Discover Varenna: Lakeside Promenade, Culture and Hiking

Along the lakeside of Varenna, the Passeggiata degli Innamorati runs as a short path on a pedestrian walkway over the water. It connects Varenna’s landing stage with the historic old town.

Lakeside Walkway and Landing Stage

For visits to the Botanical Garden and the Casa Museo, Villa Monastero offers a free landing place for boats and water taxis. It may be used exclusively for boarding and disembarking; prior contact with the ticket office is also required. Prior contact with the ticket office is therefore part of the specific preparations for this visit.

Church, Museum and Castle

The Chiesa di San Giorgio preserves old frescoes and important works, including the Trittico di San Giorgio and the Polittico della Madonna col bambino. The Museo ornitologico e di scienze naturali Luigi Scanagatta has a historically significant scientific library with currently more than 1,500 volumes, monographs and brochures.

Routes with Different Time Requirements

Above Varenna, the Castello di Vezio stands on a promontory. The Anello del Castello di Vezio connects Varenna with Vezio di Perledo and takes approximately 30 minutes. It has an elevation gain of approximately 160 metres. For this route, the elevation gain should be considered as a separate point in the day’s planning in addition to the time required.

The section of the Sentiero del Viandante from Varenna to Bellano takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. The timeframe of approximately 2 to 3 hours is longer than the approximately 30 minutes required for the Anello del Castello di Vezio. The choice between the two routes therefore depends primarily on whether a compact walk or a longer time window is planned for the day. The choice between the two routes consequently affects how much time remains for other stops on the same day.

Fiumelatte Between Its Source and Lake Como

The Fiumelatte watercourse follows a seasonal rhythm: the water appears towards the end of March and disappears around October. Fiumelatte is 250 metres long and runs from its source to Lake Como. Anyone including Fiumelatte in their plans should schedule the visit according to this seasonal period.

A path from Via Roma near the cemetery of Varenna leads to the source of Fiumelatte. Near the source, there is a small, well-equipped picnic area on the riverbank. The area provides space for a break by the river.

Tradition in Late Autumn

The Patriarchs of Varenna are celebrated every year at a gathering in late autumn at Villa Cipressi.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

You can also include Perledo, Oliveto Lario, Casargo, Bindo, Colico, Robbiate, Esino Lario and Bellano in your travel plans.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lecco.