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Varenna and surroundings

Promenade am Comer See
View of Lake Como
Varenna am Comer See
View of Lake Como

Varenna – a cultural gem in the golden triangle with long evenings bathed in sunshine

Varenna is picturesquely nestled on the lake shore and is both historically and culturally significant. The small town with just under 800 inhabitants is traffic-calmed (expressway in a tunnel) and lies in the ferry connection triangle with Bellagio in the middle of the lake and Menaggio on the western side of the lake.

Villa on Lake Como
Varenna am Comer See
Castle at Lake Como

The municipality’s attractions include:

  • the parish church of San Giorgio, dating from 1313, with its tall bell tower
  • a lakeside promenade
  • the Castello di Vezio on the mountain
  • Villa Monastero (19th–20th century)
  • Villa Cipressi (16th-17th century)

Other highlights include excellent boat, ferry and train connections, as well as the beautiful old town, which is perfect for strolling around and culture lovers. The town is also an ideal starting point for numerous activities, such as mountain hikes, walks along the idyllic waterfront promenade and water sports.

Boote auf Comer See
Promenade am Comer See
Hafen am Comer See
View of Lake Como
Bellano am Comer See
Restaurant am Comer See
Strand am Comer See
Strand am Comer See
Schwimmen am Comer See

Bellano

Bellano is a relatively large town (3,200 inhabitants) on the central eastern shore of Lake Como and is known for its diversity. The long, wide promenade with cafés and the spacious, sunny headland invite visitors to stroll and linger. The picturesque old town captivates visitors with its romantic alleys and winding pedestrian zone with boutiques, a good selection of restaurants, ice cream parlours, craft shops and beautiful courtyards.

An absolute must is a visit to the Orrido di Bellano, an impressive gorge and the symbol of Bellano.

Hafen am Comer See

Dervio

An absolute must-see is Dervio, which has its roots in the third century, as evidenced by the discovery of remains of Roman-Gallic culture in the area. Dervio is located on a sun-drenched peninsula with a small fishing harbour, a beautiful expansive beach, lakeside restaurants, a long lake promenade, sunbathing lawns, a playground, bars, pizzerias, a boat yard, a sailing and surfing centre, and a boat rental service. The Orrido di Bellano, an impressive gorge and the symbol of Bellano, is also located here.

From there, it is 4 km to Bellano and 10 km to Colico.

Activities and highlights in Varenna and the surrounding area

Transport links

By car:

  • Beautiful places to visit nearby:
  • Vestreno – accessible via winding roads (also ideal for motorbike enthusiasts), impressive panoramic location
  • Perledo – above Varenna with a dream view
  • Corenno Plinio – right on the lake with an old castle and a small bathing beach
  • Valle Varrone – nearby side valley, sun-kissed with fruit and wine growing
  • Valsassina – famous for its scissors – popular for mountain tours to Lecco

By Boat

  • Good ferry connections from Varenna to Menaggio and Bellagio
  • Dervio, Bellano and Varenna are ideal starting points for excursions on leisurely excursion boats or speedboats.

By train:

  • Panorama train connects most towns on the eastern shore with Chiavenna and Milan
  • Railway stations in Varenna, Dervio, Bellano
  • Long beaches in Bellano, Dervio and Lierna
  • Lido beach resort with pool, deckchair service, kiosk, etc.
  • Motorboats in Varenna and Lierna

Golf:

  • Nearest golf course in Brianza (35 km)
  • Menaggio e Caddenabbia golf course above Menaggio – accessible by car ferry

By bicycle

  • East bank traffic relief (bypass road)
  • The lakeside road towards Colico and Lecco is well suited for competitive cyclists.
  • Many touring opportunities for mountain bikers in the surrounding mountains

Sailing, surfing & kite surfing

  • Surfing and sailing school with small sailing yachts in Dervio

Hiking, walking, mountaineering & climbing:

  • Beautiful high-altitude hiking trail from Colico to Varenna and further south
  • Climbing opportunities on the Grigne mountain range near Varenna, on the rock massif in Varenna by the lake and on the mountain range around Lecco
  • Numerous mountain hikes with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains

Water skiing & wakeboarding

  • Modern wakeboarding facility on a lake in Colico
  • Water ski school in Gera Lario

Horse riding

  • Good riding areas see Colico

Tennis

  • Modern tennis court in Vestreno above Bellano (bookings via the local trattoria)
  • Additional spaces in the neighbouring towns of Dervio and Colico
  • Castello di Vezio with old castle, large park with changing modern sculpture exhibitions and bird of prey show
  • Children’s playgrounds and play facilities at the lake, often with flat beaches
  • Weekly markets every day in a different location in the neighbourhood
  • Small shops and quaint restaurants in Varenna
  • Many shops and restaurants in the neighbouring village of Bellano
  • Alpine skiing / Nordic cross-country skiing / ice skating / ice boccia in attractive winter sports resorts 50-100 km away (St. Moritz (CH), Bormio, Teglio, Madesimo)
  • Ski touring and snowshoeing on Lake Como
  • Christmas markets and nativity scene exhibitions