Last Day in Varena, Lake Como

Published:

Dec 6, 2017

Last updated:

Jul 1, 2022

I can’t believe it’s almost middle of December and I’m virtually still back in Lake Como. But I’m sure you don’t mind a bit of sunshine, do you?

Varenna was the first and also last stop on my trip to Lake Como. It is known as one of the entrance points to the area, connecting the villages with train connection to Milan (only 1 hour on comfy train).

On the last day of the trip, me and my husband vacated our hotel and dragged our bags from the ferry terminal further down the winding roads until we reached a pretty cafe with a restaurant.

I was really surprised how charming the village was and that I actually preferred this place a lot more than it’s other flashy neighbours.

Varenna overlooks Bellagio right opposite and is well connected to the other villages by regular ferry service. It is not as busy as the other villages and I think that’s part of it’s charm.

It’s filled with old traditional houses, small boutique shops and tiny restaurants tucked in between. The most impressive features -villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi (pictured lower) are just a short stroll away from the harbour.

Even though there are a few hotels in the village, they feel very authentic and look like they could be just someone’s home. As you stroll through the cobbled streets, you find treasures on every corner. Beautiful views all around, people getting on a boat, locals opening their balconies to get the fresh air inside their home, and the occasional tourists wondering about all the marvels.

As we had our luggage with us, I couldn’t do as much exploring as I wanted. There is still so much left to be discovered – and that’s a good thing, great reason and excuse to come back.

It is easy to image a life in here. Good food, stunning views and access to one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

Our last day in Varenna was just a lovely lunch with a company of a Swiss couple who were filling us in on their adventures of crossing here from the Alps and spent most of our day drinking way too much wine. We met so many lovely people on this trip, both locals but also tourists.

The food I tasted in here bares no comparison to anything else.

It was a beautiful a farewell to Lake Como. I said goodbye to my last plate of pasta for lunch, last sip of Italian wine and a last look at this little paradise on earth.