Lake Como Villas: How To Experience The Glamour

Last Updated on December 29, 2025 by spritzience

The Lake Como Villas are famous for their glamor, but nothing on screen prepared me for the real thing. On film, Villa del Balbianello dazzles — Star Wars, James Bond — yet nothing compares to stepping inside. Behind its lakeside arches are rooms filled with maps from Arctic expeditions, rare artifacts, and even a narwhal horn brought back by its last owner, explorer Guido Monzino.

He built secret passageways leading down to the water for a quick escape and installed antique wall panels his mother had gifted him from a French château — he even lowered the floor by a meter just to make them fit. It’s the kind of eccentric detail that makes you forget the movie scenes and focus on the man who actually lived there.

After living in Milan for ten years, I finally decided this was the year to experience it firsthand — and that visit completely reshaped my perspective on Lake Como Villas. They’re not simply beautiful buildings; they’re layered worlds of art, ambition, and design — each with its own atmosphere and story to tell.

In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite villa-pair itineraries, along with some of the most memorable villas and hotels to stay in around Lake Como — all easily done from Milan by train and ferry. And, true to Spritzience tradition, I’ve included my favorite lakeside spritz stops — because villa-hopping on Lake Como deserves a proper aperitivo break.

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Itinerary 1: Villa Monastero (Varenna) & Villa del Balbianello (Lenno)

If you want to see two of the most spectacular Lake Como Villas, start here. Varenna and Lenno sit across from each other on the lake, linked by ferries that glide past some of the most beautiful shores in northern Italy. In one day, you’ll experience two distinct worlds — the quiet grace of a scholarly villa and the adventurous elegance of an explorer’s home.

Morning – Varenna & Villa Monastero

Take the morning Trenord train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (about an hour). From the station, it’s roughly a 15-minute walk downhill to the lake and over to Villa Monastero. If you add just a few extra minutes, follow the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a scenic lakeside path lined with ivy-covered walls, stone arches, and reflections that hint at why so many painters loved this view.

Head straight to Villa Monastero once you reach the water. Originally a 12th-century convent, it later became a noble residence filled with frescoes, carved walnut furniture, and patterned floors that glow in the morning light. The villa stretches for nearly two kilometers along the lake, its gardens layered with lemon trees, cypresses, and bursts of wisteria spilling toward the water.

After your visit, pause for a cappuccino—or a spritz with a view—at the Hotel Royal Victoria. Their Ristorante Visteria has one of the best panoramas in town, with tables looking straight down the lake toward Bellano. For something more relaxed, stop at Bar Il Molo on the harbor for a piadina or light lunch before catching your ferry.

Afternoon – Lenno & Villa del Balbianello

The ferry from Varenna to Lenno takes about an hour, passing Bellagio, Tremezzo, and the lake’s most graceful shoreline views along the way. Once you arrive, you’ll find Lenno to be unhurried and quietly elegant — the kind of place where locals still stop for coffee before the afternoon ferry crowds arrive.

If you haven’t already eaten lunch, try Bistrò Al Golfo, just in front of the pier, for relaxed comfort food and shaded outdoor tables. For something a bit more stylish, Giulietta al Lago—a summer pop-up near the path leading up to the villa—offers spritzes, lake breezes, and beautifully plated Mediterranean dishes that feel both local and indulgent.

From the pier, it’s about a 20-minute walk to Villa del Balbianello, or you can hop on a small taxi-boat for a short, scenic ride. Even before you reach the gates, the view says it all: sculpted gardens climbing the hillside and that famous twin-arched loggia overlooking both branches of the lake.

Inside, explorer Guido Monzino’s world unfolds — maps from Arctic expeditions, Inuit carvings, navigation instruments, and that remarkable narwhal horn he brought home from one of his voyages. The villa also hides a few eccentric marvels: secret passageways leading down to the water and antique wall panels gifted to him by his mother from a French château. Monzino even lowered the floor by a meter just to make them fit.

When you’re finished touring, head back down to Lenno’s promenade for an aperitivo at Bar Il Goloso or Plinio, both perfect spots for a lakeside spritz as the sun fades behind the hills.

Itinerary 2: Villa del Balbianello (Lenno) & Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)

If your perfect day includes exploring lush gardens, admiring lakeside views from inside historic villas, and soaking up a little art and architecture along the way, this itinerary pairs two of the most fascinating Lake Como Villas. Both sit along the western shore, easily reached from Como by ferry, with scenery that feels more like a slow parade of gardens and grand houses than a commute.

