9 Most Beautiful Lake Como Villas & Gardens (+ How to Visit & Map)
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Italy’s Lake Como is world famous for its stunning scenery and beautiful lakeside villas with lovely botanical gardens. While most of the Lake Como villas are in private hands and cannot be visited (or only for private events), several most impressive mansions and/or gardens are open to the public.
In this guide, we share the most beautiful Lake Como villas and gardens, what you can visit at each, and practical tips to help you choose. You’ll also find a map, booking advice, and our recommendations for making the most of your time.
Which Lake Como villa should you visit? If you only have time for one, my first choice is Villa Monastero in Varenna, especially if you’re arriving by train from Milan. It combines lakeside gardens with beautifully decorated rooms and is easy to add to a town visit. Villa Carlotta is a great choice for extensive gardens and art, while Villa del Balbianello stands out for its spectacular setting and famous filming locations. If you’re visiting Bellagio and want nice lakeshore views, visit Villa Melzi.
Below, you can see the map indicating the location of all Lake Como villas mentioned in this guide. For a relaxing day of sightseeing, I recommend choosing one or two villas and leaving time for the nearby towns. But if you’re short on time, you can visit three of the most famous Lake Como villas and the towns of Bellagio and Varenna in one day – see below.
PRO TIP: This ferry + 3 villas ticket combo includes entry to Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and the gardens of Villa Melzi, plus a 1-day ferry ticket. This is a self-guided package with pre-booked tickets, public ferries, and recommended itineraries to help you make the most of your time.
READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Lake Como: Best Towns & Our Hotel Picks
Good to know: Our list of Lake Como villas and gardens includes villas with museums, gardens you can visit without entering the main house, and two historic villas that function as luxury hotels. They are not all open for sightseeing, so check the visiting information for each before planning where to go.
TIP: For a first visit, start with the first four villas and gardens on this list. These are open to the public and are worth it the most. Whereas if you are looking to get a bit off the beaten path or are looking for a unique villa to stay in when visiting Lake Como, check out the ones in the second half of our list too.
These are the most beautiful villas and gardens to visit in Lake Como:
1. Villa Monastero in Varenna
Located in Varenna on Lake Como’s eastern shore, Villa Monastero was built at the end of the 12th century. Originally a Cistercian nunnery dedicated to the Holy Virgin, it was later bought by the Mornico family who renovated it and named it ‘Villa Leliana’.
More than three centuries later it changed hands again and in 1869 it was bought by the famous Milanese noblewoman Carolina Maumari. At this point, it became popular with important cultural figures who used it as somewhere to relax and exchange ideas. Several more owners – and embellishments – later, the Italian government acquired the villa as war debt.
Villa Monastero became public property in 1939 and is now used as a museum and an international conference center. Training courses and conventions are held here regularly by many prestigious institutions, keen to take advantage of this exquisite setting.
This villa is open to the public and you can visit inside. The hallway is really impressive and you can also see many beautifully decorated rooms. These include Casa Museo – a museum displaying exhibits covering four centuries of history – and the Fermi Hall, in which Nobel Prize winner Enrico Fermi once held a series of physics classes.
The main attraction here, however, is the incredible botanical garden offering fantastic vistas of Como Lake. Beautifully arranged in terraces, the garden contains numerous species from all over the world. Bas-reliefs and statues line the walkways and the views across the lake are some of the finest you’ll experience. The diversity of the flora coupled with the mild climate means that these gardens look and smell divine virtually all year round!
It’s hard to compare the beauty of the different villas and gardens of Lake Como, or how ‘worthy’ they are if your time is limited and you can’t visit them all. If you visit just one villa on Lake Como, Villa Monastero is my first choice if you want to see both a furnished villa and lakeside gardens without arranging a guided tour. The impressive hallway and decorated rooms make it worth going inside as well.
Located in Varenna (which has direct train connections to Milan), Villa Monastero is one of the easiest villas to visit in Lake Como. It’s open year-round and is also one of the few villas where you can see the interior and the garden without advance bookings or special arrangements.
Good to know: You can opt for a ticket to the gardens only, or get an extra ticket to see the rooms inside the villa. If your time is limited, the garden is more than worth seeing in its own right. But if you have an additional 15-20 minutes, I highly recommend visiting inside the villa as well.
