We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Carlo, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Carlo is from Australia, and submitted the following report about Varenna. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Italian
Reasons to go: Lake Como is the most spectacular of the Italian Lakes in my opinion and Varenna is the best town to stay in on this lake. It is relatively quiet, and is not overly pretentious like its very touristy shopping mecca and ridiculously expensive neighbor, Bellagio. The hotel rates are also much lower.
Varenna offers a bit of everything, from fantastic restaurants (and great, less expensive eateries/bars), hotels to cover all budgets and tastes, amazing scenery, and fantastic hikes. It is very easy to get to from Milan by train (50 minutes). The ferry services are also more frequent here than in some of the more obscure, quieter towns. Varenna has an extensive area that tourists generally don't wander to that is full of locals. There is also a walk into the mountains from Varenna that is very well-known by locals. If you are fairly fit and able, you will enjoy it immensely. This walk takes you to another town where you can hop on a ferry back to Varenna.
The “must do”, of course, is a town-hopping ferry. Hopping off at Menaggio is a nice experience, and of course Como itself is worth a couple of hours of exploring. There is also a cable car to the top of the mountain overlooking Como that is worthwhile but only if it is not a hazy day.
If it's within your budget, I highly recommend the Albergo Milano as a place to stay. Splurge for a room with front view and balcony. The breakfast terrace is amazing, overlooking the lake towards towns on the other side. If this doesn't fit your budget, however, there are plenty of cheaper options.
Day trips from Lake Como are plentiful. I highly recommend Bergamo rather than Milan, although Milan's cathedral is a wonder (particularly if you walk to the top).
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)