Recently, I traveled to northern Italy and visited the beautiful Lake Como. During my trip, I couldn’t miss the chance to see the stunning lakeside villas. Two of these, Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero, are located in the charming town of Varenna. Since they are close to each other, I decided to visit both on the same day. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and impressions of these incredible places.
Table of Contents
1. How to get to Villas
Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi are located in the town of Varenna, a charming lakeside town on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Varenna is easily accessible by train. The train station in Varenna is a short walk from both villas. If you prefer to drive there is parking available in Varenna, though it can be limited during peak tourist season. Once you park, the villas are easily reachable by foot. The villas can be reached by strolling through the town center or by taking the scenic Lover’s Path, which offers stunning views of Lake Como. Tickets for both villas can be purchased at the entrance to Villa Cipressi. Note that ticket sales stop two hours before closing time, so plan your visit accordingly. Checking the official websites for current opening hours and any special closures is advisable. Upon arriving at Villa Cipressi, you’ll find a charming café at the entrance. This is a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or a refreshing drink with a great view of Lake Como.
2. Villa Cipressi
The villa is surrounded by stunning terraced gardens that descend towards the lake. These gardens feature a variety of plants, flowers, and trees. The terraces offer breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Construction of Villa Cipressi began in the 14th century, and over the centuries, it underwent numerous modifications and expansions. Initially owned by the influential Milanese Serbelloni family, the villa was later acquired by another noble family, the Andreani, in the 18th century. Finally, in 1980, it was purchased by the municipality of Varenna and transformed into a hotel and public space. Today, Villa Cipressi operates as a luxurious hotel and a popular venue for weddings, conferences, and various events. While the villa itself operates as a hotel and is not open for public tours. Visitors are only permitted to explore the gardens. At the bottom of the garden, by the pier, there are beautiful gates. However, to capture them in a photograph, you’ll have to wait in line like at any other top spots.
3. Villa Monastero
Villa Monastero is located just a 2-minute walk from Villa Cipressi. The history of Villa Monastero spans over eight centuries. It began in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery. By the 17th century, it had been transformed into a private residence by the noble Mornico family. In the early 20th century, owner Marco De Marchi bequeathed the villa to the Italian government. Today, Villa Monastero serves as a museum, conference center, and botanical garden open to visitors. The gardens are adorned with statues and fountains, giving them an old-world charm. Historical artifacts scattered throughout remind visitors of the villa’s rich past. After exploring the villa and its beautiful gardens, we ended our visit at a charming café located right on the lakeshore.
Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero, along with the town of Varenna, are absolute must-sees on Lake Como. With their stunning gardens and rich history, these villas offer an unforgettable experience. Before you go, make sure to check the opening hours of the villas to plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, be prepared for crowds and queues for photos at popular spots.
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.
Isn’t Madeira a Green Paradise? 🌿✨
This island is a masterpiece of nature—lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant landscapes that seem almost too beautiful to be real. From the mystical Laurisilva forest to the endless levada trails, Madeira feels like stepping into another world.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring volcanic cliffs, or just soaking in the peaceful vibes, Madeira is a destination that never stops giving.
💡 Planning your trip?
👉🏼 Check out MY INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO MADEIRA — your perfect companion to uncover the island’s most stunning spots 💫
🌍 Link in bio 👆🏻
#MadeiraIsland #GreenParadise #ExploreMadeira #greenearth #HikingParadise #Madeira #PrivateGuide #LevadaWalks #DiscoverMadeira #TravelMap #TravelMadeira #HiddenGems #IslandEscape #MadeiraLovers #NatureAtItsBest
Isn’t Madeira a Green Paradise? 🌿✨
This island is a masterpiece of nature—lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant landscapes that seem almost too beautiful to be real. From the mystical Laurisilva forest to the endless levada trails, Madeira feels like stepping into another world.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring volcanic cliffs, or just soaking in the peaceful vibes, Madeira is a destination that never stops giving.
