this B&B is lovely, and is right opposite great little local cuisine restaurant. even our teenage kids enjoyed the walks and the VIEWS across Lake Como. Nice thing is one is away (above) the rather crowded road that runs along the actual Lake. Not expensive either.

Lovely quiet village, handy walk across the "road" to the restaurant. Moreno was helpful and always willing to spend time and talk. A great base for exploring from.
Moreno offers to pick you up at the station or ferry - but recommend a car if you want to see around the area - worth it!

I have just returned from spending two terrific nights at La Ca' Noeva (the new house in the local dialect) while taking a cooking lesson with Chef Moreno across the street at Ristorante Il Caminetto (see Tripadvisor reviews on Things to Do in Varenna).

The building is about 200 years old, and has been tastefully renovated, keeping many of the original features - granite staircases, beautiful old wooden doors, and traditional roof tiles. The house is maintained to a high standard, the rooms are very comfortable and have views of Lake Como. The house offers a spacious kitchen and sitting room for guests to use, as well as two full, modern bathrooms. The large kitchen is supplied with anything you’ll need for your visit - a great selection of coffees, teas, juices, cheese, meats, eggs, cereals, yogurts and cookies, as well as fully stocked cabinets of cutlery, dishes and pots and pans.

The rate is a true bargain – currently 30 Euros per person, and for 30 Euros more you can have a cooking lesson with Chef Moreno at Il Caminetto (well worth every penny, and be sure to reserve a space ahead of time). If you don't have time for a cooking lesson, at least make arrangements to have dinner at Il Caminetto which serves excellent dishes featuring many local products. You won't be disappointed.

La Ca' Noeva is located in the small hamlet of Gittana, about 10 minutes outside Varenna, on the east shore of Lake Como, opposite Bellagio and Mennagio. The hamlet is located high up on the hillside overlooking the lake and you will need transportation to get there. This, however, is no problem, as free transfers are provided upon arrival at Varenna and upon departure. There is also a local taxi service and everyone knows where Il Caminetto is.

Getting to Varenna is easy by the fast wingboat from Como or the other ferries (you’ll find details and the timetables here http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/com/nlc.html ) or by train from Milan (see http://www.ferroviedellostato.it/homepage_en.html). Be sure to also know the train or ferry’s ultimate destination so you make sure you get on the right one. The trip by wingboat from Como or train from Milan each take about 65 minutes. Once in Varenna, Rosella or Moreno will come and get you for the drive up the winding, hill to the village of Gittana, and will take you back to your train or boat when you are ready to go.

Nearby Varenna is a wonderful town to walk around – there are gardens to see, shops and galleries to explore, and cafes and bars to visit. I am already thinking of my next visit!