Nestled majestically on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, Villa Balbianello stands as a testament to eternal beauty and refined elegance. Let me share with you my recent adventure visiting Villa Balbianello on Lake Como. Known for its breathtaking beauty and rich history, this villa is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a taste of Italian elegance.
Table of Contents
1.Getting to Villa Balbianello
Getting to Villa Balbianello was quite an experience. One of the challenges we encountered was finding parking near the villa. With limited parking spaces available, we had to drive around for quite some time before finally finding a spot. This added to the overall time it took for us to begin our visit. We decided to visit on a sunny day, hoping to enjoy the stunning views of the lake and gardens. However, when we arrived, we were greeted by a long line of people waiting to buy tickets. It turned out that the villa only admitted 15 visitors every 15 minutes, and the line was moving slowly. Despite the wait, we were determined to explore this iconic landmark. After waiting in line for almost two hours, we finally managed to purchase tickets. It’s worth noting that tickets can be bought online in advance, a lesson I wish I had learned earlier. Villa Balbianello is incredibly popular, possibly due to its appearance in several films or because the recent rainy days had tempted many to explore it on a sunny day like ours.
2. Exploring the Villa
Once inside, we were captivated by the villa’s beauty. The gardens were meticulously manicured, and every corner seemed to reveal a new picturesque view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Walking through the villa felt like stepping back in time, with each room filled with historical artifacts and stunning artwork. It was built a long time ago, in the 18th century, by a man named Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini. He was a very important person in Italy at that time. Over the years, it changed owners many times until it was eventually bought by an explorer and adventurer named Guido Monzino. He was a big fan of travel and adventure, and he filled the villa with all sorts of treasures he collected from around the world. Nowadays, Villa Balbianello is a popular tourist attraction.
3. Return Journey
After our exploration, we decided to return to our starting point by boat, heading back to the town of Lenno. Tickets for the boat ride can be purchased directly at the villa’s dock, offering a convenient and scenic way to end the visit. Once in Lenno, we had a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring some delicious Italian cuisine. From there, it was just a leisurely 10-minute stroll back to the parking area.
In conclusion, despite the long wait and ticketing challenges, visiting Villa Balbianello was an unforgettable experience. From its stunning architecture to its lush gardens, this villa truly embodies the timeless elegance of Lake Como. If you plan to visit, be sure to book your tickets online in advance to avoid the queues and make the most of your time exploring this enchanting destination.
By the way, don’t forget to check out my guide to Alpine Region of Northern Italy. Creating this map has been a labor of love – it includes top destinations various activities, hidden gems, mesmerizing waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints, among many other treasures.
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
I’ve found it — a real-life Jurassic Park! 🌿🦕
📍Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island, Azores, feels like stepping into another world. Hidden deep within a lush, emerald jungle, these breathtaking waterfalls look straight out of a movie scene.
It’s the kind of place where nature reigns supreme, and you can’t help but feel small in the best possible way.
If there’s one destination you should add to your bucket list, it’s this one. Trust me, you’ll be blown away. 🌍💧
💡Thinking of visiting Flores Island and need some tips?
👉🏼 Great news: My Interactive Guide + Map of Flores Island is officially live! 💫
🔗 Find the link in my bio to start your adventure! 😉
#JurassicPark #Azores #FloresIsland #IslandParadise #HiddenGems #waterfallsofinstagram #ExploreAzores #ScenicViews #NatureAtItsBest #WaterfallHike #DiscoverAzores #TravelGoals2024 #TravelPortugal #BucketListTravel #Açores #Acores #Acoresislands
I’ve found it — a real-life Jurassic Park! 🌿🦕
📍Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island, Azores, feels like stepping into another world. Hidden deep within a lush, emerald jungle, these breathtaking waterfalls look straight out of a movie scene.
It’s the kind of place where nature reigns supreme, and you can’t help but feel small in the best possible way.
If there’s one destination you should add to your bucket list, it’s this one. Trust me, you’ll be blown away. 🌍💧
💡Thinking of visiting Flores Island and need some tips?
👉🏼 Great news: My Interactive Guide + Map of Flores Island is officially live! 💫
🔗 Find the link in my bio to start your adventure! 😉
#JurassicPark #Azores #FloresIsland #IslandParadise #HiddenGems #waterfallsofinstagram #ExploreAzores #ScenicViews #NatureAtItsBest #WaterfallHike #DiscoverAzores #TravelGoals2024 #TravelPortugal #BucketListTravel #Açores #Acores #Acoresislands