Practical information: Villa Monastero has openings throughout the year, but the house-museum and gardens do not always follow the same schedule. If you want to visit inside, check the museum’s opening days as well as the garden hours on their website.
We visited here during the peak summer season and could get the tickets on the spot with hardly any wait. Advance booking is optional for individual visitors, but buying online can save you a stop at the ticket office. Online tickets are valid for the selected day and cannot be modified.
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Varenna
2. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina
Dating back to the end of the 17th century, Villa Carlotta is a vast complex covering 17 acres. This is one of the grandest villas on Lake Como and you can easily spend several hours wandering around the villa and its extensive gardens.
Villa Carlotta was initially commissioned by Marquis Giorgio Clerici and then acquired in 1801 by Gian Battista Sommariva, who was a famous politician, businessman, and patron of arts. Over the years, Villa Carlotta became one of the main stops of the Grand Tour – a traditional European trip undertaken by upper-class young European men.
Later in the 19th century, it was bought by Princess Marianne of Orange-Nassau. She gave it to her daughter Charlotte (Carlotta) on the occasion of her marriage to Georg II, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen. Georg was passionate about botany and so began the improvements to the grounds, introducing a wide variety of botanical species and creating several themed gardens.
Today, Villa Carlotta is a museum and is open to the public. It draws visitors from all over the world keen to appreciate its fascinating mix of art and natural beauty.
The museum is filled with statues and valuable masterpieces such as The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet. Particularly beautiful are the private apartments of Princess Charlotte of Sachsen-Meiningen, featuring original neoclassical furniture.
The botanical garden surrounding the villa is huge, but it’s also very scenic and tranquil. Famous for its 150 types of rhododendrons and azaleas, it is a riot of color, especially during the spring months. But the gardens are impressive in summer and in the fall too, and the views of the lake from the villa are out of this world. So it’s worth visiting in any season.
Good to know: There are multiple paths throughout the gardens and you can choose from various routes, depending on how much time you have or how far you want to walk.
If you mainly want to see art and the furnished rooms, leave time for the museum instead of trying to cover every garden path. If the gardens are your main reason for coming, allow more than the minimum visiting time suggested below.
Although the garden is built against the hill and there are some steps and steeper paths to negotiate, it’s not a strenuous walk. Still, it’s something to bear in mind if you have mobility issues or have a stroller with you. There is also an elevator to take you from the entrance at the main level to the house and the gardens.
Getting there: Villa Carlotta is located in Tremezzina, on the western side of Lake Como. There is a ferry stop right in front of the villa, with two additional harbors (Cadenabbia and Tremezzo) within 10 minutes walking distance. In the high season, you can easily get here by ferry from Bellagio, Varenna, and other nearby towns.
Practical information: Villa Carlota is open from March to the first week of November. See their website for up-to-date information. Tickets include admission to the museum and gardens, and I highly recommend planning at least 1.5-2 hours for a visit here.
While you can get tickets on the spot, booking tickets online can save you a long wait. Online tickets are valid for a selected day rather than a fixed entry time and let you skip the ticket desk line.
3. Villa del Balbianello in Lenno
Built by Cardinal Durini towards the end of the 18th century on the site of a Franciscan monastery, Villa del Balbianello is probably the most famous of all villas on the shores of Lake Como. Sitting atop a steep promontory and surrounded by water from three sides, it has the most unique location. In order to truly appreciate it, you have to (also) see Villa del Balbianello from a boat.
Interesting to know: If any parts of Villa del Balbianello seem a little familiar to you, that’s because several movies have been filmed here! These include James Bond Casino Royale, A Month by the Lake, and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
This villa became a prestigious vacation residence and has had various owners over the years. The last owner was the famous explorer Count Guido Monzino, the leader of Italy’s first Mount Everest expedition. When he died without heirs in 1988, he donated the villa to the Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano (the National Trust of Italy). The FAI opened the villa to the public and now runs it.
The impressive estate of Villa del Balbianello has several buildings and picturesque, terraced gardens. Inside the main building, you can see some 17th and 18th-century French furnishings, along with beautiful glass paintings.
