Fiumelatte, the river that appears and disappears

Just south of Varenna flows Fiumelatte, one of the shortest rivers in Italy: only about 250 metres from its source to the lake. Its name — “river of milk” — comes from the white foam of its waters. Fiumelatte usually flows from spring to autumn and disappears in the colder months, a phenomenon that has intrigued observers for centuries; Leonardo da Vinci is said to have mentioned it in his notes. How much water it carries depends on natural conditions, so the view changes from season to season. We pass the Varenna shore on Explore the Gardens and The Grand Tour.