Travel
These waterfront homes make for an idyllic Italian getaway

Courtesy of Airbnb Photography Community
With its staggering natural beauty, storybook history, and elegant villas, Lake Como is a place that fully embodies la dolce vita. The best Airbnbs in the area can streamline a sun-soaked trip of easy living and dreamy landscapes, especially since the lake’s soaring popularity means its famously grand hotels are increasingly booked out in advance. To spend your days sunbathing and sipping Aperol spritz on your own private porch rather thaan dealing with crowds of tourists, a vacation rental is a neat solution that offers a more authentic side of the lake. From restored lakeshore villas to hillside chalets with mountain views, book one of these Lake Como Airbnbs for a glimpse of the area’s most enchanting sights.
Restored Boathouse in Cernobbio
Perks: Private lake access, waterfront views, air conditioning, washer and dryer, bidet, outdoor area with sun loungers and a firepit
Perched directly above Lake Como in the village of Cernobbio, this former boathouse to a noble family dates back to the 1860s. After decades of neglect and subsequent disrepair, it was recently restored into a luxurious one-bedroom retreat that honors its historic roots while embracing contemporary amenities like a king bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a sleek living area. While the interiors are striking, a stay here is arguably about what’s outside: a private stone terrace that leads directly down to the lake equipped with an outdoor shower and lounge chairs to support hours of swimming or sunbathing. In the surrounding neighborhood, lots of charming bars, shops, and restaurants sit within walking distance and public ferry service is available. From $5,839 for three nights, with a three-night minimum stay.
Villa Vladi
Perks: Air conditioning, outdoor area, swimming pool, washer and dryer, bidet
This light-drenched space offers uninterrupted views of Lake Como from every room, but you may find yourself lingering in the living area where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the water like a work of art. A fully equipped modern kitchen, sleek bathrooms complete with a soaking tub and bidets, and contemporary furnishings are softened by warm, earthy tones and features that preserve the home’s historical character, like a simple fireplace and sloped beamed ceilings. Enjoy the vistas outside on the private terrace or by the striking pool, located down a series of stone steps and ringed by umbrellas and sun loungers. From $1,583 for two nights, with a two-night minimum stay.
Garden Apartment in Bellagio
Perks: Air conditioning, crib, outdoor area, fireplace
This elegant three-bedroom home feels like a private oasis in the heart of bustling Bellagio thanks to its lush private garden overlooking the lake. Inside, the interiors are a study in understated neutrals—warm gray,brown tones, and crisp white walls allow the marble fireplace and expansive lake views to serve as the art pieces. The contemporary kitchen and bathroom are thoughtfully updated with indulgent design details like underfloor heating, built-in custom shelving, and elongated headboards. Dining areas both in the home and the alfresco patio encourage visitors to enjoy the beauty of Northern Italy’s picturesque landscapes and rich tradition of communal dining. From $2,732 for three nights, with a three-night minimum stay.
Lakefront Apartment in Limonta
Perks: Crib and high chair, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, espresso machine
Set in the small lakeside village of Limonta, this one-bedroom apartment keeps the focus where it should be: the view. Large windows run along the living area, looking straight out onto Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, while the interiors stay simple and modern so the scenery does most of the work. There are a few design moments that stand out, though—in particular the orange-and-white striped overhangs that give the terrace a slightly retro feel, and a blue-tiled bathroom that adds a hit of color without going overboard. The layout is compact but practical, with an open kitchen and living space and two bathrooms—more than you’d expect for a place this size. The real highlight is outside: a private garden and terrace that lead down to the water, plus access to a small shared beach. From $287 per night.
House of Roses in Carate Urio
Perks: Free parking, full kitchen, Wi-Fi, record player, outdoor areas
This detached house in Carate Urio is straightforward in a good way—it feels like a real home, not a hypercurated rental. It has two lake-facing bedrooms, a full living area, and a lower-level tavern space (complete with a foosball table) that gives you an extra hangout zone if you’re traveling with family or friends. The interiors are simple and a bit traditional, but everything you need is here, including a full kitchen, laundry, and air conditioning. The outdoor space is the main draw: a large garden and a balcony that both look out onto the lake. Carate Urio is a quieter stretch of Lake Como, with a more local feel than the bigger towns. You can walk to a few restaurants and the ferry, but overall it’s a better fit if you’re planning to take things slow and spend time at the house. From $377 per night.
