommend this hotel – you will be very happy!

I fell in love with Locorotondo Puglia and its locals – when you visit, you will also. In summary, in order to fully explore the restaurants, cafes, and shops, I recommend spending one night in Lorocotundo. However, the whole city can be seen in a day, making it perfect to combine with Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, Aberobello and Lecce, as well as other areas in Puglia.
Locorotondo Italy is certainly charming!

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Definitely a must-visit destination is Dubrovnik, Croatia. With such a dramatic setting, its title, Pearl of the Adriatic, is well deserved. There are so many reasons to put this amazing city on your list. First of all, Dubrovnik is clean, beautiful, and boasts striking historical architecture amid shiny limestone walkways. Moreover, there is a sensational City Wall to walk, a beautiful beach and great food. Let’s not forget the locals, who are friendly, wonderful and proud of their rich culture. Lastly, for all Game of Throne fans, this is the home of Kings Landing and so much of GOT’s was filmed right in Dubrovnik!

▶︎ The medieval city of Dubrovnik has been a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site since 1979 ▶︎ Dubrovnik is only a 3 hr drive from Split, another wonderful city worth visiting

Things to do in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Wall — View from the City Walls walk

Dubrovnik City Walls

Dubrovnik’s single best attraction is its towering wall surrounding historic old town. Offering an unforgettable scenic mile-long stroll, you will get terrific views of the city and its bright rooftops. It is a perfect opportunity for taking plenty of memorable photos. We enjoyed every minute of the walk even though there was a sweltering heatwave! Nevertheless, it was definitely worth it! Wear sunscreen, perhaps a hat, and bring water. It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance. Purchase at the official City Walls Dubrovnik website. Adult ticket price is 35 euros.

City Walls of Dubrovnik — Along the City Walls walk, you’ll find a few cafes where you can sit for a nice cold drink or ice-cream

Dubrovnik Shopping

The Central promenade, Stradun, is the heartbeat of the city, thriving with shops, cafes, people and fun. Dubrovnik actually does have it all. You’ll find boutique clothing shops, jewelry stores, art galleries and a decent amount of souvenir shops. Moreover, you will like the authentic, handmade crafts and delicacies.
Of course, if you’re not a shopper, there is aways an abundance of backstreet, quiet charm to enjoy. You can find many spots to take beautiful pictures. In Dubrovnik Croatia , you will find everything!

Beaches

To escape the heat and the crowds, head for the beach during mid-day. You’ll swim in the panorama of this beautiful city while enjoying the beautiful vista of the sea. Banje Beach is a short 10 minute walk from town. Jump to Dubrovnik Beaches to discover a few great choices of beaches to visit.

Restaurants & Bars

Evenings in town are wonderful. Croatians love their bars and cafes, and so do tourists! There are restaurants, cafes and bars everywhere. Enjoy great food, great coffee and great cocktails!
I have two favorite restaurants to recommend and one bar that you must at least stop by.
🏆 Azur – A small restaurant, hidden in an alley of old town, Azur serves delicious CroAsian food. Asian flavors in unique Mediterranean dishes were amazingly delicious! I loved it.
Amoret – Delicious Mediterranean food. Location, location, location – and this one is fabulous, right at the foot of the Dubrovnik Cathedral. Wonderful staff also.

Walking through a hole in the city wall leads you to a great little bar. Buza is famous for spectacular sunsets and views of the sea. Moreover, Buža is known as a great spot for jumping from rocks and taking a swim.

Dubrovnik Game of Thrones

There were 4 of us and we all LOVED this tour. (two of us saw GOT’s and two did not) Katerina was our guide and she was absolutely fantastic. Not only did she show us the best GOT sites, she made it come alive and gave us interesting, fun anecdotes about the filming. Furthermore, it was a bonus to learn interesting historical and cultural aspects of Dubrovnik Croatia. We HIGHLY recommend this tour.

Beach Bar Dodo

Split Croatia

Split, Croatia is a city that we enjoyed immensely and would love to return to. Old Town is amazingly charming and clean with shiny limestone pedestrian walkways throughout. There is a unique mix of history and architecture on every cobblestoned street. Moreover, you have your choice of many good restaurants and charming shops to visit. One of the things we loved the most is the Croatian people. They couldn’t be nicer or more helpful!

One of the main attractions you will come upon is the Split Riva Promenade. It is a way to enter the pedestrian only Old Town of Split. This bustling waterfront features numerous eateries, scenic views and an expansive boardwalk bordered with flowering trees. It is a pleasure to take in the sights of the harbor during the day. Moreover the evening brings music and lights which fill the multitude of open-air restaurants. It’s a lively beautiful sight to behold.

