Varenna

Charming Lakeside Escape in Italy

Varenna sits on Lake Como’s western shore, surrounded by green hills dotted with stone houses and terraced gardens. The town has a quiet charm that comes from its small size and slow pace of life. Visitors find narrow streets lined with cafes where locals gather over espresso or aperitivo. Ferries move between Varenna and nearby villages like Bellagio, giving views of the lake’s deep blue water and surrounding mountains. Markets sell fresh produce and handmade goods, making it easy to taste regional flavors while enjoying peaceful surroundings.

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Town in Italy

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.9

General Safety:	8
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	9

Read details

4/5

English is widely understood in Varenna, especially in tourist areas. Locals are accustomed to foreign visitors, and many restaurants, hotels, and shops cater to English speakers, though some basic Italian can be helpful.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Varenna Summary

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Great for Lake Como scenery and relaxing walks. Stroll lakeside promenades, visit historic villas and gardens, enjoy boat trips and relax in waterfront cafés.

Place score

8.0

Best at:

Lakes

Romantic

Cosy towns

Walkable

Spotless

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

❤️ 9

Couples

Italy – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in Italy, particularly in cities. While larger establishments and chains are fully cashless, smaller shops may still prefer cash. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in Italy, especially in restaurants where 10-15% is typical. Tipping for taxi drivers is usually rounded up or 5-10%. Small tips for hotel staff are also appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed in Italy, especially in public squares and during festivals. In some regions, it is illegal to drink alcohol in certain areas like public transport or near schools.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside.

Ferragosto (August)	Many businesses close, and Italians take holidays. It’s very busy in tourist areas.
Christmas (December)	Christmas markets and festivities are popular, expect higher prices and crowded attractions.
La Befana (January)	Celebrated on January 6, the Epiphany is a public holiday with festive events, and some businesses close.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Free Now, ItTaxi
Other:	Italy's tourist infrastructure is well-developed, but some rural or historical areas may require extra planning for accessibility.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Varenna, Italy

❄️

Jan

❄️

Feb

🌤️

Mar

🌦️

Apr

🌦️

May

🌦️

Jun

🌦️

Jul

⛈️

Aug

☀️

Sep

🌦️

Oct

🌦️

Nov

❄️

Dec

High season:	May - Sep.
Shoulder season:	April, Oct.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Villa gardens and many hotels, restaurants and boat tours open roughly April to October, most close November to March

Ferries run year-round but with far fewer sailings November to March

Don't miss

🏛️ Visit the historic Villa Monastero with its stunning gardens
🏰 Hike up to Vezio Castle for breathtaking Lake Como views
🌅 Stroll along the Lover’s Walk for romantic lakeside scenery
🏖️ Relax and swim at Lido di Varenna beach near the ferry dock
🍦 Explore Varenna’s charming town center and try local gelato

You've been here?

Why travel to Varenna?

If you’re looking for a serene getaway on Lake Como, Varenna is a dream come true. Its scenic beauty and quaint atmosphere provide a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. You can walk along the lakefront, visit historical villas or take boat trips to nearby villages. However, it can get crowded in peak seasons, so be prepared for that.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Villa Monastero
2 Piazza San Giovanni
3 Villa Cipressi
4 Chiesa di San Giorgio
5 Castle of Vezio

🎡Places for activities

1 Chiesa parrocchiale di San Giorgio
2 Castello di Vezio
3 Museo ornitologico Luigi Scanagatta

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Lake Como
2 Punta di Spartivento
3 Monte Due Mani

🎈Events

Varenna's Festa di San Giovanni
Lake Como Festival
Varenna's Christmas Market
Varenna's New Year Celebration
Lakeside Music Festival
Varenna Flower Show
Varenna Art Walk
Feast of the Assumption
Lakeside Fireworks Display
Varenna Wine Tasting Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Arrive early; ferries and lakefront paths get crowded.
Use Varenna-Esino station for easy Milan access; walk downhill to the waterfront.
Stroll Passeggiata degli Innamorati to town center; it’s the prettiest lakeside approach.
Hike up to Castello di Vezio for sweeping Lake Como views; go late afternoon for softer light.

How to travel to Varenna

Varenna is accessible by train from Milan (about 1.5 hours). The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa and from there, you can take a train or rent a car. Ferries to Varenna are also available from other towns along Lake Como.

Access summary

From Milan Malpensa (MXP): Train via Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino, about 2–3 hours.
From Milan city: Direct regional trains from Milano Centrale, roughly 1–1.5 hours.
From Como/Bellagio: Lake ferries or bus–ferry combos, usually around 1–2 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Varenna

Varenna offers a variety of accommodations, from charming lakeside hotels and boutique guesthouses to luxury villas. The village is more intimate than its larger neighbors, making it ideal for a cozy, scenic stay.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

9.4

Grand Hotel Victoria concept & spa, by R Collection Hotels

Nene-Il Vicolo Apartments and Rooms

9.1

Hotel Bellagio

9.1

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Varenna

Varenna is a small village, so the best way to get around is on foot. For longer distances, consider renting a bike or taking a boat. Public transport is available but limited to the ferry system for traveling between lakeside towns.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

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-1 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 1% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs (Data for Lecco, Italy - 21 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£61	£140	£373
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£26	£60	£135
🍝 Food per day	£27	£70	£195
🚕 Transportation per day	£8	£11	£43

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£31
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£15
🍟 Fast food combo	£8
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£9.50
☕ Cappuccino	£1.40
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.30

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.70
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£26
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.60

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£7.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£70
🤧 Cold medication	£9.50
💇 Basic haircut	£15

Safety information overview

General safety

Varenna is a safe village, with little to no criminal activity. As with any popular tourist destination, it’s best to stay vigilant in busy areas. The village is peaceful and ideal for leisurely walks and sightseeing.

Health & Medical

Medical services in Varenna are limited but available in nearby towns. It's advisable to have travel insurance, especially if you plan on hiking or boating. The nearest hospital is in Lecco, about 30 minutes away by car.

Accessibility

Varenna's historic streets can be narrow and cobbled, which may make it challenging for those with limited mobility. However, the lakefront and more modern accommodations are accessible for most visitors. Some attractions may require a short walk uphill.

Tap water

Tap water in Varenna is safe to drink and there are public drinking fountains along the lakeside. Be sure to stay hydrated during summer, as it can get quite hot.