If you live in Varenna, you probably have to get accustomed to steep, but lovely, climbs.
This week’s Travel Theme: Steps from Ailsa who writes the blog Where’s My Backback? reminded us of the many steps we took in Varenna, Italy. Walking there can be a challenge, if all you’re accustomed to is your fitness routine on even pavement in your neighborhood. Walks in Varenna are definitely a step up, but when you’re in a beautiful town on Lake Como, you probably don’t mind at all. Here are some of the steps we took.
After heaving luggage up steep steps, we paused at the doorway of our rental apartment from VRBO to admire this sweet greenhouse nestled above the stone walkway.
Pretty as a picture: a backyard greenhouse and stone steps in Varenna.
In town, we walked along water’s edge, following the signature red railing along Lake Como.
Stepping out in Varenna
The gardens of Villa Monastero offered even more steps with some leading directly to water’s edge . . .
Steps and statues: the gardens of Villa Monastero.
and others lined with artfully planted urns.
Concrete urns lining a walkway at Villa Monastero
If you plan a trip to Lake Como, know that you’ll be walking up and down. But you won’t mind. You’ll think you’re on stairways to heaven.
More photos are just a step away: Travel theme: Steps.
mixedbaggweb
Beautiful landscape and architecture. Thanks for sharing.
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Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for taking a look at our blog. We love traveling, seeing new things, meeting new people, and then posting for all to enjoy as well. We may want to share with you on your site. Thanks for the invitation to do so. Best wishes for a great upcoming holiday season.
amykfry
I loved Looking around the gardens to that Villa. In fact i loved Lake Como as a whole!
Oh, the Places We See
We, too, loved Lake Como; however, Bert lost his backpack in Milan and we spent far too much time trying to get it back. But what we saw on the boat tour has stuck with us — such gorgeous scenery and friendly people!!! Thanks for taking the time to make a comment.
roadtotravel
Awesome post! I had never been here but I really want to go! Have you been in Cinque Terre ? Last month I visited It and I really loved it! If you want to know more check my last post 😊
Oh, the Places We See
We made it Cinque Terre on a day-long tour that covered briefly all five towns. If I had it to do over again, I’d spend the night in Cinque Terre so I could walk around the villages. So much to see and photography!
restlessjo
True enough! 🙂 🙂 I spent a few happy holidays in the Italian Lakes and never regretted a second of it.
Oh, the Places We See
I would like to go back sometime. We were helping a couple celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, so much of what we did revolved around their schedule. Next time, I’d like for the two of us to explore more fully. Would love to be there in the fall!
Curt Mekemson
Where steps become an experience in themselves, Rusha, as opposed to just leading you somewhere! And don’t they always make the climb easier? –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
Stairs are an experience in themselves. Especially if they are dark, steep and headed to a spooky basement or gold and glorious as in a king’s castle. Stories to tell, all right.
Green Global Trek
What lovely photos. Haven’t been to Lake Como, but we did spend time in Toledo, Spain where it is a constant uphill walk. The locals and even elderly are of course so used to it, they literally glide up the inclines without breaking a sweat.
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
I know exactly what you mean — about the elderly. They can take those stairs two at a time, leaving us behind and breathless! It’s pretty embarrassing to be lapped by an 85-year-old! But it happened!
HesterLeyNel
My poor knees! I can hear them complaining. This is a very good way to stay fit though. Great pictures, as always.
Oh, the Places We See
And we had that very knee problem! We’re just not accustomed to climbing so much, especially on cobblestone streets. But we were determined to see it all. I truthfully, though, don’t know how the residents do this day after day. They just do, I guess! Thanks for taking a look.
JudyinFrance
I wonder if the people who live in places where they have to go up and down steps all day are a lot thinner that those of us who live and work in flat places.
Oh, the Places We See
We wondered the same thing! The women especially were so trim! And even with all that pasta and lovely pastries, their bodies were quite healthy looking. It must be the steps!
sunnydaysinseattle
I remember this place, we took the boat from there to the other island on the lake. This post brings back fond memories. Thank you!
Oh, the Places We See
Isn’t it a lovely part of the world? We took several ferry rides to different towns: Cadennabia, Bellagio, etc. Would love to go again for great shopping, food, and people watching!