Many Lake Como tourists end up choosing between visiting Varenna or Bellano, but these two charming villages are just minutes apart and easy to explore in a single, well-planned day. Here’s how to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Start from one or the other, we present this 1-day plan, entirely customizable:
Morning: Bellano by train
Kick off your day with a short train ride to Bellano, a hidden gem just one stop north of Varenna. Trains run frequently from Varenna-Esino station and the journey takes less than 5 minutes, perfect even for slow starters.
Once in Bellano, start your morning with a cappuccino in Piazza Tommaso Grossi, then head straight to the Orrido di Bellano, a dramatic natural gorge carved by the river. A suspended walkway lets you admire the roaring waterfall from above! The visit is brief but breathtaking, a must-see that won’t take too much time off your schedule.
If you have time, take a short stroll through the town’s historic center or visit the Church of Santi Nazaro e Celso with its elegant Gothic facade before lunch.
For lunch, choose one of Bellano’s lakeside restaurants or cafés – more convenient and less crowded than the ones in Varenna. Many offer outdoor seating with peaceful views over the water. Looking for something local? Try a traditional risotto with pesce persico or a plate of missoltini with polenta.
Afternoon: Varenna
After lunch, make your way to the Bellano ferry terminal and catch a boat heading south to Varenna. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes and offers panoramic views of the central Lake and its surrounding mountains: slower but worth the time, it will be one of the highlights of the day.
Varenna welcomes you with the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a short lakeside path, that will take you from the pier, directly to its famous centre of cobbled streets and colorful facades.
Stop for a gelato or browse the shops, including our own Varenna Holidays Boutique, everything is just a few steps away from the ferry terminal.
Before sunset, choose the most iconic ways to have an aperitif: either at the iconic Villa Monastero, after a visit to the museum and its botanical gardens, or climb/ride up to the Castello di Vezio for an Aperol Spritz accompanied by sweeping views over the Lake.
Travel tips: if you are staying elsewhere, trains and buses run until late afternoon or early evening, so make sure to check in advance your time to return according to the seasonal availability. Buy train and ferry tickets in advance online or at the station! Wear comfortable shoes – both villages have steep alleys and cobblestones.
Need help booking a comfortable stay, restaurant tables, or experiences like guided tours with aperitivo? The Varenna Holidays team is here to help. Stop by our office in Varenna or get in touch!
