Lake Como is a spectacular destination in northern Italy. About a 45-minute train ride from Milan, it is also a popular tourist attraction and second home to many celebrities.
But with so many charming towns, picking which to stay in can be challenging. However, from the number of things to do in Varenna, delicious cuisine, and central location, this picturesque town is one of the best places to stay.
It is my favorite town in Lake Como due to its colorful buildings, charming streets, and several things to do. Since Varenna is also one of the main towns to visit, I wanted to share all the reasons why it is so popular.
This guide to Varenna details popular restaurants, hotels, and attractions in the town. I will also give you some tips to help you make the most of your time on Italy’s beautiful glacier lake.
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How to Get to Lake Como
Getting to Lake Como can take time and effort, depending on where you want to go. Since Varenna is one of the main towns on the lake and has a train station, it is one of the more accessible locations. Generally, taking the train from Milan is the most popular and easiest way to travel. Here are some of the primary forms of transportation to Varenna.
Take the Train
There are a couple different routes to take you from Milan to Lake Como. These are two of the easiest and quickest ones straight into Varenna.
Milan Malpensa Airport to Varenna: If you are flying into Milan, getting to Varenna by train involves a step. First, take the Malpensa Express to Milan Centrale Station. Then, take a second train to the Varenna-Esino Station.
Milan Centrale Station to Varenna: If you are traveling to Milan by train, you will stop at the Milan Centrale Station. From there, you can take a direct train to Vareanna-Esino Station.
Find Train Schedules and Fairs
Rent a Car
After visiting Lake Como twice, having a car makes traveling to different destinations much more accessible. And since ferries can transport cars across the lake for a few extra euros, having a car is a highly convenient option.
If you don’t mind driving from Milan to Varenna, it will take about an hour to get there by car. A downside to renting a car is the limited amount of parking available in some places. But if you plan to see lots of sites, then a car is a great thing to have.
Where to Park Your Car
Several hotels in Varenna have private parking lots for guests such as Hotel Royal Victoria. If you hotel or vaction rental does not have spaces, one of the largest parking lots in right near Villa Monastero. The lot is covered and is a short walk from the main square. There are also some smaller outdoor lots near the ferry terminal, but they tend to fill up quickly.
Take the Bus
A third option is to take a bus to Varenna. Tickets are about €5 per person, but it will take much longer. However, it does take the guesswork out of traveling. Since Varenna has a train station, the train is a better option for the slight price difference.
Day Trip from Milan to Varenna
If you only have a short time in the region, visiting Varenna as part of a guided tour from Milan is possible. The town is small enough to see in just one day, with many tour groups also stopping in either Bellagio or another nearby town. Tours have their own transportation so that you can get around the lake quickly and without having to plan anything on your own.
From Milan: Como, Bellagio and Varenna Day Trip
Enjoy a day trip to Lake Como with this popular tour. Start your day off with a tour of Como, followed by free time to explore the towns of Bellagio and Varenna. The tour includes a guide, transportation from Milan to Como, and a private boat that will take you around the lake.
How to Get Around Varenna
Once in Varenna, you can walk to any attractions within the town. All the villages in Lake Como are small and can be explored on foot. If you want to travel between towns, ferries are the main form of transportation.
Since Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio are in the center of the lake, you can hop from town to town in about 15 minutes by ferry. Ferries are also the only choice if you have a car you need to bring from one side of the lake to the other.
Ferries are cheap, easy to navigate, run frequently, and offer beautiful views of the water and mountains during travel. You can purchase tickets at kiosks located in front of the docks. For updated schedules and routes, check out this website.
If you plan on traveling to many different places around the lake, having a car will save you a lot of time. Taxis are not the most reliable in general, and ferries can sometimes run behind and be less frequent depending on where you want to go.
Where to Stay in Varenna
Varenna is one of the best places to stay in Lake Come due to its central location and easy access to neighboring towns. If you can visit for more than a day, I recommend you stay here. These are just a few of the best hotels in Varenna.
Hotel Royal Victoria
The 19th-century building is one of the most luxurious accommodations in Varenna. The hotel has a pool, wellness center, room service, and picturesque lake views.
Luxury Hotel | Check Rates
HOTEL OLIVEDO
The charming 19th century building is located in the heart of Varenna, just steps from the pier. With a beautiful outdoor terrace and many rooms having private balconies overlooking the water, Hotel Olivedo is an excellent option.
Mid-Range Hotel | Check Rates
Vacation Rental
One nice thing about staying in Varenna is the large number of rental properties available. From budget apartments, to three-bedroom homes with private pools and terraces, you can find something for whatever needs you have. If you plan to stay in Lake Como for a longer period of time, or are traveling with a group, these properties are a great choice!
