Top Things to do in Varenna, Lake Como – Cafes and Getaways

Last updated on October 22nd, 2023

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.

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. 

Explore Rental Cars

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Varenna to Bellagio Ferry Schedule

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!

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.