Charming Villa on top of a small hill which enjoys marvellous views of lake Como. The trees, the plants, the flowers, the rockery, the variety of natural landscapes and man-made pathways is simply amazing. Fascinating history of the place, full of twists and turns until the last owner died and donated it to a National Trust. The architecture blends in beautifully with the complexity of the natural landscape surrounding the villa. Almost a fairytale place, unsurprisingly used as a cinema set for some very famous movies. Not to be missed!

Amazing villa to visit which was one of our highlights during our stay in Lake Como. Be prepared for a 20 minute walk uphill or alternatively you can get a boat to take you around to the other entrance. Highly recommend attending early so it is quiet for you to walk around the gardens. Also the guided tour of the interior was really good and insightful, highly recommend doing that as well.

Beautiful place! Went round the gardens as hadn't pre-booked a tour inside. If you struggle walking definitely choose the shorter 20-minute route through the park to the entrance as the longer 40-minute route if very steep and rough terrain. Bus C10 takes you pretty close to the park. As a Star Wars fan this was so worth a visit for the famous arch and balcony. The views are incredible too. Would recommend if in Lake Como.

I had one incredible experience visiting this fabulous Villa. FAI does an incredible job, as always. The tour guide (in English) was really nice! It was so surprising all the details and stories about the place especially about Guido Monzino. The villa is kept flawlessly and it's stunning, inside and out.

A fabulous out of this world beautifully villa and experience! Definitely take the tour! Immerse yourself in the life of. 70s Italian explorer, the history and mini-museum feel of the place, and a must for Star Wars or 007 fans!

Beautiful estate, try to come here when the temperatures are in the 60-70s F°. They're is a lot of walking up and down fairly steep inclines. Access is either by a very hilly 1Km walk, or by a boat shuttle you can pay for. We walked and it took about 20 minutes.

The best thing about the lake. The most unbelievable upkeep and incredible views. Really nice to learn about the history of the villa. Also loved seeing where Star Wars was filmed!

So so glad we booked the day out here! If you have the opportunity book a guided tour as you can go inside, and it went through the history which was so interesting. The gardens are gorgeous, extremely well kept, and were very fun to explore. There's a small ice cream place within which was nice as it can get hot, but I would love to visit this again!

I only took the gardens tour. From the outside the villa looked small so i waant't disappointed. The gardens are really beautiful with nice views of surrounding towns. Obviously there are a lot of people but it's not overcrowded. There is a 20 min walk to the gardens with slopes. Parking is limited.

What a wonderful place to visit. This villa and it’s beautiful garden are one of the most beautiful places I have visited. The tour guides are lovely, so informative about the owner, the contents and their admiration for the man who owned it. Totally fascinating story of this explorers life and his residence. Many films have had scenes taken on this Island including scenes from Casino Royal and Star Wars. Well worth a trip to see the gardens with its views across the bays from every outlook.

One of the more interesting villas in all of Lake Como. The full guided tour was absolutely worth its price. The view was also fantastic, being surrounded by lakes at almost all its surroundings. However needs a 1 to 2km walk in from the entrance, so do plan in advance.

First of all, the walk is long and exhausting because of the hilly nature of the road. So i recommend you to use the boat, its right in the water side walk . You will reach in few minutes, and right at the Villa . Beautiful place to visit.

Just like heaven! Every single conner of the place is beautiful. Fantastic combination of landscape and architecture. The view is to die for. And give a round of applause to the gardener!

Parking was completely full, so we had to find another place around 5 min. from the start of the trail. Getting to the villa is quite a hike as it is very steep and takes around 15-20 min. As soon as we arrived, we were able to skip the long line as we had already prebooked. The villa and grounds are absolutely beautiful and very well maintained. Can definitely recommend this place if you want to take pictures of pretty Lake Como as well.

A beautiful villa by the lake. Two type of tickets for you to choose, one with guided tour into the villa and the other can only access the garden area. I recommend you to take a guided tour to learn more history about this villa, and you could see many antiques collected by the owner. The garden is as beautiful as you can see on pictures, and especially on sunny days, it’s also the filming place of star war and James Bond. Transportation to here from Milan is easy, just take the regional train to varenna and then the ferry.

Beautiful experience visiting the well taken care of gardens. If you walk from town be prepared to hike up hill in many spots and remember to bring water. I recommend taking the boat over for older folks. There is a book shop on site that sells water. Get tickets in advance to the gardens as it can get busy.

