Visit Varenna, Lago di Como
Varenna is perhaps the most beautiful village on the Lake.
Varenna was allied with Milan and for this reason devastated by the Comaschi in the famous Decennial War. A few years later it welcomed refugees from Isola Comacina also destroyed by the Comaschi. A village with a generous heart that integrated the Comacini into its community, strengthening itself in the arts and crafts.
Even today, Varenna celebrates the arrival and welcoming of the refugees: the lake is filled with hundreds of floating candles; the evening and celebrations are truly evocative.
For those who have chosen a stay on the lake, Varenna is a must-see destination. In addition to the marvelous Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, the ancient village on the lake is a true oasis of beauty.
You can definitely enjoy the best rice with perch, a characteristic Larian recipe, here at the Quattro Pass tavern.
What to do, to visit and to see in Varenna
Chiesetta Borgo Vecchio
A walk and an aperitif in the old village, by the lake, is not to be missed. Take the picturesque Lovers' Walk in a romantic atmosphere overlooking the waters of the lake, from which you can admire an enchanting landscape.
A word of advice: take the boat under the pretense of a visit to Bellagio (which deserves your attention anyway) and return to Varenna on the last available boat at nightfall: the old town of Varenna, seen from the boat on your return, is definitely one of the most evocative and romantic views in the world.
Varenna at sunset, view from the lake
You absolutely must see Varenna from the lake in the sunset hours. If you do not own a boat you can rent one. Otherwise there is a more economical solution: take the ferry to Bellagio, where you will then spend the evening. Or spend the day in Bellaggio and at sunset take the ferry back to Varenna. The result does not change; the spectacle is not to be missed.
Route 65
From Varenna you can go up to Esino Lario, a pretty village that was very much in vogue in the 1980s and now suffers from obvious decay. Past the town of Esino you continue on the famous Route 65 and here you have two options: continue to the Cainallo Pass and go to the striking saddle of Vò where the roadway ends and one of the access gates on the Grigna starts. Here the viewpoint is truly breathtaking since you are exactly on the ridge that divides Val di Esino from Valsassina. The view of the imposing Grigna is very impressive.
The second choice is to ride Route 65 in the direction of Agueglio-Valsassina until you descend into nearby Bellano. The high-altitude views of the lake are truly breathtaking.
Museum, villas, monuments and sights
Events, festivals and music in Varenna
Beaches and lidos, where to swim in Varenna
In Varenna there is a nice Lido here 46.01477629765647, 9.282961910248638
just next to the pier.
Lido di Olivedo website
Onother lidos called BauBau beach is here 46.016870064385245, 9.287172835816152
Going to Bellano, just after the first tunnel, a few minutes walk.
Best treks and scenic hiking trails in Varenna
If you want to go trekking, hiking or north-walking on Lake Como or just explore Varenna and the beautiful Sentiero del Viandante, we highly you the group HIKING LAKE COMO. Francesca and Mario are professional certified guides, as well as keen and enthusiastic locals who know any secret about Lake Como. Contact Here
How to get to Varenna
Varenna is linked to Milan by the regional trains of the railway line called TreNord.
Curiosity and further deepening
Visit the Fiumelatte Caves, Varenna, Lake Como. Mysteries and legends also studied by Leonardo Da Vinci.
Some people reported that the Monastery was shut down because of the nuns' behaviour.
Trekking on the route Sentiero del Viandante, wonderful centuries-old path on the eastern shore of Lake Como.
Visit Orrido di Bellano: between nature and satanic legends, a spectacular natural gorge created over millennia.
Trekking and Hiking on the Grigna. How to reach the Northern Grigna,the highest peaks of Lake Como.
A small family-run museum with a valuable collection of antique radios from all over the world.