In my mind, Lake Como is synonymous with a wealthy life of leisure. It conjures images of luxury brands, fancy dining, and high-end hotels. My friend Cristen and I, of course, were visiting Lake Como on a more moderate budget, but that didn't mean we couldn't pretend to be rich aristocrats on a Grand Tour of Italy. The best way to achieve this feeling? Visiting some of the many enchanting villas dotting the shores of Lake Como, including:
Villa Monastero
We were staying in Bellagio, so the Villa Monastero was a short, lovely ferry ride across the lake to Varenna. Upon disembarking the ferry, we stopped for some gelato to accompany us on a walk along the waterfront (as one does in Italy). We peeked into cute shops for souvenirs and enjoyed a lovely stroll to the villa.
Villa Monastero is temporarily closed from November 6, 2023 to March 2, 2024. Check out their website for details.
We ended up not touring the interior of the villa because the sun was already starting to get low. It was such a beautiful October day that we really wanted to explore the gardens. The gardens are long and narrow with incredible views. One thing that surprised me were the enormous succulents. I always associate those with the American Southwest, so it was unexpected for me to see them in Northern Italy.
Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is located on the opposite side of the lake from Varenna in Tremezzo. We stopped there on our last day in Lake Como, so we had a rental car that we put on the ferry from Bellagio and then drove to Villa Carlotta.
Villa Carlotta closes for the winter season and usually re-opens in March. Make sure to check their website to plan your visit.
We wanted to get there right as it opened to avoid the crowds, but alas... we arrived at the same time as a bus full of seniors. Luckily, as their guide was getting everyone grouped, the entrance clerk noticed us nearby and let us purchase tickets and get in ahead of the crowd.
The interior of the villa is stunning and contains so many extravagant details and beautiful works of art.
But again, we were drawn to the gardens outside. Of the three villas, the gardens at Villa Carlotta were the most extensive. Various paths led to different seating areas, and there are themed areas, like a bamboo garden, more succulents, rhododendrons and camellia trees. We were there in early October, and it was still blooming. How magical would it be to see the rhododendrons and camellias, though?! I think I need to plan a trip back in late spring.
Even with the first bus of seniors, and I'm sure others that came along, the gardens are so large that we still felt like we had them all to ourselves.
Villa del Balbianello
After Villa Carlotta, we drove to Villa del Balbianello near Lenno. This is the villa I was most excited to see. The photos online just looked incredible and, of course, it was a filming location for Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, where it was the witness of some of the worst dialogue ever. But again, who was paying attention to the dialogue when the setting was doing the heavy-lifting in that romance?
Villa del Balbianello closes for the winter season and usually re-opens in March. It is also closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Make sure to check their website to plan your visit.
Of course, it took some effort to get to the villa. We found the parking lot and then we were presented with two options. We could either walk the path (and was told it was about a 15-20 minute walk) or pay 7 EUR to take a boat. It was such a perfect weather day that we decided to take the path.
Honestly, the path felt longer than expected and was fairly steep! We regretted not taking the boat and arriving in style at the villa.
One of the things that surprised me about the villa is that the grounds aren’t as large as I expected. Where we could spread out away from other visitors at Villa Carlotta, we were pretty much surrounded by visitors during our time at Villa del Balbianello. It wasn’t bothersome because it made for some great people-watching. We enjoyed watching insta-influencers get that perfect shot and hobble down the gravel hills in their stilettos. I was super impressed they didn’t slip because I know I would have.
We were able to buy a ticket for a timed tour of the house, as well as access to the gardens, at the upper gate. However, if you're going in the peak season, I would definitely recommend booking ahead. This villa is very popular and can sell out ahead of time.
Eventually, it was time for our tour of the interior. I mostly took photos on my phone, so I don’t have too many, but the interior was also different than I expected. It was still very impressive, but mostly because of the story behind the most recent owner, an adventurer who bought the villa in 1974. The house still holds many of the items he found on his adventures.
I’m usually not a fan of guided tours because I like to take my own time and follow my interests, but this guided tour was worth it! It was entertaining and interesting and really made me appreciate the villa more.
But we were all really there for the scenery, and it did not disappoint.
Eventually, it was time to leave, though, and this time we decided to do it right. We took the boat. Not only was it a super elegant way to depart, but we also got to see the villa from the lake.
What if I only have time for one?
Oooph... that is a tough spot to be in because they're all so beautiful for different reasons. Here are some thoughts to help you choose.
If you only have one day in Lake Como, visit Varenna and Villa Monastero. Varenna is definitely worth a visit on its own, and Villa Monastero will be an added bonus.
If you have already visited Varenna and you want to add just one more villa to your itinerary, then here are a few questions to consider:
- Do you want a perfect Instagram photo that feels iconic to Lake Como? If yes, pick Villa del Balbianello.
- Do you really love gardens and art and want to immerse yourself in them? Then Villa Carlotta is for you!
But hopefully you'll be able to see both!
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