Italy is a country filled with breathtaking destinations, but Lake Como is quite literally something out of a fairytale. This enchanting region of northern Italy is home to charming towns, opulent villas, and one of the most stunning lakes in the world. And if you’re looking for the most dreamy villa of them all, look no further than Villa Lario.
Villa Lario is located in the serene village of Pognana Lario, which extends from the shore of the lake to Monte Preala. While it sits slightly apart from the more tourist-heavy spots like Bellagio, its secluded charm makes it the ideal setting for an unforgettable getaway. A few summers ago, I had the privilege of staying at Villa Lario during a two-week journey through Italy, and I can confidently say—it redefines luxury and is, without a doubt, the most outstanding property I’ve ever stayed on. When it comes to planning a trip to Lake Como, there are so many villas to choose from, but if you want to truly experience Lake Como and create memories of a lifetime, then Villa Lario is the place to do it.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about staying at Villa Lario, from its world-class amenities to the unparalleled tranquility it offers. Trust me—once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave.
For Other Posts on Italy, Read one of these next:
- The Ultimate First-Timers Guide to Visiting Florence, Italy
- Three Amazing Day Trips from Florence, Italy
- A Perfect First-Timers Guide to Visiting Milan, Italy
Getting to Villa Lario
I’ll be the first to admit—Villa Lario isn’t the easiest place to get to. But trust me, the journey is more than worth it. While your route will depend on where you’re coming from, Milan is the most common starting point since it’s the closest major city to Lake Como, just about an hour away.
Fortunately, Italy’s train system makes getting around incredibly convenient. To reach Villa Lario, you’ll first take a train from Milan to Como San Giovanni, one of the two main train stations in the Lake Como area. Make sure to book your ticket to the correct station—Como San Giovanni—rather than Como Nord Lago. I highly recommend using Omio, a super convenient app that allows you to book and store your train tickets right on your phone.
Once you arrive in Como, you have two main options for reaching Villa Lario, which is about 30 minutes away:
- By Bus: The C30 and C32 buses depart from the station and stop at Pognana Via Statale 21, just a one-minute walk from Villa Lario. Since bus schedules can change, be sure to check the latest timetable before heading out
- By Taxi: If you prefer a more direct route, a taxi is the way to go. However, Como San Giovanni isn’t a large or busy station, so taxis can be hard to come by. I highly recommend arranging a transfer through Villa Lario in advance to avoid long waits. Just keep in mind that a taxi ride will set you back around €70
Book your stay at Villa Lario here.
The Property of Villa Lario
Arriving at Villa Lario feels like stepping straight into a dream. From the moment you set foot on the property, you’re greeted with breathtaking views—towering mountains rising dramatically in the distance, the shimmering blue waters of Lake Como stretching endlessly before you. It’s the kind of place that instantly transports you, where luxury and tranquility go hand in hand. And from the moment you check-in, you’ll feel like every detail has been thoughtfully curated for an unforgettable stay.
Spread across two acres of lush, manicured Italian gardens, Villa Lario is an exclusive retreat offering four distinct residences, each with its own charm. The historic Il Palazzo, a stunning 19th-century lakeside villa, is home to seven beautifully appointed suites, including the lavish Penthouse. We had the pleasure of staying here and our suite was nothing short of spectacular—a private balcony overlooking the lake, a luxurious soaking tub, and thoughtful details that exude elegance.
For those craving ultimate seclusion, The Pavilion is a private two-bedroom villa perched on a cliff. And then there’s the Garden Suite, tucked away in the estate’s lush greenery, which provides an intimate and peaceful escape.
And then there’s Villa Bianca, the heart of the property. This elegant residence features four suites, two of which are spacious double suites, perfect for indulging in comfort and relaxation. The ground floor of Villa Bianca also houses the estate’s restaurant, bar, and common area, which is an extremely elegant, luxurious space perfect for relaxing and unwinding. We loved spending our early evenings here drinking wine and enjoying the incredible views.
Book your stay at Villa Lario here.
Luxurious Amenities: Pool, Gardens & Dining
Beyond Villa Lario’s stunning accommodations, the property offers a wealth of world-class amenities designed to make every moment feel magical.
One of the crown jewels of Villa Lario is its 20-meter infinity pool, which seamlessly blends into the breathtaking landscape of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Lounging by the pool is an experience in itself, with plush sunbeds, impeccable service, and handcrafted cocktails delivered right to your chair. This is the perfect place to spend the day, sipping an Aperol Spritz and enjoying a delicious poolside lunch.
If you’d like something a bit more tranquil, the historic gardens offer a peaceful escape. Overlooking the lake, these beautifully manicured grounds are dotted with cozy seating areas and benches, perfect for reading a good book or simply taking in the views.
And of course, no stay at Villa Lario would be complete without experiencing its extraordinary dining. The on-site restaurant offers a fine dining experience like no other, with dishes crafted from the finest ingredients, exquisite presentation, and bold Italian flavors. From handmade pasta and the freshest seafood to a curated tasting menu and decadent desserts, every bite is unforgettable. Their kitchen offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, a tasting menu, and a poolside menu so you never have to worry about going hungry.
World Class Boat Rides
One of the most magical experiences you can have while staying at Villa Lario is a private boat ride across Lake Como. Villa Lario offers exclusive pontoon boats, which can be reserved ahead of your stay for a seamless, stress-free experience. At your scheduled time, the boat arrives right at the property’s private dock, ready to whisk you away on an unforgettable journey across the lake.
There is simply no better way to experience Lake Como than from the water. You’ll pass by grand, historic villas, charming lakeside towns, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Our knowledgeable captain pointed out famous landmarks along the way, sharing stories and insights that made the experience even more special.
To elevate the journey even further, Villa Lario offers gourmet picnic baskets to take on board, filled with artisan cheeses, cured meats, and a bottle of fine champagne. Nothing quite says “luxury” like sipping champagne while boating around one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Book your stay at Villa Lario here.
Beyond The Property
While Villa Lario offers everything you need for a perfect stay, venturing beyond the property reveals some of Lake Como’s most enchanting destinations. Whether you’re looking to explore charming villages, historic landmarks, or scenic trails, there’s no shortage of incredible places to discover.
One of the most iconic destinations is Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Just a 30-minute drive from Villa Lario, this picturesque town is an absolute must-visit. The hotel can easily arrange a taxi for you, making the journey seamless. Here, you can wander through narrow, cobbled alleyways lined with boutique shops and inviting cafés. The lakefront promenade offers spectacular views, and there’s no shortage of incredible restaurants. Bellagio truly feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
For a different perspective of Lake Como, consider taking a scenic ferry ride to explore other nearby towns such as Varenna and Menaggio. Varenna, a quaint and romantic lakeside village, is known for its colorful buildings, peaceful gardens, and the stunning Villa Monastero, where you can stroll through lush botanical gardens with panoramic lake views. Menaggio, on the other hand, is perfect for those who enjoy leisurely lakeside walks and a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re a history lover, a visit to Villa del Balbianello is a must. This breathtaking 18th-century villa, perched on a wooded peninsula, boasts magnificent terraced gardens and sweeping lake views. It’s also a famous filming location, featured in movies like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II.
Enjoy Your Time at Villa Lario
A stay at Villa Lario is nothing short of extraordinary. From the elegantly designed suites and breathtaking lake views to the serene infinity pool and world-class dining, every detail is absolute perfection. I hope this post has inspired you to experience Villa Lario for yourself one day. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and as always, happy travels!
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