18/Nov/2024

Villas of Lake Como: The Complete Guide to help you decide where to go

Art Romance Milan

Reviews of the 20+ most beautiful villas of Lake Como with all the useful information to help you decide where to go and what not to miss

Perched on the sparkling shores of Italy's most iconic lake and surrounded by stunning natural scenery, the villas of Lake Como combine breathtaking architecture, lush gardens, and rich artistic history.

With panoramic views of the lake and mountains, elegant interiors, rare art collections, the villas tell the fascinating stories of the aristocrats and celebrities who once called them home. Wandering through their beautiful gardens, filled with exotic plants and flowers, is a delightful experience.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect-picture spots to shine on your Instagram or some tips on where to enjoy the best aperitivo with a view, Lake Como’s Villas have it all. With this guide we got you covered so that you can choose the perfect villas to visit during your trip.

We organized this guide dividing between those villas that are open to the public, those that are now luxury hotels providing incomparable experiences, those that can be rented for events, and those that are closed to the public as they still belong to lucky private owners (but you can still get a glimpse during a boat tour).

 

The villas are listed in alphabetical order and are divided in two parts:

VILLAS FROM A TO I: Villa Balbiano, Villa Bernasconi, Villa Carlotta, Villa Cipressi, Villa del Balbianello,  Villa del Grumello, Villa d’Este, Castello di Urio, Villa Dossi Pisani, Villa Erba, Villa Fontanelle (see below);

VILLAS FROM L TO Z: Villa La Cassinella, Villa La Gaeta, Villa Margherita Ricordi, Villa Maria Taglioni, Villa Melzi d’Eril, Villa Monastero, Villa Mylius Vigoni, Villa Oleandra, Villa Olmo, Villa Passalacqua, Villa Pliniana, Villa Serbelloni, Villa Sola Cabiati La Quiete (click here to read the article).

Scroll down to see some beautiful photos of the villas 
 

Villa Balbiano

Originally built in the 16th century, it was a residence for notable families and cardinals, including Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, who expanded and embellished the estate. He was also the owner of Villa del Balbianello and he used both villas as complementary properties for entertaining his elite guests. Considered the largest private residence on Lake Como, Villa Balbiano is nothing short of spectacular. Spread across almost 3 hectares of land, it boasts stunning gardens and a private pier. It features six elaborately-decorated suites and is considered the perfect spot to host a fairytale wedding. And while a stay here is pricey, it's the closest one can get to staying in an art gallery. It boasts an extensive art collection including Baroque frescoes that date back to the 17th century. Villa Balbiano is truly one-of-a-kind!
 
Rating: Nice to see
Genre: Gardens / Romantic / Luxury
Location: Ossuccio  
Status: For rent
Admission: N/A
Distance from Milan: 75 km – 1 hr 30 mins 
Official website: Villa Balbiano 
 
Reasons to Visit
- Baroque frescoes along with chandeliers and antiques create an opulent experience 
- Extravagant marble bathrooms offer a refuge to unwind and refresh 
- Expansive gardens featuring wisterias and jasmine, in addition to organic vegetables
- Celebrate your big day in style with an unforgettable wedding reception 

 

Villa Bernasconi

An example of the Italian art nouveau style, Villa Bernasconi was built in 1906 by a local silk merchant. Today it's home to a museum that tells its story and that of its previous owners, between historical documents and multimedia content, involving the visitors in an interactive experience, making them browse through drawers or answer the phone. Adorned with silkworms and mulberry leaves, its facade is nothing short of elaborate. And while few of the interior furnishings are originals, they are far from basic. Consider visiting this villa if you have a strong appreciation for unique design. 
 
Rating: Nice to see
Genre: Art / Museum 
Location: Cernobbio 
Status: Open to the public 
Admission: €8.00 Adults, Free (Children under 14 and Adults over 75) 
Distance from Milan: 55 km - 55 mins 
Official website: Villa Bernasconi
 
Reasons to Visit 
- Unique art nouveau style will surely delight design lovers 
- A self-narrating museum provides an independent, fun, yet immersive experience
- Palm trees on the villa grounds create an exotic ambience  

 

Villa Carlotta 

Villa Carlotta had a long history of royal owners and occupants since it was built in the 17th century. When Princess Charlotte of Prussia married Duke George II for love, a rare occurrence in the aristocracy of the time, the splendid villa was the wedding gift from her brilliant and progressive mother, Marianne of Prussia. Princess Charlotte, after whom the villa is named, spent her years in the villa welcoming artists, intellectuals and writers, and enjoying the magnificent art collection that the villa kept in its rooms overlooking the lake. Now open to the public as a museum and botanical garden, the villa features masterpieces of famous Italian artists such as Antonio Canova and Francesco Hayez, in addition to preserved artifacts. The most notable piece is precisely an 1823 painting by Hayez, The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet, iconic artwork whose intensity in depicting the fatal kiss is still impressive today. Outside, the carefully manicured Italian gardens offer an extensive display of plants and flowers. Two remarkable sites that shouldn’t be missed are its Citrus Tunnels and Valley of Ferns. 
 
