Lake Como and Brunate

Sometimes one just makes a bad decision for a good reason. So we varied from my itinerary for this Sunday, for the very good reason that this was forecast to be the best weather for the rest of our holiday. Therefore we reasoned a good day to go to the Lakes which is an outdoors thing to do. Hence we headed up to Lake Como.

Why was it a bad decision? Well the trouble was everybody else thought it was good idea too. The result being that the lake was just overrun with people, mostly locals thinking wouldn't it be nice place to spend a sunny weekend. We queued for ages for a ferry, and then just gave up.

The bus alternative to Bellagio, supposedly the prettiest village in Italy, didn't look good either. In the end we chose an alternative queue and alternative destination, up the funicular railway to Brunate. Just to get some views of the lake and away from the crowds.

Brunate turned out to be a nice somewhat sleepy spot. And we might not have ventured far, given it was on a hillside and going upwards, and it was very hot, had we not met a lady coming down who could see our uncertainty as to where to go. She recommended going further up to the lighthouse as there were three excellent restaurants there for a by now, late, lunch. And although precipitous she had made it up there with an 8 year old. So there was a challenge for two sixty year olds. We had to go on.

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And in due course we climbed tp some flat ground and the said collection of restaurants.

We picked the best looking, and they had just one table on the edge of the terrace with views. And from the worst decision of our holiday we made the best. Certainly the most enjoyable lunch of our holiday. Cool, views to die for, excellent food and service. Everything one could wish for.

Super plate of charcuterie to start

And drink in those views from our table.

Dessert wasn't bad either - apple cake and ice cream

Place was almost empty by the time we left.

From the restaurant it wasn't far to reach the lighthouse. Not really a lighthouse - why do you need a lighthouse at the top of a mountain? It was  built as a memorial to a local inventor. Just another 30 metres to climb (for the princely sum of 2 euros.

But the views were just captivating. Well worth the calories expended (which had of course been more than replenished by the three course lunch with wine!).

After another long queue for the funicular down, we had a pleasant stroll along the parkway surrounding Lake Como. Como San Giovanni is an attractive place in its own right.