16 of the best Lake Como villas to rent
There’s arguably no better way to experience the beauty of Italy's Lombardy region than from the balcony or master suite of one of Lake Como's most impressive villas. Settling into a home you can make your own, even if just for a night or two, can elevate a holiday and allow you to see a place through the eyes of those that live there. Bellisimo. Whether you want traditional Italian grandeur or modernity and floor to ceiling glass windows (all the better to see you with, landscape) there’s a villa to suit. From the romantic to the outlandish, the quaint to the expansive, these are our favourite villas and Airbnbs in Lake Como. Each is chosen for its aesthetic, charm and – importantly – location, to ensure your stay in one of Italy’s most picturesque destinations is as idyllic as you imagined.
More recommendations for where to stay in Italy:
Breakwater Bellagio, Lake Como
If a lakeside location is your MO, then this Bellagio-based villa should be a high contender. It’s positioned on the waterfront and just a one-minute walk from the lake itself, so daily toe-dips are par for the cause. Inside, 7 suites, all overlooking the landscape, make serenity a byproduct of waking up. It’s fully staffed with a chef and a butler, so guests should want for nothing throughout their stay, enjoying the service of a hotel in the privacy of an individual home. It sleeps up to 14 guests and has its own infinity pool, an on-site spa and a cinema room, which makes off-season stays all the more tempting. Sarah Leigh Bannerman
Serena EllerVilla Felicita, Lake Como
If architectural and interior ‘wow factor’ is what you’re looking for, then perhaps Villa Felicita is where the search begins and ends. The pink stone and traditional facade capture Lake Como’s time-tested elegance, but inside, it celebrates contemporary design and modern home comforts. The property is home to no less than eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms and comes kitted out with design-focused yet comfortable furniture (we love the rounded bedframes and black and white striped armchair). There’s an indoor swimming pool with panoramic views across the lake, a dedicated fitness space, a private tennis court and a barbeque in the garden, so you don’t have to leave to dine al fresco. Book a private chef to indulge in Italian locality. Sarah Leigh Bannerman
Villa Osee, Lake Como
Some of Lake Como’s buildings are impressive, and this Airbnb is one of them. Externally, it looks like something from a film set, with its angular infinity pool, glass balcony and identical sunloungers. Inside, it’s comfortable enough to really make yourself at home. Five bedrooms (four with views of the lake) and five bathrooms make it the ideal size for 10 guests, who can enjoy the indoor sauna and gym facilities by day and the sunset across the water by night. If the setting itself wasn’t enough, additional services including food deliveries, cooking classes, spa treatments and boat tours of the lake, can be booked through the property hosts. Sarah Leigh Bannerman
Villa Torre, Lake Como
Villa Della Torre sleeps up to twelve guests, so however you want to split it – by couples, groups of friends, kids vs adults, or by adding in multigenerational family members – there’s enough space for a whole host of people in one space. Its view is the star of the show, as the pool overlooks the lake itself, but inside is just a step behind in terms of impressiveness. Interiors are clean, modern and thoughtful, with architecture that maximises the location: expansive windows celebrate the surrounding scenery, and a large dining area makes staying in for meal times a pleasure. The property has a garden, but the shore of the lake is just a short walk away, so be sure to dip your toes in the water for the main reason you came to Como. Sarah Leigh Bannerman
Cute stone cottage
Lake Como
Is this the most quintessentially Italian cottage on Lake Como? Quite possibly, with its old stone walls, mature olive trees and quaint wooden beams stretching across the ceilings. The interiors couldn’t be cosier, providing the perfect complement to the dreamy garden views over the mountains. Sopravilla is a sleepy village ripe for a restorative getaway, with romantic bijou restaurants, golden beaches and plenty of pretty walks – a stay here has been described as ‘an absolute joy’ by happy guests.
