12 of the Most Beautiful Places & Villas of Lake Como 🇮🇹
- @epikdrives.com
- May 11, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
From historic villas and alpine views to secret spots seen in James Bond — discover Lake Como the way it was meant to be: by water, by road, and in effortless style.
Just about an hour from Milan lies one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world: Lake Como, shaped like a shimmering “Y” and nestled among the southern Alps. Known for its timeless beauty, elegance, and cinematic scenery, this lake has enchanted travelers, aristocrats, and filmmakers for centuries.
From historic villas and botanical gardens to ferry crossings, panoramic drives, and celebrity hideaways, here’s our guide to the 12 most beautiful places to see around Lake Como — ideally as part of a luxury road trip from Zurich or Milan.
Why the Western Shore Is So Special
The western shore of Lake Como offers distinct advantages:
It receives more sunshine hours thanks to its orientation and local microclimate.
It features some of the widest, best-kept roads — ideal for scenic driving.
Towns like Tremezzo and Menaggio offer incredible views of Bellagio, especially at sunset.
It’s conveniently located near Switzerland, with direct trains from Milan and Zurich arriving in Como or Varenna — making it one of the most accessible corners of the lake.
And it’s home to iconic villas and gardens that are steeped in art, architecture, and elegance.
1. A Day on the Lake — Explore by Private Boat
The best way to appreciate Lake Como's grandeur is from the water. Charter a private boat with a skipper and spend the day cruising across the lake in style. This is the only way to reach certain villas — and the perfect way to avoid busy roads and packed car parks.
Villa Highlights by Boat:
Villa del Balbianello – Famous for its peninsula setting and its role in Star Wars and Casino Royale. Only accessible by footpath or boat.
Villa La Gaeta – A castle-like residence that appeared in the final scene of Casino Royale.
Villa Oleandra – George Clooney’s famous home in Laglio.
Villa Carlotta – See the vast botanical garden from a different angle.
Bellagio – Dock and explore the cobbled streets, shops, and cafes.
2. Visit Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo
Just a short stroll from the ferry pier in Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta is one of the most famous estates on the lake. Built in the 17th century, it’s home to a huge collection of artwork (including pieces by Canova) and 70,000 m² of botanical gardens with over 500 plant species.
3. Arrive at Villa del Balbianello by Taxi Boat
Villa del Balbianello is perched on a wooded promontory near Lenno and was once owned by an eccentric gentleman who left it to the public with the condition it be preserved and enjoyed. It’s become one of Italy’s most photographed villas, featured in James Bond and Star Wars. Reach it via a taxi boat from Lenno or your hotel dock.
4. Cross the Lake to Bellagio
From Griante, take the short ferry ride across to Bellagio, one of the most picturesque villages on the lake. The ride alone offers panoramic views of villas and distant mountains. On arrival, stroll the charming town center, stop for ice cream at Villa Serbelloni Park, and admire the colorful waterfront.
5. Discover the Gardens of Villa Melzi
Walk a few minutes south from Bellagio to visit Villa Melzi d’Eril, built in the early 1800s by Napoleon’s vice president. The villa is private, but the surrounding English-style botanical gardens are open to visitors — filled with sculptures, exotic plants, and stunning lake views.
6. Climb to the Bella Vista Viewpoint
Drive the serpentine roads above Bellagio into the hills to reach Parco Bella Vista — one of the best panoramic viewpoints over the lake. Park near the helicopter landing pad and take a few moments to enjoy the view from above.
7. Visit Madonna del Ghisallo – The Cyclist's Chapel
As you continue inland, you'll reach Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists. The church is filled with racing memorabilia, including bikes and jerseys from the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. Next door is the Cycling Museum, a must-visit for any enthusiast.
8. Return Inland and Explore Como
The town of Como gave the lake its name and is now the region’s cultural hub. Don’t miss the impressive Duomo, built in the shape of a cross, or the funicular ride up to Brunate for another epic viewpoint. Como offers great shopping, dining, and museums as well.
9. Visit the Grand Villa Olmo in Como
At the southern tip of the lake, Villa Olmo stands as one of the most elegant examples of Italian Neoclassical architecture. Once host to Napoleon and Garibaldi, the villa now serves as a prestigious venue for exhibitions and cultural events.
10. Walk to Villa Bernasconi in Cernobbio
From Como, head north along the shore to Cernobbio, where you can visit Villa Bernasconi — a beautiful Art Nouveau home once owned by industrialist Davide Bernasconi. Today it’s a museum celebrating local culture and innovation, set within a peaceful garden.
11. Explore the Lavish Villa Erba
Just 10 minutes from Villa Bernasconi is Villa Erba, once a convent and later transformed into a noble residence with lavish interiors and frescoed ceilings. In 2004, it was featured in Ocean’s Twelve. Today it’s a major venue for international events, luxury weddings, and film productions.
12. Extend the Journey – Drive Into the Swiss Alps
Want to combine your Lake Como escape with an alpine adventure? From the lake, you’re just over an hour away from Zurich via the San Bernardino Route or the Splügen Pass — two of the most scenic drives in Europe. It’s the perfect route for a supercar tour, especially when paired with luxury stays and curated stopovers.
EPIKDRIVES offers the Lake Como & Swiss Alps Driving Tour, combining the beauty of the lake with the thrill of the Alps — a road trip that’s as breathtaking as it is exclusive.
Plan Your Luxury Road Trip
Whether you're arriving by train or in a supercar, Lake Como offers the perfect mix of beauty, culture, and cinematic flair. Charter a boat, tour the historic villas, enjoy a scenic drive into the Alps — and discover why this lake remains one of Europe’s most exclusive escapes.