Bellagio & surrounding

The point where the lake divides

Bellagio sits at the tip of the promontory where Lake Como splits into its three branches, which gives it views in almost every direction. The village is small and walkable, with steep stepped lanes climbing from the waterfront past silk shops, cafés and arcaded houses. In the evening, when the day visitors have left, it becomes a quiet and very pleasant place to stay.

The grounds of Villa Melzi run along the shore just south of the village, with lakeside paths, old trees and azaleas and rhododendrons in flower in spring. Above the village, the park of Villa Serbelloni can be seen on guided visits, and the walk up gives some of the finest views on the lake.

Across the water and into the hills

Bellagio is also the hub of the central lake ferries, so a villa here puts much of Lake Como within easy reach without a car. Short crossings take you to Varenna, with its colourful harbour, the gardens of Villa Monastero and the ruined Castello di Vezio above, and to Menaggio and Cadenabbia on the western shore. From there it is a short hop to Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo and Villa del Balbianello at Lenno.

Behind the village, the hills of the Triangolo Lariano offer quiet walking among chestnut woods and small farming hamlets. Cyclists come to ride up to the chapel of the Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists, which holds a collection of racing bikes and jerseys.

Food, seasons and getting here

Lake fish features on most menus: risotto with perch fillets, and missoltini, shad dried in the sun and grilled. Polenta, local cheeses and red wines from the Valtellina are common in the hill restaurants.

Spring brings the gardens into flower and is ideal for walking, summer is warm and busy, and September and early October are often the most comfortable months of all. The nearest airports are in Milan and at Bergamo, and Bellagio is reached by the lakeside roads from Como or Lecco, or by boat from Como.

Bellagio suits couples, garden lovers and anyone who wants to explore the lake by boat. Read more about Lake Como, or browse the villas listed below to find your base in and around Bellagio.