Varenna, Italy

About Varenna

Varenna is a centuries-old fishing village on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy. Calling the cluster of pastel-colored houses that line the water's edge and are backed by the rugged, pine-forested peaks of the Italian alps picturesque is an understatement. Relatively remote from any major cities, Varenna has remained touristically undeveloped even though it attracts thousands of visitors every year. Those visitors head to Varenna by boat to appreciate the town's beauty as they approach over the calm waters of the lake, to stroll its quiet streets, enjoy the tranquil, high-altitude atmosphere or relax at the lakeside lido.

If time were ever really to stand still then it could well happen in Varenna and already seems to have done. That phenomena is particularly apparent in the majestic Villa Monastero, a 12th century built Cistercian convent which now houses a museum surrounded by beautiful botanic gardens. Time has definitely stood still for the fishermen of Varenna who now no longer up anchors to trawl for the catch of the day, but leave their boats artfully stranded along the lakefront promenade where they sit to mend their unused nets providing just one more exceptional photographic opportunity in this beautiful Italian town.

Things to do in Varenna

Varenna isn't a big town by any means, but there's still plenty of things to do there and in the surrounding area that are suitable for all ages. Sightseeing and activities in Varenna don't have to be limited to browsing museums or exploring the town's labyrinth of medieval-style streets although those are two things high on most visitors' lists of must-dos. The countryside around Varenna is ideal for hiking, and the lake is great for fishing, boating, and watersports.

• Admire the elaborate collections of furniture and art housed in the Casa Museo at the Villa Monastero before wandering through the immense gardens full of rare plants while drinking in the splendid views of Lake Como.
• Hike up the hillside trail behind the town to reach the Castello di Vezio. From there the views are even better than the ones from the Villa Monastero. Once you've had enough of the scenery, browse the mini-museum there that's dedicated to a species of, hopefully, extinct dinosaur, the Lariosaurus, which legend has it still swims in the depths of the lake.
• Go cruising on Lake Como for two or four hours in a luxury high-speed launch. Go late afternoon and you can sip champagne while taking in the sights as the sun sets.
• Rent a rod or join an organized tour and go fly fishing on Lake Como for Wels catfish or lake trout.
• Forget fishing for your supper and take a table at the Varenna Monamour for a plateful of scialatiello with seafood and prawns followed by a dish of authentic Italian trifle, tiramisu.

Transit options in Varenna

• The train station serving Varenna is the Varenna Esino which is located on the outskirts of the town.
• Varenna is a stop on the eastern branch of the Linee Lecco and SAL Lecco bus service which circumvents Lake Como.

The closest airport to Varenna is the Milan Malpensa. From there you would need to go to Milan's central station where you can catch the train for the three-hour journey to Varenna.

Luggage storage in Varenna

If you're traveling from Milan to Varenna for the day you won't want to take your luggage with you. If you do, you won't be able to trek up to see the magnificent views from the Castello di Vezio or go into the museums. You'll find Bounce has luggage lockers in Milan and Varenna that will provide you with a convenient, economical, and secure place to store your bags while you visit one of northern Italy's prettiest spots.

Attractions and activities near Varenna

Tirano: Set out on a real adventure by heading to Tirano, a mountain town east of Varenno, and boarding the Bernina Express. The railway line crossing the Alps from Italy to Switzerland is the highest rail track in Europe and rises to a height of two-thousand, two-hundred and fifty feet above sea level when it traverses the Bernina Pass. It's a spectacular train ride to complete that passes through more than fifty tunnels, over two hundred bridges, and climbs up slopes that will literally have you clinging to your seat while admiring the views through the carriage's panoramic windows. The journey ends in St Moritz and to go and get back takes a full day but is a trip that is totally worth it.

Como: Como is the city that gives Lake Como its name and it lies on the very southern tip of one of the two branches of the lake almost on the border with neighboring Switzerland. See the city in all its scenic glory by taking a ride on the Como-Brunate funicular railway or by climbing to the top of the watchtower in the Castello Baradello. Learn how silk was made and the part Como played in Italy's textile industry by visiting the city's Silk Museum, then discover what's been dug up from the local earth in the Archaeological Museum.  

Lecco: Lecco occupies a similar southerly position on Lake Como as Como, but on the opposite branch of the lake. It's a city surrounded by incredible terrains for hiking. Take the cable car up to the Piani d'Erna, a viewpoint with breathtaking vistas of the city and Monte Resegone then head to the Monte Barro Regional Park to trek some of the trails there. Lecco is a city that loves to celebrate so if you're there in February you'll be able to join in with the annual carnival or watch the July regatta and if you're fit enough, compete against the runners in the ResegUp when they race up Mt Resegone in June.