The upper floors are filled with artifacts acquired by Guido Monzini throughout his adventures. These include ethnic sculptures, pictures, and flags. You can even see one of the eight sleighs that formed part of his expedition to reach the North Pole, along with 4,000 volumes dedicated to polar and mountaineering expeditions.
Practical information: Villa del Balbianello is open almost the whole year round – from mid-March to January. It’s open daily except on Mondays and Wednesdays.
This is one of Lake Como’s most popular villas, and it gets very busy, so make sure to book tickets in advance. The most popular option is the park-only ticket for the gardens, the terraces, and lake views. If you also want to visit inside, you can reserve tickets that also include a guided tour of the interiors (in summer, book at least a few weeks upfront!).
Good to know: A visit here involves steps and small hills, so keep this in mind if anyone in your group has mobility issues.
Since Villa del Balbianello is located a bit outside of Lenno town, allow extra time to reach the entrance before your booked visit. The shorter walking route is an uphill path that takes about 20 minutes (we did it in 12). Alternatively, you can take a taxi boat or a shared boat shuttle. You’ll find these at the harbor, Lido di Lenno, and they run frequently throughout the day.
As already mentioned, in order to appreciate the unique location and setting of Villa del Balbianello, you have to see it from the lake. A shuttle is primarily a transfer, so don’t count on stops for photos. If you want more time to see the villa from the water, choose a sightseeing boat tour and check that its route includes Balbianello. Also check if you’ll stop to visit or only pass by. One of the best options is this Lake Como Cruise & VIP Access to the Villa Balbianello Gardens.
LEARN MORE: Info & Tips for Visiting Villa Balbianello
4. Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio
The beautiful neoclassical complex of the Villa Melzi d’Eril is one of the most popular villas to see in Lake Como. This is because it can be easily reached on foot from Bellagio town, which – in its turn – is the most-visited of the most beautiful towns of Lake Como.
Built by the architect Giocondo Albertolli between 1808 and 1813, Villa Melzi was originally the summer residence of Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Vice-President of the Napoleonic Italian Republic.
Many culturally important figures have been guests here. These include the Austrian Emperor Ferdinand I and his wife Maria Anna of Savoy. The composer and pianist Franz Liszt visited often and some people believe that it was whilst staying in the villa’s small chapel that he wrote the Dante Symphony.
Nowadays, the villa is owned by the Gallarati Scotti family, who took over ownership from the Melzi family. It’s filled with all sorts of artistic treasures, including amazing frescoes and sculptures by masters such as Antonio Canova and Giovan Battista Comolli. Unfortunately, since the villa is in private hands, you cannot see the interior.
You can, however, admire its architecture from the outside and then lose yourself in the breathtaking botanical gardens. From the lakeside avenue of plane trees or the colorful rhododendrons and azaleas surrounding the villa, to an artificial Japanese pond and a hidden cave, the gardens are among the most beautiful on Lake Como.
You’ll also find many benches where you can rest and take in the exquisite scenery. Indeed, so beautiful is the setting that it was described by the writer Stendhal in his ‘Rome, Naples et Florence’ diary, and in his novel ‘La Chartreuse de Parme’.
In addition, you can visit the impressive family chapel, the Moorish pavilion, and the Orangery which houses a small museum filled with Napoleonic memorabilia. All of these are open to the public and are included in the ticket.
Getting there: The gardens of Villa Melzi have two entrances, one of which is rather close to the center of Bellagio. So you can easily walk here in about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach the main entrance of the gardens by taking the hop-on hop-off tourist train.
Good to know: There is no cafe here but you will find plenty of restaurants in Bellagio. You’ll need at least 1-1.5 hours in order to visit the gardens of Villa Melzi, also because it’s not right in the center. So if you only have an hour in town, it will be difficult. But if you have at least 2-3 hours in Bellagio, it’s well worth coming here.
Practical information: The gardens of Villa Melzi are open daily during the high season, with some additional weekend openings in the shoulder season. You can buy tickets at the entrance without booking ahead. If you want to leave and return later that day, ask the ticket office to stamp your ticket before you go. For more info, see their website.
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Bellagio
Now that we’ve covered the best-known and most-visited Lake Como villas and gardens, let’s take a look at a few other villas that are interesting for several reasons. Each of these is unique, and this list just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning them.
