Bike it Bellagio Serves Varenna too

By Alex Stein, Shop Assistant and Bike Guide

You’re coming to Lake Como and staying in Varenna. If you’re looking for what to do while you’re there, consider spending a day with Bike It! Bellagio. Sign up for a custom tour, or equip yourself with one of our bikes to explore the area more broadly.
Varenna is a colorful town tucked into the Pre-Alpine mountains around Lake Como. It is a main hub of the Lake Como ferry system with access to Menaggio and Bellagio directly on the car ferries that allow you to carry bikes. Our shop is just 25 minutes away – first a 15 minute ferry ride to Bellagio and then a 15-20 minute walk. For the ferry schedule visit: https://www.comoanditslake.com/timetableferryboats.htm


Biking out of Varenna:
Many of our favorite routes either start or finish in Varenna. Some highlight rides that can be done on the e-bike or road bike:

• The North Face – we recommend taking the ferry across to Menaggio to start, follow the lake around the north end and then finish right back at home in Varenna. We also have a gravel version that is 50% off road
• The Valley of Cheese – climb into the high valley of Valsassina where you can ride a bike trail all the way to our favorite cheesemaker.
• Scenic Route 65 – take switchbacks up into the mountains that overlook Lake Como. Capture views from heights that most visitors don’t reach. Use the power of an e-mountain bike and you’ll be able to explore some easy trails.

Note that biking is kid friendly. We can install a child seat for kids of 25kg or less on the T-type e-bike that allows the little ones to ride in comfort.

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​Where to Eat:
The riding is epic just above Varenna and it allows you to reach the subtler side of Varenna, enjoying food stops off the beaten path. The area is known for rich mountain food. Here are places to eat that are in the hills above Varenna that are reachable by bike. Most of them are gluten free friendly:

• Carozzi Formaggeria  on our Valley of Cheese Route. Call in advance to make a weekend lunch reservation, or show up for a visit of their vibrant cheese shop.
• Da Gigi – on our Into the Wild route and just off the Valley of Cheese Route
• Crott del Meo – on Scenic Route 65 and Passo Agueglio/Into the Wild extended route

Contact us to book a custom tour with a guide, or for advice on what itinerary is best for you. Email us


How’s the Weather in Varenna:
Varenna is bikeable almost year round, though climbing can be quite chilly from November to March. We even recommend bringing layers when you climb high year-round, given the mountainous climate. Check the forecast no more than 2 or 3 days in advance at www.3bmeteo.com. 


Getting to your Airbnb
Perledo is a town that spans up the mountainside above Varenna. It has become a popular place to stay. But be careful, because you can find yourself walking up and down the hill. With a Bike It! Bellagio e-bike, your trips up and down are e-assisted and much faster. Use the bikes to navigate between town center and your stay easily and in style. We will happily deliver the bikes to your accommodations. Email us to inquire about the cost.


How to get to Varenna:

• To/From Milan: Milan is just over an hour away from Varenna by train. Search www.trenord.it for the schedule.
  • Trains from Milan head toward Colico/Sondrio/Tirano and leave on the 20s every hour.
  • Trains toward Milano Centrale leave from Varenna on the 35s every hour.
• Reach Varenna by car and you can find parking either in the main lot in town or along the lake road (Via Polvani) south of the Villa Monastero.
  • Two other lots in town: lot 1 and the train station lot
• Arrive in Varenna by ferry. The major car ferries and many smaller ferries stop in Varenna.

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