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Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Lesser-known Italian towns on Lake Como and the Italian Riviera
Most world travelers are familiar with the popular and often over-touristed cities in Italy such as Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples, but there are lesser-known locales found on the Italian Riviera and in the Lake Como area that offer equally authentic experiences in Italian food, art, and cultural history. Here's how to plan your dream Italian holiday to three towns in Northwest Italy—without the crowds. Situated on the coast of the Ligurian Sea just south of Genoa and north of Cinque Terre, Rapallo is known for its temperate winters and leisurely Ligurian lifestyle. This Italian Riviera town of 30,000 residents has been a haven for numerous artists, writers, and poets such as Ernest Hemmingway, W.B. Yeats, Ezra Pound, Robert Lowell, Friedrich Nietzsche, Max Beerbohm, and Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. In recognition of its cultural heritage, Rapallo created an Art Nouveau monument known as Chiosco della Musica on its waterfront in 1929. Today, the palm-lined promenade has become a path past other noteable landmarks—including the Castello di Rapallo (Rapallo Castle), a statue of Christopher Columbus, and the Basilica of Saints Gervasio and Protasio. Visitors can arrange a walking tour or take a leisurely passeggiata (stroll) along the water on their own. A must-see sight in Rapallo, the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) is housed in a former private villa and dedicated to the preservation of local lacemakers. The collection includes over 5,000 lace artifacts and designs, but it is also a hub where traditional lace is created and exported throughout Italy. While visiting this town, art lovers should stop by an outpost of the Rome-based NUAR Gallery located at the Grand Hotel Bristol. This immersive art space showcases site-specific installations that feature artists' work, including abstract and figurative art as well as sculpture and photography exhibitions. For the Epicurious traveler, a culinary tour is one of the best ways to explore Rapallo. Guido Porrati, the owner of ParlaComeMangi, offers guests a hands-on Genovese pesto-making experience in his traditional Ligurian bottega or deli shop. ParlaComeMangi also offers a tour that includes a visit to a green market (think farmers' market) and continues through the narrow alleyways of the Rapallo's historic center for local wine and olive oil tastings. Guests on the tour also get to taste regional specialties such as focaccia al formaggio and pansotti, a pot-bellied pasta with walnut sauce. Travelers can explore the well-known Mercato del Giovedi on their own. This well-knonwn market is located on the Lungomare Vittorio Veneto promenade. (Related: This little-known region may have Italy's best wines.) During its high season from April through October, Rapallo attracts nearly twice its population, and yet, there's a tranquil vibe throughout the town's historic center in contrast to the high-profile neighboring towns accessible by Rapallo's ferry service. Rapallo's pier is located along the waterfront promenade where ferries transport visitors to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and San Fruttuoso, as well as Cinque Terre. The ferry service runs year-round that offer panoramic views from the sea and averages around U.S. $15 (one way). Visitors who choose to take the 30-minute ferry ride along the Gulf of Tigullio to Portofino disembark onto a small cosmopolitan square surrounded by designer boutiques, cafés, and buzzy restaurants like da I Gemelli. The restaurant's owners, identical twins Paolo and Matteo Giovannini, follow in the footsteps of eight generations of restaurateurs that date back to 1850. Recipes from their grandmother's Ligurian cookbook include signature dishes such as spaghetti ai muscoli tritati and trenette al pesto alla Portofino, both of which are nicely complemented by post-prandial gelato at Dolce & Gabbana's Caffè Excelsior along the harbor. (Related: Northern Italy's 'problem bears' show the challenges of rewilding carnivores.) Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort: Located a short walk from Rapallo's historic town center, this pale pink Belle Époque palazzo overlooks the Gulf of Tigullio. The hotel has 80 rooms and suites and most have private balconies. Built in 1904, the five-star Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort has the Michelin-listed restaurant Le Cupole on-site, which features a rooftop terrace. Hotel guest experiences include cooking classes, private boat tours, Vespa and e-bike adventures, sunset cruises, diving and snorkeling, and a cable car to the hilltop Sanctuary of hotel's 21,000-square-foot Erre Spa functions as 21st-century Roman baths, complete with hydrotherapeutic saunas and pools, while the hotel's nearby Marina di Bardi Beach Club offers guests a private beach with a on-site seafood restaurant. (Related: A guide to Lake Como's highlights—villas, promenades and aperitivo spots not to miss.) Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como and surrounded by the botanical gardens of Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero, Varenna is home to less than a thousand residents and hosts hundreds of wedding celebrations throughout its high season. Visitors to Varenna, who wander the verdant landscape surrounding Villa Cipressi, may encounter impromptu marriage proposals on the three-level terraced gardens that slopes down to the lake's shoreline. Built between the 15th and 19th centuries, the gardens are listed in Italy's directory of most beautiful gardens and the various plant species include cypress, palm, tamarisk, magnolia, myrtle, gardenia, lemon, and American agave, as well as numerous seasonal species. The various terraces and stairways lead down to a pair of iconic gates that open onto the lake where visitors await their turn for a photograph amidst the wisteria. The citizens of Varenna purchased Villa Cipressi in 1980, and today, it houses a four-star hotel that hosts numerous nuptials and celebrations. On the last Sunday in July, Varenna celebrates Festa della Regina with fireworks and dinner in honor of Queen Victoria's visit in 1838. The neighboring Villa Monastero, which was once a 12th-century Cistercian convent and later a private residence, opened to the public in 2003 as a fine arts museum with artworks, furniture, and décor from the former owners. While you're here, don't miss out on visiting the Scanagatta Ornithological Museum, which features more than 800 specimens of birds and mammals. It's just a short walk from Villa Monastero. For panoramic views of Varenna, Lake Como, and beyond, travelers should make their way to Castello di Vezio, a medieval military outpost with an owl aviary. It's location high on a bluff overlooking the town make it ideal spot for scenic views. From March through November, the gardens and dungeons here are open to the public, as is the tower, where weekend sundown is celebrated with aperitivos (pre-dinner drinks) served on the terrace. (Related: 7 must-do experiences in Italy's stunning Lombardy region.) Hotel Villa Cipressi: Facing directly onto Lake Como, this four-star hotel is an elegant complex of buildings, gardens, and fountains that date from the 14th century. Hotel guests have the option to dine at the neighboring Hotel Royal Victoria for breakfast and dinner where the fine dining restaurant Visteria offers lakefront seating. Visteria's menu showcases regional seafood and artisanal pastas such as fusillo with squid, red shrimp, and seaweed as well as risotto with green peas, buffalo cream, and blue lobster. The chef's signature chocolate cigar with confectionery ash provides a pleasing post-prandial buzz without the smoke. Directly across from Varenna, the town of Menaggio sits on the western shore of Lake Como. Menaggio is located down the road from Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta. The ferry service from Varenna and Bellagio arrives along the lakefront promenade, which is lined with grand hotels and villas that date back to the 18th century. According to Silvia Ballerini, a local who hails from the neighboring village of Carate Urio, 'Menaggio is where people come for laidback luxury in contrast to the white-glove, mandatory-jacket scene of other Lake Como resorts.' Home to less than 4,000 residents, Menaggio, was once a walled city with a 10th-century castle, and today, comprises three hamlets and the town center. A one-kilometer (more than a half mile) historic walk starts near the tourist office at Menaggio's Piazza Garibaldi and ascends on narrow cobblestone streets to the medieval Castello di Menaggio and the Church of San Carlo with its bell tower. On the town's waterfront, visitors may spot a 32-foot column of Carrara marble. It is the Monumento alla Tessitrice, a commemorative monument to the female silk weavers of the region. Other area landmarks include the 12th-century Leaning Bell Tower located in the hamlet of Nobiallo and remnants of the Antica Strada Regina, the Roman royal road that ran along the western shore of Lake Como. (Related: On the shores of Lake Iseo: exploring Italy's lesser-known lake district.) Today's equivalent of that ancient road is Menaggio's lakeshore promenade, one of the most elegant in the region and notable for its palm trees, pergolas, and landscaped median. A favorite of locals and visitors, the promenade follows the lakeshore from Piazza Garibaldi in the town center to the town beach where the former Lido di Menaggio has been transformed into Victoria Beach, a brand-new lakefront beach club complete with restaurant, bars, private beach, and two infinity pools. In nearby Tremezzo (a 10-minute drive from Menaggio), the 17th-century Villa Carlotta features several sculptures by Italian sculptor Antonio Canova, as well as tapestries, paintings, and period furnishings spanning 300 years. The landscaped grounds includes gardens that span over nearly 20 acres and include fern valley, citrus tunnels, succulents, English roses, camellias, and 150 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas. Villa Carlotta also has picnic areas and a playground, as well as an on-site bistro, Bistrot Villa Carlotta, located in a former greenhouse. For visitors who wish to cross the lake, Menaggio's ferry terminal is in the town center and offers year-round service to both Bellagio