Lake Como is one of the world's most picturesque regions. It has a blend of natural beauty and alluring lakefront villas in the towns around the lake. The presence of these villas is one of the key reasons why over one million tourists visit the region every year. Apart from the villas, the lake is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or an escape from city life.
One of the best ways to enjoy a visit here is to stay at one of the Lake Como villas that are now hotels. This allows you to soak in views of the clear waters and mountains for as long as you desire.
While you're in Lake Como, a private boat tour is the perfect way to soak in its full charm. Many tours include stops at the region's most iconic villas, each with a unique design and heritage. These standout estates deserve a spot on your list of villas to visit:
Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is in Lenno on the western shore of Lake Como. It is an elegant 18th-century mansion with a vast garden that has hosted many scholars over time. These include Count Guido Monzino, who was the last individual to own the villa.
Today, the villa displays exhibits of items from his pursuits. These include leading the first Italian voyage to climb Mount Everest. Other items on display include maps and a unique set of ancient art objects.
Famous for featuring in the James Bond movie Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (which earned it the nickname 'Star Wars Villa'), the villa often hosts high-profile events and weddings.
Located just 38 km from Como, it is easy to reach by car or taxi boat from Lido di Lenno. There's free parking on Via Comoedia, which is about a 20-minute walk from the villa.
Villa d'Este
For many years, the 16th-century Villa d'Este was home to royals and counts. It started out as the summer home of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio (the cardinal of Como at the time) and has since changed into a five-star hotel.
The villa exudes an air of elegance with well-kept gardens, water fountains, and statues. As you would expect of a top hotel, it offers first class rooms, a set of eateries & bars, and sports & wellness centers. One thing that is unique to the hotel is its floating pool which is right on the lake.
Beyond catering to guests seeking the best stay in Lake Como, the villa also hosts many high-profile events. One of the most famous events hosted here is the annual Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. It is a show for classic cars that draws a high-profile crowd, including high-end carmakers and collectors. The event offers a way to explore the grounds to people who are not guests at the hotel.
Villa d'Este is easy to reach via car, taxi, or train. For a grander entry, you can opt for a private boat ride or arrive via helicopter, as the place has its own helipad.
Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero was a 12th-century convent that has been through many changes over the years. At one time, it served as a private residence, and today, it is an event center. To support these events, the villa has a limited number of rooms with lake views open to attendees.
One of the best features of Villa Monastero is the vast garden with rare plant species. This allows visitors to enjoy a wide range of colors and scents unique to the region. If you need a break during your tour, stop by the cafe to enjoy snacks and drinks while you soak in the views.
Villa Monastero also houses a museum called the House Museum. Here, you'll be greeted with an entire spectrum of design evolutions across the various eras in European history. The period fixtures, art, and detailed elements offer a vivid history lesson.
Getting to the villa is fairly easy, as it is only a short 10-minute walk from the nearby pier. The local commune of Varenna also has a railway station, which is linked to major cities like Milan.
Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is a late 17th-century villa on the western shore of Lake Como. At the time, travelers came from far and wide to marvel at the design and be spellbound by the garden on display. Built by Marquis Giorgio Clerici of Milan, it has since changed hands many times and now boasts a vast set of artworks.
A major theme of Villa Carlotta is the blend of design, art, and nature. This is evident in the gardens and tree-lined pathways on the grounds. The garden has a diverse set of plants from around the world, along with fountains and sculptures that enhance its beauty. Inside, you'll be taken to bygone eras with artwork from various time periods.
Villa Carlotta is on Via Satale on the west coast of the lake, so it is easy to reach by car or boat. There's also free parking just a short walk from the villa.
Villa Melzi d'Eril
Villa Melzi d'Eril is an early 19th-century villa in Bellagio. It gives tourists a glimpse of the region's heritage, with a mix of themes and a large garden.
Italian noble Francesco Melzi d'Eril built it as his private residence around 1815. The inside is lined with artworks and intricate designs. The villa's finishes showcase the refined tastes of its designer. You'll even find a neo-Egyptian mausoleum within the gardens, complete with a statue of Melzi d'Eril. Those who have an interest in the Melzi clan can explore the nearby chapel, which has a set of items that belonged to members of the family.
One of the main features of Villa Melzi d'Eril is the large garden along the shore of the lake. The English garden has exotic plants and statues. It also has many camellias, which produce flowers from late winter to early spring.
The villa's location makes it an easy commute, no matter where you're traveling from.
Villa Olmo
Villa Olmo is a large 18th-century home located in the town of Como. The Odescalchi noble family had it built as a summer retreat in the late 1700s. Its design blends neoclassical and Baroque styles. This gives it a unique blend that sets it apart from other Lake Como villas.
Inside, you'll find many rooms with art pieces such as stucco work and fresco art. Walking through the halls and rooms of the villa takes visitors back in time for a peek into how the nobles lived, during that era.
