Luxury Holiday Villas on Lake Como

Towns and villages of Lake Como

Bellagio

Sitting on the tip of the promontory that splits the lake into two branches, Bellagio is incredibly pretty. Our first piece of advice is to arrive by ferry so you can marvel at Bellagio’s staggering beauty as you come to shore. Once on dry land, spend some time wandering the narrow streets lined with designer shops and boutiques. Steps lead up from the port with picturesque buildings and facades around every corner. Part of enjoying Bellagio is simply to enjoy your surroundings.

Possibly the highlight of a trip to Bellagio is to explore the stunning historic villas that have drawn aristocrats and the super-rich to the town for many years. While it’s now not possible to enter these villas, both Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni have exquisitely manicured gardens and a hugely interesting history to match. Wander through giant rhododendrons and azaleas or around the Japanese pond filled with water lilies.

However a trip to Bellagio always comes with a message of advice. Bellagio’s beauty has brought with it boatloads of visitors who, at times, overrun the town. Our tip is to  plan your trip to Bellagio from your Lake Como holiday villa early in the day or when the sun is going down, that way you’ll have much more space to explore.

Varenna

Just across the lake, Varenna has always been slightly in the shadow of Bellagio. However, when you see Varenna for yourself we can almost guarantee that you begin to wonder why. Varenna is perhaps our favourite Lake Como town. Blessed with an authentic charm and framed by the most stunning mountain backdrop, it is the perfect day out from your Lake Como villa rental.

Arrive by ferry to see Varenna at its best. Riva Grande (the promenade), is lined with picturesque multi-coloured houses with cafes and restaurants dotted amongst them. Varenna also boasts some lovely independent shops.

Piazza San Giorgio – the main square – is where you’ll find a 14th-century church of the same name. We recommend a visit to admire both the exterior and interior frescoes. In the same square, you mustn’t miss the smaller and older Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. Then head back to Riva Grande for the sunset – it’s one of the best we’ve seen.

Como

Como is Lake Como’s largest town and sits at the southern tip of the lake. Like Stresa on Lake Maggiore, it was a favourite stopping point on the Grand Tour of centuries ago and has remained popular with visitors ever since. These days, Como boasts a long lakefront promenade which passes through the town’s main square – Piazza Cavour. As the heart of the town, this is where you will  find the Teatro Adriano and Chiesa Valdese – two highlights of any trip from your Lake Como villa rental.

However, what we love to do most in Como is to simply wander through its charming streets. As a popular shopping destination, there are some excellent independent shops and boutiques. If you’re visiting Como during the summer, there is also a lido in town – Lido Villa Olmo. Here you will find lake access as well as a swimming pool and extensive areas for sunbathing and relaxing; there is also a popular beach bar and café.

Menaggio

Menaggio is one of the most attractive towns on the western shores of Lake Como. With a pretty lakeside promenade lined with colourful flowerbeds and palm trees. For this reason, it’s one of our favourite days out from our Lake Como holiday villas. We recommend taking a stroll along the waterfront before stopping for a coffee in Piazza Garibaldi, the town’s lively main square. From here, head along Via Calvi towards the old town, where narrow alleyways, stone steps and remnants of the town’s medieval castle will take you back in tim.

Menaggio is also an excellent base for exploring Lake Como, with regular boat services connecting it to popular destinations including Bellagio and Varenna. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are numerous walking routes in the surrounding mountains, while the nearby Menaggio and Cadenabbia Golf Club offers spectacular lake views from its elevated position.

Best Areas to Stay in on a Luxury Holiday on Lake Como

Lake Como Western Shore

The western shore is an excellent choice for a luxury holiday villa on Lake Como. We love the combination of elegant lakeside towns with beautiful gardens, historic villas and spectacular mountain scenery. From the lively town of Como in the south, the shoreline stretches north through popular resorts such as Menaggio and Tremezzo. The landscape becomes increasingly peaceful as you travel towards the northern end of the lake.

The picturesque lakeside towns offer plenty of restaurants, cafes and historic attractions, while regular boat services make it easy to visit famous destinations such as Bellagio and Varenna. The surrounding mountains also provide excellent opportunities for walking and enjoying the spectacular views.

Lake Como Eastern Shore

The eastern shore of Lake Como offers a quieter alternative, with steep wooded hillsides, charming villages and beautiful views across the lake. The picturesque town of Varenna is one of the highlights, while further north the landscape becomes increasingly rural and mountainous. Lecco, at the southern end of the lake, is another attractive base for a luxury holiday villa on Lake Como, with a lively waterfront and easy access to the surrounding countryside.

The eastern shore is particularly appealing if you enjoy outdoor activities and want to experience a more peaceful side of Lake Como. There are plenty of walking and cycling routes in the surrounding mountains, while the lake’s ferry network makes it possible to explore the western shore and visit some of the area’s most famous towns and villas.