ALL BUDGETS | Search Properties
Best Things to do in Varenna
Explore the Waterfront
One of the best things to do in Varenna is take a stroll in the picturesque waterfront area. Made up of the Riva Grande and Vecchio Port, the lakefront is one of the main places people like to spend their time.
The Riva Grande stays busy all day as people explore the small shops and relax at the waterfront restaurants.
The restaurants are more touristy than the tucked-away restaurants in the city center but offer decent dishes and quick seating.
Stroll Down Lovers Walk
Lovers Walk is a romantic pathway that connects the Riva Grande to the port and runs along the waterfront. Known by locals as the Passeggiato deglo Innamorati, it has become one of the iconic sections of Varenna.
You will likely have to walk along the promenade sometime during your stay in Varenna, as it is the primary way to get to and from the port. As a result, it is a high-traffic area, especially during peak season.
The red-iron arched walkway is covered in greenery and has several viewing areas that reach out over the water. If you visit during the summer, try getting up early or waiting til after dinner for a romantic and less crowded experience.
Walk to Old Town
If you make your way up the stone walkways away from the waterfront, you will come across the Old Town. In the center sits the stunning 14th Church of San Giorgio. The piazza is called Piazza San Giorgio, where you will also find the beautiful Hotel Royal Victoria.
One of the best things to do is venture through the old streets and traverse the many cobblestone stairs lined with shops and homes. If you are looking for a delicious place to eat, this part of town is where you will find it.
TRAVEL TIP: Il Cavatappi is a small restaurant hidden in one of these streets and is the best place we ate while in Lake Como. Since the restaurant is very popular and only has around eight tables, you will want to book reservations in advance.
Visit Villa Monastero
Just outside of Varenna is the impressive Villa Monastero. The villa has been around since the 800s. It’s been used for many reasons before being renovated into a private residence in the 17th century. Now, it is owned by the state and used as a museum and events center.
The lushes botanical gardens are the highlight of the villa. Spanning around 2km of green area along the water, you will find many rare and unique species of plants here. You can purchase tickets for just the garden, or a few extra euros to visit the villa’s inside. In addition, the museum displays a collection of furnishings and items.
If you visit Lake Como between March and November, it is worth a stop by. Full priced tickets cost €13, with young children having free entry. Unfortunately, the villa is closed to visitors on Mondays, but the garden is open daily. For updated opening hours, check Villa Monastero’s website.
Stop by Villa Cipressi
You can stop at the Villa Cipressi on your way to Villa Monastero. Or better yet, stay there! It has been transformed into a luxurious 4-star hotel, but non-guests can visit the gardens.
The terraced gardens are highly coveted for weddings and events due to their proximity to the water and beautiful assortment of Mediterranean plants.
If you’d like to view them for yourself, it is €8 for a ticket. However, to save a few euros, you can also purchase a €15 ticket which includes entrance to both the Billa Cipressi and Villa Monastero gardens.
Hike to Vezio Castle
High above the town sits the ruins of the medieval Vezio Castle (Castello di Vezio). A hike up to the landmark is one of the top things to do in Varenna. The structure was built over 1000 years ago as a military outpost to defend the nearby villages.
The castle contains underground tunnels, gardens, and exhibits that are open to visitors. Best of all, it has the best panoramic views of the mountains and lake below.
During the summer, stay for a falconry show and experience some of the birds of prey that call Vezio Castle home. Also, don’t forget to check out the ghosts that roam the terrace around the castle’s perimeter!
The nicest thing about visiting Vezio Castle is that many people don’t know about it. Since it is not inside the town and requires a decent hike to get to, it is often overlooked by visitors.
After exploring the property, grab a quick bite to eat or drink at the onsite restaurant before heading back down to Varenna.
The easiest way to get to Vezio Castle is by taking the Scabium trail. It starts close to Villa Monastero and takes about 40 minutes to hike up.
A second path, which takes about half the amount of time, starts next to Hotel Montecodenoi. This path is over a kilometer in length and takes about 25 minutes to walk. It is a challenging route, though, and not as picturesque.
Vezio Castle is open daily from March to November, with adult tickets costing €5. Opening hours are at 10:00, with closing hours varying based on the day and time of year. Check the official website for updated opening times.
Take the Ferry to Bellagio
Another popular destination in Lake Como is the vibrant town of Bellagio. Since it is just a short 15-minute ferry ride from Varenna, you can visit any time during your stay. A little larger and full of hotels and even a casino, Bellagio is one of the liveliest towns on the lake but is also touristy.
