We made a last minute decision to shift our Italy itinerary and visit Lake Como in a couple of weeks for our 25th anniversary and had hoped to stay in Varenna. Unfortunately most hotels b&b's are booked. Looking for other Varenna ideas (tried vrbo & airbnb), or suggestions of other spots in Lake Como area to use as a base. Thanks!
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9075 posts
Mennagio is right across the lake from Varenna and a bigger town. Bellagio as well. Ferry connects them easily.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1135 posts
We really loved our stay at Borgo Le Terrazze, just above Bellagio. It's one of my favorite places in all of Italy. They seem to have some limited availability over the next month. http://www.borgoleterrazze.com/booking
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1688 posts
We stayed in a small apartment for 11 nights at Casa del Portico on the west side of the lake, very friendly owners. I believe they also have rooms for rent. We had a car, which gave us easy access to places west and north of the lake.
If you are only staying a few days and find nothing to your liking in Varenna, I would stump for Bellagio on the east side or around the main square of Lenno on the west side, both have ferry ports. Bellagio more so if you want to do some wandering in the evening. A good amount of time can be spent between Varenna and Bellagio, including villas and gardens. A good time out on the west side is to see Villa Balbianello in the morning, followed by walking part of the Greenway to Villa Carlotta and building up an appetite in the process. The walk is vaguely signposted, mainly side streets above the lake, and the only strenuous part is the first 200 metres or so up the hill from Lenno. Unless you got married when you were eighty, it sounds as though you can manage the walk.
Lenno itself has an excellent little market, not sure which day it falls on. Menaggio was an oddity for me, it's attraction minimal compared to the other villages, though it was noteworthy for having the only football field I've seen without a blade of grass on it. If you have the time and it easy for you to get to, Bellinzona is great day trip: a nice downtown area and three worthy castles.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you all SO VERY MUCH! Your suggestions and thoughts are so helpful and appreciated! I feel much better about making this work. Ciao!
Posted by
1539 posts
We rented s place thru website
Apartmentsvarenna. She is a property manager who speaks some English and works w several indi iduals who have a total of 10 places in fhe varenna area. It wS a very positive experience