The glittering celebrity pedigree, ornate architectural opulence, and general grandeur of Lake Como may make it seem like it’s a destination best-suited to a grand dame hotel that can handle the charming reputation. This is not an incorrect assessment—you’ll find no shortage of Belle Époque and neoclassical villas if a luxury accommodation is what you seek. But for the low-key traveler who prefers to spend their trip like a local, making meals from the farmers market stands and starting each day with a quiet caffè on the balcony? That’s where the best Lake Como Airbnbs come in.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Airbnbs in Lake Como:
- For 360° Lake Views: Hydrangea Lake View, from $570 per night
- For a Charming Balcony: Marmel al Lago, from $238 per night
- For the Luxury Amenities: Casa Fronte Lago, from $348 per night
- For Lush Outdoor Dining: Lakefront Apartment, from $300 per night
- For 13th-Century Stone Architecture: Villa Giuditta, from $706 per night
Don’t get us wrong: The following eight vacation rentals certainly do not skimp on high-end hospitality. Upscale amenities, from private boat slips to infinity pools to wood-burning fireplaces, capture the luxe feel of the area. Plus, the houses themselves are brimming with memorable design elements—grape vine-covered pergolas and terracotta tiling may just inspire a redesign once you touch down back home. We found options for couples, families, and the solo traveler, scattered around the various villages of the lake to provide a rounded snapshot of just how picturesque the region can be. Why not explore it from your own personal villa?
Casa Fronte Lago
For the traveler whose idea of “roughing it” is foregoing an espresso machine: This is a property with every luxury amenity you could think of, and a few you may not have even known you wanted. It sleeps six, with stunning views of the gardens, lake, and mountains; in the summer, take advantage of a private infinity pool and your own personal boat slip for renting a vaporina. The lush gardens are a true highlight, and yes—there is an espresso machine.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: Bathtub, washer, HDTV, sound system, crib available upon request, board games, balcony, outdoor furniture, boat slip, sun loungers, elevator, EV charger, private pool, pet-friendly
Location: Nesso
Hydrangea Lake View
This architecturally stunning duplex is located inside Villa Monti, a circa-1910 historic building that offers panoramic views of the lake. During your stay, you’ll have access to a shared garden and pool, and guests love that it’s a little bit off the beaten path for privacy—though town is a short walk away. It’s the perfect size for a couple, with a small but well-appointed kitchen you can use to make something tasty from your local market haul.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Air conditioning, pool
Location: Varenna
Marmel al Lago
For the solo traveler, this light-filled one-bedroom makes a cozy stay. It’s in the commune of Pognana Lario—bus and boat connections are available, if you want to explore the surrounding lakeside villages—and the 1920s-era home itself has everything you need to enjoy some solo relaxation. Balconies offer front-row seating to the lake; this is where to take your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine. Outside, there’s a garden (equipped with a pergola for shade and a grill for the ambitious holiday chef) where you can enjoy the view from a different vantage point.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer, air conditioning, backyard
Location: Pognana Lario
La Casetta di Vico
Hidden away in the historic center of Nesso, a peaceful village on the western side of Lake Como, this home is all about rustic touches. A (working!) wood-burning fireplace, wood-beam ceilings, and original brick flooring are among the best features; it’s all in harmony with the house itself, which is a traditional stone building set on a narrow street. This spot is equidistant to the lake and the mountains, and if you want a Lake Como experience away from the crowds, it makes a great option.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Bathtub, washer, crib, high chair, board games, indoor fireplace, backyard, pet-friendly, EV charger, outdoor dining
Location: Nesso
Laglio Charlie s House
This is an ideal property for families: You can request a crib, and there’s plenty of space for everyone to stretch out in. A desk overlooking the blue lake provides perhaps an almost over-the-top picturesque spot to work through your inbox, if your trip is tied in with remote work. Outside, a stone table beneath a leafy pergola beats any restaurant reservation for a charming dinner spot. (The villa is also only a hundred meters away from George Clooney’s house—so in terms of location, consider it well-vetted.)
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Washer, backyard, balcony, outdoor dining, pet-friendly
Location: Laglio
Lakefront Apartment
Deceptively spacious (it can actually sleep up to four people), this lakefront apartment is well-located near Bellagio but remote enough that you’ll have a sense of your own space. Indoors, a butter yellow kitchen may inspire you to start making meals at home—just be sure to take them out to the paved dining patio to make the most of the view.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
Amenities: HDTV, crib, board games, AC, backyard, outdoor dining, sun loungers, free parking
Location: Limonta
Suite sul Lario
Bright and airy, this little apartment makes a lovely home base. It’s the home of an architect—the design footprints of which can be found in features like the limewash grey bathroom and collection of charming kitchen decor—and grants you access to a private beach. Though you may find you won’t want to leave at all: The balcony off the kitchen is stunning.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: Washer/dryer, crib, air conditioning, backyard, balcony, elevator, breakfast provided
Location: Limonta
Villa Giuditta
One of the more unique vacation rentals for the area, this 13-century villa kept its original curved stone ceiling—you’ll feel like you’re staying in a remarkably well-furnished cave. Bright citron walls break up the natural materials, while a spacious pebble-lined patio overlooking the lake offers a great place to soak up the fresh mountain air. With outdoor amenities like a private beach entrance, hammock, and grill, you’ll want to spend a substantial amount of time al fresco anyway.
13th-century curved stone ceil
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Washer/dryer, crib, private beach, backyard, outdoor dining, sun loungers
Location: Blevio
