Lake Como is a beautiful place in Italy. Its gardens are special. They have flowers, trees, and views of the lake. Many people visit famous spots. But some gardens are hidden gems. They are quiet and full of surprises. I am Warren Driscoll. I have traveled to luxury places for seven years. I stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez. I also visited chalets in the French Alps. My trips to Lake Como taught me about its gardens. This article shares secrets about Como’s gardens. You will learn tips to plan your visit. You will also find out what most people miss.
Why Como’s Gardens Are Special
Como’s gardens are not like others. They sit by a big, blue lake. Mountains are all around. The gardens mix old history with pretty plants. Some were built hundreds of years ago. Rich families made them for their big houses. Today, you can walk in these gardens. They have paths, statues, and flowers. Each garden feels like a secret world. Most travelers go to busy places. But these gardens are calm. They let you enjoy nature and history.
Villa Carlotta: A Garden Full of Colors
Villa Carlotta is in Tremezzo. It is a famous garden by Lake Como. People love its flowers and views. The villa was built in 1690. It has a big house and a garden. The garden covers 14 acres. It has 500 types of plants. You can see roses, azaleas, and camellias. There are also old trees and a bamboo forest.
What Makes Villa Carlotta Special
The garden has many levels. You walk up steps to see more. Each level has different plants. The views of the lake are amazing. You can see Bellagio across the water. The villa has a museum inside. It shows old art and statues. Most people look at the flowers. But they miss the museum’s treasures. The garden also has a secret path. It goes through a fern valley. Few people find it.
Visitor Tips for Villa Carlotta
Visit early in the morning. The garden opens at 9 a.m. It is less crowded then. Spring is the best time. Flowers bloom in April and May. Wear good shoes. The paths have steps and stones. Bring a hat or umbrella. The sun is strong by the lake. Tickets cost about 15 euros for adults. Kids under 6 enter free. You can buy tickets online. This saves time. The garden has a small café. It sells snacks and drinks. But you can bring your own picnic. Eat it by the lake for a great view.
What Most Miss
Most people walk the main paths. They see the big flower beds. But they miss the hidden spots. The fern valley is quiet and cool. It has tall plants and a small stream. You feel like you are in a jungle. Another secret is the old greenhouse. It is near the back of the garden. It has rare plants. Few people go there. Also, check the museum’s upper floor. It has paintings from the 1700s. They show how people lived long ago.
Villa del Balbianello: A Movie Star Garden
Villa del Balbianello is in Lenno. It is on a small hill by the lake. This garden is famous. Movies like Star Wars and James Bond were filmed here. The villa was built in 1787. It has neat trees and stone paths. The garden is small but feels grand. You can see the lake from every spot.
Why It Stands Out
The garden has trimmed trees. They are shaped like cones and arches. This makes it look like a fairy tale. The villa has a loggia. It is a covered area with columns. You can look out at the lake and mountains. The garden has a secret dock. Boats used to come here long ago. Most visitors take photos of the loggia. But they miss the dock and its story.
How to Visit Villa del Balbianello
You can reach the villa by boat or foot. Boats leave from Lenno. They cost about 7 euros each way. Walking takes 15 minutes from Lenno’s dock. The path is steep, so wear comfy shoes. The garden is open from March to November. It closes on Mondays and Wednesdays. Tickets cost 11 euros for the garden only. A guided tour of the villa costs 20 euros. Book online to avoid lines. Visit in the late afternoon. The light makes the lake glow. Avoid weekends. They are busy.
Hidden Gems Most Overlook
Many people stay near the loggia. They miss the lower garden paths. These paths go close to the water. You can see small statues and old trees. The secret dock is under the villa. It has a stone arch. It was used for secret meetings long ago. Also, look for the hidden bench. It is behind a big tree. You can sit and see the lake quietly. Few people find this spot.
Villa Melzi: A Quiet Escape
Villa Melzi is in Bellagio. It is a calm garden. It is less busy than others. The garden was built in 1808. It has a long path by the lake. You can see green lawns and colorful flowers. There are also Japanese maples and a small pond.
What Makes Villa Melzi Unique
The garden feels open and peaceful. It has a mix of plants from around the world. The Japanese pond has water lilies. The lawn has big, old trees. You can see the lake and mountains. The villa itself is private. But the garden is open to visitors. Most people walk the main path. They miss the small side areas.
