Hotels near Varenna

Varenna sits on the eastern shore opposite Bellagio and offers a quieter, narrower take on Lake Como village life. The waterfront passerella - a wooden walkway pinned to the cliff face - connects the ferry pier to the small harbour of Riva Grande, passing under the pastel facades of the old town. Above, stone alleys climb steeply to the 11th-century Castello di Vezio, where trained Harris's hawks fly demonstrations against the backdrop of the lake.

Founded by local fishermen in AD 769 and destroyed by Como in 1126, Varenna was rebuilt as a refuge for survivors of nearby Isola Comacina. Today's population sits around 800. Villa Monastero - a former 12th-century Cistercian convent turned 19th-century villa - and the adjacent Villa Cipressi gardens are the main paid attractions, but the village itself rewards an unhurried walk. Direct regional trains from Milano Centrale reach Varenna-Esino-Perledo station in about an hour.

Pro Tip: Take the Varenna-Bellagio-Menaggio car ferry rather than the slower passenger boat - the 15-minute crossing is the most scenic short trip on Lake Como and the ferry runs every 30 minutes through the day. Buy tickets at the dockside kiosk just before boarding.