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Lake Como, like a lot of Italy's most lavishing luxury holiday destinations, promises a full and rounded experience to all those fortunate enough to visit it.
Beneath the green-sloped peaks, you will be free to explore this wondrous landscape on your luxury Italy holidays. Find the best places to visit on Lake Como with this guide to the best historical villas and sights. You'll quickly understand why this is one of our favourite places to visit in Northern Italy!
After planning the Lake Como leg of your holidays in Italy, why not consult our complete guide to visiting Italy to see what else this endlessly beautiful country has to offer?
Lake Como Villas: A Glimpse into History
Saunter around the gardens of Villa Melzi
Once the residence of Francesco Melzi d’Eril, the vice president of the Italian Republic in the early 1800s, Villa Melzi is an archetype of Como's grandeur, making this region one of the best destinations for luxury escapes in Italy.
While the villa itself isn't open to the public, the gardens are in all their sprawling splendour. Designed and landscaped by Luigi Canonica and Luigi Villoresi respectively, these gardens are a must-see on your luxury holidays to Lake Como.
Explore the museum at Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is a quintessential villa in Lake Como, offering the perfect harmony of manmade and natural wonder. The house, large and proud, sits beneath towering peaks and is flanked by trees that ripple in the mountain breeze.
In the summer, the botanical gardens laden the breeze with their piquant aromas making Lake Como one of the best places to visit in Italy in summer. Inside, the house boasts a collection of renowned artworks and furniture by famous designers. This is one of the best places to visit on Lake Como for a rounded experience of nature, architecture, and culture.
Lap up the views of Villa del Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello is one of the most iconic Lake Como villas. It is known for its stunning terraced gardens that trickle all the way down to the waterside.
This villa's beauty has been recognised in its use as a location for filming; it was the backdrop for Casino Royale, A Month by the Lake, and even Star Wars. It is one of the Fondo Ambiente Italiano's, the Italian national trust, most-visited destinations and it's no wonder why. This villa is easily one of the best places to visit in Lake Como!
What to do in Lake Como : Best Spots to Visit
Castello di Vezio
Perched on the promontory overlooking the town of Varenna, Castello di Vezio is a 12th-century castle with a deep and rich history, from time as a military outpost to the excavation of tombs in the late 19th century and mid-1900s.
The castle now not only offers fantastic views, but also tours of the dungeons, a visit to the falconry, and a garden strewn with statues. This castle should certainly be on your list of what to do in Lake Como, especially as part of a day's walking trip of the area.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, roughly a one-hour drive from Como, is the second largest lake in Italy and largest lake in southern Switzerland.
Activities abound in Lake Maggiore: meander between the beautiful coastal towns and grand lakeside estates or plunge beneath the surface for an afternoon of scuba diving. The Verzasca River, a tributary to the lake in the north, boasts bungee and cliff jumping into its crystal-clear mountain waters.
Views of the lake from Brunate
Towering above the town of Como lies the serene town of Brunate. Take the funicular to from Como up to Brunate to marvel at the magnificent views of the lake and of Como humming distantly beneath, showing off one of the many unique landscapes in Italy.
Head to Punto Panoramico for the best views before ambling to Faro Voltiano — an impressive lighthouse that crests one of the verdant peaks. Stop for a coffee or a refreshing drink in the town before making the descent.
Take a boat tour on Lake Como
One of the best ways to explore Lake Como is from the rippling water itself. Clamber aboard a private boat arranged by your dedicated Le Collectionist luxury concierge service and cast off to the your favourite Lake Como villas, tucked away beaches, or to explore some of the lake's enchanting villages. In the evening, it is rather magical to see the shore begin to glow with the warmth of streetlights.
Tour the charming villages of Bellagio and Varenna
The hem of Lake Como is embroidered with picture-perfect towns and villages that are woven together by winding and twisting roads. The best places to visit on Lake Como if you dream of getting lost on tranquil cobbled streets are Bellagio, Varenna, and Como.
Bright and brilliant buildings splash the lush green banks with colour, while trattorias and bakeries fill the air with alluring aromas. In Varenna, the cypress trees point skyward, almost in mimicry of the church's steeple. Lake Como sights like these earn the region a spot one of our list of the top ten places to visit in Italy.
Where to stay In Lake Como: your own Lake Como Villas with Le Collectionist
Villa Deluca
Perched in the hills right above the lake, Villa Deluca offers one of the best secluded views of Lake Como.
Villa Deluca in Lake Como
What to know:
- Villa Deluca, Lake Como, Italy
- Infinity pool, fitness and billiard rooms, panoramic mountain and sea view, chef and villa manager, shop and downtown nearby
- Club level conciergerie service
- 14 guests
- From €75,000 per week
Villa Brio
Overlooking the lake and the mountains, Villa Brio is a stylish and contemporary haven from which to enjoy your holidays in Lake Como.
Villa Brio in Lake Como
What to know:
- Villa Brio, Lake Como, Italy
- Swimming pool, grass garden, panoramic mountain and nature view
- Tailor level conciergerie service
- 8 guests
- From €15,905 per week
Villa Lago
Overlooking the crystal-clear lake, Villa Lago perfectly balances modern and classic design to create a refined and elegant sanctuary for your villa in Lake Como.
Villa Lago in Lake Como
What to know:
- Villa Lago, Lake Como, Italy
- Swimming pool, fitness and meditation rooms, sauna and jacuzzi, mountain and nature view
- Essential level conciergerie service
- 8 guests
- From €9,005 per week
Villa Cipresso
A comfortable and luxuriant outdoors meets a colourful yet sleek an elegant interior at Villa Cipresso, with an unparalleled view of the lake and the town below.
Villa Cipresso in Lake Como
What to know:
- Villa Cipresso, Lake Como, Italy
- Swimming pool, meditation room, English Garden, nature view, villa manager, beach, restaurant and bars, and shops nearby
- Tailor level conciergerie service
- 10 guests
- From €21,245 per week
FAQ: WHAT TO DO IN LAKE COMO
With Le Collectionist, planning your next dreamy escape to the shores of Lake Como has never been easier. Simply browse our collection of luxury villa rentals in Lake Como and let our team take care of the rest.
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