Varenna
A colorful fishing village on the east shore, with the Lovers' Walk stretching over the water, the Castello di Vezio on the hill and two lakeside villas, reachable from Milan in one hour by train.
Varenna is the most photogenic town on Lake Como's east shore, with pastel yellow, orange and pink houses stacked up the hillside facing the lake. Its best-known feature is the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, the Lovers' Walk, a path with red railings built out over the water from the ferry dock to the town center. It looks best in photos taken in the evening. Other highlights include the two lakeside gardens, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, and a 20-to-30-minute climb along an old path to Castello di Vezio (admission about €6, with raptor flying displays and views over the whole lake). South of town, the Fiumelatte, “Milk River,” is said to be one of Italy's shortest rivers, at only about 250 m. Getting there: take a regional train from Milan Centrale for about 1 hour to Varenna-Esino station, then walk 10 minutes to the lake. Ferries connect Varenna with Bellagio and Menaggio. Plan for half a day. Note: the town is built into the hillside with many steps, so rolling luggage is inconvenient. The road between the station and the ferry dock is narrow, so watch out for traffic.
Opening hours
All day (neighborhood)
Nearby sights
- Castello di Vezio
- Villa Monastero
- Bellagio
- Orrido di Bellano
- Villa Melzi Gardens
- Menaggio
- Villa Carlotta
- Madonna del Ghisallo