Varenna forms the ‘Golden Triangle’ with Menaggio and Bellagio, but is also one of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy in itself.

For example,  the old fishermen’s houses nestle  picturesquely on the lake shore. The extraordinary promenade begins on the far right of the ship landing stage. As a result, one approaches the old sea center of Varenna past the old fishing port, where every niche, no matter how small, is used for tourism, but this never seems excessive.

Varenna at the lake is wonderful …

Small cafes, nice shops and restaurants can be found here. Fortunately, prices are still developing appropriately. From the water you can reach the upper town via numerous stairs and narrow, typically Italian alleys, which has a beautiful square lined with old plane trees in its center. The weekly market takes place in the beautiful piazza, dominated by the parish church of San Giorgio as if by a patron saint.

From here you follow the promenade to the southern end of the village. After 200 m the path ends on the main road. A few steps to the right is the Villa Monastero with its beautiful garden park.

However  , a structurally interesting hotel at the ferry port  surprises visitors, visitors drink cappuccino in peace, while others wait in their cars for the arrival of the next ferry. After a few steps to the north, behind the pedestrian bridge over the Esino river, there is a public bathing area. Behind the town, the mountains rise relatively quickly, crowned by the Castello di Vezio , one of the best-preserved castles on Lake Como.

At the height of the castle there is an old samu path that leads south to the Fiumelatte, the shortest river in Italy. Perledo and Esino are two mountain villages characterized by many traditions that already belong to the nature reserve of the southern Grigne group.

You can also enjoy the beautiful lido in Varenna

By the way – on Via al Lido, on the right side of the river coming down from the mountains, there is the seaside resort of the same name, Varennas , in other words a beach with deck chairs, changing rooms and showers. Bar and restaurant with sea fish, sausage, ribs and polenta. An ideal place for birthday parties, bachelorette parties with music and live DJ. Saturday night disco, dance evenings and more. Location Olivedo Perledo. Via al Lido. 23828 Varenna (LC). 0341 815370

Castello di Vezio

Although the history of the fortifications above Varenna is interesting, the castle attracts people because of the fantastic view over Lake Como. And this is really breathtaking, you can experience the lake here in a clarity and overview that is rarely otherwise.

Villa Monastero

In addition, at the southern exit of Varenna is the Villa Monastero, sometimes a conference hotel. Originally, from the 13th century to 1567, the property was a Cistercian monastery. Subsequently, Pope Pius V issued a decree that led to the closure of the monastery. The Mornico family bought the property and had it restored, thus creating the basis for its successful history.

Definitely take a stroll through the garden …

However, the owner at the time, the German Walter Kees, installed some valuable structural elements in the garden and planted numerous exotic plants. In 1925 the villa went to the state, which then sold it to the current owner, the Consiglio Nazionale di Ricerche, in 1977.

Worth seeing are the gardens of the villa, which lead about 600 meters further south above Lake Como, and the museum, which shows important stations in the history of the villa and art treasures that are worth seeing. Information. Via Polvani, 4. 23829 Varenna. 0341 295450. www.villamonastero.it

Esino Lario and Perledo

The two mountain villages are definitely worth a visit. The old village structure, the churches and the panoramic view of Lake Como are worth the journey. There are also numerous signposted hiking options.

Fiumelatte

A traditional hiking trail, the Sentiero del Viandante, runs through Vezio from Abbadia Lariana to Colico. If you follow this in a southerly direction, after approx. 45 minutes you will reach the Fiumelatte, in German: ‘milk river’, the shortest river in Italy. The name says it all: when it carries a lot of water, the river foams so much that it gives the impression that milk is flowing from the spring into Lake Como.

From spring to early summer, the white foaming water shoots down the slope about 250 meters from a crevice. On weekends and holidays, crowds of people make the pilgrimage to this place to watch the natural spectacle. Afterwards there is a barbecue at the numerous picnic tables and table wine drunk from green bottles. The way there gives wonderful views of Varenna and Lake Como. Who wants, chooses the direct connection down via small back roads for the return march.