Lake Como is a bucket list destination for many and it's not hard to see why! With is breath-taking scenery, charming towns and fantastic dining spots, it's easy to see why it's so popular. One of the most famous towns along Lake Como is the picturesque Bellagio, which is filled with beautiful sights, boutique shops and incredible restaurants. You can of course stay for a few days in the town of Bellagio itself and, but it can also easily be visited in a day trip from Milan or Como.
Here's a quick guide on how to spend a day in Bellagio:
How To Travel to Bellagio
Milan to Bellagio - One of the easiest ways to get to Bellagio is from Milan. From Milan Central Station you can get a direct train to Como San Giovanni. You can book your tickets direct from the train station kiosks, or online.
Book your train tickets.
Ferry to Bellagio - When arriving at Como San Giovanni you then need to go on a short walk down to the docks to take a ferry to Bellagio. The ferries visit various towns in Lake Como, but as Bellagio is one of the most popular, most routes do stop at Bellagio along the way. There was also two routes offered, a short route, and a long route.
I would recommended booking tickets in advance as the ferries are very popular so you can often find the ferries are booked out on the day. Be sure to book your return in advance too as the tickets purchased at the docks are single journeys only, so you must book your return journey from Bellagio once you get there. If you're visiting just for the day, you could find yourself without a return journey back to Como if you try to purchase tickets on the day of from the docks at Bellagio.
Book your ferry tickets.
Where To Stay in Bellagio
Here are a couple of hotel options for Bellagio:
1. Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni - This gorgeous 5 Star Hotel boasts beautiful views of Lake Como and The Alps from it's stunning Gardens equipped with an outdoor pool. You can also take full advantage of the hotel spa and treatments for the most relaxing trip ever. If you're looking for a luxury stay, then this is the hotel for you!
Check Prices: Booking.com
2. Hotel Du Lac - If you're looking for something a bit more central and more affordable, Hotel Du Lac is a great option. It is located right opposite the ferry docks and is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and shops.
Check Prices: Booking.com
Things to Do in Bellagio
1. Browse the Boutique Shops
One of the main attractions in Bellagio is of course the narrow and picturesque streets. Wandering throughout these streets and browsing the small boutique shops is a great way to spend your morning. Here you can pick up a lot of hand crafted leather pieces, authentic Italian wine, art pieces and designer fashion items. So if you want to experience the true luxury of Bellagio just like the locals, be prepared to treat yourself!
2. Walk to Punta Spartivento
Now of course one of the reasons so many tourists visit Lake Como is to appreciate it's stunning views. To appreciate some of these beautiful scenes in Bellagio, take a short walk along to Punta Spartivento, which is the point in which Lake Como splits into three different directions. You can sit and take in the views of the neighbouring towns, as well as snow peaked mountains. If you visit during the summer months you can even swim here!
3. Eat Lunch along the waterfront promenade
Bellagio has some fantastic restaurants and lunch spots. However, if you want to enjoy your lunch with a view, I would recommend heading back to the waterfront promenade (where the ferries dock), and choose from one of the restaurants along the front to dine at. There's truly no better feeling than staring out onto the lake whilst enjoying an Aperol Spritz and some authentic Italian pasta!
4. Head to Pescallo Village
Pescallo is an old fishing village tucked away from the busy crowds of the promenade. The village is just a short walk from Bellagio, but you can also take the tourist train here (be sure to check when the train is operating). It's a very cute picturesque village for a little afternoon stroll. Or if you want something ato get the blood pumping, you can even enjoy various water sports here such as Kayaking!
Bellagio and Lake Como in general is known for it's luxurious villas and houses, and here you can visit several of these on your trip. I would recommended heading to Villa Melzi which was actually built for Napoleon's Assistant! Although you can't visit inside the villa, you can see the Family Chapel, and stroll around the beautiful botanical gardens which are home to a large number of exotic trees and plants. Not only that, but from here you will have an unforgettable view of the lake which makes it a great place of interest to snap some stunning photos.
Book Bellagio tours and excursions below:
What would you most like to do in Bellagio?
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