8/10 Good
Stephen E.
Travelled with group
25 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A Practical Home Base with a Few Caveats
Varenna is undeniably one of those postcard-perfect villages, with breathtaking views and a serene charm nestled at the base of the mountains. That said, whether it's the right home base for your travels depends on your goals. If you're looking for abundant shopping, dining options, or cultural events, you may find more dynamic energy in a larger town. However, Varenna offers excellent access to other locations via its convenient train station and active ferry terminal.
We rented two adjacent apartments for our group. The accommodations were simple and provided the basic necessities needed for a comfortable stay. The location was ideal for transportation access and proximity to the waterfront.
One important note for future guests: Be sure to confirm the specific conditions of the apartment you're renting. One of our units had clearly been smoked in prior to our arrival, which was disappointing for our friends and detracted from their experience. A non-smoking clarification could go a long way in ensuring a more pleasant stay.
While the apartment itself isn’t luxurious, it functions well as a no-frills base if you're planning to spend most of your time exploring nearby villages or taking scenic train and ferry rides. A standout perk is the small restaurant just down the hill to the right—some of the best pizza and pasta we had during our trip, with prices that were surprisingly affordable.
Search with specificity.
Stephen E.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025