Are you thinking about visiting Varenna, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Varenna worth visiting?
Varenna is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the village has to offer. Varenna is a charming village on Lake Como that offers a romantic and beautiful setting. The town is filled with artisan shops, surprisingly good restaurants, and beautiful walks. Many visitors spend a few hours in town, but those who linger longer will really grow to appreciate the village's atmosphere.
Varenna village, Lake Como, Italy
Reasons to Visit Varenna
Food
Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.
Hiking
There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.
Museums
Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.
Shopping
The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.
Is Varenna worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Varenna is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 23°C (73°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (82°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The peak season for travel is summer in Varenna, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable village, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to discover the nearby hiking trails and browse the museums.
Summer Weather in Varenna
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| September | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
Is Varenna worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Varenna. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 15°C (58°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, spend time at the museums, and get out into nature.
Autumn Weather in Varenna
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| November | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| December | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Varenna worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Varenna. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Varenna can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the cuisine.
Winter Weather in Varenna
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| February | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
Is Varenna worth visiting in the Spring?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 13°C (55°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Varenna, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery.
Spring Weather in Varenna
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| June | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Varenna
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Varenna with a lively nightlife scene. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Varenna might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Varenna here or see if Varenna is expensive here.
Related
What is Varenna most famous for?
Varenna is most famous for its beautiful location by Lake Como. People visit this impressive village for its great food. It's also known for hiking. And many travelers come for the museums and shopping, as well. It is often described as beautiful, scenic, and pristine.
What is the most famous sight in Varenna?
The most popular sight in Varenna is Lake Como. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Varenna on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Lake Como and other attractions here.
How touristy is Varenna? Is it a popular village to visit?
Varenna is a popular village for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Sunset shared boat tour with aperitif from Varenna: $118
- Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps: $150
- Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks: $491
- Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $112
- Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: $32
- Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes): $43
- Bellagio: Private Tour on Vintage Wooden Boat: $664
- Lake Como: Grand Private Tour 5 hours Invictus boat: $1,551
How long should I spend in Varenna?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Varenna is one to two days. Since Varenna has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Varenna? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Varenna?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.