Exploring Varenna, Italy

For some reason, I always pictured Lake Como as a circular lake. I really have no idea why I thought that, but it’s definitely not round. It’s an upside down Y, formed by glaciers and reminds me a little of where I grew up in the Finger Lakes in Central NY, also formed by glaciers, with the long skinny lakes, surrounded by hills. EXCEPT, one big difference, it’s Italy.

Varenna on the central east side of the lake, is easily accessible, because the train runs the length of that side of the lake. From there, frequent ferry connections make it easy to access other cities across the lake. It looked like many people were coming in just for the day, but I was really happy that we chose to spend four nights there.. There is definitely enough to see to at least spend a whole day in Varenna..

Castello di Vezio sits high above Varenna. It’s a good climb by a cobbled road or hiking trail. The castle is not huge and does not take long to explore, but the views are amazing. There’s a tower with some displays on a local fossil reptile and odd ghostly forms around the terrace.

Villa Monastero appears to be the popular villa to visit in Varenna. The gardens are extensive, and go for about 2 km along the lakeshore, through a variety of different plant species.. There’s also a House Museum.

Villa Cipressi is much smaller and is connected to a hotel, but also has a pretty botanical garden and many fewer people.

Villa Cipressi was a great place to sit and watch the afternoon storm roll by. Until the rain got too close and then it was time to go back to our hotel for a break.