Things to do in Split Croatia

Simply walking around Old Town, you will come across many beautiful nooks and crannies. For instance, ancient ruins, centuries-old cathedrals, open-air markets and more.

Diocleatian’s Palace is a beautiful historical landmark. This palace served as the Roman emperor’s residence. In addition, it served as a fortress for the military garrison. It is an outstanding sight to see, with exquisite arches and columns. Today there is a terrific restaurant/bar, Luxor, which occupies the center square of the palace. In the evening, pillows are set on all the steps around the square for everyone’s comfort. Luxor serves delicious cocktails and has live music. It was one of our favorite nights, with everyone dancing and loving their evening!

Marjan Park View Point is a beautiful spot overlooking the harbor and city of Split. There is an easy walking path which brings you up to the park. Along the way you will pass several churches, the last one completely built into the stone wall. Enjoy beautiful views perfect for pictures. Moreover, you will find a cafe for a drink or bite to eat.

Split Croatia Beaches

As for Split Croatia beaches, our favorite was Joe’s Beach Bar. Only a short taxi ride from town, it has beds and umbrellas for rent and great lounge music. The cost was 35 euros per bed including the umbrella. The water was wonderful and the view was beautiful. I highly recommend!

Additionally, Bavich Beach is within walking distance to town. There are no rental facilities and you need to bring your own towels etc. Honestly, I wasn’t crazy about this beach – sorry!

Shopping in Split

Beside the numerous chic shops in town, Split offers a few markets that were terrific. A popular one is the Green Market. This farmers’ market has stalls of fruits & vegetables. In addition, they offer a large meat selection.

There is an another market which we loved – the one with beautiful clothes! This market was at the end of the Riva. Some beautiful beach cover-ups and dresses are now in our suitcases!

▶︎ Split is only a 3 hour drive from Dubrovn ik, which is definitely worth a visit! 🚘

Split Picture Gallery

Best Things to Do in Taormina

Without a doubt, get ready for an Italian adventure as there are countless things to do and see in Taormina. This is an old town that is perfect for history, culture, delicious food and awe inspiring sights. Let me give you an edge on some of the best things to do in Taormina. Here they are in no particular order:

Taormina Boat Tour

We loved this excursion! Beautiful scenery, great guide, music and a refreshing swim!

A great way to explore the Ioanian Coast. Discover the Grotto Azzurra as well as the beautiful nature preserve of Isola Bella. Be on the beautiful sea surrounded by the breathless landscape of Etna and Taormina. We did not reserve, as the boats are by the beach of Isola Bella. It was wonderful!

Ancient Greek Theatre Taormina

If you are visiting Taormina, try to see a show at the world famous Teatro Greco, possibly the most spectacular venue on earth. The Ancient Greek Theatre is amazing. During the day take beautiful pictures of the ancient ruins. In the evening, take in a show at the Greek Theatre with Mount Etna as a backdrop. There are concerts and operas as varied as Sting and The Barber of Seville. For upcoming shows, click here: events and tickets.

Mount Etna

A visit to Europe’s largest volcano, Mt. Etna offers an incredible chance to see lava flows up close. You can join a tour of Mt Etna’s lunar-like landscapes for an incredible experience. Mount Etna is on of the highest volcano in Europe and on of the most active in the world. The volcano shaped the Sicilian history and landscape and still affects the island today. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 and the smoking volcano craters and the old and new lava flows are always an impressive experience for visitors.

MT. ETNA WINERY TOUR

Visit the vineyards and taste the wines of Mount Etna. There are wonderful local wineries where you can sample delicious varieties of wine. Visit a splendid winery nestled 900 Meters above sea level, on the northeastern slope of Mount Etna, and sample some of their delicious wines.

CASTELMOLA

Castlemola is a charming little medieval town up the mountain from Taormina. If you have a few hours, it is worth a visit. We took a bus up and walked back down to Taormina on an ancient path between the two. Included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy, in Castelmola time seems to have stopped. With its elevated position, Castelmola offers a view of a splendid Mediterranean from its central square.

GODFATHER TOUR

Visit some of the iconic film locations of the blockbuster hit The Godfather. Step back in time in Savoca and Forza D’Agrò and become a part of the filming of The Godfather! Click here for more information.

AEOLIAN ISLANDS

Lipari Travel — If you have an extra time, you may want to take a full day trip to the beautiful Aeolian Islands. We loved the island of Lipari.

