Location: Varenna
Top Things to do in Varenna
5 Hidden Gems Things to do in Varenna That You Shouldn't Miss
Varenna is a slow-paced destination—most visitors come here to relax by the lake. But even if "Working on my tan" is the #1 thing on your itinerary, take some time to explore the area. There’s the Castello di Vizio, a medieval fortress surrounded by an olive grove. And you’ll want to view the old, tiered gardens at the Villa Cipressi—they stretch all the way down to the water. Finally, visit the source of the Fiumelatte, a peculiar river—it’s only 250 m long and disappears from October to March.
Restaurants in Varenna
1. Ristorante Il Caminetto Cookery Lessons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 356 reviews
Reviewed By Chaiss - Scituate, United States
We spent the day 10-4:30 at the cooking class and it was a very fun, educational and one of the highlights of our stay on Lake Como! Moreno was so sweet and entertaining I would highly recommend this cooking class to anyone visiting the lake!!! The class was in a casual setting and allowed you to ask questions and get tips from Moreno and some of the guests. We drank, cooked, laughed and made new friends. It was a great experience????. Thank you thank you!
2. Paul DEMARIA - The Open Lake & Landscape Studio d’Arte
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Open Afternoons and Evenings, Apr-Oct (and happily by appointment in the Mornings or during the Winter season). We have a permanent display of original oil paintings for Paul Demaria Guaitamacchi collectors worldwide featuring Landscapes, Still lifes, Interiors and paintings of Lake Como in the many possible settings and seasons. Prices include our hand-treated frames (from Florence), taxes/fees and International Shipping and we are pleased to offer complimentary Wine and Snacks with all painting purchases. See our website to view our currently Available Paintings (marked by a Green Dot) and to read client testimonials dating back to 2004. Also see our reviews here on TripAdvisor and on our Facebook page (Paul Demaria Guaitamacchi). Private viewings are available. Please contact Paolo or Melita if you have any questions (or for an appointment!).
Reviewed By 736kathye - Houston, United States
We found the studio by accident while visiting Varenna in 2017 and spent hours here looking at all the beautiful paintings ... Melkita was so helpful. Paul’s talent is exceptional The landscape of Varenna is displayed for all to see in our dining room in Houston
3. In Vinis Veritas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
In Vinis Veritas is a casual, friendly wine bar, perfect for aperitifs and tasting some special wines with platters of local cheeses or cold cuts. We have wines from all the best Italian regions and a broad selection of local wines, as well as oil from the olives of Lake Como. The wine shop can ship you wines all over the world.
Reviewed By TessiePeters
This was the highlight of my trip. I had 3 delicious glasses of red wine, accompanied with a selection of divine bread and cheeses. The host was very informative and was well informed. Really worth a trip and all for only €20.
4. Green Way dei Patriarchi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By karimmaarouf - Cairo, Egypt
You can start this walk from the ferry landing at Varenna. Just turn right after you get off the Ferry and look for the signs, they should be easy to stop. You can hike to Fiumelatte, but that for us was a bit too far. You can also just go up to the castle, which itself is very nice to visit and offers amazing views. Then complete the loop back to Varenna. You don't need hiking shoes or anything, but some parts are steep and narrow. Views all along the way are very nice and you come accross one of the Villas which you can visit as well. It took us about 90 minutes to do that, but we stopped for pictures and to visit the castle.
5. Sentiero del Viandante
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By karimmaarouf - Cairo, Egypt
Great hike up to the castle. Start from the ferry terminal then you have two options, head to the right (with your back to the water) and climb up a very steep but short path and return from the other side, which is not as steep but longer. Or you can do it the other way round. Either way, the views along the way and at the top where the castle is are very nice. You don't need to be very fit to do this or even have hiking shoes.
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