Colorful houses of Varenna on the shore of Lake Como

Hotels in Varenna: Lake Como's romantic village

Varenna is small, colorful and on the railway line from Milan, which makes it the easiest Lake Como base without a car.

Photo: Ray in Manila, CC BY 2.0

By ItalianSuites editors · Updated

Varenna sits on the east shore of Lake Como, facing Bellagio across the water. Pastel houses line a tiny harbor, and a lakeside walkway links the village center with the ferry pier.

Our top pick: Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: Como, Bellagio, Varenna

Things to do

  • Villa Monastero: gardens along the shore.
  • Castello di Vezio: a short climb to a medieval tower with views over the central lake.
  • Ferry hopping: Bellagio and Menaggio are short crossings away.
Popular

Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: Como, Bellagio, Varenna

4.7/5 from over 540 reviews.

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Como Boat Experience Shared Tour

4.6/5 from over 400 reviews.

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Why book online

  • Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
  • Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
  • Mobile ticket on your phone
  • Reviews from verified travelers

Check hotel prices in Varenna

Frequently asked questions

Is Varenna a good base for Lake Como?

Yes, especially without a car: trains run from Milan, and ferries cross to Bellagio and Menaggio in minutes.

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