Varenna
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Latest update: 25 March 2024
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By Dion Protani
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There are lakes and there is Lake Como, there are lakeside towns and there is Varenna.
On my travels I've visited more than 100 of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and sought out the very best spots around each one; I'm yet to find a lakeside town more beautiful than Varenna. The dozens of towns situated around Lake Como ooze class and refinement but Varenna is the very embodiment of what all the others are trying to achieve. |
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Varenna: Lake Como's elegance embodied
Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Como, Varenna enchants visitors with its timeless beauty. The picturesque village boasts charming cobblestone streets, adorned with colourful houses and blooming bougainvillaea. At its heart lies the historic Villa Monastero, an architectural gem surrounded by lush botanical gardens.
Wander through the narrow alleys to discover the 11th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista, showcasing exquisite Renaissance frescoes. Admire the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains from the iconic Vezio Castle perched atop a rocky promontory. Nearby, indulge in culinary delights at lakeside trattorias, or embark on scenic boat rides to neighbouring villages, embracing the allure of Lake Como.
Wander through the narrow alleys to discover the 11th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista, showcasing exquisite Renaissance frescoes. Admire the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains from the iconic Vezio Castle perched atop a rocky promontory. Nearby, indulge in culinary delights at lakeside trattorias, or embark on scenic boat rides to neighbouring villages, embracing the allure of Lake Como.
Comune di Varenna
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Province: Lecco
Region: Lombardy Population: 691 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2024) Size: 11 km² Elevation: 220 metres Highlights: Villa Monastero, Passeggiata degli Innamorati Recommended accommodation: Hotel Olivedo Close by: Bellagio, Villa Carlotta, Lecco |
What are the most popular activities in Varenna and the local area?
- Villa Monastero: Explore the historic Villa Monastero, showcasing a blend of art, architecture, and botanical gardens, offering stunning views of Lake Como.
- Vezio Castle: Climb up to Vezio Castle to discover medieval ruins, falconry displays, and panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Lakeside Promenade: Stroll along the scenic lakeside promenade, lined with charming cafes, gelaterias, and souvenir shops, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
- Church of San Giovanni Battista: Admire the intricate frescoes and Romanesque architecture of the Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the 11th century.
- Bellagio Day Trip: Take a ferry to Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," to explore its elegant villas, vibrant gardens, and bustling piazzas.
- Boat Tours: Hop on a boat tour to cruise around Lake Como, soaking in the breathtaking scenery, with options to visit nearby attractions like Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta.
What are the best restaurants in Varenna?
- Al Prato Restaurant: Offering traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, Al Prato Restaurant delights diners with its scenic lakeside location and exquisite dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss their homemade pasta and seafood specialties.
- La Vista Restaurant: Perched high above the lake, La Vista Restaurant lives up to its name, providing stunning panoramic views along with delectable Mediterranean cuisine. Savour dishes like risotto, grilled fish, and homemade desserts while enjoying the romantic ambiance.
- Cava Turacciolo: Tucked away in a charming alley, Cava Turacciolo enchants visitors with its cosy atmosphere and authentic Italian flavours. Indulge in their homemade pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven or sample their array of regional dishes paired with fine wines.
- Vecchia Varenna: A favourite among locals and tourists alike, Vecchia Varenna exudes rustic charm and serves up hearty Lombardian fare. From comforting risottos to succulent grilled meats, every dish bursts with flavour, accompanied by friendly service and a welcoming ambiance.
- Bar il Molo: For a more casual dining experience, head to Bar il Molo situated right by the water's edge. This relaxed cafe offers a range of light bites, sandwiches, and refreshing drinks perfect for a quick lunch or a leisurely lakeside snack.
What are the best places to stay in Varenna and the local area?
- Hotel Villa Cipressi: Nestled in lush gardens overlooking Lake Como, Hotel Villa Cipressi offers elegant rooms with traditional decor and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, beautiful terraced gardens, and stunning lake views.
- Royal Victoria Hotel: Housed in a historic building dating back to the 19th century, the Royal Victoria Hotel combines classic charm with contemporary comfort. Situated in the heart of Varenna, it offers stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace, and excellent dining options.
