Discover Varenna

In Varenna, short routes by the water, cultural sites and trails with different estimated durations come together. For planning your trip, you can distinguish between them by their connections to local places, cultural interest and time required. Fiumelatte flows only seasonally: it appears towards the end of March and disappears around October.

The Passeggiata degli Innamorati is a short lakeside walk along a pedestrian walkway over the water. It connects Varenna’s landing stage with the historic old town.

If you are arriving by boat or water taxi to visit the Botanical Garden and the Casa Museo of Villa Monastero, you can use the free landing stage. It is intended exclusively for boarding and disembarking. Contact the ticket office in advance and confirm the landing arrangements before your arrival.

Cultural sites in Varenna

Castello di Vezio stands on a promontory above Varenna. Chiesa di San Giorgio preserves old frescoes as well as significant works: the Trittico di San Giorgio and the Polittico della Madonna col bambino. For art enthusiasts, the frescoes and the two named works are specific points of interest.

The Museo ornitologico e di scienze naturali Luigi Scanagatta has a scientifically important historic library. It currently contains more than 1,500 volumes, monographs and brochures. Alongside the artworks, the extensive scientific library is therefore another specific cultural feature of the town.

Hiking trails and planning your time

The Anello del Castello di Vezio connects Varenna with Vezio di Perledo and takes about 30 minutes. The route is also listed as having an elevation gain of around 160 m. By contrast, the section of the Sentiero del Viandante from Varenna to Bellano takes about 2 to 3 hours. At around 30 minutes, the Anello is the shorter route and has an elevation gain of around 160 m; the Sentiero section to Bellano takes about 2 to 3 hours. Walking conditions can vary; take this into account when planning your trip.

Fiumelatte throughout the year

Fiumelatte is a 250-metre-long watercourse that runs from its source to Lake Como. The water appears towards the end of March and disappears around October.

A path leads to the source from Via Roma, near Varenna cemetery. Near the source, there is a small, well-equipped picnic area on the riverbank.

A recurring tradition is also tied to a specific time and place: the Patriarchs of Varenna are celebrated every year at a gathering in Villa Cipressi in late autumn. If this gathering is important to your travel plans, check the dates for the relevant year in advance.

Discover more destinations: Molteno, Maggio, Dervio, Fiumelatte, Lecco, Introzzo, Vestreno, Civate

Go to the main travel overview: Lecco.