Varenna is a picturesque village located on the shores of Lake Como in Northern Italy. The village is known for its colorful houses, quaint streets, and beautiful views. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, boating, and more. Here are 11 things to do in Varenna, Italy.
1. Climb Up to Castello Di Vezio for Stunning Views
If you’re looking for breathtaking views, look no further than the Castello Di Vezio in Varenna, Italy. Situated atop a hill overlooking Lake Como, this medieval castle offers stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountains and waters.
Visitors can explore the castle’s atmospheric rooms and courtyards, and take in the views from its terrace. The castle also houses a museum with exhibits on local history and hosts regular events such as concerts and falconry displays.
So whether you’re admiring the views or soaking up some history, a visit to the Castello Di Vezio is sure to be a memorable experience.
2. Take a Boat Trip From Varenna to Explore the Beauty of Lake Como
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Lake Como is to take a boat trip from Varenna. Varenna is a picturesque town located on the eastern shore of the lake, and it makes an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
There are numerous boat companies operating in Varenna, and you can easily find a tour that suits your interests and schedule. Most boat trips depart from Varenna’s central harbor, and many of them include stops at other towns along the lake.
This is a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Italy, and you may even want to stop for a swim or two along the way. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a longer excursion, taking a boat trip from Varenna is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Lake Como.
3. Wander Around the Pretty Medieval Streets and Soak up the Atmosphere
Varenna is a small town on the eastern shore of Lake Como in northern Italy. Its medieval streets are full of atmosphere, and it’s well worth taking a wander around to soak it all up.
There are plenty of places to stop for a drink or a meal, and the views of the lake are simply stunning. If you’re looking for something a bit more active, there are also several hiking trails in the area.
Whatever you do, make sure to take some time to explore Varenna – it’s a truly special place.
4. Sample Some of the Local Excellent Restaurants or Cafes
There are many excellent restaurants and cafes in Varenna, Italy, and visitors should definitely sample some of them during their stay. One particular cafe, Caffe della Posta, is known for its delicious pastries and coffee.
The restaurant Locanda dell’Isola Comacina is another excellent choice, offering stunning views of Lake Como along with its tantalizing menu. For those who want to experience some of the local cultures, the Museum of Fizzy Water is a must-see.
Visitors can learn about the history of this unique drink and even sample some of the different brands that are produced in Varenna. Of course, no visit to Varenna would be complete without taking a leisurely stroll along the beautiful lakeside promenade.
With so much to see and do in Varenna, visitors are sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
5. Visit Villa Monastero, a Former Convent With Beautiful Gardens
Villa Monastero is a beautiful former convent located in the town of Varenna, Italy. The villa is set on a stunning lakeside property with lush gardens and incredible views of Lake Como.
Visitors can tour the villa’s historic rooms, including the former convent cells, and wander through the gardens, which are filled with a variety of flowers and plants. Villa Monastero is a popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why – the villa and gardens are truly a hidden gem.
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to explore while in Italy, be sure to add Villa Monastero to your list!
6. Discover More About Leonardo Da Vinci
There’s no doubt that Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most talented and prolific people to have ever lived. A true polymath, he was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, and scientist.
He is best known for his paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, but his notebooks reveal a mind that was constantly inquiring and experimenting. If you want to learn more about this amazing individual, a visit to Varenna, Italy is a must.
Varenna is located on Lake Como, just a short distance from Milan. It was here that Leonardo spent the last years of his life, working on some of his most famous paintings.
Today, the town has a museum dedicated to the great man, which houses some of his original notebooks and drawings. You can also see where he lived and worked, and even take a boat trip out to the island of Bellagio – said to be one of Leonardo’s favorite places.
So if you’re interested in learning more about one of history’s most fascinating figures, be sure to add Varenna to your travels!
7. Marvel at the Baroque Churches Including San Giorgio and Santa Maria Della Neve
Assuming you have a eurail pass or are willing to purchase a ticket, one of the best things to do in Varenna, Italy is to go see the Baroque churches. The two most notable ones are San Giorgio and Santa Maria Della Neve.
If you want to see breathtaking architecture and art then these are the churches for you, they will literally take your breath away. The level of detail and ornamentation will amaze you, as will the history behind them.
Both date back to the early 18th century and were built in the popular baroque style of the day. If you’re a fan of this type of architecture or simply want to see something beautiful, be sure to add these churches to your list of things to do in Varenna.
8. Explore the Lakeside Town of Bellagio
Bellagio is a beautiful lakeside town in northern Italy, located on the shores of Lake Como. The town is known for its stunning scenery, with quaint streets and charming buildings set against a backdrop of mountains and water.
Bellagio is also a popular tourist destination, with plenty of things to see and do. Visitors can explore the town’s many shops and restaurants, take a boat ride on the lake, or hike up one of the nearby mountain trails.
There are also several museums and art galleries to enjoy, making Bellagio a great place to spend a few days exploring. Whether you’re looking for scenic beauty or cultural activities, Bellagio is sure to have something to offer.
9. Go for a Hike in the Hills Above Varenna
Varenna is a small town located on the eastern shore of Lake Como in Northern Italy. Although it is a popular tourist destination, it is still possible to find some peace and quiet if you know where to look.
One of the best places to enjoy the quiet beauty of Varenna is by taking a hike in the hills above the town. The hiking trails wind through fields of wildflowers and offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
In addition, there are several small villages located along the trails, providing the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy some traditional Italian cuisine. Whether you are looking for an energetic hike or a leisurely stroll, the hills above Varenna are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
10. Enjoy a Day Out in Milan, Just an Hour Away by Train
Looking for a quick and easy day trip from Milan? Look no further than the charming lakeside town of Varenna!
Just an hour away by train, Varenna is the perfect place to enjoy a slower pace and experience some of the best that Italy has to offer. From its picturesque setting on Lake Como to its quaint shops and cafes, Varenna is a wonderful place to spend a day exploring.
And with plenty of things to do, you’ll never be bored! Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should add Varenna to your list of places to visit in Italy.
11. Relax With the Stunning Scenery in One of Varenna’s Pretty Parks or Gardens
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy stunning scenery, Varenna’s pretty parks and gardens are a perfect choice. With their beautifully manicured lawns, blooming flowers, and tranquil atmosphere, these parks and gardens offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
And, best of all, they’re located right in the heart of one of Italy’s most beautiful towns. Whether you want to stroll along scenic lakeside paths, explore charming botanical gardens or simply relax on a park bench with a good book, you’ll find plenty of options in Varenna.
Lake Como Park is one of the most popular choices for visitors, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, don’t miss the Castello di Vezio, which features a garden with over 1,000 varieties of rare and exotic plants.
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find a park or garden that suits your fancy in Varenna.
In conclusion
If you’re looking for a beautiful and scenic Italian town to visit, you can’t go wrong with Varenna. With its stunning setting on Lake Como and its many cultural and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. So whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or simply relax with the stunning scenery, be sure to add Varenna to your list of places to visit in Italy.
