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Lake Como’s Most Beautiful Villas & Gardens
A collection of grand villas and botanical masterpieces embellish the hillsides and shoreline of Lake Como. From monastic retreats to cinematic landmarks, these are the four villas and gardens you should visit in 2026.
Villa Cipressi
The waterfront hotel Villa Cipressi is located in Varenna and welcomes you to explore its beautifully landscaped botanical gardens, even if you are a non-guest. Showcasing an exuberant display of flowers, the property features a terrace bar at the top and terraced levels cascading down to the lakefront, connected by winding paths, numerous balconies, and belvederes, all offering wide-open views of Lake Como. The villa is open daily from March to October, though it is occasionally closed for private events.
Villa Carlotta
Renowned for its expansive botanical gardens and remarkable art collection, Villa Carlotta is a magnificent late-17th-century neoclassical estate situated in Tremezzo. The property’s crowning piece is its fourteen acres of lakefront grounds, featuring a broad variety of plants, secluded grottos, statues, and fountains, all tied together by impeccably maintained pathways. Inside, the villa serves as a museum, displaying masterly sculptures and furnished rooms that offer a glimpse into the era of Princess Charlotte of Prussia. Explore the estate daily from mid-March through October, with hours generally ranging from 10 am to 7 pm.
Villa del Balbianello
Gracing a scenic promontory in Lenno, Villa del Balbianello is renowned for the cinematic charm it lent to films such as 007 Casino Royale and the Star Wars franchise. The estate features grand terraced gardens that cascade toward the shore, winding pathways, and scenic balconies, all anchored by the historic Loggia, which offers expansive views across the water. The villa welcomes visitors from mid-March to early January, though it remains closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Because time slots are limited, pre-purchasing your tickets online is highly recommended.
Villa Monastero
Located in Varenna, Villa Monastero is one of Lake Como’s most emblematic landmarks. The property features a museum with furnished rooms that retain their original character, and an extensive botanical garden that expands for nearly two kilometers along the lake's shore. It includes a diverse array of global plants and terraced landscapes featuring ornate statues, fountains, colorful flowerbeds, and shaded pergolas. The villa is open year-round, though garden and museum access varies by season, with the grounds open daily from March to October and on weekends during January and February.
Discover the Guide
The Lake Como idyll is epitomized by its majestic gardens and villas, embellishing the shoreline and adorning the lush hillsides.
Explore the 5-day Lake Como Digital Travel Guide to discover more villas and gardens, day-by-day itineraries, a list of 40+ hotels, Airbnbs and restaurants, 20+ exact location pins, an FAQ section related to travel costs and much more.