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CNET
31-07-2025
- General
- CNET
You Might Be Using the Wrong Oil: A Guide to Cooking Oils and When to Use Them
Oil's versatility knows no bounds. Not only does it help cook our favorite proteins and vegetables but it can also be mixed into dressings and baked goods to enhance everything from crave-worthy fat content to superior moisture levels. Some varieties, such as olive and coconut oil, can even be applied directly to skin and hair for the benefits of long-lasting hydration. But many oils serve very specific purposes. While ever-popular olive oil may be the go-to for practically everything in your kitchen, it isn't the right oil for everything. And the nuances within olive oil make choosing the right type critical for culinary success. For a complete breakdown of the most common oils, their uses, as well as a quick guide to olive oil specifically, we chatted with a few culinary professionals to lend their expertise. Most common oils and uses Smoke point and flavor are the two big considerations to make when choosing an oil. Maximilian Stock/Getty Guido Parrati, owner of Parla Come Mangi in Rapallo, Italy, is no stranger to cooking education. In addition to serving an impressively robust assortment of Italian delicacies in his iconic deli, Parrati also hosts seminars, tastings and showcases of local ingredients. Beyond flavor profile, Parrati claims that the single most important aspect of an oil, at least when used for cooking, is its smoke point. A high smoke point indicates that the product can withstand higher temperatures before it begins to -- you guessed it -- smoke and break down. This is important to keep in mind for proteins such as red meat that may require more heat and longer cooking times to break through tough exteriors and more fibrous insides. After all, if oil is the lubricating vessel to a perfect sear and/or crunch, you don't want it to completely dissipate before the job's done (or well done, if that's your preference). Here is a list of the most common oils used for cooking, provided in detail by Parrati (sans olive oil, which gets its own section after the jump). Canola or vegetable High smoke point oils like canola are good for seasoning cast-iron cookware. Tyler Lizenby/CNET Best for: Cooking, baking and frying "Vegetable oil has a neutral, delicate flavor and a high smoke point, making it excellent for frying, sautéing and high-temperature cooking." These oils also are ideal for seasoning your cast-iron cookware. Sesame oil Sesame oil is ideal for finishing. SUNGMIN/Getty Images Best for: Finishing "Known for its strong, nutty flavor -- especially when toasted -- it's great for finishing dishes to add depth and aroma, commonly used in Asian cuisine." Coconut oil Coconut oil has a bold flavor and medium smoke point. Alina Bradford/CNET Best for: Cooking and baking "With its distinctive, sweet and tropical flavor, it has a medium smoke point, making it suitable for cooking and finishing, especially in desserts or Asian-inspired dishes." Avocado oil Avocado oil boasts a high smoke point. Bristol Farms Best for: Cooking, baking, and frying "Delicate and buttery in taste, it has one of the highest smoke points, making it ideal for very high-heat cooking or frying. It's also excellent raw as a finishing oil. Sunflower or safflower oil A neutral flavor makes safflower oil good for frying. Oilver Farm Best for: Cooking and frying "It has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking and frying." Olive oil: A guide Like wine, olive oil flavor is subject to its terroir, climate and style of production. Graza Arguably the most popular and familiar of the bunch, olive oil can be treated a lot like wine with its diversity of fruit, terroir, climate and pairings. New Zealand's Allpress Olive Groves offers tastings on its Waiheke Island property for guests to identify and appreciate the flavor nuances of each bottle. This also includes olive oil blends, much like wine, that can enhance or temper flavors to create an outcome unlike anything on the market. "Just like expertly blended wines or coffees, olive oil blends are crafted to offer a harmonious balance of flavors and aromas," says Erin Butterworth, who oversees events and marketing for the brand. "Blending different olive varieties allows us to create oils that are rich in complexity, with tasting notes ranging from fruity and grassy to peppery and nutty." "This versatility makes them ideal for a variety of culinary applications, such as drizzling over salads, finishing dishes or enhancing baked goods. The art of blending ensures that each bottle delivers a consistent and delightful flavor profile, inviting creativity in the kitchen and elevating everyday meals," she adds. Types of olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is the gold standard but, depending on your cooking needs, there are other, more affordable variations and blends worth considering. Olive oil compared Type What is it Flavor Smoke Point Best Use Extra Virgin Highest quality. Made from cold-pressed olives with no chemical processing. Bold, fruity 375°F Finishing, dipping, salads Virgin Made by cold pressing, but with slightly higher acidity and less intense flavor than EVOO Mild 390°F Light sautéing, simple cooking Pure/Classic A blend of refined olive oil and a small amount of virgin or extra virgin olive oil Neutral 465°F Frying, roasting Light/Extra Light Heavily refined oil with minimal flavor and color Very neutral 470°F Baking, high-heat cooking Olive oil flavor profile There are three distinct flavor dimensions found in most olive oils. Zoutina Fruity: "A delicate classic that everyone loves. Smooth and balanced, it gives an instant lift to any dish." These oils are best used on salads and fresh vegetables as a finisher or part of a dressing Nutty: "Creamy and nutty with a smooth