Amalfi Town Italy

Amalfi Town Italy is small, historic, and has a seafront location on the famous Coast. Once you walk through the arched entrance into Amalfi town proper, you will be In the historic main square, Piazza del Duomo. Here you will find a most impressive masterpiece, Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea. This centerpiece looms high over the bustling, crowded square and is really an incredible work of art.

Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea

Not only is the beautiful Cathedral in the piazza, but you will encounter a very interesting fountain, Fontana sant’Andrea. It serves as a meeting point for tourists and a source of free drinking water. In addition, it is the place for a photo opportunity, if you can find a few seconds alone with it!

Fontana Sant’Andrea

I was surprised to see how crowded the square was! This is the Times Square of the Amalfi Coast – at least in August. There are rows of shops, outdoor restaurants, bars, wine shops and street vendors. There is a lot of hustle and bustle. Let’s not forget the many caffe’s and gelato shops to visit. The crowd follows the the main pedestrian road, Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi. It is bliss for shoppers since there is an abundance of stores, one after the other. Clothing, ceramics, shoes, handmade items- you can find anything.

If you head out of the arches toward the water, you will see Piazza Flavio Giola to your right. This is the transit hub of Amalfi town. Taxi, bus and ferry areas are located here. Additionally, you will find a few shops by the ferry station.

Amalfi Town Beach Clubs

You will also find beach clubs right outside of the historic center. It is always great to spend part of a hot day relaxing at the beach. All the beach clubs provide umbrellas and beds as well as a nice lunch and drinks. During high season, all beach clubs need reservations, I really liked the look of Marina Grande, but didn’t make a reservation. Stella Maris was the only one that is first come, first serve, but you must arrive early to get a lounge. We had first row on the water and a beautiful day!

Amalfi Italy Restaurants

My favorite meal was at Taverna deli Apostoli Ristorante. Enjoy this lovely family run restaurant, just left of the cathedral steps, at the top of the first flight. The food was great and it was so nice sitting outside looking at the piazza.

Amalfi Sensi Restaurant — Sensi Restaurant

Sensi Restaurant has a beautiful view and is inside the elegant Hotel Residence. The food, the service, and the ambiance is most excellent. Moreover, they serve a tasting menu only, with an optional wine pairing for each course.

Amalfi Town Italy Hotel

I really loved staying at Terrazza Duomo, which was directly across from the Duomo. I booked it for the fabulous view of the cathedral, and it did not disappoint! It was wonderful to wake up to that view! But I didn’t realize that the room itself would be so awesome! It was a good size, sparkling clean, and beautifully, freshly decorated.
As an added bonus, the hotel has a rooftop terrace to enjoy. This is where breakfast is served. In addition, the staff was so nice and accommodating. I highly recommend Terrazza Duomo when in Amalfi town Italy.

View from my room in Terrazza Duomo!

Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea — View from my balcony in Terrazza Duomo Hotel

All in all, Amalfi town was very nice, but, unfortunately, it does not compare to Sorrento, Positano or Ravello.

Ravello Italy

Ravello Italy is the definition of classy and chic. Located high above the Amalfi Coast’s seaside villages, Ravello offers stunning, panoramic views of the mountains and sea below. White houses cling to cliffs, along with green citrus groves dotted with yellow lemons. What’s more, majestic villas warmly welcome you for drinks or dinners. Enjoy the grandeur, beauty and pleasure of Ravello.

Ravello is perched 1200 feet above the Amalfi Coast. The drive up is a little terrifying for me, since cars and cliffs are not my thing! Yikes! However, it is quite a magical place and definitely worth seeing. You will find beautiful villas, cliffside gardens and stunning vistas.
Getting there: It is a 17 minute drive from Amalfi, 1 hour drive from Positano, and 1.5 hour drive from Sorrento. A preferred way is to ferry from Sorrento/Positano to Amalfi and then taxi or bus to Ravello. This is a compact town which can be seen in a day trip. On the other hand, two nights is a terrific way to relax and enjoy its historical villas, jaw dropping views and delicious restaurants. After all, this charming medieval village is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Piazza Vescovado is the beautiful center hub of Ravello. It is a large square which embraces its ancient Duomo. Built in the 11th century, the Duomo is a dedication to Saint Mary of the Assumption. The exterior bears a stark white appearance. The interior, on the other hand, is adorned with granite columns, intricate mosaics, and a marble chapel.

