This Stunning Town On Italy's Lake Como Is One Of Rick Steves' Favorite Beach Hideaways

Let George Clooney have Laglio. The Hollywood hotshot and his wife, Amal, brought previously unparalleled attention to the small town on the southwestern shore of Lake Como (a private boat tour is the perfect way to explore the lake) when they purchased Villa Oleandra in 2002. The scrutiny became so intense that local officials instituted a fine to deter gawkers and paparazzi from gathering en masse outside the villa's gates. Who needs that kind of energy?

Certainly not Rick Steves. The longtime travel guru, guidebook author, and television host has a favorite Lake Como beach hideaway and it's on the other side of the lake, far from the cacophony of scrambling rubberneckers. (To be fair, Clooney and his family do their best to maintain a low profile.) Steves' favorite beach hideaway in the Lake Como region of Italy is Varenna, a place he describes as "having all the charm and none of the intensity of points further south."

It's not surprising Steves' top choice would be a lesser-known destination. Steves told the Harvard Business Review, "I'm a big fan of what I call 'second' cities ... All over Europe there are these Instagram spots, or ones from TV or movies that people make pilgrimages to. We try to stay away from all that. Do you want to be a crowd follower or an explorer? That's what I try to help people navigate." According to Steves, Varenna is a place that whispers honeymoon, one of many romantic honeymoon destinations in Italy. It's a place where life moves at a slower pace. There's no need to remind yourself to stop and smell the roses. It comes naturally when you immerse yourself in the rhythm of the village.

Speaking of roses, the botanical gardens at Villa Monastero, a 12th-century monastery turned private residence in the 1600s then donated to the province by the De Marchi family in 1939, features terraced displays of varietals gathered from all over the world, including a stunning collection of English roses. Varenna's moderate climate is also conducive to the cultivation of African and American palms, agaves, yuccas, dracaenas, citrus fruits, oleanders, wisteria, hydrangeas, peonies, and aromatic herbs.

There's an on-site cafe with al fresco seating overlooking Lake Como, but if you're up for a short walk, head toward the waterfront and grab a cappuccino at Varenna Caffe. The water's-edge bistro gets rave reviews for its food and location. Imagine lazily sipping a cappuccino while watching ferries come and go across the lake, all against a backdrop of snow-capped Alpine mountains. As Steves said, the romantic setting whispers honeymoon. That's especially true at sunset when couples set out for a stroll along passeggiata degli innamorati (lovers' walk), a lakeside promenade that connects the town wharf to the village center.

Dinner with a view is almost synonymous with dining in Varenna, where the abundance of terraced restaurants overlooking the lake is almost overwhelming. Ristorante La Vista at Albergo Milano, a small-but-charming lakefront hotel established in the early-20th century, gets rave reviews as well. For a lighter bite in a relaxed lakefront setting, consider Bar Nilus. And for a night to remember, make a beeline for Al Prato upon your arrival in the village. Widely hailed as a must while in Varenna, the intimate eatery is located in Piazza Al Prato, a cobble-stoned square a few steps from the lakefront. The restaurant fills up fast, and reservations must be made in-person.

Varenna dates to the 16th century when, after centuries of upheaval, turmoil, and turf wars due to its strategic lakefront location, the town settled into peaceful existence as a prosperous fishing village. Most of the colorful homes that line the rocky cliffs above the lake — landmarks that have become iconic symbols of Verrana — date to that period of renewal. The landscape is so picture-perfect that it's easy to while away hours wandering the town's narrow streets, popping into cute shops, or just sitting at a café taking in the view, but Veranna is also home to significant historic sites.

In addition to Villa Monastero, points of interest include the Church of San Giorgio. Located in Piazza San Giorgio, the 14th-century church boasts a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements, featuring an intricate rose window in addition to a floor made from black Verrana marble. Perched on a promontory high above the village, Vezio Castle dates to the 11th century. It takes about a half hour to walk the (uphill) trail from the village center to the medieval fortress, but the pay-off comes in the form of magnificent 360-degree views of Lake Como.

It's possible to explore Veranna via daytrip from tourist capitals like Bellagio — an arguably overrated Lake Como destination — but give yourself a few days to sync with the slower pace. Accommodations range from stand-alone vacation rentals to all manner of inns and hotels. Top-rated lodging options include Hotel Du Lac, a 4-star lakefront hotel built as a private villa in 1823. Another option, 4-star Hotel Royal Victoria, has a decidedly romantic appeal. It's unlikely you'll need a car in Varenna. Ferry service connects the village to other Lake Como destinations. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the closest international air gateway. Regularly scheduled train service connects the airport to Veranna.