Get hold of 3 best friends, have them work in the same office, add a lunch break into the mix and what is the outcome? A new travel plan. In approximately one hour, we came up with a brilliant impromptu plan to set out to Europe.
Considering the fact that I visit a European destination at least twice a year, the first “Nod” to the plan was mine (no surprises there). I owe this to my job at Air India and this blessing helps me turn imagination into reality without much to ponder on.
We visualized a destination that would have a mix of charming villages, picturesque promenades and stunning views. A short Google search and we decided upon Lake Como. Lake Como has seduced the rich and the famous since time immemorial. It has been host to several marriages and celebrities like George Clooney and Sir Richard Branson have villas here.
We wanted to see what the craze was all about. And also make some unforgettable memories. Mission Accomplished! So, writing a travel guide for you was the obvious next step. Let’s Go!
Lake Como and Bellagio
Lake Como is a scenic upscale destination in Northern Italy, in the shape of an inverted Y. The village of Bellagio is situated at the intersection of the Y where the three arms of the lake meet.
Bellagio is dubbed as the ‘Pearl of Lake Como” as it is the most beautiful village in the region. Therefore, choosing Bellagio as our base to explore the region was a no brainer.
The location also seemed strategic for our onward journey to St Moritz.
Menaggio & Varenna are also linked to Bellagio by a 15 minute ferry ride.
Map of Attractions
How To Use This Map: The icon at the top left corner displays the sidebar which has individual layers. This helps you view the destinations as a list. If you click on the tiny star next to the map title, you’ll be able to save this map into your personal library.
The square bracket icon on the extreme top right helps you view the map on a larger screen. If you want to get details on individual locations, you can click the purple markers on the map.
Enjoy your exploration!
Top Attractions
The taxi ride from Milan airport to Bellagio was approximately an hour. We passed through extremely narrow and dramatic winding roads, beautiful houses, mountains and towering cypress trees on either side of the lake.
Although we reached our apartment (IL CORTILETTO TORRE TASSO) after 0900 PM we were so stunned by the beauty that we were compelled to stroll down the lane and get a feel of the place. The fairy tale village looked festive and bustling with life even at that hour.
STROLL THROUGH THE GORGEOUS BELLAGIO
The town is extremely small and pedestrian-friendly so exploring the city by foot is the best option. The old town has two levels. One road going uphill which is lined by designer boutique shops and cafes while the other parallel road going downhill alongside the waterfront.
Both these roads are connected vertically with narrow cobbled streets and walking paths. The views from the top of these streets are picture perfect and your camera won’t stop clicking
BASILICA OF SAN GIACOMO
Basilica of San Giacomo, is a Romanesque church built between the 11th and 12th centuries. Taking a quick peek inside is worthwhile to see its awe-inspiring interiors.
WALK TO THE VIEW POINT OF PUNTA SPARTIVENTO
Punta Spartivento is at the southern end of the peninsula where the lake splits into 2 arms. Take some time to admire the colourful towns along the shores and soak in the charming atmosphere of the lake.
VILLA MELZI
Lake Como has some incredible mansions and legendry historic villas along the shores. Usually, wealthy Noble families own the villas and their beauty makes them worth a visit.
We visited the gardens of Villa Melzi located along the lake. The Villa being a private property is not open to visitors; nevertheless, the museum, the chapel and the botanical gardens can be visited. We strolled through the gardens towards the water front promenade.
VILLA SERBELLONI
Alternatively, you can take a guided tour to the terraced gardens of Villa Serbelloni. Unfortunately, the private villa is not open to visitors but the gardens are. The expansive manicured gardens with the idyllic Alps makes for a picture perfect shot. If you’re short on time, however, I suggest prioritizing Villa Melzi.
We were fortunate to spot a little tourist train called“Bellagio Express”at the water front promenade. We hopped on to it and did an entire guided loop of Bellagio.
The plus point is that it’s a hop-on-hop-off service which makes it really easy to explore the hilly areas of Bellagio. The fishing village of Pescallo, San Giovanni and Villa Melzi are all enroute.
VISIT THE OLD FISHERMANS VILLAGE IN PESCALLO
Pescallo is a 15-minute uphill walk from Bellagio negotiating through narrow lanes. If you are not up to it, then boarding the Bellagio Express would be a better choice.
Nestled at the foot hills of the Alps, this fantastic location is hidden from the crowds. The fishing boats give the place an authentic look. During summer, the village is popular for water sports.
A CRUISE ON LAKE COMO
Cruising Lake Como on a day trip from Bellagio was an invigorating experience. The next day we headed to the town of Como on boat. There are numerous options to choose from. We were spoilt for choice between passenger ferries, scenic boat rides, fast boats (hydrofoil) or even private taxi boats.
