A journey through the lake’s lesser-known but enchanting green havens
Lake Como in May is an awakening — not just of color, but of fragrance, silence, and space. While the famous villas and their celebrated gardens begin to attract visitors from around the world, there exists a quieter circuit: hidden gardens, overlooked parks, and green corners that open their petals more discreetly. These places don’t always make it into the travel brochures, but for those who seek a more intimate, reflective experience, they offer something just as precious.
Here’s a journey along Lake Como’s lesser-known green sanctuaries — from Como to the Alto Lario, where nature and memory grow side by side.
Villa del Grumello – Como
Just a short walk north from the city center of Como, following the lakeside promenade past Villa Olmo, you’ll find Villa del Grumello. Unlike the more frequented gardens nearby, this elegant 19th-century estate remains wonderfully calm. Surrounded by terraced gardens overlooking the lake, it offers shaded pathways, blooming roses in May, and a remarkable cedar of Lebanon that dominates the lawn like a wise old guardian. The villa is managed by a cultural foundation and hosts open days, workshops, and literary events — but on a regular spring morning, it’s simply a peaceful green pause above the lake.
Giardino del Merlo – Musso
In the tiny village of Musso, perched on the western shore between Dongo and Cremia, lies one of Lake Como’s true hidden gems: Giardino del Merlo. It’s not a garden in the formal sense — rather, it’s a layered, slightly wild botanical path built in the 1800s, winding up the hill with panoramic terraces, dramatic stone walls, and Mediterranean vegetation climbing toward the sky. Here, you might find fig trees brushing against pine branches, or lavender growing beside ferns. In May, with light filtered through fresh leaves, it feels like a place suspended in time.
Villa Camilla – Dongo
Further up the lake, in the town of Dongo, Villa Camilla sits quietly by the water. The villa itself is home to the local town hall, but its garden is open to the public and almost always empty. Camellias and rhododendrons line the paths, while a soft lawn stretches toward the lake. Children play here in the afternoons, and older locals rest on benches in the shade. It’s not manicured like the grand villas, but it feels lived in — and in that, lies its charm.
Parco di Villa Flecchia – Gravedona
High above Gravedona, almost touching the forest line, Villa Flecchia is known mostly to locals and cultural groups. The garden occasionally opens during exhibitions or art events, but even from the road nearby, you can glimpse its quiet majesty: terraced lawns, old fountains, and irises in bloom among mossy paths. The surrounding landscape is pristine — a backdrop of chestnut woods and mountain silence — and on clear days, the lake glimmers far below like a mirror forgotten among the trees.
Botanical Path of Perledo – above Varenna
From the village of Perledo, perched above Varenna, a simple but delightful botanical path begins. Created with the support of local schools and associations, this route winds through small clearings, olive groves and traditional terraces, with signs explaining local species and herbs. Though not a “garden” in the classical sense, it offers a gentle immersion in Lake Como’s biodiversity. In May, look for wild peonies, rosemary, thyme, and early summer grasses rippling in the breeze. The views toward Bellagio and the Grigne are some of the best on the lake.
Garden of San Giovanni – Bellagio
In the quiet hamlet of San Giovanni, just a short walk from Bellagio’s tourist center, you’ll find a lakeside green space that’s still used mostly by locals. The small harbor, the old church, and the community garden together form a peaceful ensemble. Wisteria climbs over gates, and hydrangeas begin to bloom in May. There’s no formal entrance, no tickets, no souvenir shop — just a place to sit, read, or have a picnic, embraced by the rhythm of local life.
Villa Monastero – The Less Seen Side
While Villa Monastero in Varenna is certainly not a secret, most visitors stay close to the main entrance and the villa itself. Yet the garden stretches for over a kilometer along the lakeside, becoming quieter and more natural as you walk south. In May, the path is bordered by azaleas, citrus trees, and fragrant acacias. If you continue far enough, you’ll reach sections where birdsong overtakes chatter and the scent of damp stone walls carries the coolness of the lake.
Botanical Garden of Villa Olmo and the Lakeside Walk to the Voltiano Temple – Como
While Villa Olmo itself is well known, fewer people take the time to stroll the full stretch of lakeside promenade that connects it to the center of Como. This route, often overlooked in guides, offers one of the most pleasant and flower-rich walks of the season. Along the way, you’ll pass a sequence of historical villas — many of them private, yet visible through elegant gates — each surrounded by blooming gardens. In May, the path becomes a living gallery of color: cascading wisteria, blossoming hydrangeas, climbing roses, and fragrant magnolias all frame the lake view. The botanical section near Villa Olmo includes rare species, palm trees, and shaded corners perfect for a pause. Locals love this route, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light makes the flowers glow and the lake feels almost still.
Why These Gardens Matter
Lake Como has long been associated with grand villas and impeccable gardens — symbols of prestige and elegance. But the lake’s soul also lives in its humbler, quieter corners. In gardens where petals fall freely, where benches lean slightly, and where you might be the only visitor for hours. These are places where time slows down. Where you don’t visit to admire, but to belong.
In May, everything feels new — but here, the newness isn’t loud. It’s in the soft color of young leaves, the scent of earth after rain, the silence between two birds calling across the garden. It’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t announce itself. It waits to be noticed.
Practical Notes
– Many of these gardens are open to the public, but some require advance booking or are only accessible during specific events.
– Villa del Grumello, Villa Camilla, and San Giovanni are freely accessible.
– Check local cultural associations or tourism websites for guided tours or open days, especially for Villa Flecchia.
– The best time for bloom: early to late May, depending on elevation and exposure.
– Bring comfortable shoes, especially for Perledo and Musso: a bit of climbing is part of the experience.
– Respect the quiet of these places: they’re not attractions, but living spaces.