It is still a great place to visit. There are many things to do in Bellagio, including the beautiful gardens of the Villa Melzi and the Basilica of San Giacomo. But, like Varenna, half of the fun of visiting Bellagio is getting lost in the winding alleyways as you explore the local shops.
While you venture through the town, take a walk to the top of Salita Serbelloni. This is a well-known street due to its beautiful view of colorful buildings with mountains in the background.
Relax on the Water
The beaches in Lake Como are pebble beaches, some of which include amenities like chair rentals and umbrellas. Olivedo Lido is the best public beach in Varenna because it has all the necessary amenities. With a full restaurant and bar, you could spend an entire day taking refreshing dips in the cool water and lounging in the summer sun.
If you want to find something more secluded, you can find small beach areas around Varenna that may have few people. Some hotels even have private beach access.
Rent a Boat
One of the best things we did in Lake Como was rent a boat for the afternoon and spend some time ogling the magnificent villas and exploring the towns by water.
Varenna has a couple of boat rental companies where you can purchase yours for either a half-day or a full day. A half-day rental gives you enough time to take your boat to Como and back while stopping to admire the views along the way.
There are several beautiful villas between Varenna and Lenno, where the famous Villa del Balbianello is. However, you will have to continue closer to Como for more private residences.
We also saw many people dock their boats near the shore and enjoy basking in the sun on the water. So pack lunch and a bottle of wine, and make an afternoon relaxing on the water.
Join a Tour
Plenty is available if you’d prefer to explore the lake as part of a tour. This full day boat tour will take you to several attractions around the lake via A Venetian water taxi. Your guide will first take you on a walking tour of Varenna with lunch at a local restaurant. Then, explore the beautiful Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi. Explore the lake in style without any planning involved!
Facts About Varenna
Is Varenna worth visiting?
Absolutely! Varena is one of the most charming towns in the area, with many things to do. Unlike Bellagio, it is also less touristy (although not for much longer) and has the most beautiful waterfront area. Lake Como, in general, is a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape. There is no better place than Varenna for this.
Where is Varenna?
Varenna is a town on the eastern side of Lake Como in the region known as Lombardy. Since it is located just under 40 miles from Milan, it is a popular weekend or even day trip from the bustling city.
How far is Varenna from Milan?
You can get by train from Milan to Varenna in just over an hour. A car may take a little longer, depending on traffic and where you are coming from. Since Varenna is one of the towns with a train station, it is a lot easier to get to, which is why many people choose to stay there.
Is it better to stay in Varenna or Bellagio?
Both the towns of Varenna and Bellagio are two popular places to stay. And since they are a quick ferry ride from each other, you can stay at either location.
It comes down to hotel/vacation rental choices and the overall atmosphere. If there is an accommodation you like in Bellagio over Varenna, then staying there won’t affect your itinerary much.
Bellagio is much more touristy than Varenna, though! That was the main reason we were drawn to Varenna. The quiet atmosphere was a personal preference for us.
How much time in Varenna?
Since Varenna is not very big you could spend only half a day there if you are short on time. However, Lake Como is a fantastic destination with lots to see and do. If you are interested in seeing other popular attractions, I recommend spending three days there.
Can you swim in Lake Como?
You can swim in the water, but it tends to be colder even in the summer because it is a glacier lake. Also, the beaches here are pebble beaches.
Conclusion
Varenna is undoubtedly our favorite town in Lake Como. I hope this guide to the Italian village inspired you to take a weekend trip and explore on your own. Check out my other related posts if you want to learn what else to do on the lake.
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Italian destinations!
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- Ultimate Travel Guide To Lake Como, Italy
- Top 12 Best Things To Do in Lake Como
- Visit Villa del Balbianello – Lake Como’s Most Beautiful Villa
Florence
- The 8 Best Day Trips from Florence
- Visit Florence Italy: Best Places to See, Stay, and Eat
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Florence
- Florence vs. Rome – A Detailed City Comparison
Rome
- 125 Captivating Rome Quotes to Inspire You
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Tuscany
- Visit the Beautiful Medieval City of Siena, Italy
- Palio of Siena: Guide to the City’s Historic Race
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Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Skyscanner is one of the top search engines for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com is one of the best sites to book hotels and vacation rentals. They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
BOOK TRANSPORTATION
- Car: RentalCars.com is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with 900 companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
- Trains: Rail Europe is the leading company in Europe for train travel in Europe. They help you easily book passage by looking at routes, timetables, and prices for 50 different train companies.
- Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS
Get Your Guide is one of the top sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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