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 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 8 favourite villas in Lake Como!

Villa Melzi d'Eril, Bellagio
Experience a fascinating walk in the gardens of Villa Melzi, a perfect balance between architecture and natural beauty.
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:
ADDRESS:
Via Lungo Lario Manzoni, Bellagio

Villa Balbianello, Tremezzina
Take a stroll around the gardens and visit the interiors of Villa Balbianello, location for amazing weddings, events and film sets.
VISITS:
From March to 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:
- €22 for full entry ticket (6-18 yo kids: €12)
- €11 for gardens only (6-18 yo kids: €6)
- Free for children under 6 (more on the website)
COOL FOR:
- the breathless landscape
- its proximity to Tremezzina and to Villa Carlotta
E-MAIL:
faibalbianello@fondoambiente.it
ADDRESS:
Via Guido Monzino 1, Tremezzina

Villa Monastero, Varenna
An amazing complex that includes a wide botanical garden and a museum that collects four centuries of history.
VISITS:
Gardens of Villa Monastero are open all days from March to October, whereas openings are less frequent in winter. The museum inside the villa is mainly open in the summer.
SINGLE TICKET:
€10.40 for full entry ticket, €8.50 for gardens only; free for children under 11 (more on the website).
COOL FOR:
E-MAIL:
villa.monastero@provincia.lecco.it
ADDRESS:
Viale Polvani 4, Varenna

Villa Carlotta, Tremezzina
Surrounded by a wide botanical garden, Villa Carlotta is home to a museum that collects works by Canova and Hayez.
VISITS:
Villa Carlotta and its gardens are open from March to November. A single ticket entitles you to visit the entire property (villa + gardens).
SINGLE TICKET:
€12 (children under 6 free entrance)
COOL FOR:
- the botanical garden and the wide museum inside the villa
- its proximity to Tremezzina, its pier and Villa Balbianello
E-MAIL:
ADDRESS:
Via Regina 2, Tremezzina

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

Villa Olmo, Como
A prestigious location for conferences, events and art exhibitions, surrounded by a vast English garden.
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:
ADDRESS:
Via Simone Cantoni 1, Como

Villa d'Este, Cernobbio
Luxury hotel and high level congress surrounded by a 25 acre English-style garden.
VISITS:
Only paying guests can visit the villa and its gardens
SINGLE TICKET:
–
COOL FOR:
E-MAIL:
ADDRESS:
Via Regina 40, Cernobbio

Villa Erba, Cernobbio
Location of many international events, with elegant flower beds on the lakefront. A real gem.
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:
E-MAIL:
ADDRESS:
Largo Luchino Visconti 4, Cernobbio
Want to see more hotels, apartments or villas?
Check out my entire selection of the best places to stay in Lake Como!