Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Como and its villas have been celebrated since Roman times. Today, Lake Como villa rentals offer guests the chance to inhabit this world and discover for themselves why it continues to be one of the top destinations for vacation homes anywhere in the world.
Located in northern Italy, Lake Como is one of the largest lakes in Europe, with a distinct Y shape that makes it a joy to sail. Along with the charming towns that dot its coast, Lake Como benefits from a unique microclimate, which allows for both mild winters and summers, as well as jaw-dropping landscapes.
Picture the backdrop of the snow-capped Alps and beautiful towns like Bellagio contrasted against the clear blue waters of this glacial lake, with varied Mediterranean flora all around. These scenes create priceless moments, and the best way to experience them is from the privacy of your own lake front villa, especially if you're travelling with a group.
As such, the first step to choosing a villa rental in Lake Como is to look at how many guests you will be travelling with. Lake Como villas tend to be large and have no problem accommodating bigger groups, and there are numerous villas that can accommodate over 20 guests.
The next step is to consider the ages of your guests, their needs, and your approximate travel dates. While some Lake Como villas are suited to all ages, others have age restrictions due to their historical nature and the number of antiques within.
Once you have a good idea of your party and your dates, your Rental Escapes villa specialist will be happy to present you with the best options for your trip.
Lake Como has long been the location of choice for patricians and aristocrats looking for a lakeside holiday home. Today, this rich heritage continues with our luxury villas in Lake Como.
Many of Lake Como's top sights are, in fact, villas, many of which -- like Villa Olmo, Villa Carlotta, and Villa del Balbianello - date back to the 18th century. These world-famous villas can be visited but can't be rented as accommodation. That said, Rental Escapes' portfolio includes a number of historical villas that can be rented, as well as more modern lakefront villas as well.
To that end, our holiday rentals are independently owned and operated, with a style, history, and beauty all their own. Some have features that date back to the Baroque and Rococo eras, replete with ornamental detail. Others are more contemporary, with spacious, modernist designs. In all cases, there are enough luxury amenities to ensure absolute comfort during your stay.
So much of Lake Como's appeal is encapsulated by its great historical villas. And while many of the most famous examples can't be rented, there are nonetheless some beautiful ones that can be, including:
Galeazzo: Easily one of the most beautiful villas available for rent in Lake Como, the 17th-century Galeazzo offers you the chance to truly experience history firsthand and live like an aristocrat. From the frescos to the antique furniture, every detail of this villa evokes Baroque beauty, matched only by the villa's privileged lake views. A stay here is like having a museum all to yourself.
Pliniana: With its prized lakeside location and Rococo interiors, Pliniana offers you the chance to experience what it would be like to have your very own palazzo. The stately and ornamental decor contrasts beautifully with the pool area, which is encased in glass, giving you the chance to get stunning views of Lake Como in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment. Now, that's a true luxury.
Villa Porto Felice: Constructed in 1901 and having been renovated and refurbished several times since then, Villa Porto Felice stands as a joyful testament to the 20th century, as well as to the distinct, dynamic style Lake Como is known for. From the artwork to the furniture, every detail of this villa has been carefully considered and designed to maximize happiness, just like its name implies.
As Lake Como offers so much natural beauty, it's only normal that you'll want to spend as much time outside as possible. A luxury villa on Lake Como with a private pool lets you do just that, especially in the summer months when the weather warms up. Some great private villa options include:
Cigno: A combination of two villas -- Villa Maria and Villa Serena -- the Cigno estate has 13 bedrooms and is a perfect choice for two families travelling together (such as for a wedding). Each villa has its own private pool, and between them, you'll find a historic harbour punctuated by terracotta statues. It's all bordered by a verdant, seven-acre garden -- as well as by unobstructed views of the lake itself.
Villa Thalia: A truly stunning luxurious villa that combines historic interiors with modern amenities and a prized location, Villa Thalia is conveniently located by the town of Como and boasts a large private gym, a glorious marble staircase, a large formal dining room, an elevator, and a prized lakeside garden with a large, lakefront pool.
Jeanneret: A modernist villa that stands out for its contemporary design and clean lines, Jeanneret offers an exciting and sensible take on lakeside living. Combined with its outdoor pool, indoor hot tub area, floor-to-ceiling windows, and wealth of amenities, it's a great choice in all seasons.