Morning – Lenno & Villa del Balbianello

Take the Trenord train from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago, about an hour. Conveniently, the Como Lago station is less than 200 feet from the ferry terminal, so you can step straight from the train onto the dock.

Board the northbound ferry toward Lenno — the ride takes about 40 minutes and offers a wonderful way to see the lake, passing elegant villas, private gardens, and cypress-lined hillsides. During peak periods, ferries can sell out and queues for tickets may be long, so it’s smart to buy your ferry ticket online in advance.

From the Lenno pier, it’s roughly a 30-minute walk to Villa del Balbianello along a gently rising lakeside path shaded by olive trees. Taxi-boats occasionally operate directly to the villa’s private landing, but service isn’t guaranteed, so plan to walk in case they’re not running.

At the villa, you can choose between two ticket types — one for the gardens only, and another that includes both the gardens and the interior. The full ticket is worth it for travelers who enjoy history and design, but whichever you choose, buy it online a few weeks ahead as time slots often sell out quickly, especially in spring and early summer.

Inside, explorer Guido Monzino’s personality still defines the house, but it’s the terraces and lake views that make the visit unforgettable.

If you haven’t eaten yet, stop back in town afterward. Bistrò Al Golfo, right by the pier, serves relaxed comfort food and regional dishes. For a more stylish option, Giulietta al Lago, a seasonal pop-up near the walking path, pairs spritzes and lake breezes with beautifully plated Mediterranean plates.

Afternoon – Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta

From Lenno, continue north on the ferry route. There’s a dedicated stop for Villa Carlotta on the slower ferry line, or you can disembark at Tremezzo and walk about ten minutes along the promenade.

Villa Carlotta is one of the most beloved Lake Como Villas, built in the late 1600s and later gifted to Princess Carlotta of Prussia. Admission covers both the palace and the gardens under a single ticket, which you can purchase in advance online or at the gate. Inside, you’ll find neoclassical sculptures by Canova and Thorvaldsen.

Outside, the gardens burst into incredible blooms of color across azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and citrus trees. Allow at least ninety minutes to enjoy both spaces, and take time to pause on the upper terrace for sweeping views across the lake to Bellagio.

Finish with a Spritz Aperitivo at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo

When you’re ready for a drink, head down the road for a four-minute walk to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a Belle Époque icon that has welcomed guests since 1910. Chic and stylish, it’s the kind of place where you can imagine Greta Garbo stepping onto the terrace in oversized sunglasses — she was, in fact, a frequent guest. This is the famous hotel with two pools, the more photographed of which floats right on the lake, shimmering against the backdrop of Bellagio.

A cocktail on the T Bar Terrace is the perfect finale — elevated above the road with golden light spilling across the water. Order a classic spritz or a glass of Franciacorta and toast to a day steeped in old-world glamour and contemporary style.

Why This Itinerary Works

This route blends history, design, and pure lakeside atmosphere. Villa del Balbianello draws you in with its gardens and explorer’s flair, while Villa Carlotta balances it with sculpture, blooms, and neoclassical grace. Add in the ferry ride, a leisurely lunch, and a Belle Époque spritz stop, and you have a day that feels polished yet completely effortless — the best of the Lake Como Villas in motion.

Itinerary 3: Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo) & Villa Olmo (Como Town)

If you’d like a day that blends lakeside art with an easy afternoon in the city, this route connects two very different Lake Como Villas — one a garden-filled classic in Tremezzo, the other a grand neoclassical estate on Como’s edge. It’s ideal for travelers who want culture, scenery, and a smooth ride back to Milan by evening.

Morning – Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta

Take the morning ferry north from Como Lago to Tremezzo (about an hour). When you arrive, you’ll likely have a bit of time before visiting Villa Carlotta, so if you’re after a cappuccino with a view, walk five minutes down the road to Bar Acqua Cheta. It’s wonderfully laid-back with panoramic lake views — a quiet spot to watch the ferries pass before stepping into the villa’s world of sculpture and gardens.

Afterward, tour Villa Carlotta using the combined ticket that covers both palace and gardens. Booking online in advance saves time at the entrance.

