Varenna Rent a Boat

Rent your boat and discover Lake Como

The Western Branch

The Western Branch

4 hour itinerary

You’ve already been on Lake Como, you’ve already seen its most famous locations, and you’re searching for something different? Look no further: Varennarentaboat has something ready for you.

In a couple of hours you can see the northern part of Lake Como, the wildest one, close to the Alpine mountains of Swiss and Valtellina. Rent a boat and you’re ready to go!

Here’s some tips:

1st stop – Lenno and Balbianello

Get on board and head towards Menaggio, on the opposite side of Lake Como. From there keep cruising till Lenno, while looking at Villa Carlotta and its beautiful gardens in Tremezzo. From Lenno reach the cape and let yourself be surprised by Villa del Balbianello.

The gorgeous 19th century residence has been managed since 1988 by FAI (Italy National Trust), which runs a few cultural happenings during the year.

 

 

2nd stop – Isola Comacina

Come around Lenno’s headland and keep on going south, till you reach the one and only Lake Como island: Isola Comacina.

Now you have the quite unique chance to look at its archaeological wonders from a different point of view.

Our tip is to do a full circle around the island, to overlook the natural amphitheatre of Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (Ossuccio’s Holy Mountain).

3rd stop – Laglio and Villa Oleandra

Keep cruising toward Como, and be careful: you might meet a true Hollywood star.

In the small hamlet of Laglio you can see Villa Oleandra, where George Clooney himself loves to spend his holidays along with family and friends.

If it’s your lucky day, you might catch him driving his yacht!

4th stop – Bellagio

 Cross the Lake, enjoying Como bay view, than sail back north passing by Nesso and Lezzeno. Your next stop is famous all around the world: Bellagio, the Pearl of the Lake.

Thanks to its small alleys, tiny shops and beautiful gardens, Bellagio has been the perfect romantic location for VIP’s weddings. The most famous actors, singers and models come to this small town to find a peaceful place to crown their dream of love. Enjoy the historical Villa Serbelloni Grand Hotel and Villa Melzi’s gardens while comfortably seated on your rental boat.

Last stop – Varenna

Well, it’s time to come back from your long trip. Leave Bellagio behind you and head back to Lake Como’s eastern branch, reaching Varenna again. Don’t forget to look at the beautiful panorama, crowned by Villa Monastero gardens.

If you like them well enough, ask to us about them: from our boat rental it takes only a few minutes to reach the Villa by foot. We’re waiting for you!

 

Other itineraries

Lake Como Essentials

2 hour itinerary

The perfect tour if you have limited time available and want to see the most famous places of the lake.

Tradition & Beauty

3 hour itinerary

The most balanced option to explore Lake Como’s traditions and local beauties.

The North of the Lake

4 hour itinerary

Explore the the wildest part of the lake, close to the Alpine mountains of Swiss and Valtellina.

The South of the Lake

4 hour itinerary

The ideal tour if you’ve already visited the famous location and you’re looking for something new.

Tradition and Beauty

Tradition and Beauty

3 hour itinerary

You’re going for our most balanced option, the 3 hours boat rental, to explore Lake Como’s tradition and beauty.

In just about three hours you’ll manage to delve into Lake Como’s most famous branch, the western one, and discover its most famous location. Renting a boat will take you 5 minutes only, then you’re set!

1st stop – Lenno and Villa Balbianello

Start your trip from our private pier, just in front of our boat rental in Varenna. Reach Menaggio, on the opposite side of Lake Como, than head south and get to Lenno.

Take your time here to look at a magnificent XIX century residence, now Unesco Heritage site: Villa del Balbianello. The gardens of the Villa, sporting an ancient tree that looks like a dome, can be easily seen by boat.

 

2nd stop – Comacina Island

Round the Lenno cape and keep on moving south, till you reach Isola Comacina, Lake Como’s only island.

Be read to peek into its archeological wonders comfortably seated on your rental boat: they’re as old as the Roman Empire! Sail all around the island to contemplate Santo Monte di Ossuccio (Ossuccio’s Holy Mountain), which looms over it from the mainland.

3rd stop – Laglio and Villa Oleandra

Leave behind Isola Comacina and sail towards Como, while admiring the beautiful bay in front of you. Stop by for a little in Laglio, a small town lakeside: here you’ll see the famous Villa Oleandra, vacation home of American actor George Clooney.