💡 Planning your trip?
👉🏼 Check out MY INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO MADEIRA — your perfect companion to uncover the island’s most stunning spots 💫
🌍 Link in bio 👆🏻
#MadeiraIsland #GreenParadise #ExploreMadeira #greenearth #HikingParadise #Madeira #PrivateGuide #LevadaWalks #DiscoverMadeira #TravelMap #TravelMadeira #HiddenGems #IslandEscape #MadeiraLovers #NatureAtItsBest
What could be better than a peaceful evening hike surrounded by Madeira’s stunning landscapes?
As the sun sets and the island is bathed in golden light, the trails take on a magical charm. The cooler temperatures, the soft sounds of nature, and the breathtaking views make evening hikes an unforgettable experience.
To be honest, evening hikes, just before sunset, are my absolute favorite time to hit the trails. Even the most popular routes feel empty, giving you the rare sense of complete solitude. The landscapes and stunning views feel like they belong only to you, wrapped in the golden hues of the setting sun.
If you ask me whether I’d choose evening hikes over morning ones, my answer would be a resounding 100%! And not just because I’m not a fan of waking up in the dark to an alarm clock 🙂
What about you? Which hike do you prefer — sunrise or sunset?
And if you’re still planning your trip to Madeira, be sure to check out MY INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
👉🏼 It covers the best trails, my personal tips, and everything you need for a perfect trip—from top spots to hotels and restaurants 🏨
🔗 Link in bio! 👆🏻
#EveningHike #HikingTrails #SunsetAdventures #HikingParadise #PrivateGuide #GoldenHourLight #MadeiraIsland #HikingAddict #DiscoverMadeira #HikingTrip #SunsetHike #IslandMagic #Madeira #OffTheBeatenPath #ExploreMadeira #TravelMap #hikingvibes
What could be better than a peaceful evening hike surrounded by Madeira’s stunning landscapes?
As the sun sets and the island is bathed in golden light, the trails take on a magical charm. The cooler temperatures, the soft sounds of nature, and the breathtaking views make evening hikes an unforgettable experience.
To be honest, evening hikes, just before sunset, are my absolute favorite time to hit the trails. Even the most popular routes feel empty, giving you the rare sense of complete solitude. The landscapes and stunning views feel like they belong only to you, wrapped in the golden hues of the setting sun.
If you ask me whether I’d choose evening hikes over morning ones, my answer would be a resounding 100%! And not just because I’m not a fan of waking up in the dark to an alarm clock 🙂
What about you? Which hike do you prefer — sunrise or sunset?
And if you’re still planning your trip to Madeira, be sure to check out MY INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
👉🏼 It covers the best trails, my personal tips, and everything you need for a perfect trip—from top spots to hotels and restaurants 🏨
🔗 Link in bio! 👆🏻
#EveningHike #HikingTrails #SunsetAdventures #HikingParadise #PrivateGuide #GoldenHourLight #MadeiraIsland #HikingAddict #DiscoverMadeira #HikingTrip #SunsetHike #IslandMagic #Madeira #OffTheBeatenPath #ExploreMadeira #TravelMap #hikingvibes
Imagine a short trail leading to a staircase carved into the rocks, taking you to one of the most breathtaking views on the island. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?
Now picture standing there at sunrise, with a panoramic view stretching over lush landscapes of Santana. No crowds, no distractions—just you and the beauty of nature.
