Things to Do at Villa Carlotta

Complete Guide to Villa Carlotta in Lake Como

About Villa Carlotta

Admission: 3 euros (). Photography is permitted in designated areas only. Local tour guides are available near the main entrance.

What to See & Do

Canova Sculptures

The villa houses several masterpieces by Antonio Canova, including his final work 'The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet' - genuinely moving stuff that's worth the visit alone

Botanical Gardens

14 acres of terraced gardens with over 500 plant species, including ancient camellias and rhododendrons that create an almost overwhelming riot of color in spring

Villa's Art Collection

Romantic period paintings and period furniture that give you a real sense of 19th-century aristocratic life, displayed in elegantly preserved rooms

Lake Views and Terraces

Multiple vantage points throughout the gardens offer those postcard-perfect Lake Como views, with Bellagio visible across the water

Bamboo Garden

A surprisingly exotic section with towering bamboo groves and ferns that feels almost tropical - quite different from the formal Italian gardens

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily 9am-6pm from mid-March through October, with shorter hours (10am-5pm) in shoulder seasons. Closed November through mid-March, which is worth noting if you're planning a winter visit.

Tickets & Pricing

Adults around €10-12, with discounts for students and seniors. You can buy tickets at the entrance, though online booking might save you time during peak season. The ticket includes both villa and gardens.

Best Time to Visit

Late April to early May for the azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom, though the gardens are lovely through summer. Early morning or late afternoon tend to be less crowded and offer better light for photos.

Suggested Duration

Plan on 2-3 hours to see both villa and gardens properly, though you could easily spend longer if you're really into gardens or want to sketch/photograph extensively.

Getting There

Villa Carlotta is in Tremezzo, which you'll likely reach by ferry from other Lake Como towns - it's actually one of the more pleasant ways to arrive. The Tremezzo ferry stop is just a short walk from the villa entrance. If you're driving, there's parking available but it fills up quickly in peak season. From Milan, you can take a train to Como and then connect by ferry, or drive directly in about 90 minutes. The villa is well-signposted from the main lakeside road, so you won't have trouble finding it.

Things to Do Nearby

Villa del Balbianello
Another spectacular villa and garden combo in nearby Lenno, famous for its movie appearances and dramatic cypress-lined terraces

Bellagio
The 'Pearl of Lake Como' directly across the water, reachable by a short ferry ride and perfect for lunch or an afternoon stroll

Menaggio
A charming lakeside town just north of Tremezzo with good restaurants and a pleasant promenade for evening walks

Villa Monastero
Another garden villa in nearby Varenna with a kilometer-long botanical garden that hugs the lakeshore

Isola Comacina
Lake Como's only island, accessible by boat from Tremezzo, with archaeological ruins and a famous restaurant serving medieval-style feasts

Tips & Advice

Visit in late morning after the tour groups have moved on but before the afternoon crowds arrive - around 11am tends to be a sweet spot

Bring a camera with a decent zoom lens for those lake views, and don't forget to look back at the villa from the lower garden terraces

The gardens can involve quite a bit of walking on slopes and stairs, so wear comfortable shoes - those elegant Italian leather loafers might not be the best choice

Consider combining your visit with lunch in Tremezzo or a ferry ride to Bellagio - the ferry schedule actually works well with typical villa visiting times