5. Villa Olmo in Como
Villa Olmo is one of the most impressive villas on Lake Como. Located by the lake in the northwestern part of Como town, it’s about 20 minutes (scenic) walk from the old town center.
The villa’s history dates back to the 1780s, when it was built for Marquis Innocenzo Odescalchi by architect Simone Cantoni. It was named after an elm planted in the center of the garden, which – unfortunately – is no longer there.
At that time, Villa Olmo had some very illustrious visitors. These included Napoleon, Austrian Emperor Ferdinand I, and the last Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II.
The villa changed hands several times over the decades and is now owned by the municipality of Como. It is mainly used for various events and conferences and also hosts temporary art exhibitions. The public park is free to enter, but access to the villa and grounds can be restricted.
The architecture of the building and its beautiful neoclassical features are well worth seeing. One of the most impressive features is the magnificent colonnade decorated with tondos (circular artworks) by sculptor Francesco Carabelli. The interiors contain frescoes of mythological figures, paintings, statues, and a theater added towards the end of the 19th century, but don’t plan on seeing these without first confirming that the villa is open.
The manicured gardens at the front of the property are beautifully tended, with statues of pagan gods and colorful, symmetrical flowerbeds. Behind the villa is the public park, laid out in English style and filled with large, shady trees under which you can relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Good to know: The gardens of Villa Olmo are a popular place where locals come for a picnic. So why not do the same? It’s a great way to get a taste of day-to-day life in the region. If you are visiting in summer and want to spend some time swimming in Lake Como, you’ll find a nice beach nearby, Lido Villa Olmo.
Getting there: Villa Olmo is in Como, the main town on Lake Como, which you can easily reach by car or train from Milan. From the old town, it’s about a 20-minute walk along the lakeside promenade. Some Lake Como day tours from Milan, such as this one, include a photo stop here.
Practical information: Restoration work affects access to Villa Olmo and its park. Before making a special trip, check the municipality’s website. If you have time, it’s a nice addition to a lakeside walk from Como, but not a major visit like the villas mentioned earlier.
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Como
6. Villa Bernasconi in Cernobbio
Villa Bernasconi is rather unique compared to Lake Como’s other villas. It is one of the few examples of Stile Liberty, an Italian variant of Art Nouveau. It also contains one of the area’s most innovative museums.
Located on the main road connecting Como to Cernobbio, this villa is also the only villa on this list that is not standing next to the lake. It’s also much more recent than the other grand villas of Como Lake.
Villa Bernasconi was commissioned by the entrepreneur Davide Bernasconi in 1905. His business interests are reflected in the facades of the villa. Here you can see motifs representing various aspects of the silk production process, including silkworms, butterflies, and mulberry leaves.
The ownership of the villa changed hands several times until the municipality of Cernobbio acquired it and took over responsibility for its upkeep. It is now used for frequent exhibitions and weddings, and its wide grounds are sometimes used for open-air events.
The main attraction here for visitors is the museum. Relatively quiet to visit compared to many other of Lake Como’s attractions, it uses technology and interactivity to bring the history of the building to life.
Practical information: Villa Bernasconi is open from Friday to Monday and on public holidays. However, at certain times of the year, you can only visit the museum by booking a guided tour. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check their website in advance of your visit.
7. Gardens of Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio
Built in the 15th century for Marchesino Stanga, the neoclassical Villa Serbelloni is one of the hidden gems of Bellagio. It’s not to be confused with the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (more about it further below). Villa Serbelloni has played host to some influential figures including Leonardo da Vinci, Emperor Maximillian I, Queen Vittoria, Kaiser Guglielmo, and many more.
The villa had several owners over the years, with the stunning grounds considerably improved and extended in the late 18th century by the Serbelloni Dukes. Nowadays, its owned by the Rockefeller Foundation.
The garden – Parco di Villa Serbelloni – is open to the public, but you can only visit with a guided tour of the grounds.
Extending over Bellagio’s promontory, the 50 acres of gardens are covered with winding pathways that take you through the terraces descending down towards the lake. There are many rare and exotic plants to admire along with some exceptional views of Bellagio.
