Italy’s iconic cities—Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples—draw millions every year, often leaving travelers craving a quieter, more authentic Italian experience. If you want to see the stunning beauty of Lake Como and the Italian Riviera without the crowds, the charming towns of Rapallo, Varenna, and Menaggio await. Each offers a unique blend of history, art, and cuisine, wrapped in serene landscapes perfect for your dream Italian vacation.
Rapallo: The art of relaxation on the Italian Riviera
Nestled on the Ligurian Sea between Genoa and the famous Cinque Terre, Rapallo is a picturesque town with a calm, temperate climate and a rich cultural heritage. With just 30,000 residents, this town has been a haven for literary and artistic greats like Ernest Hemingway, W.B. Yeats, and Jean Sibelius, who found inspiration in its tranquil beauty.
Strolling along Rapallo’s palm-lined waterfront promenade, you’ll encounter the Chiosco della Musica, a charming Art Nouveau pavilion built in 1929, alongside landmarks like the medieval Castello di Rapallo and the Basilica of Saints Gervasio and Protasio. The town invites you to enjoy a leisurely passeggiata, absorbing its artistic atmosphere and peaceful pace.
Rapallo’s cultural depth extends indoors at the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum), where a stunning collection of over 5,000 lace artifacts showcases the town’s historic craft tradition. Meanwhile, contemporary art thrives at the NUAR Gallery, an offshoot of Rome’s renowned institution, featuring ever-changing exhibitions of sculpture, photography, and abstract art.
For food lovers, Rapallo offers a delectable journey through Ligurian flavors. Join a culinary tour with Guido Porrati at ParlaComeMangi for hands-on pesto making, visits to local markets, and tastings of regional specialties like focaccia al formaggio and pansotti pasta with walnut sauce. Nearby, the bustling Mercato del Giovedi is perfect for independent exploration. Though Rapallo draws twice its population during the high season, its historic center remains a peaceful contrast to its more touristic neighbors. The town’s ferry pier provides easy access to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and the Cinque Terre, all framed by stunning coastal views. A short ferry ride to Portofino reveals designer boutiques and acclaimed eateries, including da I Gemelli, where family recipes dating back to 1850 showcase traditional Ligurian cuisine.
Where to stay in Rapallo:
The Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort, a Belle Époque pink palazzo, overlooks the Gulf of Tigullio and offers elegant rooms with balconies. The hotel features a Michelin-listed restaurant, rooftop terrace, and a luxurious spa inspired by Roman baths. Guests can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and a private beach club with a seafood restaurant.
Varenna: Italy’s most romantic village?
On the eastern shore of Lake Como, Varenna enchants visitors with its intimate charm and lush gardens. With fewer than 1,000 residents, this village is a top wedding destination, known for its breathtaking terraces at Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero. The historic gardens cascade down to the lake, offering a romantic backdrop where visitors often witness proposals.
Villa Cipressi’s terraced gardens, dating from the 15th to 19th centuries, feature an array of exotic and native plants like magnolia, lemon trees, and wisteria. Converted into a hotel, the villa remains a popular venue for celebrations. Each summer, Varenna honors Queen Victoria’s 1838 visit with Festa della Regina, marked by fireworks and lakeside dining. Villa Monastero, once a convent and private residence, is now a fine arts museum displaying historic furniture, paintings, and décor. Nearby, the Scanagatta Ornithological Museum captivates nature enthusiasts with over 800 bird and mammal specimens.
For sweeping views, climb to the medieval Castello di Vezio. Perched on a bluff, it offers panoramic vistas of Lake Como and hosts an owl aviary. Between March and November, the castle’s gardens, dungeons, and tower open to the public, and weekends feature aperitivos at sunset.
Where to stay in Varenna:
Hotel Villa Cipressi is a historic four-star hotel nestled by the lake with elegant gardens and fountains. Guests can dine at the neighboring Hotel Royal Victoria’s Visteria restaurant, which serves fresh regional seafood and artisanal pastas, including dishes with squid, red shrimp, and seaweed. The chef’s inventive desserts complete the fine dining experience.
Menaggio: laidback luxury on Lake Como
Just across the lake from Varenna, Menaggio offers a more relaxed and unpretentious take on Lake Como’s famed luxury. With under 4,000 residents, Menaggio was once a walled medieval city and still retains its historic charm through narrow cobblestone streets and notable landmarks like the 10th-century Castello di Menaggio and the Church of San Carlo.
Menaggio’s lake shore promenade is a local favorite, lined with palm trees and pergolas. It stretches from the lively Piazza Garibaldi to Victoria Beach, a new lakefront club featuring restaurants, bars, private beach areas, and two infinity pools. Nearby, Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo boasts stunning 17th-century gardens with sculptures by Antonio Canova and a vast collection of rhododendrons, camellias, and citrus trees. The villa also offers picnic spots and a charming bistro housed in a former greenhouse. Menaggio’s ferry terminal connects visitors year-round to Varenna and Bellagio, providing scenic and affordable access across the lake.
Where to stay in Menaggio:
The Grand Hotel Victoria, a Belle Époque gem, sits on Menaggio’s lakefront promenade and offers a luxurious sanctuary away from the crowds. Recently renovated, it blends contemporary design with historic grandeur. The hotel features the largest spa on Lake Como, with tropical waterfalls, saunas, and a heated pool. Guests can enjoy meals at the Lago restaurant, which boasts stunning lake views and a private boat for easy excursions to iconic sites like Villa del Balbianello.
Planning your escape
To reach these hidden Italian jewels, Aer Lingus and other airlines offer direct flights from North America to Milan or Genoa, with convenient connections by train or car. Whether you prefer coastal elegance, romantic lakeside strolls, or relaxed luxury, Rapallo, Varenna, and Menaggio offer the perfect blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights—without the crowds.
