Valentine’s Day 2019 on Lake Como

Varenna is a small fishing village not far from Lecco, a mosaic of pastel-colored houses overlooking the lake, narrow streets and picturesque stairways that offer priceless views of the lake and the mountains, adding a touch of romance to the visitors’ trip.

The stairways reveal picturesque corners and architectural testimonies of great value, such as the medieval Church of S. Giorgio; the Villas Monastery and Cypresses (open from March to October); the Castle of Vezio (ancient Lombard fortification overlooking the village of Varenna where you can enjoy a splendid view of the lake and the Lombard Pre-Alps).

Going down the stairs, instead, you can see the famous lakeside promenade of Varenna which is a real hymn to love, one of the most romantic walks of Lake Como.

The suggestive lakeside promenade of Varenna, built between the rock and the water on the right of the wharf, is in fact called the lovers’ promenade: it is a short pedestrian path that leads from the wharf of Varenna to the centre of the village; a footbridge of a few hundred metres jutting out onto the water from which it is possible to admire the lake, the mountains and the small coloured houses perched at the foot of the rocky wall.

In 2017, experts from CNN Travel (a well-known American tourist portal) listed Varenna as one of the most romantic places in Italy, defining it as a unique place of great charm and authentic beauty:

Varenna wins for its authentic, sheer, unpretentious beauty.
Set on an intersection of three branches of Lake Como, its mix of pretty pastels and romantic reds painted on traditional fishermen’s houses perfectly pair up with small, stone lakeside paths swathed with sprawling greenery, fragrant flowers and intricate iron-wrought terrace gates.

Varenna

Varenna makes you fall in love, not only for the pastel shades of its houses, for the narrow streets and picturesque stairways, for the path of lovers that praises romance and brings to mind the most beautiful love films, but also for its precious treasures:

the Castle of Vezio, with the mighty tower dominating the village of Varenna and Lake Como, the Gardens of Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero, the Spring of Fiumelatte, the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s path), the Parish Church of San Giorgio, the ancient Church of San Giovanni Battista, Piazza San Giorgio with the statue of Ghinzani, the Riva Grande, the Sala De Marchi, the Baluardo – mighty rock spur and unbeatable panoramic viewpoint.

Don’t miss the opportunity to spend February 14, 2019, Valentine’s Day, in Varenna. Let yourself be enchanted by the charm of this pearl of Lake Como.

How to reach Varenna

By Car

From the south along the SS36 of Lake Como and the Spluga, along the branch of Lecco.
Varenna is about 30 km from Lecco, exit Bellano/Valsassina.
To enjoy the pleasant view of the lake you can also take the exit Mandello and continue on the main road adjacent to the lake.

From the north along the SS 36 of Lake Como and the Spluga Pass, crossing the Valchiavenna from the Spluga, or descending from the Engadine (St. Moritz).
After Colico you have to cover about 14 km before taking the exit for Bellano/Valsassina; after about 6 km you arrive in Varenna, following the road next to the lake.

By Boat

Using the navigation network of Lake Como.
Varenna faces Bellagio and Menaggio and is well connected with the other villages on the lake, thanks to its central location.
For information visit the website:: navigazionelaghi.it

In Treno

Using the Trenitalia railway line: coming from Milan, the line runs along the SS 36, and the Varenna-Esino station is about 30 minutes away from Lecco; coming from Tirano, the line runs along the SS 38 to Colico, and then continues along the SS 36.
After passing the station of Colico continue for another 20 minutes.
For information: fsitaliane.it