Varenna, a fishing village which dates from the eleventh century, is a jewel amongst the most important tourist destinations on Lake Como. It was founded by local fishermen in 769, and was later allied of the commune of Milan. In 1126, it was destroyed by the rival commune of Como, and later received the refugees from the Isola Comacina, who had met the same fate (1169).

The main sights are the Castello di Vezio, a small museum dedicated to theLariosaurus and a sea reptile from the Middle Triassic period. Across the lake in the province of Como are: Bellagio, Griante and Menaggio. It is served by a station on the Tirano–Lecco railway.