The port of Varenna Riva Grande with stone piers offers 15 berths. It turns out to be well sheltered from all winds and a safe landing place for sailing on Lake Como. A mooring pier is located outside the dock and can accommodate 4 boats. Also of note is the “Riva Grande” steps, on which fishing boats are moored.
Due to its small size, maneuvering in the dock is difficult. Therefore, it is not recommended for large boats to approach. Public navigation has the right of way on private vessels, even if sailing, great care must be taken with the swell created by ferries.
The mouth of the landing is marked by two lights: one red and the other green. In daylight hours for approach and mooring from the north conspicuous points are the bell tower and the top of Vezio Castle. The town of Varenna is clearly visible coming from the south. Special attention should be paid to the shallows near the mouth of the Esino stream signaled by a pole with an orange light. Other shallows are found at the point that protects the anchorage where ferries dock from the south. Afternoon breezes blow over the area from the second and third quadrants, which can reach intensities of 10 knots. Strong winds of varying direction occur in conjunction with thunderstorms.
The small port is located near the historic center of Varenna where souvenir stores, bars and eateries can be found. Varenna is a pretty fishing village located near the mouth of the Esino stream. The village is divided into a network of narrow streets that descend steeply to the lake where the houses are reflected in the water. Situated on the shores of Lake Como, it faces Bellagio, to which it is connected by ferry. To the north and south of the town are Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero, respectively.
Also worth seeing is the hamlet of Fiumelatte, named for the white foam of the stream that flows only in spring from a cave and after a short distance flows into the waters of the lake. Above Varenna isEsino Lario called the “pearl of the grigne” because of its location, from which it is possible to reach Vezio Castle, the tower of a medieval castle and home of the Longobard queen Teodolinda.