The villa has a vast garden enriched with lawns, trees, and an array of beautiful flowers that make for a great backdrop to a stroll. Visitors can marvel at the central fountain with its impressive sculpture.
Over the years, Villa Olmo has evolved into a hub that hosts a range of events. It's also a sought-after location for weddings. The garden and building can be freely explored, as it is now part of a public park.
Villa Bernasconi
Villa Bernasconi is in the town of Cernobbio. It is an elegant villa built in 1905. The villa's blend of neo-classical design with Art Nouveau should trigger the interest of history and design enthusiasts.
The interior of the villa takes visitors back to the Belle Époque era, showing off elegant rooms that offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of its previous owners. The large rooms often host events and guided tours. These offer an immersive experience to anyone curious to learn more about the history and relevance of the villa.
Unlike many other Lake Como villas, Villa Bernasconi provides a unique backdrop as it is not a lakefront villa. This offers visitors a unique experience, distinct from the typical coastal villas with their views of the lake and mountains.
Villa Erba
Villa Erba is in the Cernobbio commune and is only a 1-minute drive from Villa Bernasconi. It was built as a private house but has since morphed into a venue for events. It is also a popular location for film productions. Movies that have featured the villa include the Netflix film Murder Mystery. The movie featured the villa as the location where the characters played by Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston solved the murder case.
Over the years, many notable guests have attended a myriad of events in Villa Erba. This makes it one of the most storied Lake Como villas.
Villa Erba has a lavish interior adorned with period furnishings, ornate decor, and artwork to give it an elegant character. As guests wander through its halls, it radiates the opulence its owners once indulged in.
High-profile events held at the villa make it one of the more riveting Lake Como villas to visit.
Villa Serbelloni
Villa Serbelloni has a long and rich history that goes back hundreds of years. It started out as a monastery and then morphed into a lavish home housing many wealthy families. Over the years, the villa's design evolved through many changes, and it welcomed a long list of famous artists and thought leaders.
The estate offers sublime views thanks to its location on the tip of Bellagio, where Lake Como splits into two branches. The entrance is flanked by a large garden with lush trees and lovely flowers. The inside is adorned with period furniture, antique tapestries, and artifacts collected over many centuries.
Some of the villa's original design elements are still intact but it now reflects the changes made by various owners. From Renaissance to neoclassical and Moorish styles, it is a wondrous sight. Villa Serbelloni is often mistaken for Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, which is a lakeside 5-star hotel also in Bellagio. Although they share the same name, these are two distinct entities.
Villa Cipressi
Villa Cipressi overlooks Lake Como in the Varenna commune and offers a rich history just waiting to be explored. Dating back to the 1400s, the villa, built as a monastery, later evolved into an opulent home. It has stood the test of time, changing from medieval interiors to neoclassical elements while retaining much of the original charm. Today, it is a hotel and a popular wedding venue.
In the 19th century, Villa Cipressi was a private residence. The owners changed it to include more eclectic styles and interior motifs, which have become its defining features today. With a mix of antique furnishings and fresco art, the villa continues to reflect its past with vivid clarity.
Villa Cipressi has cypress trees (how it got its name) and a rich mix of flora around it. These offer beautiful sights and aroma to visitors. It also has panoramic views of Lake Como, and you can soak in the sights while you enjoy local cuisine on the terrace.
Villa Balbiano
Villa Balbiano is a 16th-century palazzo in Ossuccio, which started out as the residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallo. A century later, Cardinal Angel Maria Durini carried out an expansion project and hosted a variety of events there. Never mind the similar names, this villa is different from Villa del Balbianello, which, incidentally, is only about two miles away.
Currently owned by the Heritage Collection, the villa is a popular venue for high-society weddings and other events. It is also up for rent with nightly rates starting at a little over 30,000 Euros. The villa isn't open for tours, so the only way to access the grounds is during an event or rental period.
Villa Balbiano is quickly becoming a silver screen favorite. The backyard rugby scene in House of Gucci, where the players seemed more interested in hurting each other, was at the villa. More recently, The Devil Wears Prada 2 also has scenes at the villa.
Villa Sola Cabiati
Currently part of Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Villa Sola Cabiati is a grand villa with a lake-facing French garden and plenty of green spaces around it. The Dukes of Serbelloni acquired the 16th-century villa in the 18th century and made changes that now reflect the Neoclassical style visible today.
The villa's period rooms, including the one that hosted Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte during their visit to the Palazzo Servelloni in Milan, remain intact. The original frescoes, handmade chandeliers, and terrazzo floors are also still in near-original condition.
Today, the villa is a popular wedding destination and Grand Hotel Tremezzo's prime stand-alone villa for guests who demand the very best. The hotel offers full staff for guests, including a butler, housekeepers, chambermaids, and private chef. Previous guests at the villa include Tailior Swift & Travis Kelce.
