The five unmissable villages in Lake Como
Imagine a place where, at first glance, you don’t know if the waters there are from the sea or not. Imagine the blue of these waters and the mountains coming together, flowers of the most varied colors and shapes, and to complete the scene: works of art forming an enchanting view in themselves. Yes, we are in Italy, more precisely in Lake Como, in the Lombardy region. Let’s go to our Post of the day: The five unmissable villages in Lake Como. Stay with us and make the most of the country of the boot! Here at Italy’s Dream Tourism you can make the trip of your dreams come true!!! Also check out our Accommodation in Italy Section – Tips for your Vacation!
Our Introduction
Como is a city located in the north of the country, with around 84,000 inhabitants and approximately 50 minutes from Milan. Lake Como covers an area of 146 km² and has a maximum depth of 410 meters, making it one of the largest lakes in all of Italy, second only to Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore.
And it is around this fairytale setting that we find true gems in the form of cities such as Bellagio, Tremezzo, Varenna and many others. Today we will highlight five villages that should not go unnoticed during your trip to this area full of magic! Let’s get to know the five unmissable villages in Lake Como. Read also: What to visit in Lake Como?

1) Unmissable villa on Lake Como: VILLA MELZI
Located in the city of Bellagio, this village was strategically designed to harmonize the lake’s view with the mountains. It has several species of camellias that can be enjoyed along the way, especially from February to April, when there is an explosion of colors due to the approach of spring.
In addition to the natural and botanical beauty, there is also a museum from the Napoleonic period, with interesting archaeological artifacts, such as an Italian cannon from 1796, frescoes from the Renaissance period, bronze busts and the chapel where ancestors of the Melzi family are buried, with works from the 19th century.
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Useful Information:
Villa Melzi is easily accessible, about 10 minutes from the pier. It is not possible to visit the interior of the Villa because it is private property, but you can visit the gardens for a fee, which is advisable to visit in spring when the camellias and azaleas are in bloom. In this case, it becomes a fabulous experience because the gardens take on all the spring colors, beautiful to the eyes. Click here and watch my video on Villa Melzi!
Ticket Prices:
Entrance tickets are daily and allow you to enter and leave the Gardens without restrictions throughout the day they are valid; the tickets give you access to the Gardens, the Museum and the Chapel.
- Adults (daily): 8.00 euros;
- Children up to 11 years old (daily): free;
- Groups of at least 15 people (daily): 6.50 euros;
- Payments in cash, debit card, credit card or bank transfer are accepted at the ticket office.
- Official website: giardinidivillamelzi.it/en/home-eng/
Opening hours:
- The Villa Melzi Gardens are open to the public every day from 10 am to 7pm (last entry at 06:30 am) FROM 25 MARCH TO END OF OCTOBER.
- Please note that the Gardens will close in the event of extremely adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety of visitors.
- No reservation is required to access the Gardens; tickets can be purchased on site on the day of the visit in cash or by credit card.
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2) Unmissable Villa on Lake Como: VILLA CARLOTTA
Located in the city of Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta is a villa that is over 300 years old and is home to many works of art, centuries-old trees and interesting and different spaces to explore. One of them is the “Citrus Fruit Tunnel” where oranges and lemons are grown, forming a very peculiar space that intoxicates our senses!
Do you have a passion for flowers? Well, there is a very charming area where roses bloom enchantingly on a wall of the property, and needless to say, when they are at the height of their beauty, they catch our eyes effortlessly.
Want a PERFECT photo? Take advantage of the contrast between the color of the wall and the petals, and you can be sure that you will have a splendid image!
Villa Carlotta has a very rich program, including musical performances, exhibitions and art workshops. The place also has a museum with several works of art, including a very famous one, “Romeo and Juliet’s Last Kiss”.
Useful Information:
- Accessibility: most of the village is easily accessible with ramps and easy access.
- Opening Hours: The ticket office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Villa Carlotta is open every day. The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the garden is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., also daily.
- Official Website: villacarlotta.it
- Ticket Prices: 15 Euros (full price); 13 Euros (over 65s); 30 Euros (Family of 2 adults + 1 child); and 30 Euros (Family of 2 adults + 2 children).

3) Unmissable Villa on Lake Como: VILA MONASTERO
Located in the province of Lecco, Villa Monastero was home to a female monastery dating back to the 12th century, but in 1939 the space was donated to the State, which opened the site to visitors.
Villa Monastero has a museum, a convention center – which is internationally renowned and hosts seminars, workshops and similar events – and, of course, its beautiful garden that stretches for about 2 km along the lakeshore.
Its iconic garden features more than 900 species of exotic and rare plants, and for those who dream of getting married on Lake Como, here’s a tip: the space can be reserved for the ceremony!
Useful Information:
- Opening Hours: The opening hours and days of Villa Monastero are not fixed and may change according to the time of year without prior notice, so we advise that, before making your visit, you check the official website to check opening days and times.
- Official Website: villamonasteroa.eu

