Thousands of tourists come to Lake Como every year to admire ancient villas with splendid gardens and terraces. People love Como for its unforgettable sunsets, delicate appetizers overlooking the Alps, and romantic boat trips. So what should you see at Lake Como? Here is a selection of beautiful places you should definitely include in your itinerary.
Lake Como Landscapes
Quiet water surfaces shimmering with hundreds of shades, beautiful mountains peaks, exotic plants, and ancient villas full of history that tower over the lake—these are landscapes you can admire time and time again.
Villa La Cassinella
This estate amazes tourists with its tiny appearance: bright villa facade, dark-green cypresses, and immaculate lawns. Entering the villa grounds, visitors find themselves in the well-maintained garden of 30,000 sqm. The villa comprises three renovated buildings. In addition, there is a heated pool, tennis court, cinema, and gym in the in the vicinity of La Cassinella. This villa is closed to the public, so you can admire it only from the water.
Villa Olmo Garden
Napoleon Bonaparte and Giuseppe Garibaldi used to stroll along the winding paths of this magnificent garden. There are perfectly groomed flower beds, fountains, statues, cosy arbours, and even a small temple in the garden of Villa Olmo. The park offers wonderful views of Lake Como.
View of Como from Brunate
Having ascended by cable railway to Brunate, you can see the panoramic view of Italy and Switzerland from a perfect view-point. At a height you can clearly see green hills merging into mountain peaks and valleys dotted with numerous buildings that resemble doll houses.
Como Quay
The city quay is one of the main landmarks of Como. Tourists like to start exploring Como with a walking tour. And this is not surprising. Indeed, the historical part of Como is located on one side of the quay, and a stunning view of the lake and mountains is on the other.
Castello di Urio Garden
It’s a real castle dating back to the 18th century with a terrace garden, ancient statues, and Baroque architectural elements. After the Second World War, rich Europeans came here to admire unique landscapes. The modern Castello di Urio garden will delight your eyes with centennial magnolias and rare exotic plants.
Villa Melzi Garden
One of the most beautiful and famous gardens on Lake Como surrounds the ancient Villa Melzi in Bellagio. The villa belongs to the heirs of the duke and is closed to the public, but travellers can walk in the garden. Here you can find rare plant species followed by camellia hedges, elegant terraces with all-around views, statues, and arbours. The gem of the Villa Melzi garden is its own pier, where you can take a romantic boat trip around Lake Como.
Villa Balbiano
The three-storey building with six bedrooms was a residence of the famous collector Cardinal Durini. In the 18th century, the villa served as a venue for banquets or balls. Currently, the estate has separate access to the lake, two swimming pools, a garden, a lot of antique pieces of furniture and works of art. Recently, the villa has been renovated under the supervision of the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. Villa Balbiano is closed to the public, so you can admire it only from outside.
Villa Balbianello
The villa perched on the peninsula of Lavedo offers breath-taking views of the lake. Villa Balbianello was built in 1787 on the site of an ancient monastery. It comprises two residential buildings, a church, and a small pier on the lake. And, needless to say, the villa is traditionally surrounded by the splendid garden. Villa Balbianello is, perhaps, the most beautiful one on Lake Como. World-famous directors repeatedly chose it as a location for filming.
Bellagio’s Bystreets
To feel the real atmosphere of ancient Italy, walk along cosy narrow streets of Bellagio. Here you would feel as if time stands still. Colourful houses, miniature shops, gelaterias, family restaurants, souvenir shops, clay pots with flowers along the walls perfectly reflect the authentic atmosphere of the province of Como. One of the most atmospheric streets of Bellagio is located uptown. From this point you can admire an amazing view of the medieval stairs, golden lantern, mountains, and the lake visible from afar. This is the most beautiful place in Bellagio.