and Varenna. A one-way, 15-minute journey costs less than U.S. $10, depending on the season. Grand Hotel Victoria: With its expansive front lawn, this five-star hotel that was originally a villa was commissioned by the Milanese marquis Giorgio II Clerici in the late 17th century. His great-grandson, who was also an art collector, completed his passion project. Today, the Grand Hotel Victoria remains a favorite for travelers seeking a sanctuary away from the crowds. Public spaces in the recently renovated hotel are marked by grand staircases and massive chandeliers, while the rooms are exemplars of Italian contemporary design with touch screens, coffee machines, and spacious balconies and bathrooms. The hotel's signature Erre Spa is the largest spa on Lake Como at nearly 13,000 square feet and includes tropical waterfalls, saunas and steam rooms, and a 65-foot heated indoor pool. At the hotel's Lago restaurant, guests dine on a veranda with unobstructed lake views. The hotel's private boat and launch makes it easy to dart back and forth across the lake for day trips to sites like Villa del Balbianello, where scenes from movies such as Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale were filmed. (Related: 6 unforgettable Italy hotels, from Tuscany and Lake Como to Rome and Milan.) This trip was created with the support of R Collection Hotels and Team Kindred PR. Mark Thompson is a New York-based freelance writer and member of The Authors Guild and SATW. He has been a resident artist at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, and has a Ph.D. in American Studies.
Metro
23-05-2025
- Metro
The 'charming' Italian island where colourful houses are required by law
In the middle of the Venetian Lagoon sits a tiny island, that for years has kept itself to itself. Since medieval times, Burano has been a thriving fishing village, its residents quietly going about their business in Venice's shadow. It means Burano is often overlooked by day trippers, who instead descend on St. Mark's Basilica or search for glass on neighbouring Murano, with little time to explore elsewhere. It's why, out of the 30 million tourists who flock to Venice each year, the island receives a fraction of the visitors. But, for those in the know, the island's biggest USP are the rows of brightly coloured houses that mushroom along the shore. At first glance, it's an Instagrammer's paradise, but there's much more to this design concept than meets the eye. Because, as well as looking pretty, residents are actually required by law to paint their homes this way. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Already added Burano to your bucket list? Here's the complete lowdown on the island. Legend has it, fishermen painted their homes in distinctive colours so they could identify them from the sea. The bright shades were especially necessary in foggy weather when visibility was more obscured. While the roots of the practice stem from practical reasons (Burano's economy isn't solely reliant on fishing today), it's now become the island's visual identifier, and an inherent part of its culture. @aureliestoryy If you're visiting Venice this summer, don't miss the most colorful island in Italy: Burano 🌈🦋 You can take the public ferry from 9€ to reach it in about 1 hour. Pro tip: arrive in the afternoon and stay until the last ferry because the crowd usually arrives in the morning and stays until mid-afternoon. You will then be almost alone on the island 😍 ♬ son original – aureliestory This means that residents aren't allowed to paint their homes any old colour. Rather, there are guidelines to ensure Burano's aesthetic is maintained. First, homeowners must apply to the local council to get permission to repaint their properties. Should the request be approved, the government will provide them with a colour palette suitable for that particular house. Whether you're skipping Venice entirely to avoid adding to the issue of overtourism, or you've got a day or two spare and you're in the area, Burano has plenty to offer. The obvious pull is the aforementioned rainbow houses. 'Bepi's House,' the most famous property in Burano, is a must-see – its geometric design and bursts of different colours regularly feature on postcards. But once you've taken all your shots for the gram, you'll want to find out what makes this island tick. Aside from fishing, Burano is famous for lace-making. The Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) is located in the historic palace of Podestà of Torcello, in Piazza Galuppi, Burano's main square. Here, you'll learn about the history and artistry of the Venetian lagoon's laces, while also checking out pieces that date back to the Victorian era. Entry costs just €5 (£4.21). While you're in the Piazza, take some time to browse the local shops and boutiques, or stop for lunch in one of the restaurants. Be sure to try the Bussolà, a doughnut-shaped cake typical of the island. Traditionally, these were baked by the wives of the fishermen. These days, plenty of bakeries sell the freshly-made treat, but TripAdvisor crowns Panificio Pasticceria Garbo as the best in Burano. One user described the establishment as a 'blast from the past' and a 'small typical Venetian treasure chest.' Another