How To Spend An Unforgettable Day In Bellagio, Italy (Lake Como)

Bellagio is the most popular and picturesque town located at the intersection of the branches of Lake Como in Lombardy region. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, enchanting narrow streets, exquisite villas, and opulent gardens. A favorite among tourists, artists, and celebrities, this alluring destination has captured hearts for many years.

Whether you’re planning a day trip from Milan or other nearby places, Bellagio offers promises unforgettable experiences that you won’t forget.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Bellagio
Fly to Milan
Travel to Como/ Varenna by Train
Where to Buy Train Tickets?
Drive to Bellagio
Travel to Bellagio by Ferry
From Bellagio to Como
From Como to Bellagio
What to See in Bellagio
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Explore the Historic Center
Salita Serbelloni
Waterfront Promenade
Villa Melzi
Pescallo
Shopping in Bellagio
Enjoy Local Delights
Dive into the Crystal-Clear Waters of Lake Como

How to Get to Bellagio

Fly to Milan

If you are coming from abroad or a distant location, you can fly to one of Milan’s airports – Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Milan Linate Airport (LIN) or Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY).

Travel to Como or Varenna by Train

From Milan, you can take a train to either Como or Varenna. Trains depart regularly from Milan Centrale train station to Como San Giovanni station, Como Camerlata or Varenna-Esino station. The train journey from Milan Centrale Station to Como stations vary between 37 minutes and 1 hour and 16 minutes. Similarly, the journey to Varenna-Esino station also ranges from 1 hour and 4 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the specific train. Trenord manages train routes between Milan and Como train stations while both Trenord and Trenitalia operate train services connecting Milan and Varenna.

Where to Buy Train Tickets?

Train tickets are available for purchase at train stations or online. At Milan Centrale train station, you can obtain tickets from the main ticket office (Biglietteria) or the main hall area, situated below the commercial galleria. Alternatively, you can buy tickets from self-service ticket machines provided by Trenitalia and Trenord.

Certain train routes might experience quicker sell-outs due to their popularity. Hence, it’s advisable to purchase your tickets in advance online through platforms like Trainline and Omio.

Drive to Bellagio

If you are driving from Milan, you can also take the scenic route and drive to Bellagio directly. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Travel to Bellagio by Ferry

Once you arrive in either Como or Varenna, you can take a ferry to Bellagio. Both towns have ferry terminals with regular ferry services that traverse Lake Como. The ferry ride is delightful, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding scenery. During our trip, we took the train to Varenna-Esino and a 15-minute ferry ride to Bellagio.

If you are staying in Milan or elsewhere and planning to visit Bellagio for exploration, you can consider different ferry routes to enhance your experience. Instead of returning to your initial ferry departure point, like Varenna, you have two options:

From Bellagio to Como

After exploring Bellagio, you can take a scenic ferry ride to Como. The journey offers breathtaking views and is one of the most picturesque ferry trips I have experienced. Ferry rides offer multiple options: a fast route takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, while the regular boat route ranges from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you have time, the longer route is worth it, offering views of charming villages and villas along the lake shores.

From Como to Bellagio

Alternatively, you can arrive in Como and then take a ferry to Bellagio. This route also offers scenic views and is a great way to appreciate the beauty of Lake Como.

During my visit, we initially took a train from Milan Centrale train station to Varenna-Esino train station. Afterwards, we took a 15-minute ferry from Varenna to Bellagio. For our departure, we took the regular boat from Bellagio to Como, which lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes.

While it was a bit longer than expected, the experience was entirely worthwhile, given the opportunity to witness the captivating lakeside scenery, including charming villages and luxurious villas.

In conclusion, whether you choose to travel from Bellagio to Como or vice versa, the ferry rides on Lake Como offer an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and elegant surroundings. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the region and create lasting memories of your trip.

What to See in Bellagio

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Villa Serbelloni, a distinguished Bellagio villa, originated as a monastery in the late 15th century. In the 19th century, the villa was acquired by the prominent Italian Serbelloni family, who named it Villa Serbelloni.

