Picture Bellagio as Lake Como's chic sibling. Often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como" it's as if Bellagio stole some of Como's beauty and sprinkled it with its own charm, creating a place that's both familiar and uniquely captivating."
The best way to describe Bellagio is like you are stepping inside of an Italian painting with almost blinding bright colors of lush green, blue and hints of pink. Bellagio encapsulates luxury, tranquility, and romance in three words: gardens, private boats, and fine dining. Trust this Bellagio itinerary guide for insights into hidden treasures and scenic landscapes, making trip planning 10 times smoother.
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Getting to Bellagio Itinerary
By Air: The closest major airport is Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP), approximately 80 km away from Bellagio. From there, you can take a train or rent a car to reach Bellagio.
By Train: Trains from Milan or other major cities in Italy can take you to nearby train stations like Como or Varenna-Esino. From there, you can take a ferry or bus to Bellagio.
By Car: If driving, Bellagio is accessible via the A9/E35 highway from Milan or Switzerland. Parking is available in Bellagio, but it can be limited during peak seasons.
What to Know Before Going to Bellagio / Tips
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Italian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Weather: Bellagio has a mild climate, with summers being warm and winters cool. Check the weather forecast before your trip.
Reservations: During peak tourist seasons (summer and holidays), it's advisable to book accommodations and tours in advance.
Local Customs: Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites.
Safety: Bellagio is generally safe, but, although rare, take normal precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bellagio is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are in full swing. Avoiding the peak summer months can also help beat the crowds.
Where to Stay
Affordable: Hotel Miralago offers budget-friendly rooms with lake views and is centrally located.
Mid-Range: Domus Bellagio offers a terrace with the most stunning views of Lake Como and its mountains, a modern spacious interior, and many great amenities.
Luxury: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is the most elegant 5-star luxury hotel with large rooms, spa facilities, and a private beach.
How to Get Around
Scenic Walks: You'll love just wandering around Bellagio on foot. The streets are charming, and you can easily stroll to all the cool spots by the lake.
Bicycle Rentals: Renting a bike is a fun adventurous way to discover those off-the-beaten-path places and enjoy the lakeside breeze.
Local Buses: Take a budget-friendly bus trip to nearby towns or viewpoints like Como or Varenna-Esino, connecting easily to ferry docks for lake exploration; tickets can be bought from the bus driver, ticket machines at major stops, or nearby shops.
Taxi Services: Taxis are great if you want to kick back and enjoy the ride. Plus, the drivers are like mini tour guides, sharing all the insider tips about Bellagio's hidden gems.
Boat Tours: Oh, you can't miss a boat tour! It's like a postcard come to life, with stunning views of the mountains and charming villages around Lake Como.
Bellagio Express Trains: This is a Hop-on-hop-off train that follow set routes with multiple stops at popular attractions. Passengers purchase tickets for a specified duration and can board and disembark at any stop along the route as they wish. This flexibility allows tourists to explore attractions at their own pace while enjoying informative commentary during the ride.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning
No better way to start your trip than discovering bits of Bellagio on foot to take it all in. You can start at Bellagio's piazza, which serves as the heart of the town's social scene. You can access the piazza from the main entrance of the town, just a short walk from most accommodations.
Afternoon
Explore the perfectly manicured gardens of Villa Melzi, accessed through a grand entrance that leads you into a serene landscape. The perfect destination for a photo shoot as it is filled with vibrant flowers and statues, with glimpses of Lake Como peeking through the bright green foliage. Entrance is FREE.
Late Afternoon
Experience the sereneness of kayaking as you paddle at your own pace, enjoying the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. Highly recommend you make a stop along the many secluded private beaches in Lake Como. Kayaks are typically available for rent from various water sports rental shops along the lakefront.
Day 2:
Morning
Have some breakfast and plan your morning to shop around along the main streets and within the historic center. Look for shops selling various items like artisan crafts, fashion, jewelry, and souvenirs. In Bellagio, you can shop along the main streets and in the historic center. However, be prepared for higher prices, especially for designer clothing and souvenirs.
Afternoon
A private boat tour is an absolute MUST when in Bellagio. You'll be provided with your own boat, giving you the freedom to navigate the lake at your own pace after a brief orientation on boat operation and safety. Cruise along the shoreline, passing stunning villages like Varenna, stopping at iconic landmarks such as Villa del Balbianello, and don't miss the medieval Nesso Bridge with its waterfall for a photo op and history.
Late Afternoon
Visiting Villa Monastero is an absolute MUST. To get there from Bellagio, take a ferry across Lake Como to Varenna. From there, it's a short walk to the villa. The entrance fee is around €10, and it's open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, offering access to the villa, botanical gardens, and the scientific museum featuring exhibits on physics, marine biology, and environmental sciences.
Where to Eat
Café Sanremo is the perfect pitstop for stunning views of Lake Como and delectable food after a day of exploring and shopping. Conveniently situated on Via Garibaldi in central Bellagio, it offers fresh deli and cheese boards, sandwiches, salads, snacks, coffee, drinks, and an array of tempting desserts like tiramisu.
La Punta The ideal spot to visit before or after your private boat excursion on Lake Como. From here, you'll enjoy a bird's-eye view of the picturesque waterfront, dotted with passing boats and nearby villages. La Punta has authentic Italian cuisine with dishes like carpaccio, salads, and a variety of pastas. I highly recommend trying the classic spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil—it's simply perfection.
Ristorante Bilacus I couldn't recommend Ristorante Bilacus enough in terms of ambiance, delicious food, and atmosphere. Head upstairs and sit outside the patio deck, the perfect place for a romantic evening dinner. Situated along one of the cobblestone streets, the
Conclusion
In summary, out of all the villages and towns in Lake Como, Bellagio is a great choice to stay as you will be guaranteed relaxation and adventure. Its cobblestone streets, divine food, and exhilarating water activities create an experience that will linger in your memory long after departure. I hope this guide, filled with tips on transportation, accommodation options, must-try activities, and where to dine, will make your Bellagio Lake Como trip planning so much more seamless and fun!
Until next time, adios! <3
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