Amenities for your luxury holiday on Lake Como

Family-friendly luxury holiday villas on Lake Como

Choosing a family-friendly luxury villa on Lake Como gives you and your loved ones the chance to enjoy some of the most magical memories together. By opting for one of our luxury holiday villas on Lake Como, you will enjoy the balance of precious time together but with all the joys that the lake has to offer too. The perfect combination for the perfect family holiday.

Luxury holiday villas with private pools on Lake Como

Choosing a luxury holiday villa with a private pool on Lake Como gives you the perfect setting for a truly relaxing Italian escape. Spend your days exploring the beautiful lakeside towns and spectacular scenery, before returning to your own private pool for a refreshing dip and some well deserved downtime. With one of our handpicked luxury villas in the Italian Lakes, you can enjoy the freedom and privacy of your own space, combined with the opportunity to discover everything this stunning corner of northern Italy has to offer.

Things to do on a luxury holiday on Lake Como

Boat Trips on Lake Como

Taking to the water is one of the best ways to experience Lake Como from your luxury holiday villa. Regular passenger ferries connect many of the most popular lakeside towns, including Como, Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna, making it easy to explore without the need to drive. Alternatively, consider hiring a private boat for a more leisurely experience. From the water, you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the mountains and picturesque villages that line the shores.

Swimming on Lake Como

Of all the Italian Lakes, Como is not best known for swimming and beaches and western ‘leg’ of the lake is largely considered not safe to swim in. However, if you’re keen to take a dip, the beach at Abbadia Lariana on the eastern side of the lake is a well kept secret where the water is crystal clear and there’s a good stretch of beach with amenities to keep everyone happy. But, if you want to spend lots of time swimming in the lake, we recommend opting for a luxury holiday villa on Lake Maggiore or a holiday villa rental on Lake Garda. Both of these lakes have an abundance of beaches and swimming spots and excellent water quality.

Hiking around Lake Como

With some of Italy’s most magnificent mountains rising steeply from its shores, Lake Como is a fantastic destination for walkers and hikers. There are trails to suit a range of abilities, from gentle lakeside paths to more challenging mountain routes with spectacular panoramic views. Active travellers to a Lake Como holiday villa will certainly not be disappointed with what’s on offer.

The Greenway del Lago di Como is a particularly popular choice, following a scenic route through villages, churches and countryside between Colonno and Griante. For more adventurous walkers, the surrounding mountains offer plenty of opportunities to escape into the countryside.

Explore Lake Como’s Villas and Gardens

Lake Como is famed for its magnificent historic villas and their beautifully landscaped gardens. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is one of the best known, with an impressive botanical garden overlooking the lake, while Villa del Balbianello near Lenno is another spectacular attraction. We also recommend visiting Villa Monastero in Varenna, where the wonderful gardens stretch along the lakeshore. Spending a day exploring these elegant properties offers a wonderful insight into the area’s history and is one of our most recommended activities from your Lake Como holiday villa.

Wine Tasting on Lake Como

Although Lake Como is perhaps better known for its elegant villas and spectacular scenery than for wine, the northern shores are home to a small but fascinating wine growing tradition. Around Domaso, local producers make Domasino wines from vineyards that cling to the sunny hillsides above the lake. We recommend visiting Azienda Agricola Sorsasso in Domaso, where you can combine a stroll through the surrounding vineyards with a tasting of local wines and traditional products. It’s a lovely way to discover a lesser known side of the area from your luxury villa rental on Lake Como.

Frequently asked questions about booking a holiday villa on Lake Como

When is the best time to visit Lake Como?

The best time to visit Lake Como is generally between May and September, when the weather is warm and the lake is at its most inviting. July and August are the busiest months, so if you prefer a quieter holiday, we recommend visiting in May, June or September. Spring is particularly beautiful, with gardens and countryside in bloom.

Should I stay in Como town?

Como is a great choice if you want to combine a Lake Como holiday with plenty of restaurants, shops and cultural attractions. It is also particularly convenient if you’re arriving by train from Milan and want to explore the lake using public transport and ferries. However, if your priority is a traditional lakeside escape, you may prefer one of the smaller towns further around the lake, such as Menaggio or Varenna. These offer a more intimate atmosphere and put you closer to the beautiful scenery and historic villas for which Lake Como is famous.

Do I need a rental car on Lake Como?

You don’t necessarily need a rental car, particularly if you are staying in one of the main lakeside towns. Ferries connect many of the most popular destinations, while trains provide easy access to towns such as Como and Varenna. However, we would recommend hiring a car if you are staying in a luxury villa rental on Lake Como outside the main resorts or want to explore the surrounding countryside and mountains. A car gives you much greater flexibility, although the roads around Lake Como can be narrow and winding, and parking can be limited in some of the popular lakeside towns.