Are you planning a trip to Lake Como? Bellagio, Italy, is a must-see on that itinerary! 🙂 You can explore the town in a few hours, even on a day trip from Milan to Lake Como. But if you want to experience the Pearl of Lake Como truly, you should probably stay in Bellagio for at least two to three days.
Here is a list of the best things to do in Bellagio, Italy, from my recent trip.
Why visit Bellagio, Italy
Your visit to Lake Como is incomplete without visiting its Pearl: Bellagio, one of the most beautiful places in the Lombardy region.
Bellagio is located halfway between the two southernmost branches of the lake and is famous worldwide for its beautiful villas overlooking the water, such as Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni or Villa Melzi.
Bellagio is also perfect for a day trip since most attractions are within walking distance.😉
The Lombardy region has an excellent rail network with Milan as its rail hub, making one day trips from Milan a superb strategy to explore northern Italy.
How to get to Bellagio, Lake Como?
From Milan to Bellagio
There are several ways to get to Bellagio from Milan. It’s only a 90-minute drive from Milan if you travel by car. You can also rent a car, but it’s not necessary. Finding parking is challenging in high season. And Bellagio and Lake Como are best explored by boat.
One of the most excellent ways to arrive in Bellagio is by boat. Explore Lake Como by boat, one that will take you to Bellagio. There are many one-day tours from Milan that you can choose from.
The easiest way to reach Bellagio is by train from Milan. First, take a train from Milan’s Central Station to Varenna.
Pro tip: I purchased all my train tickets in Italy through the Trainline app. You can easily find the fastest and cheapest train fares. The app will also notify you of any schedule changes or cancellations in case of rail strikes which often happen in Italy.
When you arrive in Varenna, you’ll need to take the ferry. The train station in Varenna is a short walk (5-10 minutes) from the ferry dock. You can also get a boat tour from Varenna to Bellagio, including exploring the lake.
Best things to do in Bellagio, Italy
Bellagio is one of the larger villages on Lake Como, with tiered hills of pastel buildings. It is the perfect town in Italy if you want a getaway to relax. While there are lots of other tourists, the tiny village retains a charming atmosphere, and I loved how you don’t have to be in a hurry to visit museums and famous sights.
Here is a quick travel guide on the best things to do in Bellagio, Italy, even if you only have one day.
Stroll the picturesque streets of Bellagio
Take a walk and explore the tiny streets of Bellagio. They are charming and very picturesque!
The Bellagio old town has one main road, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, which leads to Punta Spartivento in less than 10 minutes. The main road is filled with shops and boutiques where you can find local food, leather goods, clothing, perfumes, and much more.
While walking on the main street, several alleys can take you to the waterfront, facing the Como branch of the lake.
These alleys have many shops and restaurants and also stairs! So wear comfortable shoes and get ready to do a lot of ups and downs.
You can get to Piazza Della Chiesa in the town center and admire the Basilica of San Giacomo, a Romanesque church built between the 11th and 12th centuries.
Walk to Punta Spartivento
A short walk via Eugenio Vitali will take you to Punta Spartivento.
This unique spot, fantastic for pictures, is located in the middle of the lake’s three branches. It’s a very relaxing part of the village where the locals anchor their boats. From here, you can see Menaggio, Varenna, and other towns that line the shore of Lake Como.
Enjoy the views along the waterfront promenade
Walking along the lake shore, you will find some of the best views of Bellagio.
You can admire the colorful old town, with the mountain peaks above the lake even further. The views of Lake Como, in all directions, are also impressive.
Take Bellagio Express Train
Enjoy the breathtaking views aboard Trombetta Express while you go to see and visit attractions in Bellagio with many stops. You can get on and off with the same ticket.
You can catch the train in front of the ferry.
Visit the gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni
A stroll around Villa Melzi gardens was one of my favorite things in Bellagio.
