Italy · city guide
Bellagio: the pearl at the fork of the lake
Steep cobbled lanes, two villa gardens, and the point where both branches of the lake meet.
Bellagio is the famous one, the village everyone pictures when they think of Lake Como, and it sits right at the fork where the two branches of the lake split. I didn't sleep here, though. I based myself in quiet little Varenna across the water and ferried over for the day, because Bellagio is busier and pricier than I wanted my mornings to be. As a day out it's gorgeous: steep cobbled stairways stacked with boutiques, two grand villa gardens, and a point at the tip with views straight down both arms of the lake. Here's exactly how I'd do it.
- The pearl of Lake Como, at the fork of both branches
- A 15-min ferry from Varenna, where I actually based
- Busier and pricier, so I came over for the day
Best things to do
Climb the cobbled stairway streets
The picture-postcard part: steep stone staircases between the lake and the upper town, lined with little boutiques and gelato windows. Just wander up and down them slowly, that's the whole charm.
Walk out to Punta Spartivento
The point at the very tip of the headland where the lake splits in two, with views straight down both branches. A short flat walk from the centre, and the best free view in Bellagio.
Wander the gardens of Villa Melzi
A long lakeside garden with old trees, statues and a quiet path right along the water, far calmer than the cobbled lanes up the hill. The lakeside stroll I'd actually slow down for.
Tour the Villa Serbelloni gardens
The grand hillside gardens above the town, by guided tour only, so check the times and book at the tourist office that morning. Big views back over the fork of the lake.
Where to stay
Getting there & around
Bellagio sits out on the mid-lake headland with no train of its own, so you arrive by boat. I came across on the ferry from Varenna, which is a 15-minute hop, and the same ferries link it to Menaggio on the western shore and down toward Como town. If you're coming from Milan, take the train to Varenna-Esino (about an hour from Milano Centrale) and ferry over, or the slower train down to Como town and the boat up the lake. Buy a day pass and village-hop at your own pace. One real warning from me: check the ferry timetable before you come, because the boats run with big gaps mid-day and stop earlier than you'd think. I nearly got stranded here once assuming there'd always be a next one. Once you're in Bellagio it's all on foot, and steep, so wear proper shoes for the cobbled stairs.
Eat & drink
- Salita Serbelloni gelato — A gelato on the famous cobbled stairway, eaten on the steps watching everyone climb past. The cheap, simple Bellagio moment I'd repeat.
- A trattoria up the back lanes — Step a few streets up off the busy lakefront and the menus get calmer and a touch cheaper; that's where I'd sit for a proper plate of pasta.
Day trips
On the map
Book this trip
A few of these earn me a small cut at no extra cost to you — only ever things I'd actually book.
Frequently asked
Should I stay in Bellagio or just visit for the day?
I visited for the day and based in quieter Varenna across the water. Bellagio is the most famous Como village, so it's busier and pricier, and as a day out by ferry you get the cobbled lanes, the gardens and Punta Spartivento without paying the lakefront premium to sleep there.
How do I get to Bellagio without a car?
By ferry. It's on the mid-lake headland with no train, so I came across from Varenna in about 15 minutes; the same boats link Menaggio and Como town. Just check the timetable first, because the lake ferries stop earlier and run with bigger gaps than you'd expect.