Rating: Not to be missed!
Genre: Art / Gardens
Location: Tremezzo
Status: Open to the public
Admission: € 15.00 Adults, € 6 Children
Distance from Milan: 80 km – 1 hr 30 min
Official website: Villa Carlotta
 
Reasons to Visit
- The botanical garden including the ferns valley and the citrus tunnels with lemons, bergamot  
- Romantic artworks, such as Amore e Psyche by Canova or The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet by Hayez  
- Stunning vistas from its terraces that offer great photo ops for your Instagram  
- The elegant and majestic neoclassical design that rises gracefully above the waters of the lake
- Onsite bookshop, café, and picnic area for leisurely break  

 

Villa Cipressi 

Villa Cipressi is a hotel and botanical garden, offering stunning views of Bellagio. It offers visitors a stay characterized by beauty and comfort. A recent remodel has preserved its original elegance, dating back to its construction period between 1400 and 1800. Even if you choose not to stay as a hotel guest, you can opt to visit for the day. The botanical gardens feature a variety of plants and are a delight to all nature lovers. After a trek through the gardens, consider stopping for lunch or refreshments to enjoy fine wines and homemade pastries. 
 
Rating: If you have time to spare
Genre: Gardens / Leisure 
Location: Varenna 
Status: Hotel 
Admission Cost:  €10.00 Adults, €7.00 Seniors, €5.00 Youth, Free for Children 
Distance from Milan: 80 km – 1 hr 25 min
Official website: Villa Cipressi
 
Reasons to Visit
- Extensive biodiversity, including cactuses, is a delight to all plant enthusiasts 
- Relaxing yoga classes available to guests and non-guests 
- Wide selection of delicious dining options with spectacular views  

 

Villa del Balbianello 

Perched on the lake’s only promontory, Villa del Balbianello is in a truly spectacular position, surrounded by water on three sides, and offers sweeping views of one of Italy’s most enchanting landscapes. 
The villa’s story is as fascinating as its location. Originally a monastery, it passed through several hands and it was lastly owned by Guido Monzino, a wealthy Milanese adventurer known for his daring expeditions to the North Pole and Mount Everest. He turned the villa into a personal museum, showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from his adventures.
The Villa then caught Hollywood’s attention and it was used as a filming location for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.
Immerse yourself in the villa’s mysterious allure from the moment you arrive. Choose to glide across the waters of Lake Como and dock at the Villa’s private pier, disembarking just as Anakin and Princess Padme did in Star Wars! Alternatively, you can reach it on foot along a path through a lovely wooded park: a walk that will give you a sense of the natural and unspoiled beauty in which it is immersed.
Once at the villa, wander through the terraced gardens in the romantic and fairy atmosphere, linger at the iconic three-arched loggia that frames a magical view of the lake, and let the atmosphere of the villa carry you away. 
Villa del Balbianello is the perfect place to create  unforgettable travel memories that will stay with you long after your visit.
 
Rating: Not to be missed!
Genre: Romantic / Gardens
Location: Lenno, Lavedo Peninsula
Status: Open to the public 
Admission: 
Guided visit inside the villa and park entrance - €24 Adults, €16 Children 
Only park entrance - € 13 Adults, € 10 Children
Tickets tend to sell out, so be sure to reserve your entry in advance!
Distance from Milan: 75 km – 1 hr 30 min
Official website: Villa del Balbianello
 
Reasons to Visit
- Wonder through the beautiful gardens with breathtaking views on the lake and the Alps
- See where Star Wars' Princess Padme and Anakin fell in love
- Take amazing photos for your Instagram
- Use the stunning setting for your wedding proposal
- Use the private pier as an ideal starting or ending point of a private boat tour
- Discover the collection of rarities and antique objects in the villa's museum  

 

Villa del Grumello 

Villa del Grumello is an elegant 18th century neoclassical style villa. It boasts 4 hectares of park space with tree varieties such as camphors, sequoias and cedars. Open to the public from April to November, it draws in many visitors each year. But it's not only nature and photography lovers who flock here, it also welcomes droves of event goers. From art exhibitions and jazz festivals outside to business and science conferences inside, there's an event for everyone!
 