I think it's just an incredible place! It looks especially beautiful from the water, so be sure to try to rent a boat or take a cruise on a tourist boat. It's definitely worth it! After my last visit here, I had a dream to celebrate some important event right here! Therefore, this is my sincere recommendation❤️

The Villa del Balbianello has been beautifully preserved for centuries. The grounds are very well-maintained, and so are all of the buildings. It is a bit of a hike to get to it from the entrance, but just treat it as a leisurely stroll. You could easily spend a half a day on your visit. Be sure and arrange a tour of the house or you will really miss out. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the place and the lives of the people who lived here.

Villa del Balbianello is such a beautiful place that you don't want to leave from there. We had an excellent guide in English who showed us all the nooks of the villa. The ground is so well looked after, I have not seen such care for trees, bushes and other plants anywhere before. The location of the villa is fantastic and Lake Como itself is magnificent.

This place is absolutely stunning. I went to both the garden and the villa (guided tour), and it was amazing. The villa was huge, great for taking pictures of scenery and yourself. The atmosphere gave out old money vibes, loved it. The tour guide who showed us inside the villa was really friendly and patient with us as well. The only downside was that it was a one hell of a hike before you can reach the destination ( a good workout though). Definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Lake Como. 😎

Villa Balbianello, built in 1787 on its own peninsula, is a veritable icon, renowned the world over for its exceptional beauty. Its Loggia, immortalized in the film Star Wars Episode 2, adds a touch of magic to an already enchanting setting. Surrounded by century-old trees, the property is impeccably maintained, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps. A true architectural gem, Villa Balbianello is a magical and unique place in the world. Thank you for a wonderful visit, every corner of the villa tells a story of elegance and refinement. Although the night may cost around 1200 EUR, every euro spent is well worth it for this exceptional experience. For the next time ;0) Best regards, #B4YOUDISCOVERY

Expect large crowds. Lots of tourist taking photos. Absolutely stunning views. Beautiful villa. One can only imagine what it was like here in the past. Pre-internet days. Yes, it was popularized due to many movies including star wars.

Visited as a Star Wars fan, and a James Bond fan. The coolest spot is where Annikan talks about his hatred of sand in the movie. Unfortunately, there is a park bench in the spot so getting a photo can be challenging. I believe the walk was 20 minutes from the small town to the villa. There was also a wedding happening when we were there, but they let you walk around still.

This villa is famous for its beautiful architecture, gardens, breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Como, and the surrounding mountains.

Brilliant place to visit. They have two routes around the lovely gardens, one not so steep, and one fairly steep. But it was worth it for the views of Lake Como. They have a reasonable cafe, inside and out, with again lovely views. The villa(the museum) was ok

Absolutely stunning! As a local even I was impressed by its absolutely beautiful gardens and the villa. The view is incredible and I have already been here several times and will always come back. It’s a 10/10 for me.

One of the best gardens I have ever visited! So beautiful and diverse! Try going in the morning so you have more time exploring as the garden is pretty big. It also has picnic spots so it’s a great place to spend a day on when visiting lake como. Has fantastic lake views, the villa itself is gorgeous, but the garden is a botanical one with many cool plants. Has a bamboo jungle which is magical. There’s free parking down the villa & there are elevators to take you up in the garden & upper floors of the villa, right outside of the villa in the south. Absolutely recommend a visit, so worth the price (15€ adults)

One of the biggest and also most beautiful villas in the Lake Como area, with audio guides available and 2 suggested itineraries depending on whether you want a short walk around or a longer stroll in the garden. Definitely worth the visit, for all ages. It was also made wheelchair-accessible by the gentle slopes and lifts. Parking available along the road, both free and paid lots.

Beautiful Villa, beautiful gardens and a lovely walk on a perfect spring day. The cafe and toilets were open. I would recommend 2-3 hours for a leisure walk around the gardens before finishing at the museum (which ends in the villa and gift shop). We parked 400mtrs before reaching the villa in a paid parking place which we were lucky to get some space in. There are some decent restaurants and places to eat walking distance from the villa. There is a ferry stop across the villa and that takes you to Bellagio (another beautiful place which is a must visit).

Very enchanting place that you could spend either a quick visit or all day; so much to experience and it’s all stunningly beautiful

We loved this place! The garden was amazing with different species from all over the world. So cool that they are able to thrive in Italy due to the microclimates around Lake Como. The villa had beautiful views of the lake and offered many opportunities for great photos. The café inside had a decent selection of food and drinks, although slightly overpriced.

