Varenna and surrounding area

Varenna - Cultural pearl in the golden triangle with a long evening sun

Varenna is picturesquely nested on the lakeshore and is important both historically and culturally. The small town with just under 800 inhabitants is situated in a traffic-calmed area (motorway in tunnel) in the ferry triangle with Bellagio in the middle of the lake and Menaggio on the west side of the lake.

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Places of interest in the municipality include:

the parish church of San Giorgio, built in 1313, with a high bell tower.
a lakeside promenade
the Castello di Vezio on the mountain
Villa Monastero (19th-20th century)
Villa Cipressi (16th-17th century)

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

Bellano

Bellano is a comparatively larger town (3200 inhabitants) on the middle eastern shore of Lago di Como and is known for its versatility. The long and wide lakeside promenade with cafés as well as the spacious and sunny headland invite you to stroll and linger. The picturesque old town has romantic alleys and a winding pedestrian zone with boutiques, a good selection of restaurants, ice-cream parlours, craft shops and beautiful backyards.

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

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Dervio

Dervio has its roots in the third century, as attested by the discovery of remains of Roman-Gallic culture in the area. Dervio is situated on the sunny peninsula with a small fishing harbour, beautiful extensive beach, lakeside restaurants, long lakeside promenade, sunbathing lawns, playground, bars, pizzerias, boatyard, sailing and surfing centre and boat hire.

From there you need 4 km to Bellano and 10 km to Colico.

Activities and highlights in Varenna and surroundings

Transport connections from Varenna

With the car:

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

By ship:

Good ferry connections from Varenna to Menaggio and Bellagio
Dervio, Bellano and Varenna are ideal starting points for excursions with comfortable excursion boats or by speedboat

By train:

Panoramic train connects most towns on the eastern shore with Chiavenna and Milan
Stations in Varenna, Dervio, Bellano

Swimming, Beaches & Pools

Long beaches in Bellano, Dervio and Lierna
Lido beach resort with pool, deckchair service, kiosk etc.

Boat hire and moorings

Motorboats in Varenna and Lierna

Sports

Golf:

- Nearest golf course at Brianza (35 km)
- Golf course “Menaggio e Caddenabbia” above Menaggio – reachable by car ferry

By bike

- Eastern shore traffic cleared (bypass)
- Shore road towards Colico and Lecco well passable for cycle racers
- Many touring possibilities for mountain bikers in the surrounding mountain world

Sailing, Surfing & Kite

- Surfing and sailing school with small sailing yachts in Dervio

Hiking, Walking, Mountaineering & Climbing:

- Beautiful high-altitude hiking trail from Colico to Varenna and on to the south
- Climbing opportunities on the Grigne massif near Varenna, on the rock massif in Varenna by the lake and on the mountain massif around Lecco.
- Many mountain hikes with magnificent panoramic views in the surrounding mountain world

Water Ski & Wakeboard

- Modern wakeboard facility in a pond in Colico
- Water ski school in Gera Lario

Riding

- Good riding places see Colico

Tennis

- Modern tennis court in Vestreno above Bellano (reservation via the local trattoria).
- Other courts in the neighbouring villages of Dervio and Colico

Culture, Events & Entertainment

Castello di Vezio with old castle, large park with changing modern sculpture exhibitions and bird of prey show

Children & Families

Children’s playgrounds as well as playing facilities at the lake by often flat beaches

Markets

Weekly markets every day in a different place in the neighbourhood

Shopping & Feasting

Small shops and quaint restaurants in Varenna
Many shops and restaurants in the neighbouring village of Bellano

Winter attractions

Alpine skiing / Nordic cross-country skiing / ice skating / ice bowls in attractive winter sports resorts 50-100 km away ( St. Moritz (CH), Bormio, Teglio, Madesimo).
Touring Ski and Snowshoe Hiking on Lake Como
Christmas markets and nativity scene exhibitions