Sleeps: Two
Price: from around £108 per night, with a two-night minimum
Villa Del Torre
Rezzonico
Whether you’re pottering through this villa’s expansive interior spaces or heading out to the grounds, beauty abounds from every angle. Spacious rooms with huge windows allow plenty of light to spill in while maximising the stunning views over sparkling waters and the mountains beyond. There’s a huge kitchen diner space for convivial suppertimes, five bedrooms all appointed in impeccable Italian style and the real showstopper: a gorgeous, expansive terrace topped off with a deep aquamarine pool and a barbecue. There’s a private Mediterranean garden and a twee grapevine-weaved balcony for leisurely morning coffees. Amble into town to find a clutch of excellent local amenities, including a buzzy pizzeria, a local shop and, of course, the shores of the lake itself.
Sleeps: 12
Price: Spend and minimum stay dependent on dates
Como Crystal
Lake Como
Old and new come together beautifully in this impressive home, a stone’s throw from Como’s vibrant centre. Double height frescoed ceilings, ornate mouldings and original deep wooden beamed ceilings jostle up against smart, sparsely-chosen modern furniture, glossy concrete floors and spa-worthy bathrooms, making a pleasingly interesting finish that showcases the best of Italian design through the ages. You’re just a short walk from the harbour, where you can jump on the ferry for day trips to the likes of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, or head out into the hills for a day soaking up the views atop the area's beautiful mountain ranges.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From around £550 per night, with a two-night minimum
Ramona BalabanVilla Torno
Torno
Follow the narrow twisting road through the ancient quarry lining this bank of Lake Como, and soon Villa Torno will come into view. The track is steep, but you’ll be rewarded with blissful peace and quiet, a front-row seat to the area’s ferocious sunsets, and a newly renovated bolthole to call your own for the weekend. With respect to the area’s stonemasonry roots, the villa’s original structure and materials have been maintained wherever possible, resulting in a careful balance of modern luxury and historical quirks. Befitting the stylish hosts (both fashion types, one a former model and the other with a CV boasting Versace and Jil Sander), the interiors are tasteful and refined, with huge windows adding grandeur and original wooden beams bringing the cosiness. In the basement, a sauna has been carved out of the rocks, and on the terrace, a new outdoor pool replete with jacuzzi jets invites you to take a few leisurely laps.
Price: From around £2,154 per night, with a three-night minimum
Sleeps: Six
La Foleia
Revislate
In Latin, ‘foleia’ translates to ‘folly’, and the story behind this abode could be seen as a little bonkers – certainly ambitious, at least. The owners had a vision for this one-time thickly forested area: two villas, each with its own charms, facing each other across a lake. Yes, that meant pumping the lake themselves, not to mention clearing the trees, but the results are glorious. In this villa (see this listing for the other), floor-to-ceiling windows open directly out onto the lake and a view that’s nearly impossibly lovely. Inside is as chic as can be, with a grand fireplace, neoclassical frescoes and elegant statues adorning each stylish corner (there are eight to admire, thanks to the home’s unusual octagonal shape). If madness is a leisurely row across a glassy private lake, followed by a chef-prepared breakfast on the terrace and a dip in a heated pool, sign us up.
Price: From around £711 per night
Sleeps: Four
Andrea ButtiSuite Lorodellago Como
Como
A lot of luxury hotels and guesthouses have bathtubs in the bedroom. But this elegant Como suite goes one better. Step into the sleeping quarters – which have sweeping marble floors that carry through into the kitchen and ultra-serene bathroom, along with a gold king-sized four-poster bed – and you’ll find a jacuzzi instead. It’s unabashed luxury, dimly lit and sophisticated, where two can happily cocoon themselves away from the world after a day enjoying Como’s sights. There’s a quiet private terrace at the back for breakfasts al fresco, and a sauna, too.
Price: From around £267 per night, with a two-night minimum
Sleeps: Two
Villa Monti
Varenna
Picture yourself, sitting on the traditional liberty villa terrace, watching the sun rise over Lake Como. This gem of an apartment brings your dream to life, with its gorgeous outdoor space made for soaking in the surroundings. The apartment has access to a shared outdoor pool and stunning garden and is cosy enough for two or three people to feel at home. In terms of classic Italian views, it doesn't get much better.
