Planning your dream vacation to Lake Como? Don’t forget to include a visit to the picturesque village of Varenna. From charming Italian villas to a historic castle and fantastic restaurants, Varenna has it all.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the perfect one-day itinerary to uncover the beauty of Varenna. Check the best things to see, travel advice, and the must-visit restaurants that will make your visit unforgettable.
Quick Facts
Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, and the most well-known internationally. It has served as a peaceful retreat since Roman times and continues to attract celebrities and aristocrats who own vacation homes along the lake shores.
In 2014, it earned the title of the most beautiful lake in the world, thanks to its unique blend of nature and opulent villas. Visiting Lake Como feels like stepping into a movie, where the majestic mountains meet the blue water, punctually adorned with stunning Italian villas and charming towns.
The must-visit spots in Lago di Como are Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio, and Como. Thanks to its popularity, the lake region is very developed, making travel between these places effortless, often by ferry. So be sure to put on your list several towns, as it won’t be hard to go from one place to another.
Itinerary
As we wrap up our 3-day journey around Lake Como, our final destination is the enchanting Varenna. If you’re planning to visit other destinations around the lake, don’t miss out on these itineraries for the best things to do in Bellagio and Menaggio.
Varenna is often the favorite town of the lake for many, as it’s quieter than Bellagio, yet full of charm, offering a little something for everyone. Here you’ll find luxury Villas, small shops, traditional restaurants, and amazing views over the lake.
Despite being the most accessible village by train, Varenna retains the authentic feel of a traditional fishing village.
Let’s dive into our one-day itinerary in Varenna!
1. Breakfast at La Cambusa
If you’re arriving in Varenna by train, start your day perfectly with a quick 5-minute walk from the station to La Cambusa Bakery. Here, you can recharge with a delicious breakfast. Whether you opt for an Italian croissant or go for international syrup pancakes, you’re sure to leave happy!
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 9.00pm
2. Lover's Walk
Italian: Passeggiata degli Innamorati
As you make your way towards the center of Varenna, you are greeted by the “lover’s walk”, or passeggiata degli innamorati in Italian. This magical passageway is adorned with beautiful flowers on one side and offers stunning lake views on the other, making it one of the most romantic paths along Lake Como.
Pro Tip: This is one of the best spots to capture amazing photos of Lake Como. With the right angle, you can capture the sparkly blue water against the backdrop of the green mountains and the picturesque village of Varenna.
3. Historic Center
Italian: Centro Storico
The historic center of Varenna is the second largest, after the city of Como. Being situated on a hill, its narrow streets include several stairs, but at the top, you are greeted with incredible views of the mountains and the lake. With little artisan shops, cute cafes, and incredible gelaterias, Varenna’s charm invites you to explore every corner.
4. Church of St. John the Baptist
Italian: Chiesa Madre di San Giovanni Battista
At the top of the hill, you reach St. John the Baptist Square, home to the 11th-century church of the same name. The church showcases a blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Inside, the walls are adorned with frescoes of immense historical value, dating from the 14th to the 16th century, depicting biblical scenes such as the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist.
Opening hours: Every day from 8.00am to 8.00pm
Ticket price: free
5. Gelato at Bon Bon
Just steps away from St. John’s Church there is a true ice cream gem. At gelateria Bon Bon you can try the most exquisite, and unique, flavors of artisanal Italian ice cream.
You’ll find a great selection of fresh fruity flavors like mango and strawberry, and also beloved classics like pistachio and hazelnut. However, its uniqueness is the Bon Bon exclusive flavors, particularly the incredible ricotta cheese and figs combination. An absolute must while you’re in Varenna – it’s a true ice cream paradise!
6. Vezio Castle
Italian: Castello di Vezio
Overlooking the central part of the lake lies Vezio Castle, a remarkable fortification believed to date back to the late 5th or 4th century BC. It was successively occupied by Ligurian-Celtic tribes and later by the Romans. During the Middle Ages, the castle served as a defensive stronghold where the population of Varenna sought refuge from frequent attacks by Como.
Today, visitors can explore the castle’s gardens, climb its tower, witness the amazing falconry show, and enjoy the unique views of Varenna and the entire central part of Lake Como.
Keep in mind that reaching Vezio Castle without a car involves ascending a 25-minute incline of stairs, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
Opening hours: Every day from 10.00am to 6.00pm, depending on the months
Ticket price: 5€ for adults and 3€ for children under 12 and visitors over 65.