While not every luxury holiday villa for rent in Lake Como is suited to families with kids, others are designed to allow children, adults, and guests of all ages to have a great time on the lake. They include:
Dada: An impeccable choice for families and multigenerational groups, Dada combines elegant, art-filled interiors with fun extras like a children's play area, a games room, and a billiards room. A wonderful mix of sophistication and whimsy.
Migliore: Migliore is a relaxed but stylish lakefront villa that's just 10 minutes north of Menaggio. Everything about this villa is designed to ensure that you have a great time with family and friends, whether it's the expansive outdoor area, the stylishly furnished living areas, the private dock, or the amazing views all around.
Vista Lago: While not exactly in Bellagio, Vista Lago sits directly opposite Lake Como, high up on a hill. This results in unparalleled views of both the lake and the town, all in a package that includes a private pool and a smart blend of modern amenities and historic artwork.
Italy is part of the Schengen area, so you'll only need to show your passport upon entering the area. After that, you can travel freely without having to pass through customs.
The majority of travellers will arrive at Lake Como by first flying into Malpensa Airport in Milan. From there, it's about an hour to an hour and a half to Lake Como. The journey can be made by car, bus, or a combination of bus and train. Your Rental Escapes concierge can also arrange a private driver and airport transfer.
Once you're in Lake Como, ferries are by far the most popular way to get around. They run throughout the day across various towns. Your Rental Escapes concierge can also arrange a private boat charter so you can experience this beautiful destination from a whole new perspective.
Summer is high season on Lake Como, and undoubtedly when you'll find the best weather. This is the time to go if you're looking to rent a Lake Como villa with a private pool. Plus, because the lake absorbs so much of the sun's heat, the temperatures remain pretty mild. That said, there can be crowds, especially in August.
That's why for many, shoulder season is the ideal time to visit, especially in April-May in the spring, and September-October in the autumn. The weather is still nice at this time, but there are fewer crowds, and you can enjoy better deals, including on Lake Como villas. Springtime also sees lots of flowers blooming, making it an especially fragrant time to visit.
Unlike many other parts of Italy, winter is also a good time to visit, though it is decidedly low season. This is when the lake turns its deepest shade of blue, and also when it releases some of the heat it absorbed in the summer, which keeps the temperatures from dropping too low.
Visit Villa del Balbianello: Easily one of Lake Como's most iconic villas thanks to its appearance in films like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Villa del Balbianello is a late 18th-century masterpiece famous for its terraced gardens. Take a tour to appreciate both its historic interior and its vibrant, verdant exterior.
Take a Trip to Bellagio: There's no shortage of beautiful towns in Lake Como, but Bellagio is extra special thanks to its charming pedestrian roads, its stunning, tree-lined waterfront, and the churches and villas that dot its landscapes. It's also the perfect size for a day trip.
Charter a Private Boat Tour: Because of its unique Y-shape and the multitude of little towns that dot its coastline, Lake Como makes a great lake to tour. Whether it's by yacht, sailboat, or by renting your own boat, a day on the water is an absolute must.
Food in Lake Como is heavily influenced by northern Italian cuisine, which means lots of risotto (rather than pasta). Other top dishes use the bounty of the lake and the surrounding mountains, including perch, shad, wild boar, and polenta. And for dessert: gelato with ripe strawberries!
Many of our villas also include private chef service, which can also be added to any villa, as well as villa pre-stocking, so you can be sure to have access to your favourite foods and drinks at any time.
Lake Como benefits from its own distinct microclimate, allowing for mild summers, warm winters, and Mediterranean weather throughout the year.
Temperatures during the summer stay balmy and vary between 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F), while winter temperatures vary between -5°C-5°C (23°F-41°F).
Springtime, meanwhile, varies between 9°C-16°C (48°F-60°F) and can reach as high as 20°C (68°F in May). It is also the wettest time of the year. Autumn can see temperatures dip to averages between 13°C-8°C (55°F-46°F).
If you're hoping to visit this beautiful part of Italy, Rental Escapes can elevate your Lake Como vacation rental into a true luxury experience.
Our portfolio includes the finest villas on Lake Como, including villas with private pools, historic villas, family villas, and more.
Your Rental Escapes reservation expert can find the best villa for your group, and your concierge personalizes your trip to create the ultimate Lake Como luxury villa experience.
Contact us today to book your next dream holiday!
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Luxury Villa Rentals for 2+ people