Afternoon – Como & Villa Olmo

Instead of taking the ferry back, return to Como Town by bus — it’s faster, scenic, and drops you off directly at Villa Olmo, saving the extra walk from the ferry terminal.

When I visited in October, Villa Olmo was wrapped in scaffolding and covers for restoration, so the interiors and façade were both closed. Hopefully it will reopen by summer 2026, bringing back its exhibitions and neoclassical salons. Even so, it’s worth coming for the setting: you can still stroll through the surrounding park and along the Passeggiata Lino Gelpi, one of the prettiest waterfront walks in Como.

If you’re craving a little downtime, the Villa Olmo Pool Club next door offers daily passes that include pool access, loungers, and lakefront views — perfect for a sunny afternoon before heading home.

For a spritz, enjoy one at the Villa Olmo Lido Bar, a casual-chic spot beside the pool club, or back in Como Town at one of the many cafés lining the area around the Duomo — a prime people-watching perch as evening settles over the square.

If you’d like more ideas for spending time in Como — from rooftop views to design-forward cafés — visit my full guide here:
Como Town: 10 Great Experiences

Why This Itinerary Works

This itinerary brings together two very different moods of Lake Como. Villa Carlotta offers splendid gardens and a peaceful, village-like atmosphere framed by water and mountains, while Como Town delivers an urban contrast — packed with restaurants, boutiques, and promenades that invite an evening stroll.

Together, they offer a full picture of the lake’s rhythm: quiet beauty in the morning, cosmopolitan energy by sunset.

Itinerary 4: Villa Melzi d’Eril & Villa Serbelloni Gardens (Bellagio)

Bellagio is a pretty bustling town, packed with tourists even in October, yet it’s easy to see why everyone ends up here. The views are extraordinary, the atmosphere lively, and the shopping some of the best on the lake — with artisan boutiques tucked between silk shops, ceramics studios, and narrow stone stairways.

Still, stepping into one of Bellagio’s historic gardens is the best way to slow down, breathe, and feel the serenity this lakeside escape offers. Two of the most beautiful Lake Como Villas, Villa Melzi d’Eril and the Villa Serbelloni Gardens, sit right within walking distance of the ferry pier, making this itinerary ideal for a relaxed day of wandering and discovery.

Morning – Bellagio & Villa Melzi d’Eril

Take the Trenord train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (about an hour), then cross the lake by ferry to Bellagio. From the ferry pier, it’s about a 15-minute walk south along the lakeside promenade to Villa Melzi d’Eril.

Tickets cost €10 per person and can be purchased on the day of your visit at the small ticket office — no reservations required. The ticket includes access to the Garden, Chapel, and Museum, while the villa itself remains private.

The gardens are renowned for their 250 varieties of camellias, along with magnolias, cedars, and maples set among sculptures and pavilions that overlook the lake. Camellias have always been one of my favorite flowers; they instantly bring to mind Coco Chanel, who used them throughout her designs — a perfect emblem of Bellagio’s quiet glamour.

Plan about an hour here to wander the shaded paths and photograph the reflections across the water before heading north for lunch at La Punta, slightly removed from the main crowds. The views stretch over both branches of the lake, and the mood is blissfully unhurried. Try the tagliatelle with smoked trout for a taste of the lake or trenette al pesto for something more classic.

Afternoon – Villa Serbelloni Gardens

After lunch, plan your visit carefully: the Villa Serbelloni Gardens can only be visited by guided tour, offered daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from the Promobellagio office just off the main square. When I visited, I hadn’t managed to align my timing with the tour and had to skip it — a reminder to book ahead if this is high on your list.

The gardens climb steeply behind Bellagio, offering sweeping views over both branches of Lake Como. The ninety-minute tour involves some uphill walking, but the combination of terraces, olive groves, and panoramic lookouts makes the effort worthwhile.

Aperitivo – Hotel Florence

End your Bellagio afternoon at the Hotel Florence, just steps from the ferry dock. Inside, the wooden booths and old-world charm feel timeless, but the real gem is the outdoor bar overlooking the lake. When I visited, the menu was cheekily papered over with the words “No food. We only serve drinks.” With more than a hundred cocktails and a few different spritz variations, it has the best selection — and some of the best lakeside views — in Bellagio.