Tips for Visiting Villa Melzi
The garden is open from March to October. It opens at 10 a.m. Tickets cost 8 euros. Kids under 12 enter free. Visit in the morning for fewer people. Spring and fall are best. The flowers and trees look amazing. Bring a camera. The views are great for photos. The garden has no café. So, bring water and snacks. You can walk from Bellagio’s center in 10 minutes. Wear sunscreen. The garden has open areas with no shade.
What Visitors Miss
Most people stay on the main path. They miss the Japanese pond. It is tucked away on the side. It has a bridge and colorful fish. Another secret is the grotto. It is a small cave with moss. It is cool and quiet. Few people see it. Also, look for the old statues. They are hidden among trees. They tell stories of the garden’s past.
Other Hidden Gardens in Como
Lake Como has more gardens. Some are less known. They are quiet and beautiful. Here are two secrets.
Villa Monastero in Varenna
Villa Monastero is a small garden. It is in Varenna. It has a long path by the lake. You see roses, palms, and citrus trees. The garden has old statues and a fountain. It is open from March to November. Tickets cost 8 euros. Visit early to avoid crowds. Most people miss the upper terrace. It has a great view of the lake.
Parco di Villa Serbelloni
This park is in Bellagio. It is above the town. It has big gardens with old trees. You can only visit with a guided tour. Tours cost 10 euros. They happen twice a day. Book ahead. The park has secret paths. They go through woods. Most people miss these. They also miss the old ruins. They are from a castle long ago.
Practical Tips for Visiting Como’s Gardens
Como’s gardens are easy to visit. But planning helps. Here are tips to make your trip great.
- Best Time to Go: Spring (April-May) is best. Flowers bloom, and it is not too hot. Fall (September-October) is also nice. The leaves change color.
- Getting There: Take a train to Como from Milan. It takes 40 minutes. From Como, use ferries to reach gardens. Ferries go to Tremezzo, Lenno, Bellagio, and Varenna. A day pass costs about 15 euros.
- What to Bring: Wear comfy shoes. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. A camera is good for photos. Some gardens have no food. So, pack snacks.
- Crowd Tips: Go early or late in the day. Weekdays are quieter. Avoid July and August. They are busy.
- Costs: Most gardens cost 8-15 euros. Buy tickets online to save time. Some offer discounts for kids or groups.
- Accessibility: Some gardens have steps. Villa Melzi is flat and easier to walk. Check websites for wheelchair access.
What Most Travelers Miss in Como’s Gardens
Como’s gardens have secrets. Most people rush through. They miss special spots. Here are things to look for.
- Hidden Paths: Every garden has small paths. They lead to quiet areas. You might find a bench or a view. For example, Villa Carlotta’s fern valley is a secret spot.
- Old Stories: The gardens have history. Look for signs or ask guides. Villa del Balbianello’s dock has tales of secret meetings. Villa Melzi’s statues tell old stories.
- Small Details: Notice the plants. Some are rare. Villa Monastero has citrus trees from far away. Parco di Villa Serbelloni has old ruins.
- Views: Each garden has a special view. Climb to high spots. Villa Carlotta’s upper level shows Bellagio. Villa del Balbianello’s loggia shows the lake.
Plan Your Visit Now
Como’s gardens are waiting. They are full of beauty and secrets. Visit Villa Carlotta for flowers. See Villa del Balbianello for movie views. Walk Villa Melzi for peace. Check smaller gardens like Villa Monastero. Use my tips to plan. Go early, bring a camera, and find hidden paths. You will see what most people miss. Lake Como’s gardens are a special trip. Start planning today.
Disclaimer: This article is not an ad. It is not paid by anyone. I do not earn money if you visit these places. There are no affiliate links. I only share my own travel tips to help others.
Explore More:
Warren Driscoll writes about luxury travel. He has over seven years of experience. Since 2018, he has stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez, and chalets in the French Alps. Warren’s stories have been shared by Indvidual Magazine. He writes honest reviews and gives helpful tips to help people plan great holidays. He also shares his own photos and real experiences to make his advice clear and useful.