Varenna is just across the water from fashionable Bellagio, on the eastern shore of Lake Como, and our recommendations here are the better hotels if you’re looking for a peaceful, central Lake Como spot. Plus it’s well connected to Milan, only an hour on the train, or 15 minutes on the ferry from Bellagio. The best places to stay in Varenna range from small family-friendly B&Bs to waterfront townhouses, some of which offer extremely good value for money.
Varenna’s views are arguably as good as Bellagio’s, and it's probably more lush with exotic plant-life. It’s also extremely charming, with red-tiled traditional Italian architecture rising from the lake along narrow streets towards a church and a row of elegant villas — now converted into some of the best places to stay in Varenna. The Piazza San Giorgio and the Church of San Giorgio mark the centre of town. This home to an impressive collection of religious art is also a useful marker on the map, because narrow, cobbled lanes radiate outwards from the piazza. If you stroll downwards between the colourful houses you’ll reach the Ria Grande, Varenna’s lakeside promenade, with its charming cafes, bars, restaurants and gelaterias, and the ferry port. There are some romantic hotel options right on the water, and this will make a charming choice for a romantic break.
Varenna also has a medieval castle fortress, the Castello di Vezio, which sits at the top of the hill overlooking the town. This upper part of town has some great accommodation picks for walkers and hikers.
Varenna makes a good base for exploring the region, especially for families. As well as great family hotel recommendations on our list of the best places to stay in Varenna, the town is full of family-friendly restaurants, plus the beaches are lovely, and you can catch the ferry all over the lake from here.
