Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como, is one of the top Italian lakeside vacation destinations and one of the best romantic places to visit in Italy. Located in an ideal position where the two legs of Lake Como meet, Bellagio has panoramic views of the lake and a fairly mild climate. There is a nice lakeside promenade that leads to Villa Melzi with its beautiful gardens. The village has picturesque stone paths and stairways with shops, ice cream parlors, cafes and restaurants.
Bellagio Location
Bellagio is located on a promontory near the center of Lake Como, about 30 kilometers northeast of the city of Como. The lake is north of the city of Milan and close to the Swiss border.
Where to stay in Bellagio
- Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a 5-star luxury hotel overlooking the lake, one of the oldest and most elegant hotels along this part of the lake.
- The Hotel Suisse is a small 1 star hotel over a restaurant in an ideal position in the lakefront town.
- The Hotel Excelsior Splendide is a 3 star hotel, also facing the lake, with Art Noveau decoration and a small swimming pool.
- Hotel Il Perlo Panorama is a 2-star hotel on top of a hill, 3 kilometers from the city center, with gardens, lake views and parking.
Arriving at Bellagio
Bellagio can be reached by bus or passenger ferry from the city of Como, which is on the train line from Milan to Lugano (Switzerland). By car, it’s about a 40-minute drive along the lake from Como or Lecco. A car ferry connects to Mennagio on the western shore of the lake and passenger and bus ferries connect to other towns along the lake. The closest Italian airport is Milan Malpensa, some 85 kilometers away.
What to see and do in Bellagio
While the best thing to do in Bellagio may be to simply relax and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere, there are several attractions in and near the town.
- Villa Melzi, built in 1808, has a sculpture park and gardens known for their beautiful azaleas and rhododendrons. It is open from the end of March to the beginning of November and the ticket includes the museum and the neoclassical chapel.
- The church of San Giacomo, built between 1075 and 1125, is located in the upper part of the historic center. The church is in the Lombard Romanesque style and has mosaics, a 12th-century cross and a 15th-century triptych.
- Villa Serbelloni Park, above the historic center, has an 18th-century garden and great views of the lake. It is open from April to November 2. A combination ticket includes entry to the Museum of Navigation Instruments.
- Drink, eat and be happy on Lake Como is a 1-hour wine tasting with samples of cheese, cold cuts and fresh fish at an Enoteca in Bellagio.
- The Museum of Navigation Instruments, in the village of San Giovanni, can be reached on foot in about 25 minutes, by public boat or in summer on the tourist train. It is open every day, only in the morning.
- Walking trails along the lake and over the hills to small villages and picturesque parts of the lake.
- Boat tours, water sports, and a train sightseeing tour are available during the summer season. During the summer there are also many musical events and festivals held at Bellagio.
