Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, charming towns and incredible architecture. Including lots of beautiful villas. It can be hard to know which villas to visit in Lake Como, especially if you only have a few days here. In this blog post, I will highlight some of the must visit villas in Lake Como, so you can make the most of your time here!
A list of the most beautiful villas in Lake como
Here’s a list of the must see villas in Lake Como:
- Villa del Balbianello
- Villa Carlotta
Villa Monastero
Villa Cipressi
Villa Melzi d’Eril
Villa Serbelloni
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Overview of the Must Visit Villas in Lake Como
1) Villa del Balbianello – Famous villa on Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello is the most famous villa on Lake Como and for good reason! It is a stunning villa known for its lush gardens and panoramic views. Explore the meticulously maintained terraced gardens overlooking the lake and take a guided tour of the opulent interiors, adorned with historical artifacts and beautiful frescoes.
It’s the most famous villa on Lake Como, not just for it’s beauty but it was the filming location for several movies, including ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones’ and James Bond’s ‘Casino Royale’. If you only have time to see one villa then this is definitely THE must visit villa in Lake Como.
The villa is located near Lenno on the west coast of Lake Como. You can easily get a boat here from Bellagio as well as the bus from Tremezzo and Menaggio. I decided to spend the night in Lenno at the Hotel Plinio which had very affordable rooms with a lake view from just €80 a night, and less than a 20 minute walk to the villa.
Best time to visit Villa Del Balbianello
The Villa del Balbianello is one of the top things to do in Lake Como, however it’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays so make sure to plan your trip around this!
I recommend visiting either for opening at 10am or just before closing. The villa has limited opening days between December and February, so the best time to visit is March to October.
Tickets:
€23 Villa and gardens
€12 Gardens
2) Villa Carlotta
Situated in the town of Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta is a majestic mansion surrounded by a vast botanical garden. This neoclassical villa houses an impressive art collection, including sculptures by Antonio Canova and paintings by Francesco Hayez. As well as beautiful arched windows which make for a very instagrammable photo spot on Lake Como. Make sure to also wander through the perfectly manicured gardens, annd enjoy the captivating views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The villa is just down the road from Villa del Balbianello so you can easily visit both on the same day. If you are hoping to visit a few villas in one day you might want to book a tour which includes the ferries too.
Make sure to also visit the nearby Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where you can enjoy lunch or a drink in one of their many restaurants (even if you’re not a guest).
Tickets:
€11 full price
3) Villa Monastero – Villa in Varenna
If you’re going to visit one villa in Varenna make sure it’s Villa Monastero. A magnificent villa that showcases the perfect blend of nature and architecture. Originally a Cistercian convent, the villa boasts beautiful terraced gardens, adorned with colourful flowers, ancient trees, and panoramic views of the lake. Wander through the picturesque pathways and explore the opulent interiors, which house a fascinating collection of art and historical artifacts.
I recommend booking your tickets online in advance to avoid the queue.
Tickets:
€13.52 Villa and Gardens
€10.40 Gardens
4) Villa Cipressi – Villa in Varenna
Nestled on the shores of Lake Como, Villa Cipressi in Varenna is a splendid villa surrounded by lush gardens and cypress trees. Stroll through the enchanting terraced gardens and discover hidden nooks, charming fountains, and breathtaking lake views. The villa itself is now a hotel dating back to the 14th century and features elegantly decorated rooms and suites, so you can even book a stay at the Hotel Villa Cipressi!
If you are visiting Lake Como at the end of March or April you might be in Varenna in time to see the wisteria in bloom, in which case you definitely want to add this villa to your itinerary. It has the most incredible wisteria wall surrounding the iconic gate on the lake, making for one of the most instagrammable photo spots in Lake Como.
The villa is next door to Villa Monastero so it’s easy to visit both on the same day. You can even buy a combination entry ticket to save money. However the Villa is sometimes booked for private events so make sure to check what days these are so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Tickets:
€10 Gardens
5) Villa Melzi d’Eril – Villa in Bellagio
A visit to Bellagio wouldn’t be complete without exploring the elegant Villa Melzi d’Eril. This neoclassical villa is surrounded by stunning gardens and offers captivating views of Lake Como. Take a leisurely stroll through the expansive park, adorned with statues, exotic plants, and colourful flowers. The villa’s interiors are equally impressive, featuring beautiful frescoes, art collections, and historical artifacts. I recommend visiting around midday or early afternoon for the best light.
If you are just spending one day in Lake Como then you book a combination ticket for entry to the three villas as well as a day ferry ticket.
Tickets:
€8 Gardens
6) Park of Villa Serbelloni – Villa in Bellagio
Located in the charming town of Bellagio, Villa Serbelloni is a luxurious retreat with a rich history. Surrounded by a verdant park, this elegant villa offers breathtaking vistas of the lake and the surrounding landscape. There are only two guided tours a day of the Park so make sure to book in advance if you want to visit.
You can also book to stay in the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and enjoy its luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.
Tickets:
€10 2 hour guided tour of the gardens
Lake Como’s allure lies not only in its breathtaking natural beauty, but also in the timeless elegance of its villas. Which is why one of the top things to do in Lake Como is visit a few villas, because each one offers a unique experience and a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Make sure to add these must visit villas in Lake Como to your itinerary.
If you’re planning on spending more time in the north of Italy then you might also want to spend one day in Portofino and visit Cinque Terre too.
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