Varenna

Travel Guide

Varenna
Varenna
Varenna
Photo by Arunotai Pjnp
Photo by Richard Wilson

Discover the elegance and charm for which Lake Como is famous at this ancient fishing village. Find grand villas, shady piazzas and plenty of gelato. 

Enjoy the beauty of Varenna, where jumbled multicolored buildings are wedged between steep hilly slopes and the still waters of Lake Como. Appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and discover the culture, history and architecture of this lakeside haven.

The appeal of Varenna lies in its simplicity. Narrow lanes weave past old fishermen’s houses. The little strip of shingle beach is perfect for swimming during hot summers. Indulge in fun lakeside activities, enjoy a long leisurely lunch in a traditional restaurant. Visit the gardens of one of the two regal villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi.

Like its Lake Como neighbors, Varenna has a charming waterfront, where a small harbor, a promenade lined with traditional gelaterie(ice cream parlors) and stunning mansions create a romantic Italian Lakes atmosphere. Head up the lanes into the town to find the leafy Piazza San Giorgio. Step inside the Chiesa di San Giorgio and the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. Both churches have impressive frescoes.

Wander around the stunning gardens of the Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi and be amazed at the vivid blooms. Stretching along the shores of the lake, the gardens weave around ornamental statues and manicured lawns. Villa Monastero is open to the public daily in summer and on select days in other seasons. Visit the villa along with the Casa Museo museum.

Venture a little farther out of the main town to the nearby hamlet of Fiumelatte to see the tiny Fiumelatte River, which flows a bright white in summer. The word “fiumelatte” means “milk river.” For truly breathtaking views, climb up the hill to the ancient Castello di Vezio, the home of the queen of Lombardy many centuries ago.

Varenna provides an excellent base for exploring Lake Como. A direct train line links the little fishing town with Milan, which has several international airports. Spend a fun day aboard one of the ferries that cross the water and link Varenna to other lakeside towns and villages.

Hotel Montecodeno

Hotel Montecodeno

3 out of 5
via della Croce 2, Varenna, LC
The price is P11,045 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P11,045
P12,548 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Varenna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (312 reviews)
"Excellent!!!! Better than Bellagio."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hotel Montecodeno
Palace Hotel

Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
Lungo Lario Trieste, 16, Como, CO
The price is P20,653 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
P20,653
P23,382 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Como. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Amazing location , stunning property and a very welcoming staff. Enjoyed everything about it!!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Palace Hotel
Hotel Cruise

Hotel Cruise

4 out of 5
Via Carducci, 3, Montano Lucino, CO
The price is P7,247 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,247
P7,971 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Montano Lucino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Location is near Como but you need a car. Breakfast was very good. Rooms were nice and clean, and a/c worked well."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hotel Cruise
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Varenna Lake View 2

Varenna Lake View 2

Varenna
Stay at this apartment in Varenna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Popular attractions Menaggio Beach and Bellagio Port are located nearby.
Varenna Lake View 2
Fontana Del Lago Apt. 7

Fontana Del Lago Apt. 7

Strada Provinciale 44, Varenna, LC
Stay at this apartment in Varenna. Enjoy free parking, balconies or patios, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Bellagio Port and Menaggio Beach are ...
7.2/10 Good! (8 reviews)
"Instructions for check in were detailed and we had no problems. We were able to find a parking spot in the garage but be warned there are only a few and it's first come first serve. The view from the apartment is breathtaking. The location is in Fiumelatte, a 20-ish minute walk to Varenna which we ..."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2024

Fontana Del Lago Apt. 7
Residence Diaz

Residence Diaz

Via Diaz, 86, Como, CO
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Como. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Como-Brunate ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (245 reviews)
"Close to train station and ferry terminal."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Residence Diaz
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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