BELLAGIO
Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como
Your trip to Lake Como is incomplete without a visit to its Pearl: Bellagio, one of the most beautiful places in the region of Lombardy, Italy.
Bellagio is located halfway between the two southernmost branches of the lake, and is famous worldwide for its beautiful villas overlooking the water (like Villa Serbelloni or Villa Melzi).
Here is something I wrote about the best things to do in Bellagio. Most of the attractions are located within walking distance, which makes Bellagio perfect also for a day trip 😉
Ready to start? Here is what awaits you in Bellagio, Lake Como!
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Sights & things to do
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Sights & things to do
The tiny streets of Bellagio are so pretty that a simple walk is worth the visit.
The old town center of Bellagio has one main road, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, which gets to Punta Spartivento (tip of the village) in less than 10 minutes.
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi is populated by dozens of shops and boutiques where visitors can find local food, leather goods, clothing, perfumes, and much more.
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To the left of the main street, several alleys lead to the lakefront, facing the Como branch of the lake.
These alleys are also full of shops and restaurants… and stairs, too! So wear a pair of comfortable shoes and get ready to do a lot of ups and downs.
In the town center, you can get to Piazza della Chiesa and admire the Basilica of San Giacomo, a Romanesque church built between the 11th and 12th centuries.
Villa Serbelloni
After walking on the romantic lakeside Lungo Lario Manzoni, you will reach the world famous Villa Serbelloni, a luxury hotel built in the 15th century and currently owned by the Rockefeller Foundation.
If you’re not a guest of the villa, you cannot visit the interior. However, you can book a visit and enjoy a walk into the 50 acres of park and gardens that surround the villa (visit Bellagio tourist office’s website for more information).
Villa Melzi
A stroll around Villa Melzi gardens is definitely one of the best things to do when you are in Bellagio.
The villa, open from March to October, was built between 1808 and 1810 on commission of Francesco Melzi d’Eril, duke of Lodi, and its gardens were designed by Luigi Canonica and Luigi Villoresi.
The park is home to a large number of exotic trees, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, among others.
Here, visitors can choose between different routes, since these gardens gather many elements of artistic, cultural, and historical interests. Entry price is €8.00.
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A few tips for your stay in Bellagio
Take Via Eugenio Vitali and, after a short walk, you will get to Punta Spartivento.
You will find yourself in the middle of the three branches of the lake, where locals’ boats are moored and where you have the chance to relax and take some amazing pictures.
Another great place to relax is Pescallo, an old fishing village located southeast of the promontory.
A stepped pathway, which starts from the town hall of Bellagio, will take you there in about 10 minutes. Pescallo is a very popular destination for sports, so don’t miss the chance to do some kayaking or water skiing!
Private and public tours
If you are looking for private boat tours from Bellagio, here are some options that may be right for you!
Looking for information about public boat service? Read my guide to boats and ferries on Lake Como.
Public boat service is perfect if you are on a day trip and want to start your journey from Como, Varenna or other towns of the lake.
Beaches in Bellagio
If you are in Bellagio and want to relax on a beach, you can choose between the public stony beach of San Giovanni or the Lido di Bellagio, which is equipped with bar, wifi and gazebos.
Discover the best beaches in Bellagio!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
about Bellagio, Italy
What is Bellagio in Italy known for?
Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como, is famous worldwide for its beautiful villas overlooking the water (like Villa Serbelloni or Villa Melzi), but also for its small yet charming alleys, full of shops, boutiques and restaurants.
How do I get from Como to Bellagio?
You can get from Como to Bellagio either by boat or by bus. The public boat service will take you from Como to Bellagio in less than a couple of hours but, if you choose the fast service, the journey will last less than 1 hour. If you prefer bus service, than take the C30 bus that will take you to Bellagio in 1h 10 minutes.
How far is Bellagio from Lake Como?
Bellagio overlooks Lake Como. Below is the time needed to reach Bellagio from the city of Como:
- by boat: 1h 30 minutes by slow boat, 45 minutes by fast boat
- by bus: 1h 10 minutes
- by car: 50 minutes
Is Bellagio expensive?
While not cheap, Bellagio isn't more expensive than other similar holiday destinations. A good way to save some money is to book the hotel at least 3-4 months in advance, and avoid the highest season (July-August). Also, before entering a restaurant, remember to take a look at the menus displayed outside so you can see the prices of the dishes.
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