4) Unmissable Villa on Lake Como: VILLA BALBIANELLO
Located in Lennos, Villa Balbianello was originally created by a cardinal in the late 1700s. However, in the 1970s, it was acquired by Guido Monzino, a travel enthusiast, entrepreneur and adventurer who was responsible for organizing the first Italian expedition to Mount Everest.
Due to his passion for travel, over time Guido amassed an admirable collection of works from around the world, and today these pieces can be seen in the villa’s museum, where you can also see the equipment Guido used to climb Everest.
As for the garden, the topiary art deserves special mention, which is the practice of pruning and shaping shrubs and trees into decorative shapes. There, you can watch the pruning and observe the meticulous work of the gardeners who transform the garden into a work of art as a whole.
Useful Information:
Please pay attention to the information and always check the official website before travelling, as changes may occur without prior notice throughout the year. Official Website: fondoambiente.it
Opening Hours:
- February: Open on 23rd, 24th and 25th from 10:00 to 18:00 with mandatory reservation (last entry to the park at 17:00 and to the villa at 16:00)
- March: Open on 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th from 10:00 to 18:00 with mandatory reservation (last entry to the park at 17:00 and to the villa at 16:00)
- From 15th March: open every day except Mondays and Wednesdays (not public holidays) from 10:00 to 18:00 with prior reservation. (Last entry to the park at 5pm and to the villa at 4pm)
- From November: reduced opening hours will be in place from 10am to 5pm (Last entry to the park at 5pm and to the villa at 4pm)
- From December: opening only on the indicated days, 1-3-6-7-8-10-13-14-15-17-20-21-22-26-27-28-29-31.
- In January 2025: opening only on the indicated days: 3-4-5-6 January.
- For more details and to find out about extraordinary openings or closings on the occasion of holidays or special events, please visit the Official Website!
Ticket Prices:
- Full price: €13;
- Reduced (6-18 years): €10;
- Family: €38 (Entry at reduced rates is available for family groups consisting of 2 adults and 2 or more children (6 – 18 years old);
- Children up to 5 years old and people with disabilities and accompanying person: free entry.

5) Must-See Villa on Lake Como: VILLA OLMO
Located in Como, Villa Olmo is a spectacle! The Villa was built at the end of the 18th century, and was later restored and reopened to the public in 2018. With its stunning neoclassical building, the site hosts several cultural events.
Its garden has undergone several improvements and new irrigation systems, lighting and landscaping projects have been implemented. The lawn has also been renovated and the planting of hydrangeas and abelias has been modernized; the work also included the opening of new walkways and bridges in the middle of the garden, making strolling around the place more pleasant.
Useful Information:
- Attractions at Villa Olmo: The villa has many attractions such as museums, art galleries and events. In the summer (from June to September) the villa usually becomes an open-air stage and during this period you can enjoy not only the landscapes, but also the city’s activities. On the Official Website you will find the complete summer schedule. Official Website: visitcomo.eu_villaolmo
- Ticket Price: You can enjoy all the beauty of this village for free. Of course, you will have to pay for entry to some places, such as museums, art galleries, etc.
- Important: To enjoy your visit comfortably and through long walks, wear suitable, especially comfortable shoes.
Fun Facts: What is a villa?
A villa is traditionally a large, luxurious residence located in a rural or suburban area. The term has its roots in Ancient Rome, where villas were rural properties used by the Roman elite as retreats and agricultural centers.
Today, the concept of a villa can vary, but generally refers to an elegant house or mansion, often located in picturesque locations such as the seaside, in the mountains or in wine regions. In countries such as Italy, the term is still widely used and can refer to both ancient noble estates and modern buildings.
Important!
- The opening hours of attractions may change due to the season, holidays or local events. I always recommend visiting the Official Website before traveling.
- Click here to find out how restaurant opening hours work in Italy!
- Click here to find out the opening hours of the main monuments in Italy!
- How to get to Como and its villages from Milan?
To get to Como, you can go by train, car or bus. And to get around between the cities where the villages are located, you can also use the boats available there.
1) How to get to Como from Milan? WITH A PRIVATE DRIVER
If you prefer more comfort and convenience, you can hire a taxi (authorized) or a Private Driver. Do you need a transfer from Milan to Como? Click here and find out more!
2) How to get to Como from Milan? BY TRAIN
You can take a direct high-speed train from Milano Centrale Station and disembark at Como San Giovanni Station. The journey takes approximately 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the train chosen (Regionale, EuroCity or others).
Good to know: Trenitalia is the main Italian company dedicated to managing rail transport. Find out here: What are the differences between trains in Italy? Buy your ticket online in advance and save a lot, read the Post: How to buy a train ticket in Italy?
3) How to get to Como from Milan? BY CAR
If you prefer to drive, the most direct route is via the A9/E35 towards Como. The journey by car takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic. Parking there is not always easy, so go as early as possible. Read here some Examples of Road Trip Itineraries in Italy.
Are you going to travel around Italy by car?
If you are going to rent a car, be sure to read our posts in the Driving in Italy section on the Italy’s Dream Tourism blog. In addition to tips for driving itineraries, we have everything you need to know about signs, tolls, roads and many other tips.
Important to Know
If you are going to drive in Italy, it is essential to have an international driver’s license or your Brazilian driver’s license with a certified translation, OK? If you don’t have one, don’t drive, because you will have a lot of problems if you are stopped by the Italian police! READ THE POST: DO I NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE IN ITALY (PID)?
4) How to get to Como from Milan? BY BUS
Buses leave from Lampugnano Station in Milan, and the bus trip to Como takes about 1h to 1h30. The company responsible for transportation is Rete Extraurbana – Official Website: asfautolinee.it – Click here and find out more!
Watch this video and find out: Toll In Italy: How Do They Work In Practice? Payment Methods, Tickets And More
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Conclusion
The five unmissable villas on Lake Como – Without a doubt, the villas presented are the result of the union of culture, beauty, good taste, refinement and nature. If you are looking for a high-end place to visit, relax and perhaps even hold your wedding ceremony, these places are ideal.
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