The villa was built between 1808 and 1810 on the commission of Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Duke of Lodi, Luigi Canonica, and Luigi Villoresi designed its gardens.
The gardens are home to many exotic trees, camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas.
You can also visit Hotel Villa Serbelloni, a luxury hotel built in the 15th century. The park/garden is owned by the Rockefeller Foundation. If you’re not a hotel guest, you can only visit the 50 acres of park and gardens surrounding the villa with a guided tours for a minimum of 6 people and a maximum of 30 for about an hour and 30 minutes.
Visit the Pescallo village
Take a walk to the other side of the peninsula to see the old fishing village, Pescallo. This small town is quieter and a great place to escape the crowds and relax.
Starting from the town hall of Bellagio, follow a stepped pathway. You will get there in about 10 minutes. Pescallo is a top-rated destination for sports, so don’t miss the chance to do kayaking or water skiing!
Go shopping
Exploring the streets and walkways of the town is fun! There is something for everyone, from jewelry stores and hat stands to luxury designer boutiques.
Shopping is the main thing to do in Bellagio so join in on the fun! There are also dedicated shopping tours from Milan to Bellagio.
Spend a day at the beach
Tired of walking and exploring? Head to the beach!
There are two beaches in Bellagio. You can relax on the public beach of San Giovanni or go to Lido di Bellagio, located on the waterfront, next to Melzi Gardens, equipped with a bar, wifi, and gazebos.
Take a boat tour on Lake Como
Cruising Lake Como from Bellagio is an excellent experience. A one-hour tour will show you extravagant villas, gorgeous views of Bellagio, and a close look at tiny towns on the lake.
Check out Bellagio Boat Tours to book a private tour.
The boat tour will allow you to see Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello.
Visit Madonna del Ghissalo
Located at the top of a hill overlooking Lake Como, this shrine is one of the most famous places for cyclists. The shrine dates from the 17th century and is unique among the shrines in Italy since it is dedicated to bicyclists.
Take a boat trip to Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello
Lake Como is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful and famous villas, Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello. Because of their specific locations, the easiest way to visit and explore is with private boat tours.
Villa Carlotta‘s museum and the gardens are open to the public for a visit.
Tickets can be purchased online.
Villa del Balbianello’s gardens will leave you breathless. The villa is one of the best instagrammable spots on the lake!
Villa del Balbianello has been a movie set for: A Month by the Lake, Casino Royale, and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
Plan your visit in advance; this will require more time, and buy tickets online.
Have lunch at a local restaurant
Bellagio has many great options, whether you are craving pasta, pizza, or tiramisu. Skip the waterfront restaurants and trade the view for better food at a small place in the alleys.
La Lanterna is one of them. They have delicious homemade pasta.
Stay at a nice hotel in Bellagio
Bellagio has many options for those who want to spend a weekend or relax for a couple of days on Lake Como.
Hotels in Bellagio
Located high on a hill, this is a landmark hotel famous for its incredible pool, rooftop restaurant, and stunning views of greater Lake Como. You’re guaranteed never to want to leave!
Hotel du Lac is the perfect place for you if you prefer to be near all the action. It’s right in front of the ferry docks and surrounded by restaurants and boutique shops.
Go Kayaking
Kayaking is not my thing, but this 1.5-hour tour can be fun! Starting from Bellagio, you paddle all along Pescallo Pay and learn from a local guide about Lake Como’s region and hidden sites.
A waterproof camera or GoPro will perfectly capture the fantastic views of the landscapes and villas from the water.
Bonus: Take a cooking class
If you have more time, this 3-hour cooking experience is fantastic. You will learn all the secrets to making authentic Italian cuisine in a pretty villa.
The class is for 12 people only, so it’s very intimate, and there will be lots of delicious Italian food made with love. Pick-up is from the ferry bank. I’m looking forward to learning how to prepare Italian dishes and appetizers on my next trip to Bellagio!
If you are in the Lake Como area, make sure to visit Varenna and Milan.