Over the years, it has been a grand hotel, boasting an exquisite blend of architectural styles: Renaissance, Neoclassical, and Baroque influences. Inside, splendid, frescoed ceilings and grand halls await, while outside, the estate boasts expansive, picturesque gardens, adding to its timeless charm.

The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni has earned prestigious accolades, ranking #3 on Italy’s Best Resort Hotels list and #5 on the 10 Best Europe Resort Hotels list in the Travel & Leisure 2023 World’s Best Awards recognition. These honors showcase the hotel’s exceptional service and luxurious offerings, making it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable resort experience in Italy.

Explore the Historic Center

Experience the charm of Bellagio’s historic area with its narrow cobblestone streets winding through picturesque alleys and beautiful buildings.Explore inviting boutiques offering an array of products, from stylish clothing and accessories to unique local crafts and delightful souvenirs.

Salita Serbelloni

Salita Serbelloni is a passageway leading from lakeshore to the upper part of the town. As you climb, you’ll see charming shops, cafes, and local artisan boutiques.

Waterfront Promenade

Enjoy the lakefront promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and gelaterias, offering a serene atmosphere and beautiful views.

Villa Melzi

The neo-classical Villa Melzi is a historic gem constructed in the early 19th century on the western shore of Lake Como, Italy, in the town of Bellagio.The villa’s gardens cover 20 acres or 8 hectares, reaching to the lake shore. The gardens are a mix of Italian and English landscaping styles with sculptures and statues, including an orangery, Japanese garden with native and exotic plants. From late March to the end of October, Villa Melzi welcomes the public for visits, allowing everyone to explore its timeless beauty and rich history.

Pescallo

Pescallo is conveniently located just 5-10 minutes’ walk from Bellagio’s historic center on its southeastern side.

Embrace the delightful experience of a short hike along cobbled stone stairs, while being surrounded by the pleasant fragrance of jasmine flowers in the air.

One of the highlights of Pescallo is its small pebble beach, which is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and the surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal place to take a break from the bustling tourist areas and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Shopping in Bellagio

Explore the plethora of souvenir and artisan shops scattered throughout Bellagio, offering delightful shopping experiences. Here are some highly recommended shops worth visiting:

• Saraceno Boutique: A charming store showcasing exquisite artisan leather handbags, accessories, and artisan jewelry.
• Lucia SAS di Barindelli: Located on Salita Serbelloni, this shop is an excellent destination to find unique souvenir gifts.
• Bellagioseta: Step into this cozy boutique that offers a curated selection of high-quality leather goods, silk ties, shirts, and scarves.
• Elisa Pamieri: For those seeking unique ceramics gifts, Elisa Pamieri’s shop is the place to be.
  

Enjoy Local Delights

Where to Eat:

• Gelataria del Borgo:This place comes highly recommended for its delicious gelatos available in a variety of flavors. I tried pistachio, dark chocolate, and raspberry, and they were all incredibly tasty. You can savor three flavors for just 3.50 Euros.

• La Grotta: A cozy and small restaurant that serves wood-fired pizzas, flavorful pastas, and delightful local lake fish dishes.

• Dispensa 63:This is one of the top recommended small restaurants. Make sure to reserve ahead of time to try their exquisite dishes. Some of the must-try items are their beef and risotto.

Dive into the Crystal-Clear Waters of Como

If you happen to travel to Bellagio during summertime and find yourself with some spare time, take the opportunity to indulge in a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Bellagio Public Beach, also known as the secret San Giovanni beach, is just a short distance away from Bellagio. Although it’s located closer to San Giovanni, you can easily reach it by taking a short bus ride from Bellagio. The closest bus stops to the beach are Bivio Via Vitali and Frazione Regatola. Enjoy the hidden gem of San Giovanni beach and soak in the beauty of Lake Como’s pristine waters during your visit to Bellagio.