Wanderyn
Varenna
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
city · IT

Varenna

Recommended stay: 1 day
Getting around: Varenna is small and walkable, with steep lanes connecting the lakefront to the upper village; it has its own train station on the Milan-Sondrio-Tirano line, making it one of the easiest Lake Como towns to reach directly by rail without needing a car or ferry transfer. Ferries connect Varenna to Bellagio, Menaggio, and other lake towns.
Hours: The lakefront promenade and gardens are pleasant throughout the day; ferries run on a seasonal schedule that's more frequent in summer and reduced in winter, worth checking before planning connections to Bellagio.

Varenna is one of Lake Como's more low-key, less crowded towns, favored by travelers who want the lake's classic scenery, colorful lakefront houses, narrow stepped lanes, and mountain backdrop, without Bellagio's crowds or prices. Its direct train connection from Milan makes it unusually convenient to reach without a car, a real advantage over other lake towns that require a ferry transfer or longer drive. A short lakeside walk (the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, or lovers' walk) connects the town's two halves along the water's edge, and Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi offer lakefront gardens open to visitors. Varenna works well as a base for exploring the lake by ferry or as a quieter alternative to staying in Bellagio itself.

Varenna FAQs

Is Varenna better than Bellagio?

Varenna is quieter, cheaper, and easier to reach directly by train, while Bellagio has a more polished, high-end resort feel and larger selection of shops and restaurants; many visitors day-trip between the two rather than choosing exclusively.

How do I get to Varenna from Milan?

A direct train from Milano Centrale takes about an hour, making it one of the most convenient Lake Como towns to reach without a car or ferry.

Can I visit Bellagio from Varenna?

Yes, easily, by a short ferry ride across the lake, which is a common and scenic day trip for those based in Varenna.

What are the gardens at Villa Monastero like?

Terraced lakefront gardens with a mix of botanical species and lake views, open to visitors for a modest fee, and a pleasant way to spend an hour along the water.

Is Varenna a good base for exploring Lake Como?

Yes, its direct rail link and ferry connections to Bellagio and Menaggio make it a practical and less expensive base than Bellagio for exploring the lake.

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