Sleeps: Three
Price: From £290 a night, minimum two-night stay
Pool villa
Sala Comacina
Picture yourself stepping into a pool overlooking Lake Como. Sounds perfect, right? This stunning villa lets you live the dream, with an infinity pool the length of the property ready to invite you in. Inside is a minimalist’s dream, with a large dining table overlooking the terrace, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Most of the five bedrooms have outdoor access and take advantage of the view with floor-to-ceiling windows. And, should you wish to leave the property, the restaurant Lido di Lenno nearby is one of the most sought-after tables in the area.
Sleeps: 12
Price: From £1,705 a night, minimum three-night stay
Apartment in the town
Bellagio
You can have the best of both worlds with this Airbnb option; a town centre apartment upon the lake. The small, one-bedroom option is located on a whimsical street in Bellagio, surrounded by shops and restaurants, while the lake is just a few minutes walk away. There’s a boat stop nearby, so you can easily explore the lake, making this an ideal place for those who don’t wish to hire a car on their trip. Inside, the apartment is fun and colourful in the living area, but calm and collected in the bedroom.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From £129 a night, minimum two-night stay
Fashion villa
Laglio
Owned by an Italian fashion designer (although exactly who is a secret), this 19th-century villa is a must for stylish types. Everything from the calming interiors to the stunning terrace and outdoor pool is aesthetically pleasing, and settling down by the fish pond is a perfect way to spend the afternoon. With enough room for eight guests, it’s a great place to grab a bunch of friends or family and live the dream, if only for a little while.
Sleeps: Eight
Price: From £1,734 a night, minimum seven-night stay
Stylish villa
Menaggio
If a style is at the forefront of your mind when booking a stay, this bold villa might take your fancy. The shared building, which has a stunning outdoor pool, is gorgeous on the outside, but quirky inside. Expect bold artwork, colourful velvet sofas and a general maximalist vibe that’s refreshingly different to a lot of what’s on offer nearby. With three living rooms, four bedrooms, a dining room and a large kitchen, this makes for a memorable getaway if you’re travelling with a bunch of friends.
Sleeps: Eight
Price: From £860 a night, minimum five-night stay
Former ice house
Como
Those who favour unique stays will be taken by this former ice house, which has been transformed into an apartment but maintains all of its bare brick charms. The split-level property has a mezzanine complete with curved furniture to complement the circular home, while the bedroom area is cosy and welcoming. Located within the town of Como, you can reach the lakeside in minutes – from there, you’ll be able to catch a boat or ferry and explore the surrounding towns.
Sleeps: Up to four
Price: From £138 a night, minimum two-night stay
Mountain villa
Givenna
If views are your main priority, you might appreciate being up in the mountains, where you can get a slightly better view of the lake from a distance – plus a cooler breeze on sweltering summer nights. This private villa comes with its pool, sauna and hot tub, plus six bedrooms, living room, kitchen and dining room. The highlight, though, is the perfect location. The lakeside offers views along its entire length while the other side of the property faces a cedar forest and garden terrace. What could be more relaxing?
Sleeps: 12-13
Price: From £1,336 a night
Petrina TinslayLuxury lake villa
Pigra
If you’re looking to really splash out, Villa Peduzzi has everything you could want from a lakeside villa; total privacy, mind-blowing views and luxury features. The villa itself was built in the early 20th century, and while interiors are now thoroughly modern, some features – such as ceiling frescoes – still remain. While the interiors are luxurious and spacious, the main feature here is the infinity pool and terrace, which has a 180-degree view of Lake Como. Surely there's no better place to enjoy a sunset dinner?
Sleeps: 14-16
Price: From £5,406 a night
Garden villa among the olive groves
Lenno
This classic Italian stone villa is set along the riverbank, with direct access to the water via its own private gate. The large gardens make this property feel particularly spacious, and the nearby olive groves only add to the romance of the place. Interiors are a mixture of traditional and fun; think vaulted ceilings with dark wooden beams among brightly-painted walls. As with the exterior, there’s plenty of space – three bedrooms, two bathrooms and huge kitchen and living areas make this an ideal choice for families.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From £816 a night
Bronwyn KnightVilla Lario
