5 Things to Do in Varenna

5 tips for your holiday in Varenna on Lake Como

Varenna is a town on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Originally a fishing village, after the construction of many villas, it is now one of the most elegant destinations on Lake Como. This territory is also home to a wonderful medieval fortress, the Castello di Vezio, but the true jewel of Varenna is Villa Monastero, which houses a museum, an exhibition center, and a beautiful garden filled with rare plants and flowers. Visiting Varenna is a unique opportunity to experience Lake Como culture, from fishing to complete relaxation in one of the elegant noble villas, arriving by train as during a nineteenth-century Grand Tour, or arriving by boat from Bellagio, Menaggio, or Lecco.

Villa Monastero
Are you looking for a relaxing excursion in and around Varenna? It is an excellent excuse to discover the secrets of Villa Monastero, the house museum and its wonderful botanical garden! Stroll along the path that winds through the Villa's park for 2 km. It is open from March to November; choose the flowering periods in late spring, or enjoy a romantic summer sunset panorama, when the sun sets the lake water ablaze, framing Bellagio in the background… Remember: Lake Como is not just water, but also nature and color!

Villa Cipressi
Freshly restored, the wonderful Villa Cipressi is gently nestled in a marvelous panoramic spot on Lake Como. Enriched by a majestic garden, one can admire exotic and Mediterranean plants that have easily adapted to the mild climate that characterizes this place. The villa serves as a hotel and is an elegant location for events and weddings.

Castello di Vezio
Thirsty for history and antiquity? The Castello di Vezio, open from March to November, will take you back in time with its medieval atmosphere and numerous themed events. Perched on a hill just above Perledo and Varenna, it dominates the lake with austerity and pride; from the lookout, you can feel like a true conqueror, a fearless knight admiring the surrounding world. After a short walk, enter the castle, open your eyes, and you will find yourself looking at Bellagio from above… Although the most exciting spectacle remains the summer sunset, when the sun sets the waters of Lake Como on fire.

The shortest river
The Fiumelatte is among the shortest watercourses in all of Italy, at only 250 m long. It is a river that disappears: its rushing waters, foaming in white so as to give it its particular name, can be admired from March to October. Then, all of a sudden, the river ceases to flow toward Lake Como. This peculiarity, alongside its surprising color and disruptive force, has always intrigued visitors and scholars, one of whom was Leonardo Da Vinci, who mentions the “Fiumelaccio” in the Codex Atlanticus.

Sentiero del Viandante
A green itinerary between history and nature, the Sentiero del Viandante is the one for you! The route connecting Abbadia Lariana to Perledo retraces the footsteps of the ancient Romans, the first to travel these paths along the eastern shore of Lake Como to reach the most isolated small settlements. Starting from Varenna, you can reach Lezzeno by following this part of the Path: from Vezio, take the path that descends toward the Esino stream and cross the ancient bridge that spans it. Then climb toward Regolo where you take a road that continues along the coast, paved in the first section and then a dirt track. Continue toward Valle Masna, crossing the Bosco delle Streghe (Witches' Wood) and proceed toward the Fabbrica; from here the path descends toward Bellano. Cross a bridge over the Orrido and continue uphill toward Ombriaco, then reach the Sanctuary of Lezzeno, from which you continue toward Oro and then Dervio.