We boarded the scenic slow boat (appx 2 hours) with audio guides explaining various landmarks its history and the grandeur associated with it. The shores are loaded with beautiful towns, striking landscapes, and just a hint of civilisation on certain patches. The beauty of the place completely captivated us.
PIAZZA DEL DUOMO AND COMO CATHEDRAL
Visiting the town of Como reinforced my faith in our decision to make Bellagio our base. Como Town is way larger and much more touristy. The town centre resembled any other Italian city like Florence or Pisa.
We walked through Piazza Cavour and headed towards Piazza Del Duomo to visit the cities land mark The Como Cathedral. This impressive gothic building is a marvel and is often said to be the last Gothic cathedral constructed in Italy.
Built over centuries this lavish decorated cathedral is an intriguing blend of various architectural influence. The facade had white marble, ornate stone work and striking interiors.
PORTA TORRE
We continued through cobbled lanes via Piazza San Fedele to the medieval fortification walls. Porta Torre is a tower that was built in 1192 to defend the entrance to the city.
FUNICULAR TO BRUNATE
Brunate is a small town on the eastern edge of the lake near Como city. The quickest way to reach is to take a funicular that scales the mountains. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the enchanting views of both cities and the picturesque lake in it’s full glory.
On our return from Como to Bellagio we were fortunate to get a taxi for just 30 Euros. The driver was from Bellagio and returning back home. So, a win-win situation for the both of us. The drive took us around 40-minutes.
If You Have Time to Spare
Bellagio is a good base to explore Northern Italy. Lugano, Varenna and Milan make good day trips as it has an extensive network of public transport.
Getting to and Around Bellagio
- If you decide on making Bellagio your base, note that there is no train station here. You can take a direct train from Milan Centrale to Varenna Esino. It’s an hour ride and then transfer by ferry to Bellagio. That takes around 15 minutes.
- Should you decide to make Como town your base, direct trains leave from Milan Centrale and arrive at Como San Giovanni in 40 minutes.
- There are hourly buses from Bellagio to Como.
- If you are visiting Bellagio from Lugano, board an hour long bus ride to Menaggio followed by a ferry to Bellagio.
- Walking is the best way to discover this charming city as it is relatively small. The attached map is a great guide to calculate walking distances between attractions
Best Time to Visit
With a city like Bellagio you are bound to enjoy at any time of the year. Each season displays a unique charm of the city. It all depends on what you are looking for.
- July and August are summer months and a great time to relax by the water. However, they can get really hot and crowded as the city is filled with tourists. Como also experiences quite a bit of summer rain.
- April to June (spring) and September to October (autumn) have the perfect weather and fewer crowds. It is easy on the pocket too`.
- November to March is magical. You can soak in the festive cheer as long as you are willing to brave the winter. You’ll get to see snow clad mountains that reflect breathtaking images in the clear water.
Where to Stay
- We stayed in a lavish self- catering apartment IL CORTILETTO TORRE TASSO which overlooked the mountains. It was a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
- The village is small and all accommodation is within walking distance to the Old Town. Book your accommodation in advance as Bellagio is the most popular town on Lake Como.
What to Eat
Italian food is an obsession thanks to the many Italian restaurants that have spread all around the world. Lake Como has some typical food that is deeply connected to the peculiar culture of the region.
- Creamy Risotto (rice) with fillets of persic (fish from the lake)
- Missultin is lake fish which is dehydrated, salted and dried in the sun for a few days. It is preserved in a wooden box and is normally served with a dish made of maze flower called polenta.
- Polenta is cooked with cheese, butter, garlic & sage.
- Resca is sweet bread baked with fruit and an olive twig. It’s a symbol of peace and good luck.
- Gelato. Go ham on gelato. Please. It is literally one of my favourite things about Italy. I suggest trying small artisanal shops. They offer the best kind.
- Try loads of pasta and pizza. Different varieties from different local restaurants. The dishes are a 100% on both authenticity and taste. Make sure you eat to your heart’s content.
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It seems like every facet of this town’s beauty and appearance has been carved to create a magical wonderland representing Italy’s beauty. The town has plenty to offer which suits all sorts of travellers.
Although it is known to be an upscale destination, let that not deter you. I strongly believe that you could explore it, even on a budget. With our Lake Como and Bellagio Travel Guide, you are now hopefully equipped with a list of minute details for an immersive journey to this impeccable village.
As always, we’re open to questions, queries, advice, suggestions and experiences. You can pop by just to say hello! We hope we’re playing our part in keeping the wanderlust within you alive, till we can physically travel.
Until then, Bon Voyage.