Hazel

I’m Hazel, an Irish expat who moved to Italy for a year and forgot to leave. After four years of navigating Italian bureaucracy and the language struggle, I’m here to share the real Italy—from the famous postcard spots to the hidden corners I find along the way. Salute agus Sláinte.

View of the Lecco waterfront at Lake Como with traditional lake boats docked near the historic tower under a clear sky.

Milan to Lake Como: The Local’s Golden Triangle Itinerary

Leave a Comment / Northern Cities & Towns, northern lakes /

Think you can’t see the best of Lake Como on a peak-season weekend without fighting the crowds? Think again. If you want to experience the magic of the lake without spending your day crammed, you just need a different plan. This simple transport hack skips the viral station chaos entirely, turning a potentially stressful journey into a beautiful day out.It’s the perfect route to explore iconic spots like Bellagio and Varenna with plenty of room to breathe and the time to actually enjoy the view.

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The Best Areas for Nightlife in Milan: Navigli, Chinatown & Beyond

Leave a Comment / Northern Cities & Towns /

For those of you who prefer a sunset aperitivo with a good buzz, whether it is in a crowded canal-side bar, a hidden courtyard, or perched on a rooftop overlooking the city, the best nights in Milan usually involve the hum of the Navigli, the high-energy chaos of a Chinatown karaoke bar, or the outdoor ‘movida’ culture where the street becomes the bar.

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stairs down to wine cellar with colourful strobe lights

Morbegno in Cantina: A Local’s Guide to the Valtellina Wine Festival

Wine tasting /

If you want to see Morbegno at its absolute best, you need to visit during Morbegno in Cantina. It’s a massive event where the town’s historic wine cellars (cantinas) open their doors for tastings. It’s not just about having a glass of wine; it’s about the atmosphere. Frescoed buildings, underground alleys, live music, and the mountains framing the whole town.

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view of lake como from rifugio sev hike western horn cross path

Hiking Corni di Canzo: The Best Views of Lake Como

hiking, northern lakes /

If you are looking for hikes with the best views of Lake Como, you need to head to Valmadrera. While the tourists are jostling for space in Varenna, the locals are usually found on Path #7, heading up towards the Corni di Canzo (the “Three Horns”). It’s a bit of a reach, but the perspective you get of the lake and the Alps from the top is unbeatable.

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