Major city · Italy
Varenna
Give Varenna one night, two at most: ferries to Bellagio and Menaggio, Villa Monastero's garden and the Vezio castle walk fill a full day.
Varenna is a small fishing village on the eastern shore of Lake Como, about 1 hour from Milan by express train and 15 minutes by ferry from Bellagio. The historic centre is compact and steep, with a level lakeside walk, two villa gardens and a castle above the village. Most travellers use it as a quiet base for the central lake rather than a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), Nov–Feb (many gardens and the castle closed)
- Airports
- BGY · LIN · MXP
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Varenna112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Varenna, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Italy-wide
- SIM or eSIMTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at airports; a passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale…Italy-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe unless signed otherwise; Rome's nasoni fountains run all day.Italy-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Coperto or service may already be on the bill; leave €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) a person or round up for good service.Italy-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Italy-wide
- SafetyVarenna is a very safe village; the real risks are steep wet steps, swimming in cold deep water without a spotter…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €1 (≈ US$2).Italy-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) · 113 police · 115 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany state museums close on Monday; the Vatican Museums close on most Sundays.Italy-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBGY Milan Bergamo (Orio al Serio) (Closest airport, about 70 km (43 mi); bus to Bergamo station, then train via Lecco to Varenna-Esino-Perledo.).BGY Milan Bergamo (Orio al Serio) (Closest airport, about 43 mi (70 km); bus to Bergamo station, then train via Lecco to Varenna-Esino-Perledo.).
- Getting aroundOn foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at the bar€1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Museum or sight ticketVilla Monastero garden entry€6 (≈ US$7) garden only, €9 (≈ US$11) with the house museum
- Budget bedHostel or B&B bed, a night, per person€45 (≈ US$55)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or small hotel, a night, per room€150 (≈ US$180)
- High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or small hotel, a night, per room€260 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €130 (≈ US$160) · High €240 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BGY Milan Bergamo (Orio al Serio) (Closest airport, about 70 km (43 mi); bus to Bergamo station, then train via Lecco to Varenna-Esino-Perledo.) · LIN Milan Linate (Bus or taxi to Milano Centrale, then train to Varenna.) · MXP Milan Malpensa (Furthest of the three; shuttle or train to Milano Centrale, then train to Varenna.)BGY Milan Bergamo (Orio al Serio) (Closest airport, about 43 mi (70 km); bus to Bergamo station, then train via Lecco to Varenna-Esino-Perledo.) · LIN Milan Linate (Bus or taxi to Milano Centrale, then train to Varenna.) · MXP Milan Malpensa (Furthest of the three; shuttle or train to Milano Centrale, then train to Varenna.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Jan (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Varenna: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
7 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot. The centre is steep with staircases, but a mostly level path runs along the shore between the ferry pier and Villa Monastero. Trains link Varenna-Esino-Perledo with Lecco, Milan and the Valtellina; ferries and the vehicle ferry cross to Bellagio, Menaggio and Cadenabbia. Taxis wait at the station.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bellagio
goDoor to door: About 15 min crossing
Passenger ferry from the Varenna pier
Go early; the village fills by midday. Villa Melzi gardens are a short walk from the landing.
Menaggio
goDoor to door: About 20 min crossing
Vehicle ferry from the Varenna pier
Quieter than Bellagio; pairs well with a walk or bus up to the Menaggio golf and viewpoint area.
Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Ferry to Cadenabbia or Tremezzo, then walk
The garden is the draw; check the villa's opening season before crossing.
Esino Lario
cautionDoor to door: About 30–40 min by road
Bus or taxi up from Varenna; historic mule tracks on foot
Mountain village with thin public transport; go only if you like the walk down.
Lecco
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Train from Varenna-Esino-Perledo
Useful for connections and a bigger-town half-day.
Milan
cautionDoor to door: About 1–1.25 h
Express train from Varenna-Esino-Perledo to Milano Centrale
Doable as a day trip, but the last train back is early evening.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Historic centre (Piazza San Giorgio and the waterfront)
Steps from the ferry pier and the lakeside path; hotels here are the priciest and book out first.
Near the station (Varenna-Esino-Perledo)
Practical with bags and for early trains; a short walk downhill to the centre.
Fiumelatte
Quieter southern hamlet past Villa Monastero, on the same train line; a longer walk to the ferries.
Perledo and Vezio, above the village
Cheaper rooms and hill views, but you climb steps or take a taxi to reach the lake.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–100 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- €100–170 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed
- High
- €170 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, guesthouse or small hotel1 × 1 night × €150 | €150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €130 | €260 |
| Train Milan → Varenna, one way2 × €7 | €14 |
| Ferry Varenna → Bellagio, one way2 × €5 | €10 |
| Villa Monastero garden and house museum2 × €9 | €18 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €20 | €40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €49 |
| Trip total≈ €271 per person per day, bed included | €541≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at the bar | €1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Pizza or a plate of pasta | €9–16 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Glass of wine | €4–8 (≈ US$5–10) |
| Ferry Varenna → Bellagio, one way | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Train Varenna → Milan, one way | about €7 (≈ US$9) |
| Villa Monastero garden entry | €6 (≈ US$7) garden only, €9 (≈ US$11) with the house museum |
| Vezio Castle entry | €4 (≈ US$5) adult, €2 (≈ US$3) child 6–12 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The last train from Milan leaves around 21:20, so a late dinner in Milan means no train back.The last train from Milan leaves around 9:20 PM, so a late dinner in Milan means no train back.
- Vezio Castle closes when it rains and shuts for the winter; check before climbing.
- Villa Monastero's house museum opens only in a short summer window; the garden has its own season.
- The centre is all steps and cobbles: heavy wheeled bags are a problem.
- Ferry timetables thin out in the evening and off-season; the last boat is earlier than you expect.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 115
- Ambulance
- 118
- Coast guard
- 1530
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
VarennaVarenna
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
- Police113
- Fire115
- Ambulance118
Embassy
No embassies in Varenna; the US consulate general is in Milan, and most other countries keep embassies in Rome or consulates in Milan. Check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Milan → Varenna: about €7 (≈ US$9), 1–1.25 h
- Ferry Varenna → Bellagio: about 15 min, €4–6 (≈ US$5–7)
- Taxi station → centre: short hop, ask the price first
Say or show
- Buongiorno — Good morning (bwon-JOR-no)
- Per favore / Grazie — Please / Thank you (per fa-VO-reh / GRAH-tsyeh)
- Quanto costa? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KOS-ta)
- Il conto, per favore — The bill, please (eel KON-to per fa-VO-reh)
- Dov'è l'imbarcadero? — Where is the ferry pier? (do-VEH leem-bar-ka-DEH-ro)
- Posso pagare con la carta? — Can I pay by card? (POS-so pa-GA-reh kon la KAR-ta)
112 works from any phone, including mobiles with no Italian SIM.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Varenna. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds and heat), Nov–Feb (many gardens and the castle closed) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BGY, LIN and MXP: last-train cutoffs, Bergamo change at Lecco, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: ferry pier and waterfront, Piazza San Giorgio, Villa Monastero to Fiumelatte, Vezio and Perledo.
- Place pages with verified seasons (Villa Monastero garden and house museum, Villa Cipressi, Vezio Castle) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and train fixtures for late arrivals so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialComune di Varenna
- officialVilla Monastero
- officialGestione Navigazione Laghi (Lake Como ferries)
- officialTrenord (Lombardy regional trains)
- officialCastello di Vezio
- secondaryWikivoyage: Varenna, revision 5306205 (CC BY-SA 4.0)