Varenna is a truly captivating town, set on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Italy. The traditional village opens with scenes of colourful bobbing boats, pastel houses, then cobbled streets and historic buildings, and is finally backed by gorgeous lush hilltops. With its enticing promenade, stony beach, and decorated by thriving plants and flowers, the town is imbued with a leisurely and exotic atmosphere. To get a better idea of the area, walk up the hill to the majestic Castello di Vezio, an 11th-century medieval fortress, which features a functioning drawbridge. Another significant site is the grand Villa Monastero, home to a breathtaking garden filled with rare flowers, and housing an excellent museum and art gallery. Spend a day meandering the pretty cobbled streets or taking a boat ride for some stunning photographic opportunities, followed by sundowners at a lakeside restaurant.