customer claimed the owner 'makes some of the best Burano biscuits.' Many cited the bakery as cheap and affordable, with products costing between €1 and €3 (84p and £2.53). But let's not dine out on too many sweet treats. Burano is renowned for its seafood, too. The island's cuisine reflects Venetian influences, focusing on fresh and simple recipes made with local ingredients. Staples include polenta and risotto. The Michelin-starred Trattoria al Gatto Nero is number one on TripAdvisor. It's advertised as a family-run, informal eatery, with a 'delightful outside area in the summer,' and is loved by past diners. One user said: 'We had an amazing lunch beside the canal. Wonderful seafood platter followed by tagliatelle with spider crab, and washed down with some excellent Venetian Pinot Grigio. What a treat.' Word of warning: they urged you to make a reservation, as it's very popular. Another diner said the seafood risotto was a highlight, while someone dubbed their order of spaghetti for two, topped with various types of seafood including clams, shrimp and mussels, as 'perfection.' Prices aren't dirt cheap, but they won't break the bank. Spaghetti with Clams will set you back €22 (£18.53), Risotto Burano Style costs €26 (£21.91), and Grilled Cuttlefish is €25 (£21.06). If you can muster up the energy to move after such a feast, head to Il Campanile Storto. Otherwise known as the leaning bell tower of the Church of San Martin, the 16th-century building has more of a lean than the tower of Pisa. For those short on time but want to make sure they cover as much ground as possible, consider a walking tour of the town. For around £47 per person, local guides will teach you about the island's history and showcase any hidden gems you may not have spotted. Tours typically take around 80 minutes. More of a water baby? Take a boat tour instead. This way, you'll get to see more of Venice's islands. For just £25, embark on a speedboat to Murano, Burano's neighbouring island. You'll receive a tour of the area, which also features brightly coloured homes, before heading to Burano for a deep dive. As you'd expect from a tiny island, Burano doesn't have an airport, so the easiest way to get to it is to fly via Venice. The good news is, there are bargains to be had. At the time of writing, there are Ryanair flights available from London Stansted to Venice Marco Polo on June 11 for just £15. From Manchester, there's a one-way flight on June 2 for £18. And on September 26, you can fly from Bristol for £18. From Venice, take a ferry to Burano. Vessels run regularly throughout the day, take around 45 minutes, and start from €10 (£8.42). @minywander 🇮🇹 SAVE: Best things to do in Venice ⬇️ 📍 Venice is a stunning city in Northern Italy made of 100+ islands, with many canals and bridges. 🌁 Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) – walk across this bridge that crosses the Grand Canal with stunning views. 🛶 Gondola ride – admire the historic charm of Venice from the waters. ⚜️ Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) – tour the former Doge's residence, built in Venetian Gothic style. 🍮 Tiramisu from I Tre Mercanti – savor a freshly made sweet tiramisu by the canals. 🏛️ Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) – head to the city's central public square, housing many of Venice's famous buildings. 🏝️ Day trip to Murano, Burano or Torcello – visit a neighbor island – Murano is known for glass and Burano is famed for its colorful houses. 🍝 Pasta to go from Dal Moro – take out a bowl of made-to-order pasta to enjoy by the canals. 🌉 Ponte dell'Acccademia (Accademia Bridge) – stand on this bridge for a picture perfect view of Venice. 🍨 Gelato from Suso Gelatoteca – savor some gelato by the canals – this gelato shop offers plenty of flavors and amazing textures. Pistachio was my favorite! 🚓 Bridge of Sighs – imagine the sighs of prisoners as they walked across this bridge to their prison cells, seeing the last glimpse of Venice. You can walk on the bridge with tickets to Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale). 🕌 Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica) – marvel at this opulent, beautiful chuch in Piazza San Marco. 🏰 Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo – walk up the staircase for a marvelous view. ☕️ Caffe Florian – an elegant historic coffee house since the 1700s. Oldest cafe in Italy! 📚 Libreria Acqua Alta – explore the most beautiful book shop for a unique experience. 📌 Save this reel for your Venice trip! 