Scenic drive to the top of the lake

3^rd July 2011

Today we wanted to see more of the lake and, after studying the ferry timetable, decided it was probably easier to drive, as the ferry options are limited to get to the top of the lake.

We head off at around 10am, and drive north through Menaggio, into new territory. There is a turnoff to St Moritz just out of Menaggio (the Swiss border runs very close to the western side of the lake). We followed the lakeside road all the way to the top off the lake when you cross a small bridge to cross over to the eastern shore. We pulled in to a little café for our morning cup of coffee and to take in the view.

Our faithful VW Golf at our coffee stop

The view looking up to the end of the lake

View from the bridge looking back down the lake

On the way back down the western side we stopped at Domaso for a walk around. It is a scenic little village with many more sailing boats than we have seen elsewhere. The whole northern part of the lake seems to be where the sailors are in greater numbers and there are a lot of boats on the water today, probably because it is Sunday.

The waterfront at Domaso

The boat harbour

The streets are narrow !!!

A large river runs through the town

Next stop was Dongo, another nice small village on the waterfront where there was a small Sunday market under way along the waterfront. Once again there were plenty of boats. On the southern end of Dongo the road goes into one of the many tunnels that make passage through the mountains close to the shore possible. After a refreshing beer we continue south.

The boat harbour in Dongo ( tunnel through the mountain back left)

Dongo Sunday market

A good stop for a cold beer on another hot day

Before we know it we are back in Menaggio and decide to drive on through Griante to Lenno to have lunch there. It was a great idea, but for some reason Lenno was packed and there was not a car space to be found anywhere.

So, it was back to Griante for a very late lunch, a short afternoon rest, and dinner once again at our hotel. We have not seen a better menu anywhere else.