Top Things to do in Lake Como
The 6 Best Gardens in Lake Como, Lombardy
A gorgeous spot that’s a convenient day trip from Milan, Lake Como recently earned fame as home to Hollywood star George Clooney. But celeb-spotting aside, it’s known for jaw-dropping natural beauty, elegant old villas—and the scenic towns surrounding the lake. Check out Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, which offer great views, historic churches, and water-based activities such as ferries and passenger-only boats.
Restaurants in Lake Como
1. I Giardini di Villa Melzi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,327 reviews
National Monument and Private Gardens This magnificent villa, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, assistant to General Napoleon, is one of the most emblematic examples of neo-classicism in Lombardy.....The Gardens Are visitable March to October every day 9.30 am to' 6.30 pm
Reviewed By armankun - Athens, Greece
A definitely place to visit if you like gardens, trees, nature and walking, beautiful garden, very well cared.
2. Parco di Villa Serbelloni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
This beautiful villa was built in 1873 surrounded by elegant gardens and park-like grounds with sweeping views of Lake Como.
Reviewed By magnoliatrees - Canada, null
We started off trying to find this place on our own without knowing it was a privately owned property. With our persistence we did find it. In the Upper part of Bellagio in the main square near the St. Giacomo church. There is a tourist office in the Old Medieval tower on the bottom floor.We bought tickets for 9 euros each and joined a guided group tour.This tour offers one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen as we walked uphill. The views of the lake and the Italian Alps along with the lake and its towns is stunning. Bring your camera!Our tour guide was excellent explaining the history of this remarkable property which has been in the hands of the Rockefeller foundation since 1959.The history dates back to the Sfondrati family in 1566 and then passed on to the Serbelloni family who poured his heart into the property.Exotic plants and trees were imported to this property and is quite an expansive park with at least 53 acres of land.The Villa is private and not opened to the public but has hosted some famous people over the years including Leonardo Da Vinci. At one point an American princess owned it and donated it to the Rockefeller foundation. Today it is used as a meeting place for scholars and conferences.Very peaceful and serene place amongst the trees.At the very top are the remains of a Roman garrison that was used to protect them against invaders.I found this tour simply amazing and the view both going up and down the hill is one I will always remember.Make sure you take good walking shoes!You can book this online ahead of time and kids are welcomed between the ages of 7-13. 5 euros.The tours are twice a day 11 am.and 3.30 pm.except Mondays and some holidays.This tour was one of the most memorable tours we have taken in Italy and we recommend it!
3. Villa Carlotta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,254 reviews
Villa Carlotta welcomes you with its magnificent botanic garden and art masterpieces in over 70.000 square metres of gardens and museum. The beautiful villa was built at the end of XVII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in a natural basin between lake and mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio.
Reviewed By 53Upp - East Midlands, United Kingdom
Beautifully maintained gardens. Plenty of plant details. Slightly hilly paths, but easily accessible. Signage good, different routes depending on how much time visitors have, which gives times to completion of visit. Toilets round site and good cafe. House visit also included in the entrance fee. Villa entrance opposite the ferry service.
4. Il Giardino della Valle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
A lovely botanical garden, open all year round. Created by Nonna Pupa in the 1980s by the Garrovo stream, in Cernobbio. The garden contains many varieties of plants, three little ponds and wooden sculptures. Free admission.
Reviewed By Roberta_K975
Found entirely by accident -- we just followed the signs in central Cernobbio to the "Giardino della Valle", a ten-minute walk -- this lovely little garden hugs the banks of the torrent that carries melted snow from the mountains above to the lake below. A total labour of love on the part of one local woman who, thirty-plus years ago, was disgusted by the fact that the area was being used as an illegal rubbish dump. She decided to make it a quiet, pretty place, with lots of trees and plants, as well as benches, where visitors can sit and ponder for a while, and thank her silently for her initiative. There's also a little free library: donate a book and take a book. Access from Via Plinio, or the first left off the Via Regina after Villa d'Este, if you are coming from Cernobbio.
5. Il Giardino Botanico - Hotel Villa Cipressi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By DeeB267
Well designed, easily accessed garden with superb views of Lake Como.Huge variety of plants all labelled.
