Our first stop of the day was Menaggio. The boat ride was the most picturesque I've ever taken. I couldn't imagine anything better. That is until I walked off the boat and walked to the Piazza Garibaldi, the heart of Menaggio. The stroll along Menaggio's lakefront was simply stunning, possibly even more breathtaking than the walk of lovers in Varenna.
After a refreshing cup of gelato, we decided to take a hike to Val Sanagra Park. The park is a nature reserve filled with trails, waterfalls, and a river filled with rapids. The sounds and fresh air could relieve stress for anyone experiencing its beauty. The hike from start to finish took us about 3.5 hours, leading us through the small hamlet of Loveno along the way. After our hike, it was time to relax along the waterfront with a pastry and a refreshing cold drink, catching our breath and appreciating how blessed we were to be experiencing it.
It was then time to catch the ferry for another scenic boat ride to Bellagio. It has the perfect location on the lake. The lake is shaped like an upside-down "Y" and it's located in the area that separates the two southern branches of the lake. It's considered the most glamorous and, as far as I'm concerned, the most touristy.
The main street of Giuseppe Garibaldi is very beautiful. It leads from the lakefront to many beautiful alleys filled with unique shops and restaurants, and also a million people. It did have a beautiful church in the Piazza Della Chiesa, the Basilica di San Giacomo. We decided the town was too crowded so we walked to a small fishing village, the hamlet of Pescallo, where I purchased a hand-carved wooden spoon made from olive wood.
Since the sun was starting to get low on the horizon, we made our way back to the ferry boat dock for our journey back to Varenna. Enjoy the pictures!
Arrivederci
