Varenna
Varenna: the back story
Area guide
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Daniel Case · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Varenna: the back story
Varenna, on the eastern shore opposite Bellagio, is the lake village most easily reached by train from Milan. Its lakeside walkway leads past the Villa Monastero and its gardens, and a path climbs to the Castello di Vezio above.
Sights
The Villa Monastero and its botanical garden, and the Castello di Vezio.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Daniel Case · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia CommonsEating
Visteria at the Hotel Royal Victoria and the Hosteria del Platano, in the MICHELIN Guide.
Come by train from Milano Centrale, then take the ferry on.
Staying
The Hotel Royal Victoria and the Hotel Villa Cipressi.
Our advice: climb to Vezio in the late afternoon for the light on Bellagio.
Why it's on our list
- Sights
- Eating
- Staying
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Varenna: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Varenna: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 14 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest stations and ferry stops
- VarennaBoat450 m5 min walk
- Varenna-Esino-PerledoRail600 m8 min walk
Key sights
- Villa Monastero450 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Villa Melzi gardens4.1 kmCycle 18 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Villa Carlotta4.8 kmCycle 21 minCar or taxi 15 min
- Villa del Balbianello8.0 kmCycle 34 minCar or taxi 21 min
- Brunate funicular26 kmCar or taxi 57 min
- Como Cathedral27 kmCar or taxi 59 min
Main railway stations
- Varenna-Esino600 mWalk 8 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Colico16 kmCar or taxi 37 min
- Lecco19 kmCar or taxi 43 min
- Como Lago27 kmCar or taxi 58 min
- Como San Giovanni28 kmCar or taxi 60 min