Frequently Asked Questions

Transportation to Varenna

Q: How do I get to Varenna by train from Milan?

A: Getting to Varenna from Milan by train is direct and very convenient:

Departure Station: Board the regional train (Regionale or Regionale Veloce) heading toward Tirano or Sondrio from Milano Centrale station.
Duration: The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Arrival Station: Disembark at Varenna-Esino.
Getting to Villa Monti: From Varenna-Esino station, Villa Monti is just a short 10-15 minute walk downhill toward the town center/lakefront, or a quick 3-minute taxi ride.

Tip: We recommend buying your tickets in advance online (via Trenitalia) or at Milano Centrale, and don't forget to validate paper tickets at the green machines on the platform before boarding.

Q: How do I get to Milano Centrale train station from Milan Linate (LIN) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) airports?

A: Both airports offer quick and convenient connections to Milano Centrale, where you can catch the direct train to Varenna.

From Milan Linate (LIN)

By Metro & Bus / Train (Fastest & Most Recommended): Take the M4 Metro line (Blue Line) directly from the airport terminal to San Babila station (approx. 12 minutes). From San Babila, you can either take the M1 Metro line (Red Line) to Duomo and switch to the M3 (Yellow Line) straight to Milano Centrale, or take a short taxi ride.
By Airport Shuttle Bus: Express buses operate directly from Linate terminal to Milano Centrale (in front of the main entrance). The ride takes around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
By Taxi: A taxi ride directly to Milano Centrale takes about 25–35 minutes.

From Milan Malpensa (MXP)

By Malpensa Express Train (Most Recommended): Take the direct Malpensa Express train from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 straight to Milano Centrale. Trains run every 30 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 50–55 minutes.
By Airport Shuttle Bus: Several bus companies (such as Malpensa Shuttle and Terravision) run directly from Terminals 1 and 2 to Milano Centrale. The trip takes about 50–60 minutes (longer during peak traffic hours).
By Taxi: A standard flat-rate taxi fare connects Malpensa Airport to central Milan, taking around 50–60 minutes.

Q: How long does a taxi take and how much does it cost to reach Varenna from Milano Centrale station, Malpensa Airport, or Linate Airport?

A: Private transfers and taxis offer direct door-to-door service to Villa Monti. Here are the estimated travel times and rates:

From Milano Centrale Train Station

Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes (70 km / 43 miles).
Estimated Cost: €130 – €180 (depending on taxi company, time of day, and vehicle size).

From Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (95 km / 59 miles).
Estimated Cost: €210 – €260 for a private transfer/taxi sedan (higher for minivans/van transfers).

From Milan Linate Airport (LIN)

Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (80 km / 50 miles).
Estimated Cost: €180 – €230 for a private transfer/taxi sedan.

Useful Tip: Standard street taxis operate on meters, while private transfer companies (NCC / driver service) offer fixed upfront rates. We recommend booking a private transfer in advance—especially from the airports—for guaranteed availability and fixed pricing.

Q: Can Villa Monti book a taxi or private transfer (NCC) for me?

A: Villa Monti works exclusively with official, licensed local taxi drivers from Varenna. To ensure the best service, we do not handle bookings directly, but we provide our guests with the direct contact details of trusted local Varenna drivers. This allows you to check real-time availability, get exact quotes, and coordinate pick-up times directly with your driver.

Q: How far is Villa Monti from Varenna-Esino train station? Can I walk or should I take a taxi?

A: Villa Monti Click to open side panel for more information is located approximately 800 meters (0.5 miles) from Varenna Esino Click to open side panel for more information train station.

Walking (10–12 minutes): It is a pleasant, downhill walk leading toward the center of Varenna. If you are traveling light with carry-on bags or small backpacks, walking is very easy and enjoyable.
Taking a Taxi (3–5 minutes): If you are carrying heavy suitcases, large rolling luggage, or traveling with young children or elderly family members, we highly recommend taking a local taxi from the station. The route includes cobbled streets and minor slopes, which can be challenging with heavy bags.

Q: Are taxis readily available outside Varenna train station?

A: Taxis are not always readily available or waiting outside Varenna-Esino station. To avoid waiting or unexpected delays upon your arrival, we strongly recommend that guests let us know at least 24 hours in advance which train you plan to take and your estimated arrival time. Our reception team will gladly contact a trusted local driver to pre-book your taxi ahead of time.

