Is Varenna in Lake Como worth visiting?

Varenna should definitely be on your Lake Como itinerary, no matter how much time you have in the area! Good to know: Varenna is not just beautiful, but it's also extremely easy to visit. You can get here by car, by direct train from Milan, or by a short ferry ride from Bellagio.



Varenna is widely considered one of the most beautiful and "worth visiting" villages on Lake Como, often preferred by travelers who find Bellagio too crowded or touristy. It is a quintessential Italian fishing village characterized by its steep, narrow cobblestone alleys and vibrant, sun-drenched houses. Key highlights include the "Walk of Lovers" (Passerella degli Innamorati), a red-railed promenade that hugs the cliffside over the water, and the stunning Villa Monastero, which features a long, botanical garden stretching along the lakefront. Varenna is also exceptionally easy to visit because it has its own train station (Varenna-Esino), providing a direct link to Milan in about an hour, something Bellagio lacks. In 2026, it remains a favorite for "slow travel" enthusiasts who enjoy sitting at a waterfront cafe with a view of the Alps. Its romantic atmosphere and authentic charm make it a top recommendation for anyone exploring the Lombardy region, serving as a perfect home base for ferry trips across the lake.

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Is Varenna worth visiting? With a stunning lakeside location, a charming old town, beautiful villas with botanical gardens, and a medieval castle with jaw-dropping panoramic views, Varenna is one of the most beautiful and most picturesque towns of Lake Como. So yes, it's absolutely worth visiting.

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If you want any kind of night life at all, stay in Como. There's more opportunity for hiking near Varenna, and that's the more scenic part of the lake, but you can get there by boat. Touristy doesn't begin to describe Bellagio and Varenna. If you want any kind of night life at all, stay in Como.

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Stay in less-touristy towns and villages Argegno is a village on the western shores of the lake. It's a quiet place with only a few amenities, making it a great choice for those seeking a different side to Lake Como. Here, you can amble down the cobbled alleyways without bumping into big people left and right.

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Use Torno as a base for exploring Lake Como Our first round of research led us to the conclusion that we should stay in either Bellagio or Varenna, both central and charming options that you'll find suggested on most travel guides (including Rick Steves').

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The region of Lake Como includes three main districts: The first pool. It starts at cities on the eastern (Blevio do Torno) and western (Como do Lallo) coasts. It is the poshest place with the most expensive real estate in the Como area.

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Bellagio is more scenic than Varenna as Bellagio is located at the juxtaposition of Lake Como i.e. where the lake forks in two. You can always visit Varenna by ferry as it is only 15 minutes away.

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The ferry from Bellagio to Varenna takes 15 min including transfers and departs every three hours.

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A-listers flock to Lake Como's art nouveau-style Grand Hotel Tremezzo, which has been a long-time favourite of George's – and now of Amal too, it seems. The couple have previously been spotted arriving by boat with family and friends to the hotel's elegant waterside La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi restaurant.

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It does not have to be expensive, but can be if you want it to be expensive. Typically I pay abot €11 for lunch in a bar and about €15 for dinner in a trattoria for dinner in the evening (both including wine). Restaurants will be more expensive.

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For a castle and Roman ruins, go to Lake Garda; for opulent villas and gardens, opt for Lake Como. Lake Como's town of Sirmione may be touristy, but it also boasts two popular sights: the imposing Scaligero Castle, which dates back to the 13th century, and the ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient Roman spa.

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Perfect Pairings: Lake Como & Portofino. Dive into the abundant beauty of Lake Como and Portofino on this breathtaking tour of Italy. Combining the tranquillity of Lake Como with the glitz and glamour of Portofino, this idyllic break takes you to new levels of R&R.

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The main town of the group is Como which is located at the southern end of the lake. It is a more elegant resort than most and makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas and towns.

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