finish. All the richness you crave -- like butter, but better." Choose nutty oils for baked goods, pastas, roasted vegetables and grilling meats. Peppery: "Intense and with a serious bite. It's a bold oil that makes its presence known." Try peppery oils for dipping bread or finishing cooked vegetables and meat. What to look for when buying olive oil Checking the date on a bottle of olive oil before buying is a good practice. Oscar Wong/Getty While most mass-market olive oils will get the job done, they don't always provide an exceptional tasting or cooking experience. Instead, Butterworth advises shoppers to keep four characteristics in mind as they meander through grocery or gourmet food store aisles. Freshness: "Think of olive oil as fruit juice -- it's best when fresh! Look for a harvest or 'pressed on' date stamped on the bottle. Aim for oil from the past 12–18 months and definitely within two years to get full flavor and health benefits." "Think of olive oil as fruit juice -- it's best when fresh! Look for a harvest or 'pressed on' date stamped on the bottle. Aim for oil from the past 12–18 months and definitely within two years to get full flavor and health benefits." Free fatty acids (FFA): "The FFA marker reveals how well the olives were handled post‑harvest and lower is better. By international standards, extra virgin olive oil must have an FFA below 0.8%. Some premium producers like us aim for below 0.3% to indicate exceptional quality." "The FFA marker reveals how well the olives were handled post‑harvest and lower is better. By international standards, extra virgin olive oil must have an FFA below 0.8%. Some premium producers like us aim for below 0.3% to indicate exceptional quality." Taste: "Everybody's palate is different so the ideal oil for one person may not suit another. Sampling oils in‑store (via tastings or small bottles) helps you discover whether you prefer a bold, peppery varietal or a smoother, fruitier blend. It's surprising how different they can taste." "Everybody's palate is different so the ideal oil for one person may not suit another. Sampling oils in‑store (via tastings or small bottles) helps you discover whether you prefer a bold, peppery varietal or a smoother, fruitier blend. It's surprising how different they can taste." Packaging quality: "Quality oils should be sold in dark glass, tin or opaque containers to protect them from light exposure, which degrades flavor and antioxidants. Be wary of clear plastic bottles or large bulk containers unless you go through them very quickly at home." Read more: Pantry Staples and Other Foods That Spoil Faster Than You'd Think Creative uses for olive oil Ceviche is one dish that puts olive oil front and center. CNET Olive oil use isn't exclusive to cooking, baking and finishing. Maichol Morandi, executive chef of Lake Como's Grand Hotel Victoria, refers to his favorite Vanini brand from Lenno as the protagonist of his cuisine. He concocts entire dishes around its wide range of flavor profiles. "In our kitchens, we use and experiment with custom olive oil blends for new seasonal menu creations, ideal for achieving specific balances between smoke point, flavor and structure," he says. A few of chef's favorite and most recent preparations include: Coriander-infused olive oil for sea bass ceviche: "This oil is created using a cold-extraction technique that preserves its purity and elegance," he says. "Fresh coriander leaves are blanched for a few seconds in hot water, then cooled in ice water to set their color. Once squeezed, the leaves are blended with a mixture of sunflower oil (for its neutrality) and olive oil." Dark chocolate desserts: "We add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil infused with tonka bean to a dark chocolate dessert with figs and Maldon salt. It brings warm, balsamic aromas and surprises the palate with a sensual contrast." Raviolo: "In a raviolo filled with scampi and lime, a bergamot oil -- made by infusing the zest -- enhances the citrus freshness without relying on aggressive acidity."
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.
National Geographic
23-05-2025
- National Geographic
Want to see Lake Como and the Italian Riviera without the crowds? Try these lesser-known spots
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. Rapallo: The art of relaxation on the Italian Riviera 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. When planning a visit to Castello di Rapallo, you should consider packing your swimsuit to spend additional time at the nearby beach, Spiaggia del Castello. Photograph by Toni Anzenberger, Anzenberger/Redux 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.) Where to stay in Rapallo 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.) Varenna: Is this the most romantic village in Italy? 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. On Lake Como, the town of Varenna has a colorful skyline with the iconic bell tower of the Church of San Giorgio prominently seen in the background. Photograph by Glenn Harper, Alamy Stock Photo Visitors can walk down the narrow walkways of Varenna to take in the town's quiet charm. Photograph by Stefano Valeri, Alamy Stock Photo 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.) Where to stay in Varenna 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. Menaggio: For the laidback luxury of Lake Como 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.) Situated at the highest point in Menaggio, the busy old town center has shops, cafes, and resturants nestled among tightly packed houses and architectural landmarks such as the Santo Stefano's Church and the remains of a castle's walls that date back to the 10th century. Photograph by Kirk Fisher, Alamy Stock Photo 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. Where to stay in Menaggio 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.
