The sights of Varenna are concentrated in a small cluster of colorful houses, a waterfront walkway, and two gardens that slope down to the lake. Then there is what isn’t immediately visible: a castle that has watched over the central lake for over a thousand years, and a stream that appears in spring and vanishes in autumn.
Varenna, the village reflected in the lake
Varenna is a village in the province of Lecco, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como, opposite Bellagio. It extends vertically: the ferry terminal and Olivedo to the north, Riva Grande and Piazza San Giorgio in the center, and the narrow streets winding up toward the castle.
It is a twenty-minute drive from Lecco, or just over an hour by train from Milan. If you have a full weekend, combine your visit with things to see in Lecco.
What to see in Varenna
The heart of the village in six stages
The sights to see in Varenna are concentrated along a one-kilometer stretch of the lakeshore: the Lovers’ Walk, Piazza San Giorgio, Villa Monastero, and Villa Cipressi. Castello di Vezio keeps watch over the village from above, while the Fiumelatte flows to the south.
1. The Lovers' Walk
Its official name is the “Giorgio Monico Walkway,” but everyone knows it as the Lovers’ Promenade. It starts at the boat landing and leads to Riva Grande, the town-center waterfront lined with cafés and shops. Suspended between rock and water, it features the red railing that appears in every photograph of Varenna.
2. Piazza San Giorgio and its church
You climb the steps and emerge into the village’s main square. The Church of San Giorgio is medieval: the Lario Orientale Pro Loco dates it to between 1250 and 1300, noting its consecration in 1313. A 16th-century fresco of Saint Christopher—patron saint of ferrymen—remains on the façade, while the bell tower dates to 1653.
3. Villa Monastero
Among the sights in Varenna, this is the one that requires the most time. It originated as a late 12th-century Cistercian monastery and is now owned by the Province of Lecco. The botanical garden stretches along the lake for nearly two kilometers, reaching as far as Fiumelatte, while the house museum preserves the original furnishings of its former owners. It is open year-round, with opening times that vary by month; check the updated opening hours and rates for Villa Monastero.
4. Villa Cipressi and its garden
Villa Cipressi is the villa belonging to the people of Varenna; the town purchased it in 1980 through a public subscription, and it is now owned by the Municipality. The complex was built between the 15th and 19th centuries, and the terraced garden is open to visitors for an admission fee. A combined ticket including Villa Monastero can only be purchased at the ticket office.
5. Vezio Castle
Perched on the promontory above the village of Perledo, the castle has overlooked the central part of Lake Como for over a thousand years. Inside the tower, there is an exhibition dedicated to the *Lariosaurus*, the prehistoric reptile of Lake Como. It takes about half an hour to walk up to the site. It is open daily from March to early December, but only on weekends with good weather during the winter. For those consulting older guidebooks: falconry demonstrations were permanently discontinued in 2022.
6. Fiumelatte and its spring
A 20–30 minute walk heading south, the Fiumelatte flows for about 250 meters from its source to the lake. The municipality describes it as one of Italy’s shortest streams; the record actually belongs to the Aril, on Lake Garda. Its frothy, milk-white waters flow only from late March to October; in winter, the stream disappears. Leonardo referred to it as “Fiumelaccio” on folio 214 of the *Codex Atlanticus*.
Things to do in Varenna
Experiences between the lake and the trails
What to do in Varenna besides just looking at it? Cross the lake by ferry, hike the trails to nearby villages, and sit on the Riva Grande at aperitivo time.
Crossing the lake by ferry
The car and passenger ferry connects it to Bellagio, Cadenabbia, and Menaggio; it is also a stop on the Como–Colico and Lecco–Bellagio lines.
Walking the Wayfarer's Path
The Sentiero del Viandante runs along the eastern shore for approximately 45 kilometers, from Abbadia Lariana to Piantedo. Discover other trekking trails in Valsassina as well.
