The Tremezzina stretch of the western shore is the lake’s green heart — a run of gardens, grand hotels and lakeside promenades facing directly across to Bellagio. Its crown jewel is Villa Carlotta, whose botanical gardens erupt with azaleas and rhododendrons each spring.
With the flat, scenic Greenway del Lago walking path threading through the villages, Tremezzo is a lovely, gentler counterpoint to the busier central-lake hubs.
Top things to do in Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta
Explore Villa Carlotta
A grand villa-museum surrounded by one of Italy’s most celebrated botanical gardens — spectacular in April and May when the azaleas bloom.
Walk the Greenway del Lago
An easy, well-marked walking route linking the western-shore villages along old lanes and lakefront paths.
Admire the views to Bellagio
Tremezzo sits directly opposite Bellagio, giving some of the best cross-lake photographs anywhere on Como.
Relax at a belle-époque hotel
The shore is dotted with grand historic hotels — perfect for a lakeside coffee or aperitivo with a view.
Continue to Villa del Balbianello
Nearby Lenno is the jumping-off point for Villa del Balbianello, making it easy to combine the two.
How to get to Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta by boat
- By ferry: Cadenabbia and Tremezzo are served by central-lake ferries, with a car ferry linking Cadenabbia to Bellagio and Varenna.
- By boat tour: Western-shore cruises pass this stretch, and it combines naturally with Villa del Balbianello and Bellagio.
- By car/bus: Buses run the western shore from Como; the lakeside road is scenic but narrow.
- Visit Villa Carlotta in spring for the famous azalea and rhododendron display.
- The Greenway is mostly flat and family-friendly — a great way to see several villages on foot.
- Combine Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello for a garden-lover’s day.
Best boat tours for Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to enjoy Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta and its surroundings from the water:
Shared boat tour from €75 Bellagio Cruise & Villa del Balbianello Gardens (VIP Access)
A rewarding couple of hours on the central lake. You cruise from Bellagio across to the wooded headland of Villa del Balbianello, then get VIP garden access to explore the famous terraces at your own pace — a film location for Star Wars and Casino Royale. Note that garden entry is included (interior museum is not) and the visit is self-guided with a free audio-guide app rather than a live guide.
- Scenic boat cruise from Bellagio to Villa del Balbianello
- VIP skip-the-line access to the terraced gardens
- See the Star Wars and Casino Royale film locations
Catamaran cruise from €125 Lake Como Catamaran Cruise with Aperitif (from Varenna)
A slow, intimate way to feel Lake Como. Aboard a restored wooden catamaran (max six guests), you set off from Varenna and drift past Bellagio, Villa Monastero and secluded coves the ferries never reach. The itinerary flexes with the weather and the mood, and there are snacks and an aperitif on board — plus the chance to swim. Choose the shared cruise or upgrade to private.
- Small-group catamaran (max 6 guests) from Varenna
- Sail past Bellagio, Varenna and quiet hidden coves
- Aperitif and snacks included on board
