Falling in Love with Varenna

If Bellagio is the pearl of Lake Como, then I think Varenna is the diamond. This was the last town David and I got to visit while there and I think we saved the best for last. Every corner was just dripping with character and beyond picturesque. Not to mention, it’s one of the most convenient towns on Lake Como to get to. With a direct train from Milano Centrale, you’ll be there in under an hour. It’s perfect for both the Lake Como vacation or a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of a major city.

Whether you use the ferry or the train, you’ll need to take a quick walk to get to the main town. The walk of lovers makes for a very scenic jaunt. Along the way, you’ll have views of the water and ivy lined walls with patches of hydrangeas. It opens up to lake front shops and cafes, but if you keep walking you can follow the ‘Patriarch Walkway’ to find little hidden beaches and villas.

While we were in Varenna we had a quiet lunch at Caffe Varenna. It’s one of the first restaurants you walk by, but is by no means a tourist trap. It does make for excellent people watching and the best bruschetta I’ve ever had. We spent this afternoon sampling at least three different kinds. Of course, the tomato, garlic, and anchovy pick was a classic, but I also loved the gorgonzola and pear. The cocktail of the day was the Hugo Spritz, a delicious Prosecco mix with elderflower liquor and lime. We loved this cafe so much that we made a special trip when we were on our way to the Varenna train station to leave Lake Como. Thank goodness I had David to carry our suitcases because their views and yogurt parfaits were the perfect way to start our long day of traveling.

As we were strolling through town, I noticed a lot of local boutiques. They were different from what I had seen in Bellagio and Menaggio because they weren’t selling souvenirs. Instead, they had the sweetest little dresses, tops, and shoes. One shop, aptly named the Varenna Store, had beautiful color-block sundresses and mosaic inspired espadrilles. I wanted to buy up the whole store, but I decided to keep my eye on the prize for designer shopping in Rome. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely have picked up a few pieces.

When we go back to Lake Como, I know David and I will be picking Varenna as our new home base. This sprawling town had so much to offer and so many places to explore. If you take anything away from my Italian posts, it would be to make this town your priority.

Love from NYC,
Katie

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