Famously lovely Lake Como is one of the impossibly scenic lakes that makes up the area sometimes known as Italy’s Lake District. Along with the other lakes stretching across this area of Northern Italy (including Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Iseo, and Garda), this beautiful body of water is dotted with islands that house some extraordinary attractions and is surrounded by picturesque shoreside villages and towns as well as impressive peaks and lush greenery and forests. Those interested in taking in beyond gorgeous scenery and in having all sorts of lovely places to explore will find no shortage of wonderful things to see and do but those who find a villa in Lake Como should also slow down, take in deep breaths of that clean and sweet lakeside air, and generally just appreciate the magic all around them. While there are plenty of incredible hiking routes to try out, historic villas to discover, gardens to admire, islands to seek out, concerts to attend, water sports to enjoy, and much more besides, we also suggest taking your time and merely wandering about some of those charming towns, admiring the beauty that abounds all around. One of the prettiest villages in which to do just that is Varenna.
Varenna is located in the Province of Lecco, 60km north of Milan, on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Founded by fishermen all the way back in 769AD, the town has passed through various hands throughout its history and is a charming, historic, and typical village of the region. Peaceful and calm, it is the ideal place to do very little of much at all but also has plenty to offer visitors. So, whether you want to merely wander around a charming historic centre and grab some food and a coffee while overlooking the lake and stunning surrounding scenery or do that while also checking out the varied and intriguing attractions of the town, Varenna is sure to delight.
One of the most obvious sights in town is the Castello di Vezio, which is perched on a lush green hillside that overlooks Varenna. A bit of a trek as you’ll have to climb that hill to get there, it does immediately reward visitors with some of the most extraordinary views over the town and the lake. Built in the late 11th to the early 12th centuries, the craggy and romantic remains of the castle today peek out among the trees and greenery and create an evocative and unforgettable picture. Open to the public since 1999, the castle is actually still privately owned by the Greppi family of Milan. Visitors are welcomed between March and November each year and can explore the castle and gardens, visit the on-site falconry upon request, enjoy snacks overlooking the panorama below in the snack bar (or arrange to have aperitifs there while watching the sun set – a pretty magical experience!), and visit the tower to see the permanent exhibition dedicated to the Lariosaurus, an extinct sea reptile from the Middle Triassic period that was first discovered at Lake Como in the 19th century.
If you are staying in a vacation rental in Lombardy and are planning a trip to Lake Como and Varenna, in particular, for the day then you might be arriving by train. In fact, we actually highly recommend coming by train if possible as it is a truly beautiful route and, once you arrive in town, you can enjoy a stroll along the lovely Passeggiata Degli Innamorati (Lover’s Walk). If you continue past the ferry docks before arriving into the centre of town from the train station, you’ll be brought along this stunning promenade and the Riva Grande. Impossibly picturesque and romantic (ergo, the name), this is an ideal introduction to the town if you are coming by train or a great spot to come and stroll and take some pretty pictures if you are simply spending some time in Varenna.
Of course, the centre of Varenna is no less picture-perfect, made up of colourful buildings, little alleys, and winding streets, all with the turquoise waters of the lake glittering and the lush greenery and blue peaks of the mountains glimpsed here and there between structures as an idyllic backdrop. As we noted, just taking your time to stroll about, take photos, and stop here and there to grab a coffee, eat some lunch, and just generally enjoy the incredible magic of this special little corner of the world.
Another of the town’s most remarkable attractions is the gorgeous Villa Monastero. Built in an eclectic style incorporating Nordic elements in the 17th century, it was constructed over a Cistercian convent that previously occupied the site. In the 20th century, the last owners of the villa, the De Marchi family donated the villa to the public and it was opened as a museum, as of 2009, it has been owned by the Province of Lecco. During the summers, it hosts summer courses for the "Enrico Fermi" International School of Physics and has hosted more than thirty-four Nobel Laureates for lectures and the museum inside houses a collection of optical, electronic, and mechanical instruments in addition to the exhibition of preserved interiors and furniture. The botanical gardens of the villa are a hugely popular part of the property and are a big reason why many visit, to take in the blooms, and decorative elements, as well as the lake in the background.
Additionally, boat trips, visits to the similarly charming towns of Bellagio and Menaggio nearby by ferry, hikes and walks through the surrounding landscapes, delving into the culinary scene of the area in restaurants that make the most of the astounding views in this part of the world, and more can all be enjoyed. So, if you find a holiday rental in Lake Como or a vacation rental in Lombardy and you want to enjoy a day of beyond beautiful surroundings, peace and quiet, perfectly fresh air, and charming attractions then be sure to plan a trip to magical Varenna!