Why This Itinerary Works

This itinerary blends Bellagio’s two defining sides: the lively, shop-filled energy of the town and the calm, restorative beauty of its gardens. Villa Melzi d’Eril offers a quiet escape into nature and 19th-century design, while the Villa Serbelloni Gardens deliver dramatic views and a sense of exclusivity. Together, they capture why Bellagio remains the elegant heart of the Lake Como Villas experience — a place where glamour and serenity effortlessly coexist.

Getting There from Milan

Reaching the Lake Como Villas from Milan is straightforward, and you can easily visit even the most famous ones on a day trip. Trains and ferries run frequently throughout the main season, giving you flexibility to combine villas or linger over a long lunch and a lakeside spritz.

By Train

There are two main routes from Milan to reach the Lake Como Villas:

• Milan to Como Lago
  Take the Trenord regional train from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago — the station is just steps from the ferry terminal, making it the most direct connection if you’re heading to Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, or Villa Olmo.
• Milan to Como San Giovanni
  A second option is to take a regional or intercity train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and the station is roughly a 10-minute walk downhill to the lakeside area. It’s a convenient alternative if leaving from Cadorna doesn’t fit your schedule.
• Milan to Varenna-Esino
  Depart from Milano Centrale for Varenna-Esino (around one hour). This route is ideal for visiting Villa Monastero, Villa Cipressi, or catching the ferry to Bellagio for Villa Melzi d’Eril and the Villa Serbelloni Gardens.

Regional trains don’t offer reserved seats, but they provide flexibility, running about once an hour. You can find detailed schedules on Trenitalia and buy tickets online or at the station.

While efficient, these trains aren’t particularly scenic — the views begin once you reach the lake. Be aware that they can get crowded on weekends, early mornings, and between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m., when day trippers return to Milan.

By Ferry

Ferries are the most enjoyable way to travel between the Lake Como Villas. Operated by Navigazione Lago di Como, they connect Como, Tremezzo, Lenno, Bellagio, and Varenna, linking nearly every villa featured in this guide.

• Slow service: best for sightseeing, with frequent stops and open decks.
• Fast service (hydrofoils): ideal for tight schedules — seats can be reserved.

During summer and on busy weekends, it’s highly recommended to buy ferry tickets online in advance, especially for hydrofoils, as they are time-stamped and often sell out.

By Bus

Buses can be a faster and more direct option for certain routes. From Como Town, several lines stop right outside Villa Olmo and continue up the western shore toward Tremezzo and Lenno, making it easy to visit multiple Lake Como Villas in one day.

When to Visit

The main visiting season for the Lake Como Villas runs from March through late October. Spring and early summer are ideal for gardens in full bloom — especially at Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril — while early autumn brings softer light and smaller crowds.

I generally avoid Lake Como from November through February, unless I’m heading to the Christmas markets, as most villas, hotels, and restaurants close for the season.

If you are traveling in winter, it’s a magical time to experience northern Italy’s festive atmosphere. Start with my guide to the Best European Christmas Markets for inspiration, or explore these day trips around Milan:

• Milan Christmas Market – a festive atmosphere in Piazza Duomo surrounded by lights and artisan stalls.
• Asti Christmas Market – one of Piedmont’s most charming markets, perfect for food lovers.
• Turin Christmas Market – elegant arcades and Baroque backdrops make this one unforgettable.

Staying in a Lake Como Villa

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a historic villa, Lake Como makes that fantasy a reality — from neoclassical palaces to centuries-old residences now reborn as design-forward retreats. These properties are destinations in themselves, offering the same cinematic views and architectural details that have drawn artists, composers, and aristocrats for centuries.

Villa Cipressi (Varenna)

Dating back to the 1400s, Villa Cipressi is a complex of Renaissance and 18th-century buildings that once belonged to noble families such as the Serponti and Isimbaldi. Today, it combines its historic charm with the warmth of a lakeside hotel and access to one of Varenna’s most romantic gardens.
Why stay here: You’ll wake up surrounded by terraced botanical gardens overlooking the water, steps from the ferry and the charming town center. The atmosphere feels personal and peaceful — the perfect blend of authenticity and quiet luxury.

Villa Mirabella (Tremezzo)

For travelers who dream of waking up in a lakeside villa without the five-star price tag, Villa Mirabella in Tremezzo strikes the perfect balance of charm and value. Built in the mid-19th century as a summer retreat for a Milanese family, it still carries the grace of that era — high ceilings, painted shutters, and gardens that slope gently toward the lake.

