Unique Experiences Lake Como Area

I have been to Varenna several times and am always interested in all things Lake Como. The time seems to slip away while I am there. Lucky you spending 7 weeks there.

Although I am not a hiker, I can tell you that the area is great for hiking. If you venture out on hiking trails, I think you'll find yourself away from the majority of tourists. A guided hike I found online is available out of Menaggio, taking you ultimately to a fish farm for a little tour and tasting with the owner.

Varenna often has musical entertainment in the piazza in the evening. In August we had a very fun evening listening to a band in the piazza, a bride and groom and wedding guests from a nearby restaurant on the piazza joining in for dancing.

I went to language school in Menaggio 3 times and really liked it. LAKE COMO ITALIAN SCHOOL. So maybe take a week or two language class? or they have a cooking class too.

We went hiking almost every day. GREAT HIKES.

My favorite was a short steep hike right outside of Menaggio to the top of a mountain. (we had hiking boots and poles but you can decide what you need). The Youth Hostel in town near the ferry has tons of maps and really helpful staff.
Also fun hikes from Varenna. Loved the hike to the "shortest river in Italy".

For a relaxing day, the local pool in Menaggio. It is right on the lake, like an "infinity" pool and also a nice beach for swimming in the lake. We had local discounts because we were going to the Language School and being there we really DID feel like locals.

We enjoyed a lake tour that included a one hour tour of Villa Balbianello. Several movies have been filmed there, and it was beautiful. We had a great tour guide who told us the history of the last owner of the villa, an explorer who had been part of a North Pole expedition and part of the first Italian team to summit Everest. This was an unexpected bonus for our Lake Como time-we thought it was a very interesting stop, especially his expedition room with photos and his arctic dog sled, and the story of his secret getaway passages.

Laurie

We were in Varenna last week and I will make one recommendation that may be disallowed by moderators; Don’t use the tour guide Trekkingsmile Di Nadia Lillia. I have seen her on Viator and a couple of other sites. We had one day to do the walking tour and she cancelled without offering a back-up guide. Just a “maybe see you next time.” So unprofessional and left us high and dry.

Lots of things were closed for the season when we were there but we still loved it.
Janet
Kentucky

There is a greenway walk along the western edge that takes you from Colonno to Cadenabbia. ALong the way are many interesting sites. See where they hung Mussolini by his heels. Hopefully that is unique enough.

Take ferry to Varenna, visit, then take the train to Bellano, visit the Orrido di Bellano, a fascinating water-carved canyon.

Take a ferry to small town of Argegno on the west side of Lago di Como and take the gondola to Pigra. I didn't get to do this, but I was really intrigued by descriptions and guessed the gondola is a real adventure based on pictures showing how steep it is!

Look through issues of the Como Companion for more ideas: https://comocompanion.com/