8 Best Things To Do in Varenna (Lake Como), Italy

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Varenna, one of Lake Como’s most enchanting villages, offers a perfect mix of lakeside beauty, historic charm, and peaceful atmosphere. Less crowded than its famous neighbor Bellagio, Varenna is ideal for travelers who want to slow down, soak up the local culture, and enjoy the beauty of the Italian lakeside at a more relaxed pace. Here are the best things to do in Varenna:

Varenna, a vibrant lakeside garden in full bloom, with colorful flowers lining the shore and offering stunning views across Lake Como’s serene waters/Depositphotos

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1. Stroll Along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Walk of Lovers)

Start your visit with a leisurely stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a charming lakeside pathway that connects the ferry dock to the heart of the village. With colorful buildings on one side and glittering lake views on the other, this romantic promenade is a wonderful way to take in the beauty of Varenna and capture gorgeous photos.

Varenna, the scenic Walk of Lovers, a romantic lakeside path with iron railings, offering breathtaking views across Lake Como/Depositphotos

Varenna, Walk of Lovers – a picturesque lakeside promenade along Lake Como, perfect for a romantic stroll with panoramic water views and charming surroundings/Depositphotos

2. Visit Villa Monastero and its Gardens

Villa Monastero is a must-see in Varenna. Once a medieval monastery, today it’s a museum and a stunning botanical garden that stretches along the lake for almost two kilometers. The villa’s ornate interiors are fascinating, and the lush gardens are filled with exotic plants, fountains, and statues, all perfectly framed by sweeping lake views.

Villa Monastero, Lake Como – a stunning lakeside villa in Varenna, featuring lush botanical gardens, elegant architecture, and breathtaking views across the water/Depositphotos

Lake Como, serene views framed by the elegant gardens of Villa Monastero, with lush greenery and the lake’s shimmering waters stretching into the distance/Depositphotos

Villa Monastero, a wide panoramic view showcasing its luxurious architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens along the shores of Lake Como/Depositphotos

3. Relax at Villa Cipressi Gardens

Next door to Villa Monastero, you’ll find the equally beautiful Villa Cipressi. Its terraced gardens, filled with ancient cypress trees, fragrant flowers, and shaded paths, offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of sightseeing. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or just visiting the gardens, it's a wonderful place to relax and admire the endless blues of the lake.

Villa Cipressi, viewed from the gardens of Villa Monastero in Varenna, offers a stunning perspective of elegant terraced gardens cascading toward Lake Como’s sparkling shoreline/Depositphotos

Villa Cipressi, Lake Como – A lush botanical garden filled with terraced paths, exotic plants, and panoramic lake views, offering a serene escape in the heart of Varenna/Depositphotos

4. Explore the Church of San Giorgio

At the center of Varenna’s main square sits the charming Church of San Giorgio. Built in the 14th century, this rustic stone church is known for its magnificent frescoes and its towering bell tower that dominates the skyline. After exploring the church, enjoy a coffee or gelato at one of the nearby cafés and soak up the authentic atmosphere of the piazza.

Varenna, aerial view of the charming village with terracotta rooftops and St. George’s Church at its heart, nestled along the shimmering shores of Lake Como/Depositphotos

Varenna, St. George’s Church – a picturesque 14th-century stone church with a striking bell tower, located in the heart of the village overlooking Lake Como/Depositphotos

5. Hike to Castello di Vezio

For a bit of adventure, hike up the hill to Castello di Vezio, a medieval fortress overlooking Varenna. The 30-40 minute climb is moderately challenging but rewards you with panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Explore the castle’s stone towers, ancient walls, and enjoy the occasional falconry shows that bring the medieval spirit of the castle to life.

Varenna, Lake Como – Aerial view of the charming village with its terracotta rooftops nestled along the shoreline, framed by the historic Vezio Castle perched above with sweeping views of the lake/Depositphotos

Varenna, breathtaking vertical panoramic aerial view of Vezio Castle overlooking the charming village and shimmering shores of Lake Como/Depositphotos

6. Enjoy an Aperitivo by the Lake

One of the best ways to enjoy Varenna’s laid-back charm is by having a lakeside aperitivo. Grab a table at Bar Il Molo or one of the other waterfront spots, order an Aperol Spritz or a glass of Lombardy wine, and simply sit back and enjoy the view. As the golden light shimmers over the lake, it’s the perfect way to slow down and savor la dolce vita.

Varenna, a picturesque lakefront scene along Lake Como, with colorful buildings, peaceful waters, and lush green hills creating a timeless Italian charm/Depositphotos

7. Take a Ferry to Explore Lake Como

Varenna is a fantastic base for exploring more of Lake Como by ferry. Hop on a boat and take scenic rides to famous towns like Bellagio, Menaggio, and Tremezzo. The short trips are a joy in themselves, offering amazing views of colorful villages, lush hillsides, and historic villas along the water's edge.

Tremezzo, an idyllic waterfront scene on Lake Como, with elegant villas, lush greenery, and serene views of the glistening lake framed by the mountains/Depositphotos

Menaggio, Lake Como – a peaceful lakeside town bathed in the soft glow of dusk, with reflections dancing on the water and charming buildings silhouetted against the fading light/Depositphotos

Bellagio, Lake Como – a beautiful villa nestled at the foot of the mountains, with serene lakefront views and classic Italian elegance blending perfectly into the dramatic natural surroundings/Depositphotos

8. Savor Local Cuisine

No trip to Varenna is complete without indulging in authentic northern Italian cuisine. Whether you choose a lakeside trattoria or a tucked-away restaurant, be sure to sample specialties like lake fish risotto, homemade pasta, and local desserts. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the nearby Valtellina region for the full experience.

Varenna, Lake Como – a charming waterfront villa embraced by lush gardens, offering a peaceful retreat with panoramic lake views and timeless elegance/Depositphotos

Final Thoughts
Varenna is the perfect blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and peaceful Italian spirit. Whether you're wandering through lush gardens, savoring a lazy afternoon aperitivo, hiking to ancient castles, or simply relaxing by the waterfront, every corner of Varenna invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. It's a true jewel of Lake Como, and a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

 

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