This Bellagio guide will introduce you to this small and charming Italian village. Furthermore, we will show you what to do, what to visit, when, where to stay, and much more. So stay with us.
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Bellagio – attractions
Bellagio, a small town situated on the peninsula between the two southern branches of Lake Como, is renowned as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” It has a vibrant historical center, stunning parks like Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi, and delightful neighborhoods like Pescallo and San Giovanni. Furthermore, it is an exceptional base for exploring nearby towns like Varenna, Tremezzina, and Menaggio by boat. With most attractions within walking distance, Bellagio is an ideal destination for a day trip.
The town center
The streets of Bellagio are stunning, and simply walking through the town is worth the visit. The center of Bellagio, known as Il Borgo, can be reached by walking up Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, the main street, which is surrounded by colorful and lively alleys (known as “Salite”) that start from the lakefront Lungo Lario Manzoni. If you arrive in Bellagio by boat, you’ll likely reach the center by going up the alleys Salita Mella or Salita Serbelloni, two of the most popular and picturesque passages in town.
Exploring the alleys in the town center of Bellagio is a must-do activity, as there are numerous shops and boutiques where you can find local food, leather goods, clothing, perfumes, and more. However, wear comfortable shoes as the alleys are full of steps. In case you face difficulty or cannot take the stairs, don’t worry. You can still visit the most characteristic corners of the town by moving along the streets surrounding the city. If you take Via Giuseppe Garibaldi towards Punta Spartivento, you’ll reach the peaceful Piazza della Chiesa. Here, you’ll find the stunning Basilica di San Giacomo, a traditional Romanesque church that dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. This church preserves a valuable altar from the late 1500s and mosaics from the early 1900s that are worth admiring.
©in-lombardia.it
Gardens of Villa Serbelloni
From the very central Piazza della Chiesa, it is possible to access the vast park of Villa Serbelloni. This natural park covers almost the entire peninsula of Bellagio, about 21 hectares (approximately 50 acres).
The garden tour, which you can only reserve through the website of Bellagio Lake Como or at the info point in Piazza della Chiesa, will allow you to enjoy unique views of Lake Como and Bellagio areas and discover the fascinating history of this magical place surrounded by nature.
©F&M.PAPETTI/giardini.it
Gardens of Villa Melzi
A walk through the gardens of Villa Melzi is one of the best things to do when you are in Bellagio. Suppose you have a couple of hours to spare. In that case, I recommend that you devote them to visiting this beautiful park that sits on the shores of the Lake and can instill a unique tranquility.
Villa Melzi and its gardens, open from March to October and a ten-minute walk from the town center, were built between 1808 and 1810 on the commission of Francesco Melzi d’Eril (Duke of Lodi and Italian politician during the Napoleonic era).
The vast botanical garden is home to many exotic trees, camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, and numerous items of artistic, cultural, and historical interest.
Beaches in Bellagio
Suppose you are in Bellagio and want to relax on a beach. In that case, you can choose between the public stony beach of San Giovanni or the Lido di Bellagio, equipped with a bar, Wi-Fi, and gazebos.
Alternatively, you can also lie on the small beach at Pescallo Bay. Still, it is relatively tiny and tends to get busy very quickly.
How to get to Bellagio
How to get to Bellagio from Milan
From Milano Centrale train station
The easiest option is to take the train from Milano Centrale to Como S. Giovanni station (40 minutes). You can take the C30 bus* (about one h 10 min ride) or the boat to Bellagio (1h 30 min – 2h).
Alternatively, you can take the train to Lecco (40 minutes – check timetables on trenord. it) then, when you are in Lecco, you can choose between the D10 bus to Bellagio (50 minutes) or, only in summer, the public boat service.
Get from Malpensa to Como City by train, then take the C30 bus to Bellagio or use the public boat service (all year).
Note: Click the following link for the most valuable train/bus prices.
From Bergamo (Orio al Serio) airport
From the airport, take the ATB bus to the Bergamo train station.
Then, take the train to Lecco (check schedules on trenord. it) and, once in Lecco, you can choose to take the D10 bus to Bellagio or, only in summer, the public boat service.
From Milan Linate airport
First, you must get to Milano Centrale train station (you will find several shuttles, such as Autostradale, outside the airport). Then, you have two options:
Take the train from Milano Centrale to Como S. Giovanni station (40 minutes) and, from there, take the C30 bus (about one hour 10 min ride) or the boat to Bellagio (1 hour 30 min – 2h)
Alternatively, you can take the train to Lecco (40 minutes – check timetables on trenord. it) then, when you are in Lecco, you can choose between the D10 bus to Bellagio (50 minutes) or, only in summer, the public boat service.
Travel tip
Once in Bellagio, you can quickly get to the towns of the central part of the Lake (such as Varenna, Tremezzina, or Menaggio) by boat.
Where to stay
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How did you choose the properties?
Simple: They are the highest rated on Booking.com, offer high-quality services, and, most importantly, are all located in areas that will allow you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Note: Find the most suitable room offers here.
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Safety Tips
Bellagio is a safe town for travelers to explore alone during the day. It has a low crime rate, and local authorities prioritize visitor safety. However, we still recommend to take basic precautions to ensure personal safety. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and secure your belongings. Travelers can confidently use public transportation in Lake Como, including trains, buses, and ferries, which are well-maintained, reliable, and safe. If you prefer to drive, the roads around the Lake are generally well-maintained. Still, following traffic rules and being aware of the narrow and winding streets is essential. Solo female travelers should feel relatively safe here. Taking basic safety measures, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, will enhance your safety. Overall, Lake Como provides a safe and welcoming environment for solo travelers, and staying informed and using common sense can lead to a worry-free visit to this stunning Italian destination.
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The conclusion
When visiting Lake Como’s glamorous shores, Bellagio is a popular destination choice and one of the most beautiful Italian villages. It boasts stunning beauty and is an optimal base for exploring the surrounding area. With excellent ferry connections to other lakeside towns and nearby beautiful sights within walking distance, it is a great starting point for your adventure. Now, we leave the last words to you. Would you like to visit it? And if you already did. How much did you like it?
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Featured photo Cr: https://www.freepik.com/author/sergio-pulp