Renting a boat you can feel like a Hollywood star… for a few hours, at least! Cross Lake Como, pass by Nesso, a hamlet overlooked by a breathtaking waterfall, and Lezzeno, then reach your next stop.

4th stop – Menaggio and Villa La Gaeta

Now it’s time to head South again, on the opposide side of the shore. Pass by the small hamlets of Domaso and Dongo till you reach Villa La Gaeta, a Liberty style XIX century masterpiece.

Stop for a while in front of Menaggio, Mount Grona’s town, then cross the lake towards Varenna.

5th stop – Bellagio

Congratulations: you’ve just found the Pearl of Lake Como. This is the town where many famous movies have taken place, like Star Wars, Once upon a time in America.

One of the best hotels in Las Vegas owes its name from it. Maneuver your rental boat along the shore and fall in love with the colourful Villa Melzi gardens and the historical Villa Serbelloni Grand Hotel. You’ve got a privileged position from the boat: when you’ll be back in your hometown, be sure to make everybody jealous showing your unique pictures.

Last stop – Varenna

You’re almost at the end of your trip, round Bellagio’s cape and cross Lake Como again, this time to return to Varenna. Take your time while cruising in front of  Villa Monastero’s colourful gardens, and remember, you can visit them later on by foot.

When you’re ready to come back, head towards our private pier: we’ll be there to help your landing.

Other itineraries

Lake Como Essentials

2 hour itinerary

The perfect tour if you have limited time available and want to see the most famous places of the lake.

The Western Branch

4 hour itinerary

Explore the western branch of Lake Como with its beautiful villas on the shores.

The North of the Lake

4 hour itinerary

Explore the the wildest part of the lake, close to the Alpine mountains of Swiss and Valtellina.

The South of the Lake

4 hour itinerary

The ideal tour if you’ve already visited the famous location and you’re looking for something new.

Lake Como Essentials

Lake Como Essentials

2 hour itinerary

The 2 hours itinerary is recommended for those with limited time available, who still want to see the most famous places of Lake Como. Everything you need is two spare hours and a boat to explore the most famous of Lake Como’s branches, the western one, and its beautiful small towns. Renting a boat takes 5 minutes only, then you’re ready to go!

1st stop – Lenno and Balbianello

Leave our boat rental shop, get on board thanks to our private pier, and reach the opposite shore. Keep cruising by Menaggio, the way point town between Lake Como and Lake Lugano, till you get to Lenno.

Here you can look at Villa del Balbianello, a gorgeous 19th century estate, UNESCO heritage site. Standing proud on a hill facing the lake, Villa del Balbianello watches over the whole western branch, dominating it.

2nd stop – Comacina Island

Carry on and reach the one and only Island on Lake Como, the Comacina Island. Since you’re already renting a boat, why don’t you sail around the island and take a peek at the ancient roman treasures scattered all over it?

3rd stop – Bellagio

Cross the lake and reach the opposite side. Cruise along the rocky shore and get to Bellagio, the Pearl of the Lake.

While feeling comfy on your boat, enjoy the view of Villa Melzi gardens and the Villa Serbelloni Grand Hotel, two historical and artistic residences. Bellagio is a compulsory stop, famous all around the world because of its privileged position in the middle of Lake Como. Skipping it’s strictly forbidden!

Last stop – Varenna

You’re approaching the end of your trip: round Bellagio’s Cape and cross again the eastern branch. Take a quick look at the small hamlet of Fiumelatte (Milkyriver), which takes its name from the shortest creek in Italy. The whirling waters that it leads to the lake can be almost white because of the foam.

One last stop in front of Villa Monastero’s garden, full of sculptures and exotic plants, then you’re ready to come back on the mainland. Varennarentaboat Team is waiting for you!

Other itineraries

Tradition & Beauty

3 hour itinerary

The most balanced option to explore Lake Como’s traditions and local beauties.

The Western Branch

4 hour itinerary

Explore the western branch of Lake Como with its beautiful villas on the shores.

The North of the Lake

4 hour itinerary

Explore the the wildest part of the lake, close to the Alpine mountains of Swiss and Valtellina.

The South of the Lake

4 hour itinerary

The ideal tour if you’ve already visited the famous location and you’re looking for something new.