LAKE COMO'S VILLAS
the 9 best villas you can't miss

The villas in Lake Como are some of the most beautiful destinations in all of Italy. A must-see if you are planning your holidays on Lake Como.

Each villa has its own unique charm and atmosphere. Some of them – like Villa d’Este – have become luxury hotels, while others provide exceptional activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Most of Lake Como’s villas are located outside Como city and in some cases they’re only surrounded by nature and magnificent gardens.

Here is a list of my 9 favourite villas in Lake Como!

Map of the best villas on Lake Como

Click the play button and explore the area

Take a stroll around the gardens and visit the interiors of Villa Balbianello, a location for amazing weddings, events and film sets.

VILLA BALBIANELLO | Quick info

VISITS: 

From mid-March to the end of November, you can take a tour into the amazing gardens of Villa Balbianello – set of Star Wars, among others! – and then visit the rich collection of ethnic sculptures and artifacts inside the villa. Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays (except on holidays).


SINGLE TICKET:

  • €23 for full entry ticket (6-18 yo kids: €15)
  • €12 for gardens only (6-18 yo kids: €9)
  • Free for children under 6 (more on the website)

COOL FOR:


E-MAIL: 

faibalbianello@fondoambiente.it


ADDRESS:

Via Guido Monzino 1, Tremezzina

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Experience a fascinating walk in the gardens of Villa Melzi, a perfect balance between architecture and natural beauty.

VILLA MELZI | Quick info

VISITS:

Open from the end of March to the end of October. The visit includes a stroll along many historical, artistic and botanical paths on the shores of Lake Como. Gardens are accessible, but the villa is not open to public.


SINGLE TICKET:

€8 (children under 12 free entrance)


COOL FOR:

  • the combination of nature and art
  • its proximity to Bellagio and to the pier

E-MAIL:

info@giardinidivillamelzi.it


ADDRESS: 

Via Lungo Lario Manzoni, Bellagio

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An amazing complex that includes a wide botanical garden and a museum that collects four centuries of history.

VILLA MONASTERO | Quick info

VISITS: 

Gardens of Villa Monastero are open all days from the beginning of April to the end of October, whereas openings are less frequent in winter. The museum inside the villa is mainly open in the summer.


SINGLE TICKET: 

€13 for full entry ticket, €10 for gardens only; free for children under 15 (more on the website).


COOL FOR:

  • the variety of colors and scents of its botanical garden
  • its proximity to Varenna and Bellagio

E-MAIL: 

villa.monastero@provincia.lecco.it


ADDRESS: 

Viale Polvani 4, Varenna

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Surrounded by a wide botanical garden, Villa Carlotta is home to a museum that collects works by Canova and Hayez.

VILLA CARLOTTA | Quick info

VISITS: 

Villa Carlotta and its gardens are open all days from mid-March to the end of October. A single ticket entitles you to visit the entire property (villa + gardens).


SINGLE TICKET: 

€15 (children under 6 free entrance)


COOL FOR:


E-MAIL: 

segreteria@villacarlotta.it


ADDRESS: 

Via Regina 2, Tremezzina

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A prestigious location for conferences, events and art exhibitions, surrounded by a vast park where visitors can relax before resuming their tour.

VILLA OLMO | Quick info

VISITS:

The wide park that surrounds Villa Olmo is open all days. The villa is open to public from Tuesday to Sunday (except in the case of temporary exhibitions or events).


SINGLE TICKET: 

Free


COOL FOR:

  • the wide English garden where you can take some time to relax
  • its proximity to Como

E-MAIL: 

villaolmo@comune.como.it


ADDRESS: 

Via Simone Cantoni 1, Como

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A private villa, an ideal location for luxury weddings, business meetings, photoshoots, television and film footage.

VILLA PIZZO | Quick info

VISITS:

It is only possible to visit the villa and its extensive gardens on a guided group tour or during public events.


SINGLE TICKET:

According to the event. Guided tours are available for a fee.


COOL FOR:

  • nature and beautiful terraces overlooking Lake Como, luxury weddings and open-air events
  • its proximity to Cernobbio and Como

E-MAIL: 

info@villapizzo.com 


ADDRESS: 

Via Regina 46, Cernobbio

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A beautiful example of Italian Stile Liberty, Villa Bernasconi frequently hosts a museum and also art exhibitions, events, and weddings.

VILLA BERNASCONI | Quick info

VISITS:

During all year, you can see the interiors of the villa and discover its origins through an innovative and interactive itinerary that combines history and technology.


SINGLE TICKET:

€8 (children under 14 free entrance - more on the website).


COOL FOR:

  • the combination of Stile Liberty and innovation of the museum inside the villa
  • its proximity to Cernobbio and the tourist office

E-MAIL: 

villa.bernasconi@comune.cernobbio.co.it


ADDRESS: 

Largo Campanini 2, Cernobbio

Take me there!

Luxury hotel and high level congress surrounded by a 25 acre English-style garden.

VILLA D'ESTE | Quick info

VISITS:

Only paying guests can visit the villa and its gardens


SINGLE TICKET:


COOL FOR:

  • the elegance and class of its rooms, in addition to the presence of a wide English-style garden and a floating swimming pool
  • its proximity to Cernobbio and Como

E-MAIL: 

info@villadeste.it


ADDRESS: 

Via Regina 40, Cernobbio

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Location of many international events, with elegant flower beds on the lakefront. A real gem.

VILLA ERBA | Quick info

VISITS:

Villa Erba and its park are open to public only in the occasion of fairs or events.


SINGLE TICKET:

Price varies according to the event


COOL FOR:

  • international fairs, weddings and open-air events
  • its proximity to Cernobbio and Como

E-MAIL: 

info@villaerba.it 


ADDRESS: 

Largo Luchino Visconti 4, Cernobbio

Take me there!

Places to stay in Lake Como

Top reviewed on Booking.com from travelers

Want to see more hotels, apartments or villas?
Check out my entire selection of the best places to stay in Lake Como!

Experiences & tours

Make your trip a unique experience!​

4h tour on a Venetian Limo with visit to Villa Balbianello
4h tour on a Venetian Limo with visit to Villa Balbianello
Villa Monastero, Varenna
5 hour boat tour with visit to three villas
4h tour on a Vaporina with visit to Villa Balbianello
4h tour on a Vaporina with visit to Villa Balbianello
Como to Bellagio cruise
Tour to Bellagio & Villa Melzi from Como (+ lunch)
Self-guided tour of three villas on Lake Como
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