Love it and hate it:) it was a great walk, very nice and scenic. Very poorly marked trying to exit. You need to really read the map as there is only one exit sign, and it's not at the exit. It is very confusing for most of the people there. Plan on about 4 hrs if you want to do the whole thing. There are signs that say 75 minutes for the full walk, maybe, probably not. Add an extra 30 minutes to find the exit. Think only 3 people work there, so you are on your own. Overall, it's a really great place with poor sinage.

Gorgeous house and gardens to visit. Lovely artefacts in the museum and sculptures. The gardens are set in wonderful grounds, lots of it are not accessible for wheelchair users as it is very up and down. Wonderful plants and flowers carefully set out with a waterfall running down the hillside. Great views from all angles and photo opportunities. We visited on a very rainy day but this never spoilt our enjoyment. Would recommend a half day visit. It has toilets and a coffee shop.

Beautiful villa with huge well kept garden. It has some old furniture dating back to the old times but also a collection of cutlery and crockery which don’t relate to the families who once lived there. In that respect villa Necchi in Milan is far more interesting. If you visit in the afternoon the sun has turned and you can take beautiful pictures from the balcony of the lake scenery.

Increíble villa. Es hermosa. Fuimos con mi pareja sin entrada y luego de menos de 5 minutos de fila, entramos. El jardín es lo más hermoso que vi. Muy amplio, se tarda 1 hora en poder recorrerlo. Luego el museo esta muy bueno también para conocer como vivian aquellos propietarios de siglos atrás (Translated by Google) Incredible villa. Is beautiful. My partner and I went without a ticket and after less than 5 minutes in line, we entered. The garden is the most beautiful thing I saw. Very spacious, it takes 1 hour to explore it. Then the museum is also very good to know how those owners lived from centuries ago.

One of the most gorgeous villa on the Como lake. Fully suggest to all the tourist in order to spend a lovely afternoon. Best timing is in spring when all the gardens are full of flowers

A memorable visit with stunning & immaculate gardens, and very well-signposted walking routes throughout the property with different options of different lengths. The house itself was impressive, but the gardens and views of the lake are the reason to visit. Would strongly recommend to anyone in the area!

Beautiful house surrounded by gardens that seem to go on forever. Lovely, well laid out walks, that go from manicured to wild, but always jaw dropping in their beauty. Would love to visit again.

Villa Carlotta is such a beautiful and peaceful place. The vast garden with the numerous flowers is absolutely breathtaking and the museum (inside of the Villa) is spacious and very lightning. I thought the place was smaller and that the visit would have been shorter but you have to take at least 45 min to 1 hour for the short visit (main garden tour and museum) and 1 hour 30 min to 2 hours for the big visit with all the garden. It is clean, not too crowdy and I believe that Spring time offers the best images with the colorful flowers and trees everywhere. Don't hesitate !

The grounds are nice, however not easy to walk with a child and not wheelchair or pushchair friendly. The main floor of the house is worth a quick visit but the other floors are not. The rooms are tiny and filled with minimal artifacts and furniture. Worth a visit if in the area but your not missing out on much if you view from the lake. The gardens are impressive from the Napoleon era.

The botanical garden is pretty and has some beautiful views. I was expecting to see a little but more, but it was very nice. Definitely wear sneakers, as there are a lot of rocks you will be walking on. It's right next to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, so it's a very short walk and convenient.

We've been here several times photographing couples and we've always been impressed by the beautiful gardens and the elegant elements of the interiors. It really is a great combo of both. Super easy to reach by car or ferry, quite cheap and with a great number of different backgrounds for pictures. Yes, book your photoshoot here without doubting!

Amazing gardens, perfectly kept. We went on a rainy day and it was still beautiful and inside the villa is unbelievable. Highly recommend.

The botanical garden is great. We have chosen the best time to visit when everything is in bloom.

Despite the pouring rain during our visit to Villa Carlotta, the botanical garden's beauty was undiminished, offering a peaceful walk along the 75-minute trail, ending with the museum. The garden was the definite highlight, overshadowing the less impressive museum.

Villa Carlotta Gardens in Lake Como, Italy, is an absolute gem. The lush botanical paradise captivated me with its exquisite beauty. Strolling through the meticulously maintained gardens, I was surrounded by a stunning array of plants, flowers, and ancient trees. The view of Lake Como from the villa's terraces is simply breathtaking, providing a serene backdrop for a leisurely visit. The historical significance of Villa Carlotta, with its art collection and charming villa, adds depth to the experience. I was particularly moved by the art and sculptures on display, which offered a glimpse into the rich history of this place. Also nice: doga were allowed to enter the gardens for a nice family walk. The longest red route is about 1 hour.

