Lake Como (Lago di Como) is Italy's third-largest lake and one of its most picturesque. Surrounded by lush mountains, charming villages and opulent villas, the lake has been a favourite holiday destination for the nobles and celebrities for centuries. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the ever-changing colors of the sky while its shores are lined with cypress trees, blooming gardens and historic architecture. Whether you're shooting a romantic engagement session, a prewedding photoshoot or a family portrait, Lake Como offers a diverse range of settings that cater to every style and vision.
Lake Como has long been associated with luxury and exclusivity, making it a desirable destination for high-end clients for prewedding and wedding photoshoots.
Lake Como shooting locations
1) Iconic Villas and Gardens
Lake Como is home to some of the most iconic villas and gardens in Italy, each with its own distinct character and history. These luxurious estates provide a wealth of photographic opportunities, from grand staircases and ornate balconies to manicured lawns and exotic plants.
Villa Monastero is a stunning historic residence located in Varenna. The villa's botanical gardens are a true highlight, stretching along the lakefront and featuring a diverse collection of exotic plants, sculptures, and shaded walkways. The most beautiful part is definitely the varenda that overlooks the lake views. Visitors can stroll through the lush greenery while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
To see the full view of the villa, you can do so at the cliff of the garden of Villa Cipressi (separate entrance just next to Villa Monastero). Another way is to see it from a boat on Lake Como.
Villa del Balbianello: Perhaps the most famous villa on Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello is a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design. Perched on a wooded promontory, the villa offers panoramic views of the lake and the mountains. Its terraced gardens, loggias and ancient trees create a romantic and timeless setting that has been featured in numerous films, including "Star Wars" and "Casino Royale." The access to this villa is limited as it is an isolated villa on a peninsula and relies on a small boat that departs from Lenno.
Villa Carlotta: Located in the town of Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta is renowned for its stunning botanical gardens. With over 70,000 square meters of terraced gardens, the villa boasts a diverse collection of plants, from azaleas and rhododendrons to citrus trees and ferns. The garden's sculptures, fountains and panoramic views of the lake make it a versatile location for a variety of photoshoots.
Villa Melzi: Situated in Bellagio, often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como," Villa Melzi is another gem that offers a picturesque setting for a photoshoot. The villa's English-style gardens are a harmonious blend of natural beauty and artistic design, with winding paths, ornamental ponds and statues that add a touch of elegance to any photo.
2) Charming Towns and Villages
Bellagio: Known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," Bellagio is a picturesque town that sits at the intersection of the lake's three branches. Its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings and waterfront promenades create a quintessentially Italian atmosphere. The town's vibrant energy and stunning views make it an ideal location for a lively and dynamic photoshoot.
Varenna is most conveniently accessed by train from Milan Centrale. With its pastel-coloured houses, quaint fishing boats, and romantic waterfront, Varenna is a favorite among photographers. The town's peaceful and intimate vibe is perfect for capturing tender moments and candid shots. The nearby Villa Monastero, with its lush gardens and historic architecture, adds another layer of beauty to this charming location.
Menaggio is a quieter and smaller town with a lovely lakeside promenade.
Como: The city of Como, located at the southern tip of the lake, offers a mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The city's historic center is home to elegant piazzas, Gothic cathedrals and stylish boutiques, while the lakefront provides a serene escape. It is more far from the typical villa shooting locations.
3) Vintage boat shooting
Vintage boat adds a touch of timeless elegance to your photoshoot and is definitely one of the highlights of shooting at Lake Como.
4) Hotels (for hotel guests only, and subject to availability)
Villa d'Este
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Lake Como Transportation options
Train: Direct trains from Milan Central station stop at Varenna Esino station, which is about 10 minutes' walk from the ferry pier with access to most towns in the surrounding area. Most ferry rides are around 30-50 min.
Drive: The roads accessing the different towns of Lake Como are very winding and narrow. Also, most of the towns have a ZTL (Limited traffic zone) so entry of vehicles is forbidden except for those which have been registered. If you happen to stay in one of the towns, try to enquire with your accomodation and ask for a permit to enter the town, otherwise you may face heavy fines from the government.
Ferry: Most towns near Varenna are served by a ferry. The ferry times vary by season (fewer ferries during low season), and they will only be updated 1-2 months before: https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/tickets-and-timetables-lake-como/
Private transfer: A one-way trip from Milan airport to Varenna can be up to around 200 EUR. It is the most direct and comfortable way of travelling.
Best time to shoot at Lake Como
Villa shooting: If you are planning to do a shooting at one of the villas and not booking a private session there, I highly recommend starting early in the morning at the earliest timeslot. Tourists usually come flocking in after the first 15 minutes after the opening of the villas.
Small towns shooting: Suggest shooting earlier in the morning as the towns become busier later in the morning.
Boat shooting: Lake Como is particularly stunning during golden hour, when the sun casts a warm, golden glow over the landscape. The soft, diffused light creates a dreamy atmosphere that is perfect for capturing intimate moments and romantic couple shots. Sunset is a great time to shoot.
Which season to visit or shoot at Lake Como?
Each season brings its own unique charm to Lake Como:
In spring, the gardens of the villas burst into bloom, creating a colourful and fragrant backdrop. There is a great possibility of shooting with westeria in April.
Summer offers long, sunny days and the opportunity to incorporate water activities into your shoot.
Autumn brings a palette of warm and earthy tones while you can enjoy the tranquility of having fewer crowds.
In winter, the weather becomes more unstable but the light is much softer and flatting, and it is definitely the calmest time of the year for photoshoot.
No matter when you visit, Lake Como offers a fresh and inspiring setting for your photoshoot.
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I'm Teresa, a photographer based in Paris who travels to Italy every year for photoshoots and who knows all the insider tips on exactly where and when to shoot at those pretty spots.
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