Welcome, brave explorer! If you’re searching for Varenna Lake Como what to see, you’ve just found the best possible guide — a giant friendly lake monster who has been splashing around these waters for centuries. I’m Larry, and Varenna is honestly one of my absolute favourite spots on the whole lake. Don’t tell the other villages, though. They get jealous.
I’ve watched Varenna grow from a tiny fishing settlement into one of the most charming and photogenic villages in all of Italy. I may have accidentally scared a few fishermen along the way — but we move on. The point is: I know this place better than anyone. So grab your walking shoes, maybe a gelato, and let me show you around.
Why Varenna Is My Favourite Snacking Spot (and Yours Too)
Okay, I don’t actually eat the village. But if I did, it would taste like fresh lake fish, lemon granita, and centuries of history. Varenna sits on the eastern shore of Lake Como, nestled between the mountains and the water in a way that makes every single photo look like a postcard. It’s smaller and quieter than Bellagio — which means fewer tourists bumping into my fins when I surface for a peek.
The village is famous for its colourful houses, its narrow caruggi (little alleyways), and a lakefront promenade called the Passeggiata degli Innamorati — the Lovers’ Walk. Very romantic. Even for a 12-metre aquatic reptile like me. I cruise by every evening and pretend I’m on a date with the sunset. Nobody needs to know.
Top Things to See in Varenna: Larry’s Personal List
I’ve compiled this list over several hundred years of observation (and occasional eavesdropping on tourist guides). Here’s what you absolutely cannot miss when you visit Varenna:
- Villa Monastero — A stunning historic villa with one of the most beautiful botanical gardens on the lake. I once tried to sneak in through the waterfront. The garden is worth it. My dignity, less so.
- Villa Cipressi — Another gorgeous garden villa right next door. Yes, Varenna has TWO spectacular villas. Overachiever village, honestly.
- Castello di Vezio — A medieval castle perched high above the village with jaw-dropping views over the lake. I look quite majestic from up there, I’m told. There are also real falcons and ghost legends — perfect for curious kids!
- The Passeggiata degli Innamorati — The famous lakeside walkway. Stroll it at golden hour. You won’t regret it. I’ll probably be watching from just below the surface. In a friendly way.
- The old harbour and Piazza San Giorgio — The heart of the village. Sit at a café, order something cold, and just breathe it all in. This is what Lake Como is really about.
- The ferry terminal — Varenna is a key hub for the Lake Como ferry network. From here you can reach Bellagio, Menaggio, and beyond. I sometimes race the ferries. I always win. The captains pretend not to notice.
Getting to Varenna: Even a Lake Monster Manages It
Varenna is wonderfully well connected — which is a little unusual for such a small and dreamy village. You can reach it by train directly from Milan (the Varenna-Esino station is a short walk from the village centre — about 15 minutes downhill, or 15 minutes of complaining uphill on the way back). You can also arrive by ferry from Bellagio or Menaggio, which is honestly the most scenic option and the one I recommend. I may or may not escort your boat from a safe underwater distance.
If you’re planning a bigger trip around the lake, check out my things to do on Lake Como guide — I’ve packed it with tips, secret corners, and at least three spots where you might catch a glimpse of me. Also, if you’re travelling with little ones, my page on Lake Como with kids is full of family-friendly ideas that even the fussiest tiny human will enjoy.
A Word from Your Favourite Lake Monster
I’ve been living in these waters for a very, very long time — long enough to have seen Varenna in every season, every light, every mood. And I can tell you with full monster authority: there is no bad time to visit. Spring brings wisteria and azaleas blooming in the villa gardens. Summer means warm evenings on the promenade and the lake shimmering like liquid silver. Autumn turns the hillsides into a golden spectacle. And winter? Quiet, misty, mysterious — a bit like me.