spending 3 days in bellagio and plan to visit both of these villages. which would you spend more time and have lunch? recommendations for lunch?

thanks

Menaggio is the largest of the three "villages" mid-lake and it really is more than a village. There is more or less a "downtown" area which fronts on the lake with a sort-of town square. This is an easy walk from the ferry dock. There are a few restaurants scattered about and we ate in a couple when we stayed in Menaggio some years ago. I am sorry I cannot remember their names or exact locations.

Varenna, OTOH, is a bit more complicated and perhaps also more scenic. Get ready for hills vs. Menaggio's flat landscape. I am certain someone will give you specific restaurant recommendations for Varenna as well as perhaps also telling you to forget Menaggio entirely.

You'll probably end up spending more time in Menaggio, simply because it's bigger, has more shops, etc. Varenna's a quaint little place with lost of restaurants along the waterfront. I wouldn't classify any them as must-do places, but they're nice enough to have lunch and a glass of wine by the lake.

what are your "must do" places in the area?

DH and I enjoyed Villa Carlotta even though we were there in March. If you will be visiting in April, azaleas will be in bloom said the folks there.

We stayed in Bellagio for 2 nights and Varenna for 1 (we took the train from there to Milan). In many ways, I found Varenna to be even prettier than Bellagio (and I loved Bellagio). We ferried from Bellagio to Menaggio and walked to Villa Carlotta so I can't speak to Menaggio proper.

FWIW, I topped my TR if you wish to click on my name to see the Bellagio section.

You can also get periodic ferry service which stops at the Villa Carlotta dock.

TDudette: enjoyed your trip report. some good ideas. thanks again!

Good info, Dukey1.

Thanks toledodd--glad to help.