Villa Carlotta is a lovely botanical garden with so many different varieties of plants. There is such diversity in the fauna and flora growing here. For example, they have a rhododendron section, a succulent and cactus garden, a fern garden, and so many others. The layout of this garden has been planned by a mastermind., and many walking past throughout the garden. The villa itself has beautiful architecture and art inside. A lovely little oasis right on the waterfront and very close to the water ferry drop off.

Beautiful Catholic church with great interiors. The place had both gothic and renaissance interiors and there’s a story behind this. Go in and read about the architecture of the place and find out more about this piece of work that took hundreds of years to complete. This is free entry as well but they do ask for donations if you wish to support the church.

Incredibly beautiful old Duomo. Sit in awe of The magnitude of this amazing structure. Everytime I'm in Como, I've spent a few moments in peace here. The glory of The olen days. Woozaa. Remember to touch The lucky frog on your way out.

Believed to be the church is the last gothic church has been made in Italy. The Como Cathedral one must see. Built around 13th hundred and its very beautiful and the inside achitecture is Amazing.

One of the most amazing ceilings I can recall seeing in any cathedral anywhere (and we've seen a lot), worth it for that alone. Otherwise pretty unremarkable but for some contemporary stained glass. There's no compulsory charge for entry, donation only.

much bigger on the inside. Amazing tapestries, sculptures and history inside. surprisingly very brutal and calm. You always get great views of Milan from the roof too. It is always worth a visit, especially as renovation work is continuing. a must visit place in como!

This Cathedral was very moving. The beauty and the history is on full display, and it being in Como just adds to the majesty. Highly recommend spending some time here!

Wow 🤩 OMG!! The church is really so beautiful and unique. Amaze with the efforts of the people who built the church. I had never visited a church, which is so old.

Beautiful cathedral. It has several sculptures and paintings inside. Free entrance.

It's an amazing marvel of engineering, steeped in rich history. It's amazing what they achieved. Paintings, stained glass, architectures, it's all wonderful. You always get great views of Milan from the roof too. It is always worth a visit, especially as renovation work is continuing. Grab tickets online and skip the queues. Book an hour in advance and check out the surrounding shops before you go in.

Beautiful cathedral in Como, in a good location. My husband and I ate at the restaurant in front of it, at evening, and we really enjoyed the tranquility of the place and the view.

Free entrance! Also.. Look up! That ceiling definitely humbles you. Walking around the side of the back also allowed for a different and less crowded view. Central to Como town, this place seems to be a common rendezvous area for people to meet — locals and trousers alike. So, find a place near by to sit and have an afternoon apero and just enjoy the people-watching while you write your postcards! Do a quick wiki of this place before going. There’s some cool architectural snippets to be had. Good historical landmark!

very beautiful place in the old city of Como. You learn about cathedral's history - might be a medieval example for today's public construction in Germany :-)) Most impressive grand cupola, butxalso many Details as the sun-dial and the stained Glas windows

This is a beautiful church with a long history. The interior is free to enter but donations are welcome. More than most churches, you'll find a lot of panels and historical pieces showcasing the church. The context helps a lot and makes it a better learning experience. The outside is wonderfully detailed, but the best part is that you can interact with parts of the old foundation! A side of the church that was excavated is open for viewing, seating, and appreciation. It's a great stop on your way around town.

Beautiful church in the heart of Como. The facade looks rather simple, but it is still magnificent. The interiors are well made, even if not too crowded. There is even a part of the church dedicated for people who want to think and pray. Definitely a nice stop if you are in town.

Beautiful gardens, recommend to visit it in the afternoon when the sun is high and the villa and the garden are well sunlit. We visit it in the morning. Also it is good that the tickets are valid all day so you can go in and out as much as you want.

Wedding photographer's perspective: We've shot here a couple of pre weddings sessions and it has always been a beautiful experience. The architecture of this villa is a great frame for elegant pictures and the gardens are simply a paradise on earth. They are super wide so that even if the location is crowded it's still possible to find private spots for photography. The light at sunset here makes everything magical and cinematic. Our couples have always loved exploring this villa. The fee for shooting here is one of the cheapest on the lake, making choosing Villa Melzi an obvious choice 10/10!!

Beautiful gardens and nice view to the Como Lake. Great for a walk if you are in Bellagio.

