If Bellagio is the star, Varenna is the romantic lead. This former fishing village on the eastern shore is smaller, quieter and impossibly pretty, its ochre and rose houses stacked above a tiny harbour on the Lecco branch of the lake.
It’s also the most convenient village to reach from Milan — the train drops you a short walk from the water — which makes Varenna a favourite base for exploring the central lake by ferry.
Top things to do in Varenna
Stroll the Passeggiata degli Innamorati
The “Walk of Lovers” is a romantic boardwalk clinging to the cliff just above the water, connecting the station side of town to the old harbour.
Visit Villa Monastero
A former monastery turned villa with a two-kilometre botanical garden running along the shoreline — statues, citrus trees and lake views at every turn.
Explore Villa Cipressi gardens
Terraced gardens beside Villa Monastero, tumbling down to the lake among cypresses and Mediterranean planting.
Hike up to Vezio Castle
A short but steep climb rewards you with a medieval castle, resident falcons and one of the best panoramas over Varenna and the lake.
Find Fiumelatte
On the edge of the village runs one of Italy’s shortest rivers — a milky torrent that only flows part of the year.
How to get to Varenna by boat
- By train: Varenna-Esino station sits on the Milan–Tirano line, under an hour from Milano Centrale — the fastest, easiest way in without a car.
- By ferry: Frequent passenger ferries connect Varenna with Bellagio and Menaggio in 15–20 minutes, and a car ferry also crosses the central lake.
- By boat tour: Several cruises depart from or call at Varenna, including tours that pair it with Bellagio and Villa del Balbianello.
- From the station, follow signs downhill toward the lake — it’s a pleasant 5–10 minute walk.
- Combine Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi in one visit; they sit side by side.
- Varenna makes a calmer, better-value base than Bellagio for a multi-night stay.
Best boat tours for Varenna
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to enjoy Varenna and its surroundings from the water:
Shared boat tour from €75 Bellagio Cruise & Villa del Balbianello Gardens (VIP Access)
A rewarding couple of hours on the central lake. You cruise from Bellagio across to the wooded headland of Villa del Balbianello, then get VIP garden access to explore the famous terraces at your own pace — a film location for Star Wars and Casino Royale. Note that garden entry is included (interior museum is not) and the visit is self-guided with a free audio-guide app rather than a live guide.
- Scenic boat cruise from Bellagio to Villa del Balbianello
- VIP skip-the-line access to the terraced gardens
- See the Star Wars and Casino Royale film locations
Catamaran cruise from €125 Lake Como Catamaran Cruise with Aperitif (from Varenna)
A slow, intimate way to feel Lake Como. Aboard a restored wooden catamaran (max six guests), you set off from Varenna and drift past Bellagio, Villa Monastero and secluded coves the ferries never reach. The itinerary flexes with the weather and the mood, and there are snacks and an aperitif on board — plus the chance to swim. Choose the shared cruise or upgrade to private.
- Small-group catamaran (max 6 guests) from Varenna
- Sail past Bellagio, Varenna and quiet hidden coves
- Aperitif and snacks included on board
