Introduction to the city of Varenna

  I would wholeheartedly recommend Varenna as a home base for your Lago di Como experience. You can get there quite easily in an hour train ride from Milan’s central station. Once there, you can do a boat trip, stopping at the better trodden and recognizable (also more expensive) city of Bellagio in addition to making stop at impressive ‘ville’ such as Villa Carlotta. Varenna is a perfect compromise, in my opinion. The lake views are stunning from many perspectives along the waterfront.

On our little patio at the Albergo Del Sole.

There are a variety of accommodation options to choose from; from Airbnb, the Hotel Du Lac or to a more luxury hotel, such as the Hotel Villa Cipressi. We stayed in a quaint bed and breakfast called the Albergo Del Sole. I would say this hotel was in the middle of the options, and it was perfectly suited to our needs. Varenna is quite small but offers quality in terms of hotels and restaurants as well.

You can see the bell tower directly behind us

The heart of the town provides a picture perfect backdrop as you cruise out on a private boat tour. That is, the tranquil harbor rests at your back with green hills and a few ambitious cypress trees around and above the expected pink, orange and yellow structures tailored with green shutters. There is an iconic bell tower that makes itself known when you gaze back at the town of Varenna from the water. The tower belongs to the Church of Saint George, which dates to the mid 13th century. The tower, on the other hand, was built in 1653. Find out more here.  

Take advantage of more extensive lake views and also lake activities by taking a boat ride, either private or group, depending on how much you want to spend on this activity. You can start with a website like this to explore different options and start your research. Here is a specific site featuring private taxi boats directly from Varenna.

The sun reflecting in the waters of Lake Como

The sunsets over the lake were spectacular every night. It is a blissful condition to have beautiful views from the city of Varenna out over the expansive lago when enjoying a glass of Franciacorta at one of my recommended restaurants and of Varenna when you set out on the obligatory boat tour.

Find out more in my specific recommendations in subsequent posts.