Lovely well maintained gardens with excellent information to aid the experience. I was expecting more flowers, however there was mostly trees. The museum was informative with easily digestible reading. Great views overlooking lake Como.

Villa Melzi is one of the highlights of lake como. Inside here you can find manicured and beautiful lawns; a chapel at the end of the garden, the villa itself with unique symmetry architecture, and a small anti-aquarium house. The villa’s beauty will strike at your heart with its beauty. The villa has an interesting history; especially on its ownership origins till today and is worth a read. Seen in the attached photos is a map of the villa. In the chapel are incredibly ornate marble sculptures; seen in the attached video is one example of marble sculpted to look like fabric.

We loved our walk around these impressive gardens Very nice way to relax and enjoy the history of this magnificent place Great views - lovely landscaping - exceptional architecture €8 entry for adults - ticket valid all day Feel free to pass it onto the next people when you are leaving

One of the most beautiful places and gardens I’ve seen. It’s clean, the staff is constantly working to keep it gorgeous. Definitely worth a visit. I enjoyed very much taking a walk in the garden.

Had such higher expectations but unfortunately was disappointed. It's a nice place with a variety of flower and exotic plants but not much else. The museum is basically one room with a few statues. The yard/garden has beautiful views but definitely not worth 8 euros per person. The aquarium is almost non-existent. It has a few decent buildings, one which is still occupied by a resident. Overall great for a stroll but not much to see other than different types of trees and plants. Mostly used by newly-weds for wedding pictures.

The gardens of the Melzi Villa are huge pretty, and actually pretty basic. The number of trees and unique plants is fun, but you're not going to see any elaborate floral arrangements or planting patterns. For example, the Japanese section is an unexpected treat, but the water inside the pond was was very dirty and unwelcoming. I'm not sure €8 is worth the entry price, at least not in August (maybe other months have different plants in season). It takes twenty minutes to walk from the ferry port to the front gate so budget that time into your day. You'll spend maybe a hour in the gardens.

Beautifully manicured and well taken care of gardens. The house and chapel are in terrific shape. Wonderful plant and tree specimens throughout. Make sure to bring water as there are no services other than a WC.

A very spectacular garden with beautiful landscaping. There are 2 interior buildings which are accessible, the museum and the chapel. The house is closed off which is understandable since it's actually somebody's house. I felt very lucky to be able to see the garden itself. The museum is interesting and takes you through the ownership of the house over time,.and key events that happened there. It also gave me some perspective on the Napoleonic and Austrian periods. Arriving here is a short pleasant walk along the promenade from the boat stop, very easy to get to. Set aside at least an hour since even though the garden may not look huge, it's actually pretty big. Bring water. Note that to appreciate many hiddem parts of the gardens you will need to walk up steep hills, but you can still enjoy much of it from the main, flat, walkway.

Beautiful garden area and a lot to explore, there’s a small chapel, a lot of nature, places to take photos and access to the lake near the end. It costed around 8 euros per person and its free for under twelve years old. Definitely a must visit for at least 3 hours (most of the time at the lake and walking) for your day trip to Bellagio to visit Lake Como.

Garden was nice with a map for all the monuments and trees. 8 euro per person seemed a little high as the place was rather small and didn't offer much to look at except a nice view of the mountains and a couple landmarks on the property. I understand landscaping is a tedious job to maintain a property I just expected more. Not bad but not great

Beautiful gardens just on the bank of the lake in Bellagio. The walk and landscape is beautiful. Although they call Villa it is more the view of the lake and the lush gardens are the experience. Typically you walk from one to another and back to Bellagio and can take an hour. The entrance fees are 8€ and free for kids.

The villa is full of organic plants along a nice lake. The ticket is quite cheap and not necessary to book online. The first time when we visited it, train from Milan to get there was quite funny since it run over the station and the staff had to stop it manually. We nearly went over the destination and the staff’s manner was still so calm down like this wasn’t a matter. However it was a good memory for us. Regarding the villa, it underwent several transformations and renovations, resulting in the current architectural style which is a mix of medieval, Renaissance and neoclassical elements. Its gardens are particularly famous for their charming and variety. They feature a wide range of plant species, including rare and exotic plants, as well as sculptures and statues. The botanical garden is renowned for its collection of azaleas and rhododendrons which blom spectacularly in spring. A must-visit destination for visitors to Varenna.