Practical information: The gardens can only be visited on a guided tour, which must be booked in advance. Allow about two hours, with much of the first hour spent walking uphill. Tours run on selected days and times, and places are limited, so book early. The meeting point is at the Bellagio tourist office in Piazza della Chiesa, near the main church. Check available dates and book your tickets here.
8. Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Built in 1850 as a luxurious holiday villa, but transformed into a hotel soon after that, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni has been welcoming guests since 1873. This grand neoclassical-style villa is one of the most elegant hotels on Lake Como. It’s been owned by the Bucher family for over 100 years.
Loved by the rich and the famous, the former guests of Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni include names like Winston Churchill, J.F. Kennedy, Roosevelt, or the Rothschilds. But also Al Pacino, Robert de Niro, and Richard Branson, to name just a few.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is impressive on the outside as well as inside. Set on the lake in the heart of Bellagio, it has a stunning location. The interior is lavishly decorated with frescos, paintings of mythological scenes, marble staircases, antique Persian carpets, crystal chandeliers, etc.
Good to know: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a luxury hotel, so consider it as a place to stay rather than a regular sightseeing stop. Its location in central Bellagio is convenient for exploring the town and taking ferries around the lake. You can check room options and rates here. It can be a wonderful experience if you are looking to stay at one of the most luxurious villas on Lake Como.
The hotel has beautiful gardens, several pools, and direct access to the lake with a private swim area. If you are staying here in the summer, you can go for a swim in Lake Como straight from the hotel grounds.
READ ALSO: Best Places to Stay in Lake Como
9. Villa d’Este in Cernobbio
Once known as Villa del Garovo after the nearby Garovo stream, Villa d’Este was originally constructed in the 16th century. Not to be confused with the famous Villa d’Este in Tivoli near Rome, Villa d’Este is located in Cernobbio. This Lake Como’s most luxurious and exclusive hotel.
Just as most other Como villas, Villa d’Este has had multiple owners over the centuries. Both the villa and its grounds have changed a great deal in that time. Some of the most significant restorations were carried out in the 18th century by the Calderari family who created a new Italian garden. In the early 19th century, Princess Caroline of Brunswick changed the park’s design to an English style.
Villa d’Este became a luxury hotel in 1873 and has had some very notable guests since. Previous guests include Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, Woody Allen, Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, and many more.
Good to know: Villa d’Este is a luxury hotel, not a villa museum with regular sightseeing tickets. You can book a stay through their website. If you’re interested in visiting for a meal, contact the hotel about a restaurant reservation and confirm access arrangements and the dress code before going.
Lake Como Villas FAQ
Which villas on Lake Como can you easily visit?
Some of the most famous villas that you can visit in Lake Como include Villa Monastero in Varenna, Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina, and Villa del Balbianello in Lenno. At Villa Melzi in Bellagio, you can visit the gardens, museum, and chapel, but the main house is private.
Which Lake Como villas have the most beautiful gardens?
The legendary Lake Como villas are also known for their beautiful gardens. Some of the nicest gardens are those of Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero, Villa Melzi, Villa del Balbianello, and the Gardens of Villa Serbelloni.
If I visit just one villa in Lake Como, where should I go?
If you only have the time to visit one villa on Lake Como, I recommend Villa Monastero in Varenna. This is mainly because of its easy accessibility from Milan. In addition, this historic villa also has everything you would expect – a stunning lakeside location, incredibly beautiful gardens, and lavishly decorated chambers.
When is the best time to visit Lake Como villas and gardens?
The best time to visit Lake Como’s gardens and villas is in spring, when azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom. That said, the gardens look stunning throughout the entire summer season. If you are mostly interested in the history and art inside the villas, you can also visit outside the main tourist season. Just check opening dates before planning your trip, as some villas close for winter or open only on selected days.
Are Lake Como villas open in winter?
Some Lake Como villas have winter openings, but many villas and gardens close seasonally or open only on selected days. Villa Monastero is one option to consider for a winter visit. Check each villa’s official opening calendar before planning your trip.
What are the most beautiful villas where you can stay in Lake Como?
While you will be able to find lots of villas for rent at Lake Como, nothing compares to the experience of staying inside one of the grand historic villas. Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is in central Bellagio, making it convenient for sightseeing. Villa d’Este is in Cernobbio, near Como town. Both are luxury hotels, but Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is usually a lot more affordable – check room options and rates here.
