varenna-lake-como-italy

Varenna

Lake Como, Italy

On the eastern lake shore, Varenna is in the mid-lake area near Bellagio

About Varenna

Founded by fishermen in AD 769, Varenna is on the east side of Lake Como not far from Bellagio.

The main sights are Villa Monastero which was founded as a Cistercian monastery in the 11th or 12th century, the Castello di Vezio and the gardens of Villa Cipressi.

Alongside frequent ferries, Varenna is also served by the Tirano�Lecco railway.

varenna-harbour-lake-como-italy

Varenna Harbour, Lake Como

Location

Varenna location on Lake Como

Close to many sites, Varenna is within easy ferry ride distance of the main villas: Balbanello, Carlotta, Melzi and the Villa Serbelloni gardens.

Varenna has a charming town centre, quieter than some other towns in the area and it’s pretty easy to navigate around.

Varenna Villas

Villa Monastero

The main Villa here is Villa Monastero though you can access the Villa Cipressi gardens (website link below with openign times and prices).

Information

FERRY INFORMATION

From Varenna to Bellagio is 15 minutes on a fast ferry, up to 32 on a slower or non-direct one.

From Varenna to Como is up to 3 hours on a slow ferry, faster ones about 1 hour 18 minutes.

Tickets can be bought directly from the ferry service website, except for fast boat tickets which must be bought at the ground station.

*All times approximate

Hotels

A selection of the most well-reviewed hotels in Verenna include the following

HOTEL DU LAC VARENNA

****

The four star Hotel Du Lac in Varenna has 16 air conditioned rooms, each a little different, some with Lake views and balconies.

The hotel is a few minutes walk to the ferry terminal and a couple to the centre of Varenna and its bars and restaurants.

There’s a restaurant and bar at the hotel along with fabulous views across Lake Como.

Information from Booking.com

HOTEL ROYAL VICTORIA

****

Offering panoramic views across Lake Como, Hotel Royal Victoria, by R Collection Hotels is set in a building dating back to the 19th century. This property features lush gardens, a swimming pool and a wellness center with a sauna and a steam bath.

Each room comes with satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet and air conditioning. Some have a balcony with a view across the lake.

The Royal Victoria is set right on the lake shore in the heart of Varenna. It includes 2 restaurants, one of which overlooks Bellagio.

The hotel includes a private dock. The swimming pool is open from May until September.

Information from Booking.com

HOTEL OLIVEDO

***

This lakefront hotel is a 2-minute walk from the pier in Varenna. The historic 19th-century building features a terrace with panoramic views of Lake Como.

Including free WiFi and air conditioning, guest rooms of Hotel Olivedo offer a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some have a balcony with views of the lake.

The lake-view restaurant serves traditional dishes from the Lombardy region. In summer, breakfast is served on the panoramic terrace. There is a elevator, and WiFi is free throughout.

Information from Booking.com

All Varenna Hotels & Apartments

Lake Como view with Varenna

Varenna Weather

Varenna, Lake Como, Weather

LAKE COMO ACTIVITIES

Boat Tours, Italian Cooking Classes and Much More

Rating: 5/5

From Varenna

Shared Sunset Boat Tour with a Prosecco Aperitif

Experience the timeless beauty of Lake Como and its surrounding villages on a sunset boat tour from Varenna that includes an audio guide. Sip on prosecco and admire views of villages like Bellagio.

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Rating: 5/5

From Bellagio / Varenna / Menaggio / Como

Classic Speedboat Private Tour

Explore Lake Como on board your private vintage wooden speedboat. Meet your captain and enjoy an amazing trip in the most fascinating part of the lake.

Rating: 4.8/5

Varenna

Small-Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class with Drinks

Learn how to make pasta and tiramisu with a skilled home cook in a local setting in Varenna. Unite with “cucina italiana” lovers to explore, prepare, and savor these classics over prosecco and nibbles.

Rating: 4.5/5

Varenna

Forest trekking & picnic in the secret garden

A true local experience in Lake Como with forest hiking and delicious picnic set in the secret garden.

Rating: 5/5

Varenna

Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps

Tickle your taste buds with a curated selection of local products from the Valtellina and Valsassina valleys on a picnic experience in the foothills of the Alps with transportation from Varenna.

Rating: 4.7/5

Varenna

Dining Experience at a Local’s Home

Immerse yourself in a 4-course private dining experience and enjoy an exclusive cooking demonstration. Uncover the secrets of Italian family recipes from your host sharing their wisdom which has been passed down for generations.

All ratings November 2023. E&EO. Images are indicative of the activity but may not be of the tour.