The villa was beautifully restored, keeping its neoclassical soul intact while adding the comforts of a boutique stay. Its pool and terrace look straight across to Bellagio, and mornings here begin with a cappuccino on the veranda and birdsong from the gardens.
Why stay here: It’s refined yet relaxed — a more attainable way to experience Lake Como villa life, steps from Villa Carlotta and the ferry pier, and ideal for those who prefer their luxury with a touch of authenticity.

Villa Passalacqua (Moltrasio)

Commissioned in the late 18th century by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua, this villa became a sanctuary for creatives — composer Vincenzo Bellini worked here on La Sonnambula and Norma. Reimagined as a refined boutique estate, it still feels more like a private home than a hotel.

Why stay here: Each suite feels distinct, filled with antiques and lake views that frame Moltrasio’s quiet charm. The terraced gardens lead straight down to the water, creating a feeling of seclusion just minutes from Como Town.

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (Bellagio)

One of Lake Como’s most storied hotels, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni has been welcoming guests since 1873. Once a noble residence, it became a Belle Époque landmark that has hosted royalty, writers, and film stars. Its frescoed ceilings, marble staircases, and waterfront terraces evoke the grandeur of another age.

Why stay here: It’s Bellagio at its most glamorous — a classic choice for travelers who appreciate history, fine dining, and unmatched lakefront views.

Ultimate Splurge: Villa Balbiano (Ossuccio)

For travelers who want to live their own Lake Como movie, Villa Balbiano is the ultimate statement stay. Originally built in the 16th century by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and later expanded by the Giovio family, the villa has been restored to its former glory — all gilded salons, frescoed ceilings, and manicured lawns sweeping down to the water. It’s now a private estate available for full rental.

If you want to balance a stay like this with a more grounded view of the lake, walking the hiking trails Lake Como Italy reveals a side of Lake Como that feels quietly lived in. The Lake Como Greenway passes through small villages, stone paths, and lakeside stretches just beyond the villa’s orbit—places you’d never notice from a boat or ferry, but that deepen your sense of how the lake actually works day to day.

Why stay here: With six lavish suites, twin swimming pools, private gardens, and your own pier for boat arrivals, Villa Balbiano offers an experience worthy of its cinematic fame (it featured in House of Gucci).

Choosing a Base on Lake Como

Lake Como is much larger — and more varied — than it appears on a map, and towns that look close together can offer completely different experiences once you factor in transport, evening atmosphere, and crowds.

I break this down in my full guide to where to stay Como Lake, comparing 15+ towns based on how they actually feel to stay in, how easy they are to reach by train, ferry, or bus, and which ones truly come alive once day-trippers leave. It’s designed to help you decide whether a place like Varenna is best enjoyed as a quick visit — or as a base that rewards slowing down.

Visiting Milan & the Lake Como Villas

Visiting the Lake Como Villas isn’t just about admiring grand architecture — it’s about taking in the lake’s culture, understanding how the wealthy once lived during the Belle Époque, and getting an insider’s look at the villas that made this corner of Italy legendary. Each property tells a different story of art, privilege, and design — yet what connects them all are the same pleasures that define Lake Como today: a leisurely pace, a love of beauty, and time well spent by the water.

For me, the experience always includes more than sightseeing — it’s the long lunches at gorgeous lakeside restaurants, the quiet moments on a shaded terrace, and the late-afternoon aperitivo stops that make the trip feel complete. That’s what the Spritzience experience is really about: elevating travel through great food, cocktails, and connection to place.

If Milan is part of your plans, continue your journey with these Spritzience favorites:

• Ultimate Guide to Milan: Things To Do — your insider look at design, culture, and aperitivo style.
• Breakfast in Milan, Italy — start your morning like a true Milanese.
• Milan to Lake Como Day Trip: Best Spritz Stops — a Lake Como itinerary built entirely around views and spritzes.
• 20 Great Day Trips from Milan — from wine towns to design hubs, perfect for your next Italian getaway.
• Battle Of Pavia: How To See The 500-Year Anniversary Exhibit On A Perfect Day Trip- and what else to see in the town of Pavia.

However you shape it, the Lake Como Villas invite you to experience the lake through history, flavor, and that subtle touch of glamour that never fades.