Rating: Nice to see
Genre: Gardens / Art / Music  
Location: Como
Status: Open to the public
Admission Cost: Free access to the park, entrance to the villa only during events 
Distance from Milan: 53 km — 50 mins
Official website: Villa del Grumello 
 
Reasons to Visit 
- Grand venue to host a lavish wedding reception of up to 150 guests 
- Spectacular views offer a great spot to snap the perfect Instagram shot
- Immerse yourself in the serenity of nature amongst camphor and sequoia trees
- Relish the magical atmosphere by attending an outdoor movie festival 
 

 

Villa d’Este

Before becoming a five-star hotel in 1873, Villa d'Este was home to many aristocrats. A stay at Villa d’Este is no ordinary vacation, it's a one-of-a-kind experience. Its lavishly decorated interior is sure to leave you feeling like royalty. Even if you’re not staying overnight, the villa often opens its gardens and restaurants to visitors, giving you a taste of its opulence. Be sure to immerse yourself in its magnificent Baroque-style gardens and wander off into the 25-acre park. This is where serenity and luxury come to meet. It's easy to see why it's hosted many celebrities over the years, including Elizabeth Taylor and Paul McCartney.

 
Rating: Not to be missed!
Genre: Luxury / Gardens / Art / Romantic 
Location: Cernobbio 
Status: Hotel 
Admission: N/A (guests ONLY)
Distance from Milan: 55 km – 55 mins 
Official Website: Villa d'Este
 
Reasons to Visit
- Lavish architecture and furnishings, along with extensive collection of oil paintings
- A Baroque-style garden surrounds the hotel grounds
- A romantic atmosphere ideal for couples and honeymooners
- Selection of fine dining available onsite, often frequented by George and Amal Clooney 
- A beauty center, sauna and multiple pools offer a complete pampering experience
- Fun for fitness lovers with onsite gym, tennis, jogging paths and onsite putting green  

 

Castello di Urio 

Castello di Urio, has a long history dating back to the 7th century. Mistakenly referred to as a castle, it is actually a lakeside villa. It boasts an impressive location and a tranquil manicured garden adorned with statues and fountains. Often used as a venue for spiritual retreats and private events, it is a gem not to be missed for those interested in making a glimpse in the aristocratic allure of the lake. Previously owned by a Catholic organization, it is set to be transformed into a high-end hotel.
 
Rating: Private 
Genre: Garden / Leisure
Location: Carate Urio, Como
Status: Private (only visible by boat tour)
Admission cost: N/A
Distance from Milan: 65 km, 1 hr 5 mins
 
Reasons to visit 
- The magnificent Italian gardens and its intimate and peaceful atmosphere 
- The crenellated towers that give it its appearance and fame as a castle   

 

Villa Dossi Pisani 

Commissioned in the first year of the XX century by Carlo Pisani Dossi, a politician and diplomat as well as a leading figure in Milanese cultural circles, the villa is today also known as Dosso Pisani. Its architectural project was inspired by the artworks of the symbolist painter Böcklin. The villa is protected by a tree-lined garden that encourages seclusion and tranquility, and has spacious and sumptuous Art Nouveau interiors, all finely decorated and adorned by Carlo Dossi's companions, the best artists of the time. On the lower floor is the Portico degli Amici (Portico of friends), a large loggia on whose columns Carlo Dossi carved his odes to his beloved friends.
 
Rating: Private
Genre: Literature / Art / Achitecture 
Location: Como
Status: Private 
Admission cost: N/A
Distance from Milan: 55 km, 55 mins
 
Reasons to visit 
- The visionary, asymmetrical and innovative architecture that stands out on the natural rock of the Cardina Hill, overlooking the Lake
- See the refined and sumptuous interiors, read the odes that Carlo Dossi wrote to his friends in the Portico degli Amici, but you need a personal invitation by the current owner to enter!   

 

Villa Erba

Villa Erba is more than a 19th century home, it features a convention center, park garden, a ballroom and more. The ancient villa features a wide display of art, from frescoes to ornately carved ceilings. A private tour can be scheduled to visit a historical room dedicated to Italian film director Luchino Visconti, who once lived here. Outside, one can wander the pristine gardens that feature rare and exotic plants. The beauty of these gardens change from season to season, making this a great option to visit any time of the year.
 
Rating: Nice to see
Genre: Art / Gardens
Location: Cernobbio 
Status: Open to the public 
Admission: The villa can only be visited during events or it can be rented   
Distance from Milan: 55 km — 55 mins 
Official website: Villa Erba
 
Reasons to Visit 
- Convention Center equipped for large meetings and business events 
- Ancient Villa features a wide collection of art, including frescoes and carved ceilings
- Elegant gardens offer a variety of plant and flower species throughout the year 
- The Grand Ballroom is the perfect venue to host a large wedding of 500 people    

 

Villa Fontanelle 

A privately-owned property, Villa Fontanelle can only be seen on the lake via a boat tour. Built in the 1800s, its most famous owner was Gianni Versace. This lavish villa has hosted many celebrity guests like Sir Elton John, Sting and Madonna. Inside, it boasts breathtaking views and hundreds of oil paintings and other works of art. Unfortunately, entry is only possible with a personal invitation! 
 
Rating: Private  
Genre: Art / Luxury
Location: Moltrasio 
Status: Private (only visible by boat tour)
Admission: N/A
Distance from Milan: 50 km – 1 hr
 
  
Continue reading the guide: Lake Como Villas PART 2 (COMING SOON!)