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Italy
Lombardy
Lake Como
Varenna
Things to Do in Varenna
Villa Monastero
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Villa Monastero

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See all things to do
Villa Monastero
4.5
Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Villa Monastero
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
193 within 3 miles
Il Cavatappi
928
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
Al Prato
1,117
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Gelateria Riva di Riva Duilio
432
0.3 mi$ • Dessert • Vegetarian Friendly
Ristorante Du Lac
286
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Osteria Quatro Pass
1,018
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Varenna Caffè Bistrot
1,106
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • European
Victoria Grill
446
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Seafood
Ristorante La Vista
651
0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Varenna Mon Amour
736
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Ristorante Borgovino
573
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
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Attractions
150 within 6 miles
Il Giardino Botanico - Hotel Villa Cipressi
265
0.2 miGardens
Castello di Vezio
1,056
0.2 miCastles
Chiesa di San Giorgio
200
0.3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Paul DEMARIA - The Open Lake & Landscape Studio d’Arte
75
0.3 miArt Galleries
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
93
0.3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Ufficio Turistico Di Varenna
3
0.2 miVisitor Centers
Museo Ornitologico Luigi Scanagatta
10
0.2 miScience Museums
Green Way dei Patriarchi
161
0.4 miScenic Walking Areas
Sentiero del Viandante
317
0.4 miHiking Trails
La Passeggiata Degli Innamorati
51
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,411 reviews
Excellent
844
Very good
461
Average
90
Poor
10
Terrible
6
Escape from Reality
Kent, UK96 contributions
An absolute must see
Aug 2022 • Family
An absolute must see, although aia enjoyed it a little more than my young children (7 and 8 years) it was a welcome change from the beach, boats and pool.

If you’re visiting Varenna, Villa Monastero is a must! It’s a 10 minute walk from the ferry dock or if you’re driving there is a multi-storey car park opposite, however be warned the car park is VERY narrow and gets VERY busy so I’d get there early.

Villa Monastero is beautiful, we paid for a Garden and House ticket for a family of 4 and it was 31.20EURO. The whole visit took us around 2.5 hours and we had a drink in the cafe too overlooking the lake.

I would 100% recommend a visit if you’re looking to experience the beautiful of one of Lake Como’s most popular villas, giving you a wonderful insight in to their inner beauty.

I hope this review is helpful, happy exploring
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jerseybean26
Jersey, UK3,954 contributions
Beautiful
Jul 2022 • Couples
We got there just after it opened which was a good move as when we left, around mid day, there was a long queue to enter. Beautiful grounds, not too formal with stunning lake views. €8 for the garden or €10 for the garden and house (they offer a senior discount for those 65+)

We strolled for about 1:5 hours. There is a cafe.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Suresh C
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States941 contributions
Varenna - an highlight of Lake Como
Aug 2022
From Bellagio, we took a ferry to reach Varenna. View of the place from the ferry is very beautiful. After a walk of around 10 minutes or so over a pathway built, crossing few shops and streets - took us to Villa Monastero. Pathway to this place itself had a nice to stand in little beach. Place provides some excellent photo perfect opportunities. Cafe and a Rest room are available. We wanted to go up the hill to get view of Varenna and Lake Como - but the heat was too much for us who have come from UK. So made the trip short and returned back to Bellagio. There was one parking lot next to this place, but it was full - so lot of confused car travellers around the place, best to avoid travelling by car to this place.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cannonfodder_12
Cambridge, UK142 contributions
Tired and strangely unkempt, perhaps reflecting time of year
Sep 2022 • Couples
Note that we went wound the garden at the end of September, clearly after several flowering plants we past their best.

Find it odd this garden is so highly rated though. Although the structure is beautiful the underplanting is poor and getting dishevelled. Paths made from crazy paving are incomplete and the place has an overall look of being in need for some TLC. Nowhere near as well kept as Villa del Balbianello across the water (although that's very much not a flow garden)

Written September 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leslie C.
8 contributions
A garden not to be forgotten
Sep 2020
I've seen many a garden, botanical and otherwise, but this must be the most beautiful of all. The location alone, just above Lake Como with the mountains in the background and the exquisitely landscaped terrain leaves an unforgettable impression. Even the stone wall framing the garden is a work of art. The garden winds it's way along the shore of the lake, offering one outlook more captivating than the other. This is romantic Italy at its finest.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sally
3 contributions
Rude customer service in cafe
Jun 2022
Ok villa if already in Varenna. Staff at ticketing good but lady in cafe shouts at customers. We ran in requesting couple of paper napkins after bird pooped on daughter's shirt. She screamed that only 1 paper napkin, and that they are too expensive. We left without a single napkin and even asked her how much does she want paid for a paper napkin. Cleaned up shirt after we got napkins from a restroom.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Studio9
Las Vegas, NV145 contributions
Beautiful, Quiet, Peaceful
Jun 2022
Beautiful garden grounds on the side of Lake Como; many varieties of trees and shrubbery. We spent about 1.5 hours enjoying the neatly kept grounds and just drinking in the ambiance. Lots of photo opportunities here!
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katie
Winchester, UK7 contributions
Could have been a lot nicer
Aug 2020 • Couples
For the price we paid for the entry to the garden we couldn’t have expected a lot. We didn’t enter the villa monastero itself, however we were almost disappointed by the garden. If it hadn’t been for the beautiful weather and views it wouldn’t have been worth the while. The garden had barely any flowers in bloom and it all seemed a little run down. Also seemed like it hadn’t been watered in a while. If we returned to Varenna, I would go again in hopes that we’d be a little more lucky in how the garden was presented. It had the potential to be a stunning area.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniele
Richmond, TX5 contributions
Great for pictures! Amazing views!
Aug 2022 • Family
Must see if you are in Varenna. Amazing views, beautiful gardens. Quick walk to it from main square since the town is so tiny. We fell in love with Varenna / Lake Como area.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peg S
Granby, Massachusetts, United States56 contributions
Lovely gardens in Varenna,Lake Como, Italy
Sep 2022 • Family
Beautiful gardens on the shore of Lake Como. Peaceful to walk the area and stop for a cup cappuccino.
Pleasant to watch the boat traffic on the lake, and stop for pictures.
A lovely area for the newlyweds and their photographers.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Villa Monastero (Varenna) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Monastero
We recommend booking Villa Monastero tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Villa Monastero tours on Tripadvisor