Nestled on the hills overlooking the stunning Lake Como, Villa Monastery is a dreamy venue for a wedding photo shoot. Our team had the pleasure of capturing photos and videos here of wedding couple, and the experience was truly unforgettable. The gardens, architecture and stunning views, all of those things were just perfect. We're already dreaming of the day we can return to this Italian paradise!

Beautiful place! Definitely recommend for wonderful views of Lake Como! Very green and filled with roman statues and architectural designs, this is the perfect Villa to walk around.

Entry to the garden, for an inexpensive price, offers you a tranquil place to rest with the beautiful view of Lake Como in front of you. It is also a great place to take photos and to admire the plants and flowers. The garden looks like they are very well taken care of, and the greenery is vibrant and alive even when we visited in December. One of the highlights of my trip to Varenna.

Gorgeous gardens. However it's an uphill walk to get there. Still extremely worth visiting 100%. Everything is well maintained and I would def go again one day.

As Wedding Photographer based in Lake Como, I can totally suggest planning an elopement or intimate wedding in this stunning venue. It has a private dock making the whole experience unique and luxurious and the gardens are wide so that you can easily find intimate spots for pictures. There's no need to describe these incredible views of the lake!! Finally the balcony is the perfect frame for intimate and timeless wedding images. Super recommended!

Such a magnificent place to visit in lake como! I bought the student pass for €5 and it’s so so worth it. It includes museum and the garden. You can see the beautiful view of lake como from there. #mustvisitplace

Only visited the botanical gardens and they are most definitely worth a visit. It has many scenic locations for photos, a wide variety of plants (which is likely even better in spring) and a perfect location by the lake. Shouldn't be missed!

We were here on Assumption of Mary day. Very beautiful, but you must come early if you want to find a parking spot in a nearby parking or enywhere else. One day we came at 11 and all parkings in the city were full, the only one we could find with a free spot was high up a mountain. Next day we came at 9:30 in the morning and there were lots of places left.

The villa is more a beautiful garden, than a villa. The view is stunning. €10 per person. You can spend not more than an hour here, but it's worth it. This is an amazing green zone at the lake coast. It's always great to realize how a human could surround himself with the beauty of nature.

A very beautiful place, I definitely recommend a visit. Ticket prices for students 10€, for adults 15€. I recommend buying tickets online so you don't have to stand in lines.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Villa Monastero is a true gem on the shores of Lake Como, and I can't recommend it enough for weddings. It's a place that exudes charm and elegance in every corner. The meticulously maintained gardens are a botanical wonderland, providing a picturesque setting for a wedding ceremony and reception. The breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains create a romantic atmosphere that's hard to beat. One of the standout features of Villa Monastero is the option for a private boat tour. Being able to take a leisurely cruise on the serene waters of Lake Como is an experience like no other. It adds an extra layer of luxury and exclusivity to any wedding celebration. The staff at Villa Monastero are incredibly accommodating and attentive, ensuring that every detail of your special day is taken care of. They go above and beyond to make your wedding dreams come true. If you're looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, historic charm, and the romance of Lake Como, look no further than Villa Monastero. It's a dream location for weddings, and I can't give it anything less than a 5-star rating.

The botanical gardens here is magical. Great place for a walk through the vibrant and beautiful gardens of Villa Monastero. Also a great spot for a lot of photo shoots. It is worth every “penny”. Definitely coming back during the summer months for a different aesthetic scenery.

The villa galleries are spread across two floors , it's more attractive to walk around the garden and some specific points where photos are really good. Only worth going inside the villa if your not going to cover any aristocratic residence in your trip. But the garden ticket is worth taking for the specific photo angle's. There's a specific window on the upper floor gallery which offers a good view too. About 20mins walk from the train station.

One of the most beautiful villas in the whole of Varenna. Some key details - garden closes at 6 - villa museum closes at 5:30 Garden is around 2km in length with much to see so give yourself 1.5-2hours. However; For the contemplative and reflective persons; give yourself 3 hours and sit quietly to enjoy the serene and thought provoking scenery. The garden walk has many great architectural pieces, unique plants, and water features. Likely you will have to queue to take photos but it is worth waiting.

Only went to the outdoor gardens and it was beautiful and stretches very long. It took us almost 1.5 hours just walking to and fro the gardens and taking photos. Many photos worthy spots around the garden. Didn't had the chance to visit villa balbaniello but was very satisfied with Monastero. Definitely a must visit in Varenna!

Very nice villa and garden, you can have a ticket for garden only (10€) or both. Villa from the inside is nice but not that big Garden is very nice, you can find all kinds of citrus trees Visited in October