Perched on Lake Como, this Italian town enchants with its grand villas, terraced gardens, and narrow streets. Explore boutiques and savor local cuisine with lakeside views.
Bellagio sits at the junction of Lake Como's three branches, earning it the nickname "Pearl of Lake Como". This small Italian town draws visitors with its cobblestone streets, historic villas, and lake views. You can explore Villa Melzi's gardens, take a boat tour on the lake, walk up Salita Serbelloni, or enjoy a meal at a lakeside restaurant.
Walking Bellagio's Streets
The center of Bellagio has a network of narrow lanes and steep stone staircases. As you walk up Salita Serbelloni, you'll pass buildings housing boutique shops and cafes. At the top, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi provides a view back down the street, framed by Lake Como. Take time to explore the quiet alleys, where you might find a hidden courtyard or a local artisan's workshop.
Villa Melzi and Its Gardens
A short walk south of town brings you to Villa Melzi, an early 19th-century residence with large gardens. While the villa itself is closed to the public, you can visit the grounds. Walk along paths lined with azaleas, rhododendrons, and old trees, stopping at sculptures and viewpoints overlooking the lake. The gardens are popular among visitors for their calm atmosphere and variety of plants.
Punta Spartivento: Lake Como's Junction
At the northern tip of Bellagio's peninsula is Punta Spartivento, a small park with views of Lake Como. From here, you can see where the lake splits into its three branches, with the towns of Varenna and Menaggio visible across the water. The park has benches where you can sit and look at the scenery, especially during sunset when the mountains cast shadows across the lake.
Exploring Lake Como by Boat
To see more of Bellagio's surroundings, take a boat tour of Lake Como. Local companies offer various options, from short trips to nearby villages to longer excursions around the lake. As you travel on the water, you'll see large villas, small fishing villages, and gardens along the shoreline. Many tours stop at places like Villa Carlotta or the town of Varenna, letting you explore more of the area.
Trying Local Food
Bellagio's restaurants serve Northern Italian cuisine, often using fresh lake fish and local produce. You can try risotto with perch, a dish common in the region, or taste some of the area's cheeses and cured meats. For a casual meal, eat pasta at a restaurant by the lake, or choose a more expensive option at one of the town's upscale establishments. Consider having a glass of wine from the nearby Valtellina region with your meal.
Getting to Bellagio
Reaching Bellagio requires some planning, as there's no direct train to the town. From Milan, take a train to Varenna-Esino station, then a ferry across the lake to Bellagio. The trip takes about two hours total. You can also drive from Milan in about 1.5 hours, but finding parking in Bellagio can be difficult during busy times. If you're coming from Como, regular ferry and hydrofoil services connect the two towns. The faster hydrofoil takes about 45 minutes.