👉🏻 Follow @minywander for more travel inspo and tips! #venice #visitvenice #italy #visititaly #italia #veniceitaly #europeansummer #veniceguide #europetrip #dalmoro #traveltips Summer in Venice | summer Europe trip | italy travel guide | venice travel guide | venice things to do | italy trip | italy travel tips | venice best activities ♬ Radiate Light – DJ Taz Rashid Burano enjoys a Mediterranean climate, meaning hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters are the norm. The summer months are the hottest, with temperatures averaging at 29°C. More Trending The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October also offer pleasant weather. Temperatures can range between 17°C and 24°C. So, for those who don't like it too hot and prefer fewer crowds, this may be the best time to go. During winter, it can drop to 7°C. However, whichever season you prefer, there's no 'good' or 'bad' time to visit Burano – the island's colourful houses and canals remain charming whatever the weather. Remember the 30 million annual visitors that head to Venice? As many as 120,000 pop over to Venice just for the day. This outnumbers permanent residents massively, as just 55,000 people call Venice home. Earlier this year, the city's authorities confirmed that the current €5 (£4.20) entry fee for daytrippers will increase to €10 (£8.30) — but only for last-minute travellers who book less than four days in advance. Over the years, the city has taken various measures to reduce tourism to achieve safer levels. In 2021, the Italian government banned cruise ships over 25,000 gross tons from entering the Giudecca Canal, which leads to the historic city centre. In 2015, the Mayor of Venice authorised fines of €500 (£428) for noisy, wheeled suitcases in the centre. Similarly, loudspeakers for guides have been banned, and a 'smart' city system has been implemented. The Smart Control Room is used to monitor and manage certain aspects of the city, including tourist flows, tracking footfall and optimising public transportation. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Is it safe to travel to Greece? Tsunami warning after 6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Crete MORE: Universal's Epic Universe theme park is finally open – the queue was my favourite part MORE: Center Parcs reveals first look at new UK holiday village costing £400,000,000
NDTV
21-05-2025
- NDTV
This Italian Town Has Bright Colourful Houses - The Reason Is Not To Look Pretty
Imagine walking into a town that looks like someone painted it with a giant box of crayons-where every house pops with colour in pink, green, blue, orange, purple, and yellow. Welcome to Burano, a tiny fishing island sitting quietly in the Venetian Lagoon, just a quick 40-minute ferry ride from Venice. Burano is known for its postcard-perfect streets, and while it might seem like the houses were painted for Instagram, the real reason behind these bold colours is far more practical and pretty fascinating. Why Are Burano's Houses Painted In Bright Colours? Despite what many assume, Burano's colourful homes were not painted just to pull in tourists or to look good in photos. The actual reason goes back to when it was a quiet fishing village. Local stories say the island gets covered in thick fog during the colder months. Fishermen coming back home at dawn would often find it hard to spot their houses in the mist. So, they painted them in standout colours, each one different, so they could recognise their homes even in low visibility. There's A System Behind The Colours In Burano The tradition of painting houses in eye-catching colours still exists today, but with some serious rules. Residents cannot just pick a shade and start painting. They must get permission from the authorities, and only specific colours are allowed. Even repainting your house needs official approval, which makes the whole island look super coordinated without losing its charm. Things To Do In Burano: Your Travel Guide To This Unique Italian Island 1. See How Traditional Lace Is Made Burano is famous worldwide for its handmade lace. You should definitely check out the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) where you can learn about the island's lace-making past and browse beautiful lace items-everything from delicate clothes to fine table linen. 2. Eat The Local Way: Burano Food You Need To Try You cannot visit Burano without tasting its signature sweets and seafood. Try bussolai buranei (buttery, ring-shaped biscuits) and bussola, their lighter, S-shaped cousins. Walk along the canals while munching on these, then sit down for a proper meal at one of these local spots: Trattoria da Romano for a wide variety of seafood Trattoria al Gatto Nero if you are in the mood for pasta Venissa, a Michelin-starred restaurant set in a vineyard, perfect for fine dining Tourism In Burano: How To Be A Respectful Guest Burano is not just a photo opportunity - it is a living, breathing town with real people. If you are visiting: Always ask before taking photos of people Do not peek through windows or move furniture or plants to take a better picture Respect both private homes and public places - basic, but important Also Read: This Is World's 'Most Photographed Beach.' Here's How To Get There When Is The Best Time To Visit Burano? Plan your trip between April and October for the best light and weather. During this time, Burano looks its brightest, and your photos will be full of colour. If you visit between June and August, be prepared for crowds. You can also visit during the Burano Carnival, usually between late February and early March, for something different - a great mix of tradition and colour. Burano Is More Than Just Pretty Houses The island might be famous for its bright buildings, but there is much more to it. With its mix of old traditions, great food, and a strong sense of community, Burano is worth visiting whether you love photography, enjoy local culture, or just want a quiet getaway from busy Venice.
