If you are as fortunate as we were and get up there early in the morning for the castle opening at 10am, the light will be just right to get some truly spectacular photos over Lake Como.

We are currently staying in Calolziocorte and we jumped on the train to Lecco, changed trains to Varenna and then we were looking for the path that would take us up to the castle. We could not find it for love nor money so set off on the winding walk via the road, and I am so glad we did, it was a stunning walk as we switch backed our way up the side of the hill with Varenna and Lake Como views unfolding beneath us, the Italian villas dotting the hillside and the rustle of the trees as we hiked along.

It’s a pretty quiet road up to be fair (well it was at 9 in the morning) and we didn’t pass many people on the way up, it took us around 30 minutes to get up to the Castle, pay our €4 entry each and then go exploring.

There are toilets and a café/bar as soon as you go in if you need some refreshments and then a walkway that passes some wooden sculptures which were lovely to look at.

Then you are met with the most spectacular view, the mountains, the lake and the “dementor” style statues (Harry Potter Fans will know what I’m talking about), it’s just amazing.

Going early in the morning allows you to really have time to get photographs, as later on when we were leaving there were a lot more people milling around the place so capturing that perfect photo with no one else in it may become more difficult!

We wandered around the grounds, popped down into the caves below the castle and then sought out the main tower in the centre of the grounds were we were rewarded with panoramic views that you will just love. We took a moment up there to just gaze out over the lake, feel the breeze and marvel at the beauty of Italy.

There are some archaeological treats in the tower too, fossils and information about each one which was fascinating.

Coming back out and heading back to Varanna, we found the path leading up from near the station (not very well sign posted) but like I said before, I’m glad we went the scenic route as the path is cobbled and quite steep, although it is shaded all the way up which is a bit of a bonus I suppose.

If you happen to be in the area, definitely make the trip up to the castle, it’s fantastic!