Varenna Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Varenna
Varenna
Varenna
Photo by Arunotai Pjnp
Photo by Richard Wilson

Discover the elegance and charm for which Lake Como is famous at this ancient fishing village. Find grand villas, shady piazzas and plenty of gelato. 

Enjoy the beauty of Varenna, where jumbled multicolored buildings are wedged between steep hilly slopes and the still waters of Lake Como. Appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and discover the culture, history and architecture of this lakeside haven.

The appeal of Varenna lies in its simplicity. Narrow lanes weave past old fishermen’s houses. The little strip of shingle beach is perfect for swimming during hot summers. Indulge in fun lakeside activities, enjoy a long leisurely lunch in a traditional restaurant. Visit the gardens of one of the two regal villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi.

Like its Lake Como neighbors, Varenna has a charming waterfront, where a small harbor, a promenade lined with traditional gelaterie(ice cream parlors) and stunning mansions create a romantic Italian Lakes atmosphere. Head up the lanes into the town to find the leafy Piazza San Giorgio. Step inside the Chiesa di San Giorgio and the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. Both churches have impressive frescoes.

Wander around the stunning gardens of the Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi and be amazed at the vivid blooms. Stretching along the shores of the lake, the gardens weave around ornamental statues and manicured lawns. Villa Monastero is open to the public daily in summer and on select days in other seasons. Visit the villa along with the Casa Museo museum.

Venture a little farther out of the main town to the nearby hamlet of Fiumelatte to see the tiny Fiumelatte River, which flows a bright white in summer. The word “fiumelatte” means “milk river.” For truly breathtaking views, climb up the hill to the ancient Castello di Vezio, the home of the queen of Lombardy many centuries ago.

Varenna provides an excellent base for exploring Lake Como. A direct train line links the little fishing town with Milan, which has several international airports. Spend a fun day aboard one of the ferries that cross the water and link Varenna to other lakeside towns and villages.

Hotel Montecodeno

Hotel Montecodeno

3 out of 5
via della Croce 2, Varenna, LC
The price is ₹16,321 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹16,321
₹18,554 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Varenna. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (307 reviews)
Great location for everything and excellent breakf
"Great location, great breakfast, helpful staff"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Hotel Montecodeno
Casa Du Lac - by R Collection Hotels

Casa Du Lac - by R Collection Hotels

Via Del Prestinio 11, Varenna, LC
The price is ₹36,718 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹36,718
₹40,991 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Varenna. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Bellagio Port and Menaggio Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Beautiful hotel with stunning views
"Beautiful hotel in a stunning location. Reception staff were friendly and rooms were clean & modern. Breakfast was served at the sister hotel Victoria, which was a nice short walk. We chose to eat in the restaurant one night due to it's vista, the food was great but the service was average (slow ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Casa Du Lac - by R Collection Hotels
Hotel Royal Victoria - by R Collection Hotels

Hotel Royal Victoria - by R Collection Hotels

4 out of 5
Piazza San Giorgio 2, Varenna, LC
The price is ₹44,532 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹44,532
₹49,786 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Varenna. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (330 reviews)
"Amazing place to be and relax yourself"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Hotel Royal Victoria - by R Collection Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fontana Del Lago Apt. 7

Fontana Del Lago Apt. 7

Strada Provinciale 44, Varenna, LC
Stay at this apartment in Varenna. Enjoy free parking, balconies or patios and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Bellagio Port and Menaggio Beach are ...
7.2/10 Good! (8 reviews)
"Instructions for check in were detailed and we had no problems. We were able to find a parking spot in the garage but be warned there are only a few and it's first come first serve. The view from the apartment is breathtaking. The location is in Fiumelatte, a 20-ish minute walk to Varenna which we ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sep 2024

Fontana Del Lago Apt. 7
Varenna Lake View 2

Varenna Lake View 2

Varenna, LC
Stay at this apartment in Varenna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies. Popular attractions Menaggio Beach and Bellagio Port are located nearby.
Varenna Lake View 2
Residence Diaz

Residence Diaz

Via Diaz, 86, Como, CO
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Como. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Como-Brunate Funicular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
"Excellent room, great air conditioning. Please follow Juliet’s instructions regarding driving and parking. The hotel is in a pedestrian quarter and you need to have your vehicle license registered before entering. The host does that for you but you have to contact her in advance."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Residence Diaz
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Varenna

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely lakeside location and easy access from the railway station as well as the ferries

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If there was one drawback it would be there wasn’t a pool.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We will definitely be returning to Varenna and to Hotel Olivedo. Stunning views, fantastic restaurants and lovely cobbled streets full of history.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Varenna is a beautiful idyllic town posted within a short ferry ride to Balbianello and Bellagio, with the added benefits of being easily accessible from Milan by train. If you are in the Lake Como region, pass by and visit the botanical gardens.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really beautiful little town. The most picturesque of all the places we visited in Lake Como.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

beautiful and peaceful and quiet :)

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