Blevio Stone House
Perks: High chair and crib, private fenced yard, indoor fireplace, outdoor dining area, barbecue
Tucked into the village of Sopravilla, a maze of ancient houses and stairs, this one-bedroom stone vacation home is both secluded from Como’s tourist centers and a five-minute walk from the lake. Its private garden, complete with sun loungers and an outdoor dining set—not to mention picturesque lake views—mean you’ll probably be spending most of your time here outside. The interiors are equally as charming with original stone walls and wooden beams that bring real character to the space, while the minimalist decor keeps things airy and bright. This is a romantic, tucked away getaway for a couple and a family-friendly place if traveling with a baby, thanks to the provided crib and high chair. From $173 per night.
Riflessi Sul Lago
Perks: Lake views, a fully equipped kitchen, near mountain trails
This two-bedroom stunner of an apartment feels like it could have a starring role in a Fellini film. With vintage terrazzo flooring, coffered ceilings, built in clean-line wooden wardrobes, and minimalist decor, this spot is a midcentury Italian dream, softened by the country charm of its setting, not far from the historic village of Gravedona. The space can easily sleep up to five thanks to two double bedrooms and a sleeper couch in the living room, and with a fully equipped kitchen this is a place to arrive with a small crowd. You might not find yourself doing much sleeping thanks to the multiple windows showcasing the lake and mountains in the ever-changing light. From $174 per night.
Woodhouse by Interhome
Perks: Backyard and barbecue, pool, hot tub, gym equipment, washer and dryer
This Scandi-inspired duplex feels more like a modern mountain chalet than a lakeside villa thanks to its bare wood walls and oversized picture windows. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic allow the property to speak for itself, and with a private lawn, pool, outdoor dining area, and mountain views, you won’t even mind that you’re not right on the lake. The five-bedroom home sleeps a total of twelve guests making this a great option for a group of friends—although we wouldn’t recommend it for families due to the lack of cribs, high chairs, and general childproofing. Near the town of Colico, on the northern end of Lake Como, you’re just a five-minute drive from the lake, cafes, and restaurants From $858 per night.
Villa Giuditta Pasta
Perks: Lake access, terrace with outdoor furniture and a hammock, daybed, dedicated workspace
It might be in Italy, not Greece, but scenes of Mamma Mia! might come to mind when you see the long stone staircase that leads to Villa Giuditta Pasta, a villa dating back to the 13th century. The villa was purchased in the early 1800s by Italian soprano Giuditta Pasta, from which it gets its name. This one-bedroom Airbnb is on the ground floor of the villa and showcases the building’s original soaring stone arches and curved ceilings that evoke an ancient grotto. A lovely, landscaped private terrace has plenty of sun loungers to go around and offers stunning views of the lake, should you fancy a swim or arrive with your boat. For town access, Villa Giuditta Pasta is only five kilometers from the town of Como. From $682 per night.
Rustic Mountain Chalet
Perks: Lake views, balcony and terrace, indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit, outdoor shower
This 18th century home is perched in the hills above the lake near the small village of Nobiallo. There are nearly 170 steps leading up to the home, so keep that in mind when packing your bags! Those who make the climb will be charmed by the privacy of the home and its blend of rustic and refinement with stone walls, exposed wooden ceilings, modern minimalist furnishings, with some added romantic touches like a clawfoot tub, a fireplace, and outdoor shower. A small upstairs balcony and a larger ground level terrace is stocked with outdoor seating and an outdoor firepit. The owner keeps a goat on the property, for some added charm, but you’re not so far removed from city life—the larger town of Menaggio is only a few minutes away. From $1,263 per night.
Carate Urio Terrace Apartment
Perks: Terrace overlooking the lake, in a village center, bright and sunny, bidet
The panoramic views of the lake are well worth the rental fee at this sunny apartment in the center of the village of Carate Urio. Located on the ground floor of a 19th-century villa, the studio apartment is simple and modern, outfitted with minimal but tasteful furnishings. But the real reason you stay here is for the terrace, almost another room in itself, with a sun lounger for alfresco naps and a small table for sipping a glass of wine at sunset. You’re so close to the lake you almost feel like you’re floating on its surface. From $273 per night.
Madeline Weinfield writes about travel, culture, and the times we live in now. Her work has taken her to all seven continents and has seen her through a legion of adventures, from kayaking in the Antarctic Ocean and mushing above the Arctic Circle, to learning to waltz in Vienna and ... Read More
Bailey Berg is a freelance writer and editor who primarily covers design and travel. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, TIME, Conde Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and beyond. She previously served as the Associate Travel News Editor at Afar (where she still ... Read More
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