READ ALSO: Best Places to See & Things to Do in Lake Como
So, this is our guide to the most beautiful villas and gardens you can visit in Lake Como. I hope it helps you choose which ones to see and make the most of your time by the lake.
PRO TIP: For more help planning your trip, see our Lake Como travel tips. We share practical advice on getting around, how much time you need, and what to know before you visit.
TIP: Save this guide for later, share it with your friends, or pin it to Pinterest so you can easily come back to it when planning your trip.
More travel inspiration for Northern Italy:
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- For many more destinations all over Italy, see our Italy travel guide.
THANK YOU for all your blogs about Lake Como. We just came back and had a lovely time thanks to all your insights and tips!
Glad to help, Suri. Happy travels!
Hello,
I was looking at that “Villas with Ferry Day Ticket” link, and it shows up as about 100 Euros. But the if I go to individual websites, approximate prices for Melzi is 10, Monastero is 13, Carlotta is 15, and the ferry day ticket is 15. That adds up to 53. Am I missing something? It seems like a massive overpay to get that package deal.
Thanks!
Hi Geoff, different people have different needs and some find it worth paying more if it means they don’t have to do any research or worry about the practical side of planning a trip, having a guide or assistance, etc. Others prefer to book everything themselves and don’t mind spending time to research everything. Yet others just show up and ‘wing it’ (which is getting more and more difficult to do in many popular destinations these days).
Sometimes package deals save you money, sometimes they save you time, and sometimes both. In this case, purely financially, it looks like at this moment it might be cheaper to get individual tickets. But also this might change again. We just like to show our readers different options.
Have a great trip!
@Jurga,
OK, I understand, that makes total sense. I definitely do appreciate everything you provide with your site and all the help it is to us. It is good you show us all the options.
Hello Jurga! Thank you for all the useful trip information and tips! This weekend we are travelling to Italy, we planned to visit several villas at Como according to your recommendation. As you suggested I have checked the current opening hours of the villas and their gardens…unfortunately from the many amazing ones only Villa Bernasconi can be visited this time (upon reservation). Does it mean that we do not have the chance to admire any of them even from outside/from the streets? That would have been the major highlights for us, so I am very disappointed. Thank you if you have any tips! Kind regards and I remain your follower.
Hi Anett, yes indeed, most Lake Como villas are closed in the winter season. Some open from March, others even later.
That said, of course, you can see some of them from outside. Villa Olmo is the easiest since you can see it from the park (and they say it’s partially open – hopefully, that info is correct). Villa Carlotta – you can see the main building from thh street. Villa Balbianelo, Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Monastero can be admired from the water. The best way is to take a private boat tour (they get much closer to the villas than ferries). That being said, there are not that many boat tours running in this season either (but there are a few – search here and adjust the dates if needed).
Another option is to take a day tour from Milan (like this one or this one) that includes a boat cruise on the lake. From what I see, these tours run daily and the recent reviews (January – February) are quite positive. You won’t get very close to most villas but it’s still nice to do.
Hope this helps. Dress warm and enjoy your trip!
@Jurga, Thank you for your super fast answer! For us visiting some villa with their gardens would be a highlight…so we changed the plan now for Mallorca. I have read in one of your descriptions that you mentioned the wooden train there. I did not find your usual detailed information about Mallorca…is there any? Thank you!
Hi Anett, I hope that you enjoy Mallorca at this time of the year. It should be quiet and I would expect much warmer than at Lake Como!
And no, we have no articles about the island. I assume you mean the Sóller train. You can find some of the best day tours here. Otherwise, if you just want train tickets, I am sure you can find all the info online.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi, we’re going to be in Menaggio for 2 days/3 nights next week. We’re doing a 4 hour private boat ride and want to stop at a villa/garden, which would you recommend that is beautiful but we could do in an hour or two? Is Villa Balbianello doable if we don’t go inside? Bonus points if we could grab a snack there/nearby. Thanks!
Hi Dena, most boat tours don’t really stop at any villas since they have a fixed route they follow. I’d visit a villa separately from your boat tour.
