FeelingGoodWithSofy

Hi everyone! It’s time for a new travel article! This time “I’m taking you” to Varenna, one of the most beautiful villages on the Como Lake!😍

I love going there, especially during spring and summer time (when it’s not so warm) or in the early autumn! I’ve been to Varenna a number of times now and everytime I come back, I am always amazed by its beauty, charming atmosphere and stunning scenery 😍

This lovely village is nestled along the eastern shore of the Lake Como, in Italy.

Unlike some of the bigger town on the Lake, Varenna retains a more intimate, tranquil feel, making it a truly enchanting place to visit!

Varenna, a picturesque village

Varenna is often described as one of the most picturesque and charming villages on Lake Como. Its colourful houses clinging to the hillside, the narrow cobblestone streets, its beautiful Botanical gardens and the stunning views of the Lake and mountains, all contribute to the picturesque aesthetics of the village!

Passeggiata degli Innamorati

The Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Walk of Lovers) is a short, picturesque pedestrian walkway that hugs the cliffside, connecting the ferry terminal to the heart of Varennna’s historic center.

I enjoy a lot promenading here, and stopping here and there to take photos or simply to admire the stunning view in front of me!😍

Relax and enjoy a meal along the lake shore

The Riva Grande is the main lakeside promenade in Varenna. You’ll find a string of cafes and restaurants in this area, all offering direct or very close access to the shore and beautiful Lake views!

I usually go to Bar Il Molo, especially to eat breakfast. I normally take spremuta, (herbal) tea and then a croissant or somehing savoury like a toast with butter and scrambled eggs. You can also enjoy other meals or aperitifs throughout the course of the day in this bistrot!

Other food places close to the Lake are La Cambusa, Varenna Caffè Bistrot, Ristorante Vecchia Varenna and several more.

Lavanda del Lago

In Varenna and other charming villages around the Como Lake, you’ll likely come across cute shops named Lavanda del Lago (Lavender of the Lake).

These shops are dedicated to showcasing and selling lavender products💜 among which essential oils, home fragrances, body care products.

I love stepping into a Lavanda del Lago shop and taking in the calming lavender fragrance😍 🙂 I usually buy their calming essential oil and lip balm with also shea butter.

Varenna’s charming, picturesque alleys

Varenna is renowned for its charming network of alleys. These narrow, winding pathways, often stepped, are a defining characteristic of the village and contribute significantly to its enchanting atmosphere.

I love wondering through the alleys, they are all different with its own beauty and charm!

Cozy foodie places

I love the fact that there are both foodie places along the lake shore and in the alleys of Varenna!

Varenna, is indeed known for having several charming and cozy restaurants tucked away in its picturesque alleys. These often offer a more intimate and authentic dining experience compared to the more prominent lakeside establishments.

Culinary Gems

Here are a few that you may find nice and located within Varenna’s Alleys:

• Il Cavatappi: a small, well-reviewed restaurant, located at Via XX Settembre, 10, 23829 Varenna. It offers creative, regional dishes, pasta, and antipasti in a cozy setting with tables in a small street. This place is known for its intimate atmosphere and genuine cuisine.
• Osteria Quatro Pass: I’ve been several times to this nice osteria. It was previously a warehouse, transformed later into a charming, elegant Osteria. The food is so delicious and authentic. The menu changes according to the seasons, offering homemade pastas (creative dishes), (see the photos down below), tasty fish from the lake and meat dishes. This Osteria is also situated in the same street as Il Cavatappi, Via XX Settembre, 20, 23829 Varenna.

• Albergo Milano features Ristorante La Vista which is another culinary gem that I love to go to especially at the evening. This place has a terrace with an excellent view of the village and the Lake, making it ideal also for romantic dinners and aperitifs! The dinner includes a la carte menu with a selection of fine wines. The food is exquisite, offering also vegan dishes! The restaurant is open almost every evening from April to the end of October, with dinner served from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The restaurant is located at Via XX Settembre, 35, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy.

Authentic gelato places

• La Passerella: a really good artisanal gelateria situated on the main pedestrian path by the Lake. This gelateria has a small selection of flavours but their taste is literally amazing😍! It offers also vegan, gluten-free options including fruit sorbets and dark chocolate. I adore their pistachio and cheesecake😍! Another important thing which I appreciate is that the service is kind and friendly. Street adress: Contrada del Porto Varenna, 14, 23829 Varenna LC

• Gelateria Riva: right near La Passerella you can find Gelateria Riva, another genuine gelateria that has high quality gelato. They use good quality ingredients, including fresh, seasonal fruit, milk and cream. There are also gluten-free options. The service is kind and friendly. Street adress: Contrada dell’Oste, 14, 23829 Varenna LCthis artisal gelateria

Both gelaterie are located in a charming location within Varenna.

Varenna, a relaxing bathing place

Varenna is a beautiful spot on Lake Como, and swimming in the lake is a popular activity there. I find it so refreshing and nice to take a dip in the lake, the temperatures are pretty cold, cool also because the Lake is so deep. Being over 400 metres deep, the lake holds the fifth position for depth among European lakes!

There are few places where people typically go for a swim:

• The area near the ferry terminal: this is a common and easily accessible spot. Especially during summer time you’ll see people sunbathing and swimming around here.
• Lido di Varenna: as the name suggests, this is a designated area where you can swim and often find some facilities.

• Smaller coves and spots along the shoreline: if you explore the paths and rocks along the Lake, you can find quieter spots to take a dip! 💙

How to get to Varenna

There are several convenient ways to reach Varenna:

• By train: this is often the easiest and most direct way, especially from Milan.
• By ferry: ferries are a fantastic way to arrive in Varenna, offering stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Moreover Varenna has excellent ferry connections to other popular destinations on the Lake, including Menaggio, Bellagio.
• By car: my family and I usually take the car to arrive to Varenna. We live close to Milan. During peak season, make sure to arrive early in the morning, otherwise you’ll hardly find parking in the area.

If you plan a trip to Como Lake, I would highly recommend you to include Varenna in your itinerary, you will not be disappointed! 🙂

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