Villa Melzi Gardens Bellagio Lake Como
Stunning botanical gardens on Lake Como, featuring classical sculptures, diverse flora, and elegant lakeside promenades.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Villa Melzi Gardens Bellagio Lake Como
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stunning botanical gardens on Lake Como, featuring classical sculptures, diverse flora, and elegant lakeside promenades.
"The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and so well cared for. Everywhere you look, there’s beautiful greenery."
🚶♀️ Leisurely Stroll
Take your time to explore every path; hidden gems await!
💰 Budget Hack: Stay Here!
Agriturismo La Derta offers free garden access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lakeside Promenade
Along the Lake Como shore
Stroll along the water's edge, enjoying serene views and the gentle lapping of waves. A truly romantic experience.
+1
Botanical Diversity
Throughout the gardens
Discover an incredible variety of trees, vibrant flowers, and meticulously maintained greenery. A feast for the senses.
Classical Sculptures
Scattered throughout the grounds
Elegant statues and classical art pieces are artfully placed, adding a timeless charm to the landscape.
Neoclassical Villa
Central part of the estate
Admire the elegant architecture of the villa itself, a beautiful centerpiece to the stunning gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Budget-Friendly Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Leisurely Stroll
Take your time to explore every path; hidden gems await!
💰 Budget Hack: Stay Here!
Agriturismo La Derta offers free garden access. +1
📸 Perfect Photo Spots
Lakeside views and garden corners offer stunning backdrops.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Leisurely Stroll
Take your time to explore every path; hidden gems await!
💰 Budget Hack: Stay Here!
Agriturismo La Derta offers free garden access. +1
📸 Perfect Photo Spots
Lakeside views and garden corners offer stunning backdrops.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied paths.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Villa Melzi Gardens for their immaculate beauty, serene atmosphere, and stunning lakeside views. The meticulous care of the botanical variety, classical sculptures, and elegant pathways creates a peaceful retreat. While some find the main villa less accessible, the overall experience of the grounds is highly valued and considered well worth the entrance fee.
"This place is mesmerizing. Happy by just walking around the garden and taking few pictures. There are two exits. You can go out and return by asking the staff to stamp on your wrist.
There’s entrance near the port, very easy to walk to this place.
We did not buy the ticket in advance since we saw the notice in the booking website that we need to be in line to get ticket anyway. Luckily, there was no queue, I believe because we visited during weekday in the afternoon (Oct 6). Not too many people there. Recommend!"
Kamolrat Churut
"Beautiful place for a 45-60 minute walk, to have the full experience. Nice walking paths along the garden with various plants and trees. All this goes along the Como lake waterfront."
Adrian Geva
"It’s a very beautiful garden right on the lake. I don’t mind paying 10€ just to walk through the park because it does take some work to maintain the garden.
It’s a nice place, there’s a museum too. However you cannot enter the main villa and it’s just not that amazing overall. It’s still a great place to be away from the touristy centro of Bellagio"
K C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Villa Melzi Gardens are a short, pleasant walk from the Bellagio ferry terminal and bus stop. Follow the signs along the lakefront.
Yes, you can take a train from Milan to Varenna-Esino, then a 15-minute ferry to Bellagio. The gardens are a short walk from there.
Parking in Bellagio can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or walk if staying in town.
The most popular route is a train from Milan Centrale to Varenna-Esino, followed by a ferry to Bellagio.
While buses serve Bellagio, the gardens are best accessed by a short walk from the main town area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around €8-€10 per person.
Yes, staying at Agriturismo La Derta offers complimentary access to the gardens. +1
The gardens are generally open daily from spring through autumn, typically from around 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, but it's best to check the official website for current hours.
Advance booking is usually not required, especially if visiting on a weekday. You can purchase tickets at the entrance.
Visitors can typically explore the grounds and gardens, but access to the main villa building itself is usually restricted.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The lakeside promenade, the classical statues, and the vibrant flower beds offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! The serene atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and elegant design make it perfect for couples.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to leisurely explore the gardens and enjoy the views.
Yes, there's a small museum and chapel on the grounds that offer historical context.
The gardens are a popular and beautiful spot for proposals, offering a romantic and picturesque setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the gardens themselves, but Bellagio town offers numerous dining options.
Picnicking is generally not permitted within the manicured gardens to preserve their condition.
Bellagio's main street and lakeside promenade are lined with cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine.
Expect a range of trattorias, pizzerias, and more upscale restaurants serving Italian specialties.
Definitely! Enjoying regional dishes is a key part of the Lake Como experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific play areas, the sheer beauty and the chance to spot different trees and flowers can be an adventure in itself. Pack some snacks and water, and enjoy a peaceful outing away from the bustling town center.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid potential weekend crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. Bringing your own water and snacks can also help save money, as dining options directly within the gardens are limited.
💖 Couples & Romantics
+1Strolling hand-in-hand along the promenade, finding quiet spots to sit and admire the scenery, or even capturing memorable proposal photos make this a perfect destination for romantic moments. The elegance of the gardens provides a timeless backdrop for any couple's visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens: A Botanical Journey
The design emphasizes a naturalistic style, yet with a clear sense of order and elegance. Key features include a picturesque Japanese garden, a charming orangery, and a small chapel. The proximity to Lake Como enhances the experience, with many paths offering breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains. It's a place where every turn reveals a new vista, making it a truly immersive experience for nature lovers.
Many visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere as a major draw, providing a welcome respite from the busier parts of Bellagio. The gardens are a testament to the dedication of their caretakers, ensuring a consistently beautiful and tranquil environment for all who visit.
Getting to Villa Melzi: Travel Tips
For those arriving from further afield, like Milan, the journey typically involves a train ride to Varenna-Esino station. From Varenna, a frequent and scenic ferry service connects you directly to Bellagio in about 15 minutes. This combination of train and ferry is a popular and enjoyable way to experience the beauty of Lake Como.
While parking is available in Bellagio, it can be limited and costly. Therefore, utilizing public transport and enjoying the walk to the gardens is often the most practical and pleasant approach, allowing you to soak in the lakeside atmosphere from the moment you arrive.
A Note on the Villa Itself
It's important to note that access to the interior of the main villa is typically restricted for visitors. The focus of the visit is on exploring the expansive and meticulously maintained grounds. However, the villa's exterior presence adds to the overall grandeur and historical context of the estate.
Within the grounds, you might also find a small museum and a chapel, offering glimpses into the history and art associated with the villa and its former inhabitants. These elements contribute to the rich tapestry of the Villa Melzi experience.
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