Villa del Balbianello: A Guide to Lake Como’s Dreamiest Spot

There are villas, and then there’s Villa Balbianello—a place so effortlessly stunning, it makes everything else on Lake Como feel like a supporting act. In this guide, we’ll show you why it’s a must-visit and how to make your trip unforgettable.

Perched on the tip of a leafy promontory, seemingly floating on Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello is the kind of setting you imagine when someone says “Italian villa.” You know, the kind where cypress trees stand like silent sentinels, terraced gardens tumble down to meet the water, and the view looks like it was hand-painted by some romantic artist. You’ve seen this view before, whether you realized it or not, perhaps in a James Bond movie, or in Star Wars. However, seeing it in person is a completely different experience.

If you’re planning a visit to Lake Como (and really, why wouldn’t you be), Villa Balbianello deserves a top spot on your itinerary. This 18th-century gem combines incredible history and scenery, making it one of the most unforgettable places in Italy—and I don’t say that lightly.

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Where Is Villa del Balbianello Located?

Villa del Balbianello is located on the western shore of Lake Como, in the north of Italy, just over an hour’s drive from Milan. It’s that iconic Y-shaped lake you’ve probably seen all over travel blogs and postcards, with mountains rising up on either side and beautiful little towns scattered along its shores.

Villa Balbianello itself is closest to Lenno, a small, quiet town. From Milan, you can rent a car and drive, though be warned that those winding, narrow roads are not for the faint of heart. Alternatively, taking a train from Milan to Como station followed by a scenic ferry ride to Lenno is a much more laid-back way to travel.

Villa Balbianello’s Gardens

Once you’ve arrived, the first thing that will grab your attention is the gardens. And oh, what gardens they are. Terraced and carefully manicured, but not in a stiff, ceremonial way, Villa Balbianello’s gardens feel alive, as if they’ve been shaped by the hands of talented gardeners and the whims of nature.

As you wander along the pathways, cypress trees stand tall, statues peer out from behind hedges, and the views just keep coming. Every corner seems to offer something different, whether it’s the lake stretching out before you or the carefully terraced lawns leading down to the water’s edge. The star of the gardens, though, is the Loggia Durini, a stone archway that looks out over the lake on both sides. There’s something about standing under that arch, with the breeze off the water and the sun dappling the leaves, that feels completely surreal. It’s easy to see why filmmakers keep coming back here, as it’s the kind of spot that looks almost too perfect to be real.

You’ll want to spend a good chunk of time just wandering through the gardens, soaking in the views, and pretending (at least for a moment) that this is your own private estate.

A Guided Tour to The Villa’s History 

As tempting as it is to spend your entire visit snapping photos and dreaming of living out your own Italian fantasy, Villa Balbianello’s story is actually quite interesting to learn. It was built in the late 18th century by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, who—like anyone with good taste—realized this peninsula was just too beautiful to pass up.

But the villa’s more recent owner, Guido Monzino, is the one who really put his stamp on the place. Monzino was a man of contrasts, both an adventurer and a lover of fine things. He was the first Italian to climb Mount Everest and led expeditions to the North Pole, and yet he decided to retire here, to this quiet corner of Lake Como, filling the villa with artifacts from his travels. Monzino donated Villa Balbianello to the Italian National Trust in 1988, ensuring that it would be preserved and shared with future generations.

Today, you can still see some of his eclectic collection inside the villa, and if you’re a history buff or curious about the villa’s eclectic past, a guided tour of the interior is well worth your time. Monzino’s collection is as fascinating as it is varied, and the guides do an excellent job of bringing the villa’s history to life. Just keep in mind that photos aren’t allowed inside, so you’ll have to settle for mental snapshots.

Practical Tips for Visiting Villa Balbianello

Now that you’re fully convinced this is the place to be, here’s what you need to know to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Let’s start with some logistics, because getting to the dreamiest villa in Italy shouldn’t be complicated, but you do need a little know-how.

How To Get To The Villa

Reaching Villa del Balbianello is part of the adventure. The villa sits on a promontory in Lenno overlooking Lake Como, making it accessible by both land and water. As mentioned earlier, the easiest way to get to Lenno is by car or ferry, depending on where you’re starting from.

And this is where things get fun, because getting to Villa Balbianello from Lenno is an experience all its own. You can either:

• take a lovely, 25-minute walk through the forested Lavedo Peninsula, a path so serene that you’ll be tempted to stop and soak in the views every few minutes. The walk is peaceful but involves some incline, so wear comfortable shoes.
• or, for a more James Bond-style entrance, you can hop on a water taxi. There’s something special about arriving by boat, with the villa slowly coming into view as you glide across the water, that is just pure Italian glamour. Private water taxis are always available and offer stunning views of the villa as you approach, and it’s truly the best way to arrive.

How To Visit Villa del Balbianello

Villa Balbianello is open from March to January and closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. The gardens open at 10:00 am and close at 6:00 pm, with the last entrance at 4:30 pm. If you want to see both the gardens and the villa interior, aim to spend at least two to three hours here—it’s worth taking your time to soak it all in. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid the midday crowds.

How To Buy Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but during peak tourist season, pre-booking online on the official website is highly recommended to skip the lines. A ticket for the gardens costs €13, while a combined ticket for the gardens and a guided tour of the villa’s interior is €22. The guided tour is a must if you’re curious about the history of the villa, its famous owners, and its Hollywood connections (this is where Star Wars and James Bond filmed iconic scenes). If you’re short on time or prefer to focus on the breathtaking outdoor spaces, the garden-only ticket is a great option.

Can You Stay at Villa del Balbianello?

No, you can’t stay overnight at Villa Balbianello, as this isn’t that kind of property. However, there are plenty of hotels and b&b nearby in Lenno, Tremezzo, or Bellagio that make for a perfect base to explore the villa and the rest of Lake Como. Many boutique hotels and vacation rentals in the area offer lake views that feel just as dreamy as being at the villa itself.

Can You Rent the Villa?

Yes, and it’s one of the most sought-after event venues in Italy. The villa is available for private events, including weddings, but be prepared—getting married here comes with a hefty price tag and requires advanced booking, sometimes months or even years in advance. Corporate events and photoshoots are also popular here, as the villa’s photogenic beauty make it the perfect backdrop. You can get in contact for info through the official website, under the section “private events”.

Where to Stay and What to Do Nearby

If you’re visiting Villa Balbianello, it makes sense to stay in the area for a bit. Lenno is the closest town, with a few charming places to stay. There’s also the Lido di Lenno, a small lakeside beach where you can kick back and relax after a day of exploring the villa.

If you’re looking for something with a little more flair, Bellagio is just a short ferry ride away. Known as one of the most picturesque towns on Lake Como, Bellagio is full of elegant hotels, quaint streets, and waterside restaurants that offer incredible views. It’s definitely worth checking out if you have the time.

For a quieter alternative, consider Varenna. It’s a little less touristy but just as beautiful, with its narrow streets and lakeside views. Staying here feels like stepping back in time, and it’s the perfect spot for those who want a more laid-back experience.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to Villa Carlotta, another stunning villa just a short boat ride away. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike the hills surrounding the lake for some incredible panoramic views of the water and the surrounding mountains.

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