Ciak on the Lake: The Most Famous Movie Villas Seen from the Water

A cinematic guide to exploring Lake Como’s Hollywood history from the best seat in the house—
your private boat.

There is a reason why Hollywood’s greatest directors, from George Lucas to Martin
Scorsese, have chosen Lake Como as their ultimate backdrop. With its dramatic cliffs, deep
blue waters, and grand 19th-century estates, the lake doesn’t just host movies—it stars in
them.

While walking through the narrow cobblestone streets of Bellagio or Varenna offers its own charm,
the true cinematic magic of Lake Como can only be captured from the water. From the bow of a
Subacco boat, you are positioned in the exact frame where world-famous scenes were filmed. Grab
your sunglasses, start the engine, and let’s cruise through the lake’s most iconic film sets.

1. Villa del Balbianello: From a Galaxy Far, Far Away to 007

FEATURED IN: STAR WARS: EPISODE II (2002) & CASINO ROYALE (2006)

Perched elegantly on the edge of the wooded Lavedo peninsula in Lenno, Villa del Balbianello is
arguably the most recognizable estate on the lake. Its terraced gardens and the iconic three-arched
loggia have cemented it as a masterpiece of romance and drama.

Science fiction fans will immediately recognize the terrace as the stunning planet Naboo, where
Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala secretly married in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the
Clones. Only a few years later, James Bond (played by Daniel Craig) used the villa as a quiet lakeside
sanatorium to recover alongside Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale.

The Boat Perspective: Approaching Balbianello by boat is a breathtaking experience. As you glide closer, the
stone staircase leading directly into the water comes into view. This is the exact spot where Anakin and Padmé
stepped off their elegant water taxi.

2. Villa Erba: The Epitome of Italian Glamour

FEATURED IN: OCEAN’S TWELVE (2004)

Located in Cernobbio, Villa Erba is a monumental 19th-century estate known for its grand botanical
park and lavish frescoes. It was once the summer residence of the acclaimed Italian director Luchino
Visconti, meaning cinema is practically written in its DNA.

In 2004, Hollywood nobility took over the villa for Ocean’s Twelve. The estate served as the luxurious
hideout of the “Night Fox” (Francois Toulour), played by Vincent Cassel. It was here that Brad Pitt,
George Clooney, and Matt Damon filmed some of the movie’s most stylish, suspenseful scenes.

The Boat Perspective: From the lake, you can admire the sheer scale of the villa’s neoclassical architecture.
Cruising slow and close to the Cernobbio shoreline gives you a perfect view of the immense lakeside lawns
where the star-studded cast spent their breaks between takes.

3. Villa Oleandra: Where Hollywood Meets the Lake

FEATURED IN: CELEBRITY GOSSIP & PAPARAZZI CHRONICLES

While not a film set in the traditional sense, no cinematic tour of Lake Como is complete without
paying homage to the villa that sparked the modern Hollywood obsession with the lake. Located in
Laglio, Villa Oleandra is the legendary summer retreat of George Clooney.

Since Clooney purchased the 18th-century estate in 2002, it has played host to an endless stream of A-
list royalty, including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, and even the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The villa single-handedly placed Lake Como back at the absolute center of global luxury
lifestyle trends.

The Boat Perspective: Due to strict privacy laws, viewing the villa from the street is almost impossible. But from
the water, you can safely and legally get an unobstructed view of the elegant pale peach facade, the lush private
gardens, and the private dock where George and his guests board their own boats.

READY TO LIVE YOUR OWN MOVIE MOMENT?

The beauty of Lake Como is that you don’t need a film crew to feel like a star. Chartering a private boat
with Subacco allows you to write your own script. Sip some Prosecco, feel the breeze in your hair, and
capture photos that look like they belong on a movie poster.