Driving to Varenna and Parking

Q: How do I get to Varenna by car?

A: Reaching Varenna Click to open side panel for more information by car is straightforward, with scenic routes leading along the eastern shore of Lake Como:

From Milan / Monza (via SS36): Take the SS36 dual carriageway northbound toward Lecco/Colico. After passing Lecco, follow the SS36 and take the exit for Abbadia Lariana / Varenna. Continue along the panoramic coastal road (SP72) straight into Varenna. The drive from central Milan takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
From Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Take the A8 highway toward Milan, merge onto the A4 toward Venice, and exit onto the SS36 toward Lecco/Colico. Follow the SP72 to Varenna (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes).
From Switzerland / Lugano: Drive toward Menaggio, then take the vehicle ferry (Traghetto Veicoli) across the lake from Menaggio directly to Varenna. Alternatively, drive down via Como and take the SS36 northbound.

Tip: Varenna's historic center consists of narrow pedestrian alleys. We recommend heading directly to Via Roma or the covered parking garage near Villa Monti upon arrival. Please note that via Roma is a narrow dead end road and the stationing time in front of the reception is limited.

Q: Do I need a car in Varenna?

A: No, a car is generally not needed in Varenna. All main sights, ferry docks, restaurants, and local amenities are comfortably reachable on foot. In fact, many guests arriving by car park their vehicle upon arrival and do not use it at all during their stay.

Walking and using public transportation—such as the direct train line and frequent ferries—is the most convenient way to explore Varenna and surrounding Lake Como highlights like Bellagio and Menaggio. A car is only useful if you plan to take day trips to remote neighboring regions or mountain areas not connected by train or ferry.

Q: What parking options are available at Villa Monti for guests arriving by car?

A: We offer a couple of convenient parking solutions right near the property:

Street Parking: Free public parking is sometimes available along Via Roma directly next to the villa. Spaces are most likely to be open early in the morning or late in the evening.
Covered Parking Garage: Alternatively, a public covered parking garage is located just 150 meters from Villa Monti for €30 per day.

Upon your arrival, our reception staff will be happy to guide you, show you all available options, and help you unload your luggage comfortably.

Ferries, boat tours and boat rentals

Q: Can I explore Lake Como by ferry?

A: Yes, taking the public ferry (Gestione Navigazione Laghi) is the easiest, most scenic, and most popular way to explore Lake Como from Varenna.

Mid-Lake Connections: Varenna is perfectly situated in the central lake area. Direct, frequent ferries seamlessly connect Varenna to Bellagio, Menaggio, and Cadenabbia in just 15 to 20 minutes.
Lake-Wide Excursions: You can also take fast passenger hydrofoils (Aliscafi) or classic slow boats to visit towns further south, such as Tremezzo (Villa Carlotta), Lenno (Villa del Balbianello), or the city of Como.
Ticket Options: Single point-to-point tickets, car ferry passes, and day-long hop-on/hop-off passes (Libera Circolazione) are available at the pier or online.

Q: Can I buy ferry tickets in advance?

A: Yes, ferry tickets for Lake Como can be purchased online in advance through the official website (Navigazione Laghi). https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/tickets-and-timetables-lake-como/

Mid-Lake Shuttle Ferries (Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio): We strongly recommend buying single or return tickets online ahead of time, especially during high season (spring through autumn), to avoid long queues at the ticket office in Varenna.
Car Ferry: If you are traveling with a car, reserving your ferry slot in advance online is highly recommended, as space on board vehicle ferries is limited.
Day Passes: Unlimited passenger day tickets (Libera Circolazione) are also available online or directly at the pier.

Tip: Please note that even with an online ticket, you should arrive at the pier at least 15–20 minutes before departure during peak season.

Q: Are there other ways to explore Lake Como by boat besides the public ferry?

A: Absolutely! Beyond public ferries, renting a private boat or booking a guided boat tour is one of the best ways to experience the lake's hidden coves and famous lakeside villas:

Rent Your Own Boat (Self-Drive): You can rent a small motorboat to steer yourself—no boat license required! It gives you full freedom to stop, swim, and cruise at your own pace. We highly recommend Varenna Rent a Boat.
Guided Private Boat Tours: For a relaxed, luxurious experience with an experienced local captain showing you the sights, private boat tours are ideal. We highly recommend Taxi Boat Varenna.

