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.

The Best Places to Stay in Varenna

For Families

• The Albergo Milano is a great value choice for families. It’s small and very charming, with just 14 rooms, suites and apartments sleeping up to five, all simply and comfortably decorated, but with a configuration to suit most families. There’s not a huge amount of space, but it’s very well laid out, and that includes the charming restaurant and gorgeous sun terrace with incredible lake views. The owners also manage the property, and they’re charming and helpful — just what you need when you’re travelling with a family or group.

For Great Value

• The Albergo Olivedo is a gorgeous little townhouse hotel right across from the water in Varenna. It’s been owned by the same family for four generations, and its ten rooms have a really authentic feel of Lake Como: stone or parquet floors, a cheerful colour scheme, big windows and private balconies, and an authentic restaurant too. Totally charming.
• Varenna also has the Hotel du Lac, which is also right on the lake, and family-owned and run. Its 16 rooms are simply and comfortably decorated with antiques, and most have private balconies or terraces, and lake views. There’s also a large dining terrace and an airy restaurant that juts out over the lake. The location is perfect for exploring.

Best B&Bs

• The Casa Contrada Bella is a small and chic option, with just three stylish rooms that make the most of the villa-conversion’s original charms. Two of the rooms have small kitchenettes, and the third has a balcony. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in the charming streets around the Casa, and there’s a great beach close by too.

Prefer a Self-catering Apartment or villa?

• Sometimes a villa or apartment is the best option if you're travelling in a larger group, so if you decide that you'd prefer a self catering option, check out our online booking partner, booking.com for some inspiration.

Travel Information

• Varenna is between international airports: Milan’s Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo Airport are about an hour and a quarter away by road, or around two hours by train, while Brescia-Montichiari and Verona-Villafranca are both about two hours drive, or four and a half on the train via Milan,
• Lake Como is great for a road trip! If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Lake Como has a milder climate than its surrounds, its great body of water helps regulate the temperature, and allows for sub-tropical plants like grapevines and olive trees to grow throughout the year. Winter does get chilly, and in summer it can be humid, but in general it has some of the best weather conditions in Europe. April through to October are the busiest months for visitors, warm and sunny, perfect for a lake break. The water of the lake even heats up during summer, and can get to 20°C come July! So if you are visiting at this time it’s worth booking as much as you can in advance.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Lake Como
• Consider including other local towns in your search maybe beautiful Bellagio or Tremezzo, just across the water
• You could also consider refining your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, be it the  best hotels with a view on Lake Como, the best luxury hotels on Lake Como, the best hotels for families on Lake Como or the best value hotels on Lake Como
• Or you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.