Piazza Vescovado

In addition, the square hosts an array of cafes to sit, relax and absorb the beauty in front of you. Cafe Duomo happened to be my favorite. Delicious caffe espresso and cappuccino, along with pizza and other delights. In addition, the square hosts an array of cafes with delicious cappuccino, pizza and other delights. My favorite happened to be Caffe Duomo – great service and coffee!

Cafe Duomo

There are so many little corners to discover that are certainly picture worthy. Discover the cobbled steps and ramps that go up and down the town. There is something to see at every turn. Indeed, there is an abundance of vines and bougainvillea as well as fountains and statues.Ca

What to do in Ravello Italy

To begin with, explore the main square Pizzza Vescovado. At the edge of the Piazza is a little park with stunning views – a great place for pictures. Next, at the edge of the square, visit Villa Ruffalo. It is an elegant villa with a small museum containing artwork and historical artifacts. In addition, the terraced gardens are also a beautiful attraction for visitors.

Via Roma

Walk the entire Via Roma. This narrow-cobbled street will tempt you with beautiful ceramics, clothing and a host of other beautiful souvenirs to take home. Don’t forget to purchase some Limoncello so that you can still savor the Amalfi Coast when you get back home.

Villa Cimbrone in Ravello

You must walk up to the spectacular 11th century, Villa Cimbrone. It is the pinnacle of Ravello and offers magnificent views of the Bay of Sorrento and coastline. The villa itself is a 5-star hotel – Hotel Villa Cimbrone. It boasts stunning terraced gardens that are open to the public from 9am till 8pm daily. It is truly a romantic, perfect spot for weddings and honeymoons.

Palazzo Avino Ravello Italy

Villa Avino Ravello — Palazzo Avino’s spectacular terrace over the sparkling Mediterranean Sea is a must!

Delight in dinner, drinks or both on Terrazza Belvedere at this fantastic destination. Palazzo Avino is a stunning 5-star hotel on Italy’s famous Amalfi coast. Originally it was a 12th century private villa for Italian nobility. Currently, it is one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever seen!

Where to Stay – Ravello Italy Hotels

I would love to advise you to absolutely book Villa Cimbrone or Palazzo Avino. But I can only recommend if you are splurging on an extravagant honeymoon or simply have money to burn. I stayed at Palazzo Confalone and loved it. It was in the perfect location, with a beautiful room at a reasonable price in Ravello Italy.

Ravello in Pictures

Ravello Amalfi Coast is more beautiful than any picture can depict! But this will give you a taste of the beauty and magic of Ravello. Enjoy and click to enlarge.

St Paul de Vence

St Paul de Vence is one of the most beautiful destinations in France. This charming town is a feast for the eyes. What’s more, it is a medieval, romantic village with cobbled walkways and beautiful scenery. Among it’s narrow streets, fountains and staircases, it is a village abundant with flowers and vines covering the walkways and buildings. Entirely pedestrian, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of those perched villages where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the sweeping views below.

It enjoys a privileged location, located fifteen minutes from the sea and twenty-five minutes from the Nice airport. Definitely an easy destination to get to. We spent one night on our way from Villefranche sur Mer to St. Tropez. I found that one night was perfect for us, since the village is small although exquisite!

This small town, dating back to the 14th century, has been a land of artists since the dawn of time. Artist Mark Chegall made this his home for 30 years until his death at 97 in 1985. St. Paul de Vence is a place where many painters and artisans live today. It is full of art galleries, studios and artisan shops. In fact, there are 60!

Hotel Le St Paul

I highly recomment Hotel Le St. Paul as it was excellent. First, the room was amazing! It had a living area upstairs and then a bedroom downstairs! Secondly, the lobby and outdoor terrace were to perfection. We loved this hotel! Overall it was in a perfect spot and everything you would want for an authentic experience with excellent service!

St. Paul de Vence in Photos

To summarize, I am so glad that I decided to explore this gorgeous village. It was a totally pedestrian town which is a direct 10 minute walk from one end to the other. But expect that walk to turn into a few hours since there is so much to see. It was well worth the visit!

Como Italy

The city of Como Italy is clearly worth a visit! Thousands of people throng here to enjoy Como and the lake area. It has natural beauty and plenty to see and do. Moreover, since the train from Milan stops here, it is the perfect spot in Lake Como to stay for a day or more as a starting point for your vacation. In fact, Lake Como boasts an abundance of other beautiful towns and picturesque villages. Without a doubt, add Bellagio and Varenna to your list, as well as Como.

