The lakeside paths
The garden runs along the water and the paths follow the shoreline, with the lake on one side and planting on the other. It is largely level, which makes it one of the easiest garden visits on the lake.
Lake Como · Villa and gardens
Giardini di Villa Melzi
An English-style lakeside garden on the Bellagio shore
Photo: LauraPiatti · CC BY-SA 4.0
- TypeVilla and gardens
- WhereLungolario ManzoniSee on map
- OpenClosed for winter; reopens end of March 2027
- PriceEUR 10; children to 11 free
Why go
Why visit Giardini di Villa Melzi
This is the easy, flat garden walk in Bellagio. The official site calls it a harmonious example of the English-style garden, laid out along the lake below the villa in the early 1800s, with paths that run beside the water and under mature trees. It suits an hour or two between ferries, and the ticket covers the museum and the chapel as well.
The villa interior is not open to the public, so the visit is all about the grounds. Dogs are welcome on a lead, and bicycles, scooters and drones are not allowed. The gardens follow a seasonal calendar: the official site announces a winter break and a reopening at the end of March 2027.
Gallery
Giardini di Villa Melzi in photos
Photo: LauraPiatti · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ray in Manila · CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ray in Manila · CC BY 2.0
Photo: Daderot · Public domain
Highlights
What to see at Giardini di Villa Melzi
The planting
Visits can follow botanical points of interest, according to the official site. The English-style layout favours trees and open lawns over formal beds, so the best moments depend on the season.
The museum and the chapel
The ticket includes the museum and the chapel in the grounds. The official site says the Museum and Chapel lack step-free access, but staff can help, and accessible toilets are provided.
Guided tours
The garden offers guided tours and workshops booked by email. Separately, the Bellagio Infopoint advertised winter guided tours of the gardens last season; check whether they repeat this winter.
Practical information
Giardini di Villa Melzi opening hours and tickets
Opening hours
From the official website:
The official site says the gardens are open from March to October and announces a winter break, with a reopening at the end of March 2027. The daily opening hours for 2026 are not shown on the official pages; do not rely on older hours. Last winter the Bellagio Infopoint (not the gardens) advertised guided tours on weekends in November and December and special openings around 8 December and the New Year; the official pages do not yet announce a repeat this winter.
Tickets and prices
Single ticket EUR 10; ticket for two days or more EUR 14; groups of at least 15 EUR 8 per person; school groups EUR 6.50; season pass EUR 50. Children up to 11 are free and need no reservation. Tickets are bought at the entrance and include the museum and the chapel.
Information correct as of November 2026. Hours and fees can change: check on the day before you go.
Getting there
How to get to Giardini di Villa Melzi
From Como centre
By boat or bus from Como to Bellagio, then on foot along the lakefront. The official site says ferries and hydrofoils leave from the Como ferry terminal, about ten minutes' walk from Como train station, and that about 10 buses a day leave from Piazzale della Stazione.
From Milan
Train to Como (Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni, or Ferrovie Nord to Como Nord Lago), then boat or bus to Bellagio. Allow roughly two to three hours; times vary.
By ferry
Navigazione Laghi (navigazionelaghi.it): check Bellagio services, piers and timetable there. A car ferry links Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio-Cadenabbia.
By bus
The official site mentions buses from Piazzale della Stazione in Como; confirm line and times with ASF Autolinee (line C130 Como-Bellagio).
Parking
Near the gardens on Lungolario Manzoni, or in Loppia, a short walk away. The centre of Bellagio is crowded in season.
Step-free access
The official site says almost all areas are accessible to visitors with limited mobility. The museum and chapel have no step-free access, but staff can help, and accessible toilets are available.
Insider tips
Tips for visiting Giardini di Villa Melzi
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1
Check the season first
The gardens are open March to October and are closed for the winter. The official site announces the end of March 2027 for the reopening.
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2
Rules
Dogs are welcome on a lead and owners must clean up. Bicycles, scooters and drones are not allowed. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
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3
Two-day ticket
If you are staying in Bellagio for a couple of days, the two-day ticket costs EUR 14 against EUR 10 for one visit.
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4
The villa stays closed
The villa interior is not open to the public, and the gardens do not host private events such as weddings or parties.
Nearby
Where to eat and stay near Giardini di Villa Melzi
From the Lake Como City Guide, each with its own Holiplanet page. Straight-line distances.
Restaurants nearby
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Restaurant · 2.4 km
Trattoria Baita Belvedere
ReviewsA family-run trattoria in the woods above Bellagio, with a terrace view over the lake and the Prealps and a menu rooted in Lombard tradition.
Discover more → -
Restaurant · 3.8 km
Hosteria del Platano
ReviewsA village osteria above the eastern shore of Lake Como, serving slow, homemade cooking and the lake view from its terrace.
Discover more → -
Restaurant · 4.2 km
La Scarpetta
ReviewsA small family-run pasta place in Varenna where a short menu of fresh handmade pasta is made daily, with sauces meant for the bread.
Discover more → -
Restaurant · 4.3 km
Sottovento Lago di Como
ReviewsA lakefront restaurant in Lierna with a big terrace facing Bellagio, relaxed service and simple, modern cooking built on local ingredients.
Discover more →
Hotels nearby
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Hotel · 1.3 km
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
ReviewsA neoclassical lakeside villa in Bellagio with gardens
View hotel → -
Hotel · 1.3 km
Hotel Il Perlo
ReviewsA family-run hotel on the hillside above Bellagio
View hotel → -
Hotel · 4.2 km
Albergo Lenno
ReviewsA family-run lakefront hotel on the Bay of Venus in Lenno
View hotel → -
Hotel · 4.5 km
Hotel Il Portichetto
ReviewsA scattered hotel in the hill village of Vezio above Varenna
View hotel →
All hotels on the Lake Como map → All things to do on the map →
Questions
Giardini di Villa Melzi FAQ
Is Villa Melzi open?
The gardens are open March to October. The official site announces a winter break and a reopening at the end of March 2027, so they are closed now.
How much is Villa Melzi?
A single ticket is EUR 10 and a two-day ticket EUR 14. Groups of 15 or more pay EUR 8 each, school groups EUR 6.50, and children up to 11 are free. The ticket includes the museum and chapel.
Can you go inside Villa Melzi?
No. The villa interior is not open to the public. You can visit the gardens, the museum and the chapel.
How do you get to Villa Melzi?
It lies on the Bellagio lakefront. From the ferry landing it is a short walk. Drivers can park on Lungolario Manzoni or in Loppia.
Are dogs allowed in Villa Melzi gardens?
Yes, on a lead, and owners must clean up after them. Bicycles, scooters and drones are not allowed.