This spot is more than a viewpoint; it’s an experience waiting to be uncovered 😉
Hidden gems like this remind us why Madeira is a true paradise for explorers 🌿🥾
📍Miradouro do Pico Redondo, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
These uncovered treasures are what make Madeira so special. And the best part? There’s so much more to discover. From secret viewpoints to lesser-known trails, you’ll find countless hidden gems and true treasures in MY INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗link in bio👆🏻
#HiddenGems #PicoRedondo #ExploreMadeira #Madeira #DiscoverMadeira #MadeiraIsland #SunriseView #SunriseSky #OffTheBeatenPath #Trailblazing #TravelMadeira #VisitMadeira #TravelDiscoveries #SecretSpot #MadeiraLovers #ScenicViews #PrivateGuide #HiddenSpot #WorthTheHike #TravelMap #Sunrisemagic #HiddenTreasures #HiddenGem
Imagine a short trail leading to a staircase carved into the rocks, taking you to one of the most breathtaking views on the island. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?
Now picture standing there at sunrise, with a panoramic view stretching over lush landscapes of Santana. No crowds, no distractions—just you and the beauty of nature.
This spot is more than a viewpoint; it’s an experience waiting to be uncovered 😉
Hidden gems like this remind us why Madeira is a true paradise for explorers 🌿🥾
📍Miradouro do Pico Redondo, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
These uncovered treasures are what make Madeira so special. And the best part? There’s so much more to discover. From secret viewpoints to lesser-known trails, you’ll find countless hidden gems and true treasures in MY INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗link in bio👆🏻
#HiddenGems #PicoRedondo #ExploreMadeira #Madeira #DiscoverMadeira #MadeiraIsland #SunriseView #SunriseSky #OffTheBeatenPath #Trailblazing #TravelMadeira #VisitMadeira #TravelDiscoveries #SecretSpot #MadeiraLovers #ScenicViews #PrivateGuide #HiddenSpot #WorthTheHike #TravelMap #Sunrisemagic #HiddenTreasures #HiddenGem
There’s something magical about chasing the first rays of sunlight, especially when you find a spot that offers stunning views of the ocean and rugged cliffs. This place didn’t disappoint—the sky lit up with shades of purple, orange and pink, creating the perfect moment to start the day.
Whether you’re an early riser or need a little motivation to wake up, this sunrise location is well worth it. It’s not just about the view but the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of connection to nature that Madeira offers so generously.
📍Miradouro do Guindaste, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
✈️Planning your Madeira trip?
👉🏼My INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️features even more incredible locations, including the BEST SUNRISE & SUNSET SPOTS across the island💫
🧞♂️It’s your go-to for discovering the magic of Madeira
🌍 Link in bio! 👆🏻
#ExploreMadeira #SunriseMagic #TravelMap #ScenicView #BucketListDestination #MadeiraIsland #sunrises_and_sunsets #SunriseLover #MadeiraHikes #TravelMadeira #HiddenGem #PrivateGuide #TravelMap #DiscoverMadeira #Madeira #DawnToday #sunrisesky #OceanCliff #BucketListAdventures #sunrise_sunset #MadeiraGuide #sunrise_sunset_worldwide #VisitMadeira
There’s something magical about chasing the first rays of sunlight, especially when you find a spot that offers stunning views of the ocean and rugged cliffs. This place didn’t disappoint—the sky lit up with shades of purple, orange and pink, creating the perfect moment to start the day.
Whether you’re an early riser or need a little motivation to wake up, this sunrise location is well worth it. It’s not just about the view but the peaceful atmosphere and the sense of connection to nature that Madeira offers so generously.
📍Miradouro do Guindaste, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
✈️Planning your Madeira trip?
👉🏼My INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️features even more incredible locations, including the BEST SUNRISE & SUNSET SPOTS across the island💫
🧞♂️It’s your go-to for discovering the magic of Madeira
🌍 Link in bio! 👆🏻
#ExploreMadeira #SunriseMagic #TravelMap #ScenicView #BucketListDestination #MadeiraIsland #sunrises_and_sunsets #SunriseLover #MadeiraHikes #TravelMadeira #HiddenGem #PrivateGuide #TravelMap #DiscoverMadeira #Madeira #DawnToday #sunrisesky #OceanCliff #BucketListAdventures #sunrise_sunset #MadeiraGuide #sunrise_sunset_worldwide #VisitMadeira