I found the city of Como lively and exciting. It has a multitude of fine restaurants, large piazzas, historical churches and beautiful architecture. Of course, the town center has delightful streets full of shops. Ideal for a fashion lover at any budget. Lastly, you will have your choice of cafes, where you can relax and sip coffee while you people-watch.

Things to do in Como Italy

Lose yourself in the delightful cobbled streets in town center. Wander to Piazza San Fedele. It is the main square of Como in the historical center of town. You will find the Basilica of San Fedele, a beautiful Romanesque church dating back to 1120. Moreover, every Saturday there is a market here with handcrafted items and antiques.

Como Church of San Fedele — Church of San Fedele

Next, stroll toward the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, and visit the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como). This is the main church of Como, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was built between the 14th and the 18th centuries. Although the Gothic style is predominant, the cathedral also hosts many Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.

The Como Lakefront

You will find some of the best places to take pictures along the lakefront. Start at Piazza Cavour and go west (left) along the water. First, you will find the Volta Museum. It is a beautiful neoclassical temple built in 1927. It is dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery, who was born and died in Como Italy. This photographic museum will wake up your camera!

Continue walking on Passeggiata Lino Gelpi and you will come upon Villa Gallia. There is a public walkway along the lake which is perfect for pictures! Next you will find historic and impressive Villa Olmo. It is a beautiful neoclassical villa dating back to the 1780s.

Como to Brunate

A fun thing to do is to take the funicular from Como Italy to the small adorable town of Brunate. From Piazza Cavour walk east (right) to the Como Brunate funicular. It is nearby the train station. The cable car scales the mountain and you arrive within a few minutes. Going up was easy, but going down…..I confess that I screamed from fright!! LOL

Como Funicular — The funicular route up the mountain to Brunate

You will find stunning views when you reach the top. Of course there are places to eat, sip coffee and enjoy the wonderful views of Como, the lake, and the mountains.

Como Beach

l love to have a beach day on vacation. We walked to Lido di Villa Olmo, just a few steps away from the beautiful Villa. This lido has a small beach, two swimming pools, and a large meadow. In addition the Beach Bar offers drinks, hot and cold dishes, snacks and cocktails. It was a fun few hours and a good light lunch in Como Italy!

Lake Como Italy – Villa d’Este

Overlooking one of the most romantic lakes in the world, Lake Como, Villa d’Este is magnificent! If only my wallet could afford it! Located in Cernobbio, it is only a 15 minute car ride away. Definitely go for a drink on the most luxurious terrace on the lake! You can also walk the grounds and gardens. Worth the drive, for sure!

Varenna Italy

Varenna Italy is yet another enchanting town on Lake Como. You will find magnificent scenery, beauty, charm, and perfect spots for photos at every turn. Bellagio may be my number one, but Varenna is definitely next!

Recognized as one of the most picturesque towns on popular Lake Como, Varenna is enchanting and definitely worth a visit. In addition, it is one of the easiest places to access. Since Varenna has its own railway station, you can take a direct, one hour train ride from Milan. Upon arrival, you will find magnificent scenery, beauty, charm, and perfect spots for photos at every turn.

This adorable small village flourishes with cobbled lanes, colorful shops, elegant villas and art-filled church galleries. Varenna, Lake Como is a smaller, slower paced town than Bellagio.

It is perfect for relaxing by the lake and taking a stroll to see its beauty. You will be free of the touristy crowds who tend to gather in Como and Bellagio.

Things to do in Varenna, Lake Como

Other than experiencing colorful town center itself, my highlight was exploring Villa Monastero. It is truly breathtaking and a photographer’s dream! We took a long stroll in the Villa’s botanical gardens. It has the most beautiful view of the lake. This spectacular villa is 8 centuries old, hosts a museum and conference center. Of course, the main attraction is a gorgeous botanical garden.

Varenna Trellis — Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lover’s Walk)

Take a scenic walk on the trellised path of Passeggiata degli Innamorati. It displays wonderful views of both Varenna, Lake Como and the mountain backdrop. It is aptly named, since it is truly a romantic walk through a dreamlike lakeside town.

The Church of San Georgio is located in the town’s main square, Piazza St. Georgio. The church dates back to the 13th century and has many frescos and works of art dating between the 15th and 18th century.

Among other things to do is to explore the medieval Castello di Vezio. Next, visit Villa Cipressi, which is now an outstanding hotel. Then, take a boat tour of the lake. Lastly, make sure that you visit other towns along the lake; especially the nearby towns of Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo and Lenno! Enjoy your visit to Varenna Italy!

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