- Casa Stacy: For a more intimate experience, consider Casa Stacy, a charming guesthouse located in the picturesque village of Perledo, just a short distance from Varenna. With cosy rooms, friendly hospitality, and panoramic views of Lake Como, it's perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- CastaDiva Resort & Spa: Located in nearby Blevio, CastaDiva Resort & Spa is a luxurious retreat offering lavish accommodations, a world-class spa, and gourmet dining options. Set amidst lush gardens and overlooking the lake, it provides an exclusive haven for discerning travellers.
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo: Situated a short ferry ride away in Tremezzo, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo epitomizes luxury and sophistication. With its opulent rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, and breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, it promises an unforgettable stay in the Italian Lakes region.
Use our accommodation map below to find the best prices and availability of hotels and apartments in Varenna!
What are the closest airports to Varenna?
Any of the three main airports that serve the Milan area are the most convenient for Varenna. Journey times from Varenna to the airports of Malpensa, Bergamo and Linate are all very similar: between an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half.
Milan Linate Airport (LIN)
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Located 79 kilometres from Varenna (1 hour 14 minutes by car)
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)
- Located 62 kilometres from Varenna (1 hour 23 minutes by car)
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Located 97 kilometres from Varenna (1 hour 28 minutes by car)
Does Varenna have its own train station?
Yes, Varenna has its own train station which is located close to the town centre, a walk of around 10-15 minutes.
Stazione di Varenna-Esino
Stazione di Varenna-Esino
- Located 850 metres from Varenna town centre (12 minutes on foot)
- Trains connect to Milan city centre with journey times of just over an hour
Is it possible to reach Varenna by ferry?
Yes, Varenna has its own imbarcadero (ferry stop) which is for vehicles as well as foot passengers. It's easy to reach Varenna by ferry throughout the summer and to also visit the other major towns around Lake Como.
You can plan your ferry journey to Varenna before your trip by using our guide to the Lake Como ferry system using the green button below. Alternatively, you can visit the official Lake Como ferry website for immediate ticket purchasing.
You can plan your ferry journey to Varenna before your trip by using our guide to the Lake Como ferry system using the green button below. Alternatively, you can visit the official Lake Como ferry website for immediate ticket purchasing.
What private transfer options are there for Varenna?
A private transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport to Varenna takes around one hour 30 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Varenna?
By far the best option for Varenna car rental is to pre-book a car from the airport. Whether it's Bergamo, Malpensa or Linate airport you'll find all of the major rental companies represented with a good selection of cars to hire.
Varenna Gallery
Varenna in-depth
A Lake Como jewel not to be missed!
When I started to put this guide together I resolved to visit every town around Lake Como which is no mean feat. I patiently worked my way around the lake, stopping at each town to take photos as I arrived by car. At the end of one very long day, I saw a turn-off for Varenna but saw it was blocked by a peloton of cyclists and at a whim, I decided I could give it a miss and just content myself with a long-range shot of the town I'd taken earlier from the other side of the lake.
Months later, having left the region completely, I started to do some post-visit research on the lake and kept seeing the name Varenna crop up. I started looking at photos of the town and was ashen-faced when I finally realised what a treasure I'd missed out on. Never again will I let a small group of cyclists deter me from taking a turning! I have of course returned to Varenna since and found everything I'd been hoping to find and more.
Months later, having left the region completely, I started to do some post-visit research on the lake and kept seeing the name Varenna crop up. I started looking at photos of the town and was ashen-faced when I finally realised what a treasure I'd missed out on. Never again will I let a small group of cyclists deter me from taking a turning! I have of course returned to Varenna since and found everything I'd been hoping to find and more.
Pedestrianised centre
The first thing to note about Varenna is something that's quite pertinent to my near-miss the first time around; Varenna is pedestrianised and therefore closed to vehicles which are directed around the edges of the village, rather than driving through its centre as happens with most locations around the lake. The upshot of this is a more relaxed, cleaner environment where you can explore everything on foot.
I started my Varenna walkaround from just south of the village, parking in the spacious multi-storey car park just a short walk from the centre. I decided to stop first at the beautiful Villa Monastero: a 13th century convent that was eventually dissolved in the 16th century, apparently due to some questionable behaviour by its resident nuns.
The villa complex currently has various functions but its most attractive feature is its garden. Exotic, colourful plants and flowers sprout in every direction with the backdrop of the lake lending it that unquestionable sense of elegance.
I started my Varenna walkaround from just south of the village, parking in the spacious multi-storey car park just a short walk from the centre. I decided to stop first at the beautiful Villa Monastero: a 13th century convent that was eventually dissolved in the 16th century, apparently due to some questionable behaviour by its resident nuns.