Did you Know? Legend has it that the heart and soul of Teodolinda, Queen of the Lombards, are said to reside within the walls of Vezio Castle. It’s believed that on moonless nights, her spirit wanders through the corridors of the castle.
7. Lunch: Caffe Varenna
Back to the center of Varenna, head over to Varenna Caffè Bistrot for a well-deserved lunch with stunning direct views over the lake. This charming spot is perfect for a lighter meal enjoyed under the sun. The menu features a variety of options including sandwiches, bruschetta, charcuterie boards, and also pasta dishes. For a sweet finale, order the caffè affogato – a delicious combination of creamy vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso. Buon appetito!
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 1.00am. Closed on Thursday. Price range: 10€ – 20€
8. Villa Monastero
Imagine stepping into the perfect Italian garden, an abundance of flowers, iconic Mediterranean cypresses, elegant mythology sculptures, and stunning views over Como Lake and the mountains. Welcome to Villa Monastero!
Originally a monastery, hence the name “Monastero”, this historic site was repurposed in the 17th century into a luxurious villa. Over time and under various owners, the Villa went through several transformations and the property expanded to include a 2-kilometer garden adorned with terraces and rare botanical species.
Today, visitors can explore not only the magnificent gardens but also step inside the villa itself, imagining the glamorous lives of its former inhabitants.
Opening hours: Every day from 9.00am to 7.30pm depending on the time of year.
Ticket price: Garden only – 10€ for adults, 7€ for visitors over 65, 5€ for visitors between 15 and 25 years old, and free for children under 15. Garden & Villa – 13€ for adults, 9€ for visitors over 65, 7€ for visitors between 15 and 25 years old, and free for children under 15.
Pro tip: After exploring the Villa and gardens, treat yourself to a cooling gelato or an Aperol Spritz at the cafeteria overlooking the botanical gardens and the lake.
9. Greenway of the Patriarchs: Light Trekking
Italian: Greenway dei Patriarchi
How about some physical activity to built up an appetite before dinner? Embark on the Greenway of the Patriarchs, an easy trek that begins in Varenna, passes through its closest towns of Olivedo and Fiumelatte, and ends in the charming village of Pino.
This picturesque route along Lake Como’s eastern shore guides you through the historic villas and nature, with the most stunning landscapes. With a duration of 2 hours and 6km (one-way), this trekking adventure offers a more relaxed experience compared to other trails around the lake, making it ideal for beginners and families.
Definitely the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Como’s landscape while enjoying some light physical activity.
10. Dinner: Albergo del Sole Ristorante Pizzeria
To finish your Lake Como vacation on a delicious note, enjoy one last meal at Albergo del Sole Ristorante. At Varenna’s top, take a seat outdoors with a stunning view overlooking the town and the mountains. While they offer a tempting selection of fresh lake fish, I highly recommend trying the Neapolitan pizza. Although far from typical, my personal favorite was the tuna and onion pizza. What a great way to wrap up a memorable day in Varenna.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 12.00pm to 2.30pm and from 7.00pm to 9.30pm. Price range: 25€ – 35€
Transport and Moving Around
The historic center of Varenna is very small so everything is within walking distance. However, if you’re planning to visit Vezio Castle and don’t have a car, be prepared for a 25-minute uphill walk involving stairs, which may not be ideal for those with limited mobility.
The most convenient way to reach Varenna without a car is by train. From Milan’s main train station, it takes approximately one hour to arrive at Varenna-Esino station.
From other cities you can reach Varenna by train:
- Milan – around 1 hour
- Rome – around 4 hours
- Turin – less than 3 hours
Tips
Lake Como in general is a tourist destination, so anticipate some crowds during your visit. Preferably plan your trip for the springtime – when the lake is in full bloom – or the early days of summer, when it’s not as packed and the weather is perfect. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance and make reservations at restaurants to make sure your holidays go as smoothly as possible.
Summary
In this itinerary, we have explored the most iconic things to see in Varenna, from its charming historic center to the iconic Villa Monastero. We’ve included some fantastic restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy great food and the most stunning panoramas of Lake Como.
Don’t forget to check the itineraries with the best things to do in Bellagio and Menaggio for a perfect itinerary around the lake.
Happy travels!
Planning a day trip to Milan after enjoying the lake?
Check our travel guide with the best things to do in a day!
Milan, Italy: the city that effortlessly joins the new, such as luxury fashion, with the glorious days of the past, like the timeless Milan Cathedral. If you will be exploring Milan city and you are wondering what to do
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Varenna, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Como, offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and charm. Here’s a perfect itinerary for exploring its highlights in one unforgettable day.
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