Q: Are water taxis available in Varenna?

A: Yes, private water taxi services are available for convenient transfers across the lake or customized boat excursions.

We recommend booking through Taxi Boat Varenna - Dock 1 Click to open side panel for more information or Taxi Boat Varenna - Dock 2 Click to open side panel for more information , which offers water taxi services. Please note that this service must be reserved in advance directly on their website (taxiboatvarenna.com).

Things to see and things to do

Q: What local attractions and sights can I visit during my stay?

A: Varenna and the surrounding central lake area offer world-class historic sites, botanical gardens, and scenic walking trails:

Must-See Attractions in Varenna (Within Walking Distance):

Castello di Vezio: An ancient hilltop fortress featuring panoramic lake views, falconry displays, and ghost sculptures. It is reached via a scenic 15-minute uphill mountain hike from Villa Monti.
Fiumelatte Source: Visit Italy's shortest river, famous for its intermittent milk-white waters, accessible via a short 10-minute walk through the woods from the villa.
Villa Monastero: A breathtaking lakeside villa famous for its extensive international botanical gardens and historic museum.
Piazza San Giorgio: The historic main square, home to the 14th-century Church of San Giorgio and the Church of San Giovanni Battista.

Top Nearby Day Trips (Short Ferry or Train Ride):

Bellagio: The famous "Pearl of the Lake," easily reached by a 15-minute ferry ride.
Iconic Lake Villas: Visit Villa del Balbianello (Lenno) and Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) for stunning historic architecture and world-renowned gardens.
Orrido di Bellano: A dramatic natural gorge with suspension walkways built into the rock face, just a short 5-minute train ride north from Varenna.

Q: What are the best restaurants in Varenna?

A: Varenna offers fantastic dining options, ranging from cozy traditional taverns to fine dining with lake views.

To ensure our guests have the best culinary experiences, Villa Monti Click to open side panel for more information maintains a curated list of top recommended local restaurants. This list is regularly updated with descriptions, opening hours, and reservation details.

How to get the list: Simply contact our team via email or WhatsApp before or during your stay, and we will gladly send you our updated dining guide!

Q: Do I need to make restaurant reservations in advance?

A: Absolutely, yes. While there are plenty of wonderful restaurants in Varenna, they are typically small with limited seating, so tables fill up very quickly. Making reservations well in advance is highly recommended.

Please note that our reception team can only assist with reservations for a select few venues. The majority of local restaurants do not accept bookings made by hotel or B&B receptions due to strict no-show policies, and require guests to contact them directly.

Q: Does Villa Monti offer room service for breakfast?

A: No, we do not offer room service. However, guests can easily prepare their own breakfast using the fully equipped kitchens in their apartments and enjoy it in their private dining area or out in the villa's garden. Alternatively, Varenna's town center is just a short stroll away, where numerous local cafés and bars serve both European and American-style breakfasts.

Q: Does Villa Monti offer laundry service?

A: No, Villa Monti does not offer an in-house laundry service. However, there are convenient options nearby in Varenna, including a full-service dry cleaner/laundry service and two self-service laundromats (lavanderie a gettoni) located just a short walk away.

Q: Are there washing machines inside the apartments?

A: Washing machines are available only in our largest apartments (Violet and Primrose). For smaller hand-wash items, all of our apartments are equipped with a drying rack, an iron, and an ironing board.

Q: Are hairdryers provided in the apartments?

A: Yes, every apartment at Villa Monti is fully equipped with a hairdryer.

Q: What type of electrical outlets and voltage are used at Villa Monti?

A: Electricity in Italy runs on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency.

Plug Types: Italian wall outlets accommodate Type C and Type F standard European plugs (two round pins), as well as Type L (three in-line round pins).
Adapters: If you are traveling from North America, the UK, or outside continental Europe, you will need a plug adapter to fit European wall sockets. Dual-voltage electronics (such as laptops, smartphones, and camera chargers) usually only require a simple plug adapter, but single-voltage appliances (such as standard hair styling tools from North America) may require a voltage converter.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available at Villa Monti?

A: Yes, high-speed Wi-Fi access is available free of charge throughout all apartments and public areas of Villa Monti.

Q: Have more questions?

A: If you have any further questions or need assistance planning your stay, please do not hesitate to contact us through our contact form. We are always happy to help!