The villa complex currently has various functions but its most attractive feature is its garden. Exotic, colourful plants and flowers sprout in every direction with the backdrop of the lake lending it that unquestionable sense of elegance.
Lakeside gardens
Part of Villa Monastero's charm comes from the views across the lake to Villa Cipressi which should be the next stop on your discovery of the town. Although Villa Cipressi is a private hotel, it has a significant area of its gardens open to the public. Just as with Villa Monastero, the garden gently descends down to the shoreline, offering further beguiling views of the lake.
Into the town itself, the first square you arrive at is Piazza San Giorgio; named after the 13th century church of the same name that dominates its eastern edge. Piazza San Giorgio is an airy, open public space lined with trees and ringed by a number of bars and restaurants; a great place to hang out for a spot of people-watching. It also has the distinction of being home to one of the oldest churches around Lake Como, the 10th century Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista with its famous frescoes.
At this point we've had two beautiful botanical gardens and a charming square with medieval churches but the best is yet to come. If you follow the descending incline of Piazza San Giorgio you'll start to see some narrow passageways that lead down to the lake. At the top of one of the passageways you'll see a sign to the Hotel du Lac and if you walk down here you'll eventually reach the lake. Once you get down to this area of the town, you can really see what sets Varenna apart.
Into the town itself, the first square you arrive at is Piazza San Giorgio; named after the 13th century church of the same name that dominates its eastern edge. Piazza San Giorgio is an airy, open public space lined with trees and ringed by a number of bars and restaurants; a great place to hang out for a spot of people-watching. It also has the distinction of being home to one of the oldest churches around Lake Como, the 10th century Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista with its famous frescoes.
At this point we've had two beautiful botanical gardens and a charming square with medieval churches but the best is yet to come. If you follow the descending incline of Piazza San Giorgio you'll start to see some narrow passageways that lead down to the lake. At the top of one of the passageways you'll see a sign to the Hotel du Lac and if you walk down here you'll eventually reach the lake. Once you get down to this area of the town, you can really see what sets Varenna apart.
A riot of colour
The little bay here is made up of clusters of character-filled, multi-coloured buildings housing restaurants, bars, shops or private residences. During the summer months this area is a riot of colour with different shades of bougainvillea protruding from the gaps in between buildings while an army of trees stands to attention in the background. This is one of the nicest places in Italy to stop for a bite to eat or to simply enjoy a long, slow drink while taking in the sumptuous surroundings.
You'd be forgiven for any overindulgence in refreshment such as an ice-cream here but you have the perfect opportunity to do something about it by taking a leisurely stroll along the aptly-named Passeggiata degli Innamorati, the "Walk of Lovers". This lakeside promenade curves its way to another engaging area of Varenna called Olivedo.
A further cluster of restaurants, bars and hotels greet you here but of greater relevance, this is where you'll find Varenna's "imbarcadero", the ferry stop from which you can sail to the other towns around the lake. Varenna's transport links are further strengthened here by the town's train station which can take you south to Lecco or north to the neighbouring town of Bellano.
There is still a further delight to enjoy in Varenna: gazing down on to the town from a great height is Castello di Vezio. Dating back to the seventh century, the castle is famous for its haunting sculptures of ghosts as well as its occasional falconry displays. The walk up to the castle from the village requires some stamina and can take around half an hour or so, but if you have a car you can take the sting out of it and park just a short distance away.
You'd be forgiven for any overindulgence in refreshment such as an ice-cream here but you have the perfect opportunity to do something about it by taking a leisurely stroll along the aptly-named Passeggiata degli Innamorati, the "Walk of Lovers". This lakeside promenade curves its way to another engaging area of Varenna called Olivedo.
A further cluster of restaurants, bars and hotels greet you here but of greater relevance, this is where you'll find Varenna's "imbarcadero", the ferry stop from which you can sail to the other towns around the lake. Varenna's transport links are further strengthened here by the town's train station which can take you south to Lecco or north to the neighbouring town of Bellano.
There is still a further delight to enjoy in Varenna: gazing down on to the town from a great height is Castello di Vezio. Dating back to the seventh century, the castle is famous for its haunting sculptures of ghosts as well as its occasional falconry displays. The walk up to the castle from the village requires some stamina and can take around half an hour or so, but if you have a car you can take the sting out of it and park just a short distance away.