Savoring the lake
Along the Riva Grande and in the narrow alleys, you will find Larian cuisine: lavaret, *missoltini*, and polenta. Enjoy your aperitif by the water's edge as the sun sets behind Bellagio.
experiences
Unique adventures that make every stay special
Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, moments of relaxation or cultural exploration, Nativoo experiences are designed for those who love to discover new things.
What to see in Varenna in one day
The step-by-step itinerary
What is there to see in Varenna in a day? The lakeside walkway, Piazza San Giorgio, and one of the two gardens in the morning; in the afternoon, the climb up to Vezio Castle or a visit to the Fiumelatte spring. In the evening, stay for lakeside drinks before heading back by train or boat.
- Morning: the walkway, the square, a garden
Whether you arrive by boat or step off at the station, your first step is the walkway over the water. Head up to Piazza San Giorgio, enter the church, and then spend the rest of the morning at Villa Monastero.
- Afternoon: the castle or the spring
From April to October, when the Fiumelatte is in full flow, choose between the spring and the castle. If you’re fit, you can do both—one after the other—by passing through the town center. In winter, the castle is the place to go on weekends with good weather.
- Evening: the aperitif and the last boat
Head back to the Riva Grande for a sunset aperitivo. Then, two paths: the train to Milan, or a holiday rental and the empty lakeshore.
accommodation
Find the perfect holiday home for your next holiday
Cosy spaces, prime locations and that warm welcome that makes all the difference. Each of our homes is the perfect base from which to explore the area like a true local.
Where to stay in Varenna
The cosiness of a holiday home
Staying in Varenna means having the village to yourself once the day-trippers have left. It means breakfast on a terrace amidst the rooftops and the lakeshore at seven in the morning. Nativoo’s homes and rooms are located in the historic center, in Fiumelatte, in Perledo (above the village), and in Lierna.
Visiting Varenna
How to get there, when to go, where to park
Visiting Varenna is easier without a car. The train from Milano Centrale takes just over an hour, and the ferry connects the two shores. On weekends and during the summer, the historic center operates under a one-way traffic system and is closed to tourist buses.
- By train or by boat
Trenord regional trains connect Milano Centrale and Varenna-Esino directly in about 64 minutes, with hourly service: timetables on the Trenord website. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Lecco or a ferry from Bellagio and Menaggio: connection details are available on the Municipality of Varenna’s tourism portal.
- By car: parking and one-way streets
The one-way traffic system in the historic center is in effect every weekend of the year and daily during peak summer; tourist buses are never permitted to enter. Paid parking is available near the train station, at the ferry terminal, in the multi-story car park opposite Villa Cipressi, and in Fiumelatte. For updated rates and regulations, please visit the Villa Monastero timetable page.
- When to go
The Fiumelatte flows only from late March to October. In January, Villa Monastero is open only on Saturdays and Sundays, whereas from June to August, it is open daily until evening. The village gets crowded early in the summer: arrive on the first train or visit after 5:00 PM.
What to visit near Varenna
Two excursions accessible by train and boat
Once you have exhausted the sights in Varenna, the surrounding area is just half an hour away: Bellano is the next stop on the train, while Bellagio lies directly across the water. These make for two great excursions for anyone staying a second night.
Bellano and the Orrido Gorge
One train stop to the north and you are in Bellano, where the Pioverna stream has carved out a gorge that can be explored via suspended walkways. We have compiled a list of things to see in Bellano, from the Orrido gorge to the lakeshore promenade.
Bellagio, opposite
The ferry crosses the lake in a few minutes and leaves you amidst the villas and gardens of Bellagio. On the return journey, viewed from the deck, Varenna appears as a splash of color at the foot of the Grigna.
So, are you ready to go?
Take the morning train, leave your car at home, and keep your evening free. That’s the time when Varenna stops being just a day trip and becomes a place to stay. You already know the sights to see in Varenna; we’ll find you the lakeside home.