As for which one to visit, if you visit just one, I’d opt either for Villa Monastero in Varenna or Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. Villa del Balbianello is really impressive from the water and you’ll definitely pass there with your boat tour, so I’d only go back if you have more time and can visit more than one villa OR if your boat tour is prepared to wait for you while you visit the gardens (20-30 minutes would be enough for that if there is no queue at the ticket desk). The other villas would require more time, so not the best use of your boat tour time, but nice to do separately.
As for snacks, both – Villa Carlotta and Villa Monastero have a cafe on site, and there are places nearby where you can find something for lunch.
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!
Unfortunately I don’t think we’ll have time for a separate visit 🙁 but it sounds like if we wanted to do a quick stop on the boat tour, Villa del Balbianello gardens would be our best bet to see in less than an hour?
Also, if it ends up raining on the trip (60% all 3 days as of now…), which would you suggest to see inside?
Thanks so much!
Hi Dena, yes, if you are short on time and your boat tour guide agrees to wait for you at one villa, then the gardens of Villa del Balbianello is by far the best choice. Your boat should be able to drop you off right at the entrance by the lake and in that case, you can quickly visit the villa in 20-30 minutes. Also, don’t worry about the weather forecast. It’s usually much better than it looks. We also visited Villa del Balbianello in the rain and it was still worth it.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga..hope you are good. Need some advice on my lake como itinerary. I want to see both towns of bellagio, verenna,villa monastero and may be villa carlotta. Also a boat trip(not private) to enjoy view of villa del balbianello.
In the last week of june we land on day 1 in Milan at around 10:00 am and move to our accomodation some where near lake como. We have that day and next day for our lake como trip so approx 1.5 days in total. Do you think it is doable? What is the best itinerary you can suggest? We plan to do it on our own as we could not find any such trip with all our requirements fulfilled either on get your guide or any other service provider. Pleas help. Thanks!!
Hi Sneha, you could stay in Varenna, which has direct train connections to Milan.
On the first day, you could probably visit Villa Monastero and Varenna town. And then the next day, take a boat to Villa Carlotta in the morning and then visit Bellagio in the afternoon.
If you don’t want to pay for the private boat tour, it won’t be very simple to see Villa Balbiannelo from the water since most ferries in the center of the lake don’t pass there (Lenno is the last stop and the villa is just behind it). You would have to take a ferry that goes further down the lake in the direction of Como town and waste too much time, plus, the boat would probably pass too far to see much of the villa anyway. You could also take a ferry to Lenno and then simply visit Villa Balbianello and take a water shuttle boat to get there, but those boats go so close to the coast that you will not be able to appreciate the villa very well either. So the best option would be a private boat tour, I’m afraid. Sometimes, you can just book one upon arrival, but often, they are fully booked so it’s best to reserve at least a day or – in gu–high season – a few days in advance.
Otherwise, just visit Villa Carlotta and Bellagio. It will be a great day and more relaxing. Good luck!
@Jurga, thank you for the prompt response.
So for day 1, I will follow as suggested. For day 2 we drop the plan to villa Balbianello. But is it possible to visit villa Carlotta, bellagio and menaggio on day 2? If not, If we have to choose between villa Carlotta and Menaggio what would you suggest?
Also would you recommend visiting como town as well? If yes, what can be done there?
Hi Sneha, a lot is possible. The question is how enjoyable will it be if you just rush through everything…
Menaggio should be pretty easy in combination with Bellagio and Villa Carlota. Check the boat schedules the evening before and decide based on that. It might be simpler to go to Menaggio first and then Villa Carolota afterward (depending on how the bots travel). I would probably end with Bellagio since it gets quieter toward the evening.
If you also want to visit Como, I would do it either on the first day or when you leave (depending on your plans after Lake Como). The problem in both cases is that you will have your luggage with you. Plus, Como is much further than all the other places you want to visit and even the fastest boat trip takes over an hour (+the time at the harbor, etc). If you decide to go to Como after arrival, then you could just stay there that day and then visit Bellagio and Varenna the day after or go there in the evening on the first day. You would also pass Villa Balbianello (in a distance) on your way from Como to Bellagio.
The possibilities are endless but keep in mind that it’s busy everywhere, travel times will add up, and so if you don’t want to rush, I would limit the number of places rather than trying to ‘see it all’.
You may also want to read our article with travel tips for Lake Como.
Good luck!