Lake Como & Villa del Balbianello
Perched on a wooded promontory above Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello is the kind of place that makes you question whether reality can truly be this beautiful. Its terraced gardens, loggia draped in wisteria, and shimmering lake views have seduced filmmakers, romantics and explorers for centuries.
The Villa & Its Gardens
Built in 1787 on the ruins of a Franciscan monastery, Balbianello was the beloved retreat of explorer Guido Monzino, who donated it to Italy's national trust FAI in 1988. Every room is a cabinet of curiosities — Himalayan expedition maps, pre-Columbian artefacts, and sailing trophies crowd the shelves.
The terraced gardens tumble down to the lake in a cascade of clipped box hedges, ancient plane trees, and stone balustrades. Spring brings explosions of azalea and wisteria; in summer the light on the water turns everything gold by late afternoon.
Getting There & the Wider Lake
The most atmospheric arrival is by water taxi from Lenno or Sala Comacina — the approach from the lake, with the loggia framed by cypress trees, is genuinely breathtaking. Alternatively, a signed footpath from Lenno takes about 20 minutes through olive groves.
Once on the lake, don't miss a ferry hop to Bellagio, the jewel-like town where the two branches of Como meet. Its narrow cobbled lanes, silk boutiques and waterfront cafés reward a full afternoon of aimless wandering.
More of Lombardy
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Lombardy →
