Travel guide to Bellagio, Lake Como
When you think of Lake Como, what comes to mind? For me, I think pretty, fancy and romantic. I had always wanted to visit Lake Como. Who doesn’t? It is one of those places that seemed unreachable and is home to Hollywood superstars so it had a little mystery to it. Or at least, this was my view. So when my friend Viv suggested Bellagio for her birthday, I was thrilled and immediately started planning. My travel guide to Bellagio, Lake Como focuses on our 3-day visit and all we got up to.
About Lake Como
Lake Como is in Italy’s Northern Lombardy region and is known for its stunning scenery. The lake is shaped like a “Y” with Bellagio being its most popular stop.
In one day, it is actually possible to see and do everything in Lake Como. Varenna, Menaggio and Bellagio sit on the lake and the 3 towns form a “golden triangle”. They are about 25 mins apart by ferry so if you are not bothered about rest or a slower travel pace, Lake Como is still a go!
Lake Como is a popular day trip from Milan and Lugano. I think it is perfect to visit in shoulder months – May, early June, September and October. Of course, the weather is not too hot and it is not so busy. There is no denying that Lake Como is a touristy location so in peak summer, it gets quite busy. This is something to note if you ever decide to visit. We stayed in Bellagio since we wanted to be in the middle of whatever buzz Lake Como had to offer. Bellagio is filled with cute shops, al fresco restaurants, instagrammable streets, and pretty corners; all with the stunning backdrop of the lake.
Related: Travel Guide to Paros, Greece
Getting to Bellagio, Lake Como
Bellagio is notably referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como” and you can totally see why once you arrive. We flew from London to Milan and took a train to Varenna. As we got off the train, we were greeted by the stunning views of the mountains. After buying some water from a random shop, we made our way out of the station and walked the short distance to the ferry port.
I found it a little tricky but we followed a couple ahead and they led us to the port. My friend kept teasing that we were following blindly but I had my google map open and assumed that since they spoke Italian; they must know a short cut. We purchased tickets on the spot from the kiosk at the ferry port and stood in the queue while we waited for our ferry.
It is very cheap to get the train from Milan to Varenna; it cost both of us £7.50. From Varenna to Bellagio, the ferry was £4.50 per person.
Where to Stay in Bellagio, Lake Como
We stayed at the Hotel Belvedere Bellagio. I had book marked this hotel years ago because I saw a pinterest photo of their balcony. Unfortunately, for the dates we booked, there was no room with balcony available but we still had a spectacular lake view from our room (and bathroom too). A room with a view of the lake is very essential when staying in Lake Como for the full experience.
Hotel Belvedere is absolutely stunning. If there is one hotel you must book in Lake Como, even for a night, it is this one. It is the perfect “lakeside retreat” built since 1880 by a mother-daughter duo. So you can tell it is quite special.
I’m definitely going back when I can book one of their stunning balcony rooms; this time with Mr E.
Where to Eat in Bellagio, Lake Como
If I’m honest, Bellagio is full of lots of spots to eat and everywhere we checked out, we loved. So we deduced that it would be the same in every spot. There are some more popular spots but we went with the flow, did not book anything and just ate where we saw available.
For the purpose of this travel guide to Bellagio, Lake Como, the places we ate:
Hotel du Lac
This was possibly where we ate most of our lunches and had drinks. It is located on the main road so the perfect spot to people watch. As we went during off-season, it was never really busy. Each time we visited, we had front row sit to the street and the meals were delicious. Surprisingly, the meals were not as expensive as I expected.
Bellavita
For street food, we always had pizza or pastries from Bellavita. It was a random find en route and the lady who served was very friendly. Pizza was delicious and the pies were yummy as well.
Ristoro Forma & Gusto
It was one of those spots that you think of when you envision eating pasta in Italy on one of its little streets. This restaurant was on a pretty street and its Orange and Green table cover drew us in. We stopped for some seafood on our way to our boat ride and of course, it was yummy!
La Tirlindana
Let me confess first of all. This spot is not in Bellagio; however I had to mention it. Of all the places we ate, this was the most special. It was a stop on our boat ride with Bellagio Water Limousines. It’s a very romantic spot that overlooks the lake and the food is absolutely delicious.
This was the restaurant attached to our hotel, Hotel Belvedere Bellagio. La Terrazza served our breakfasts each morning (our booking was breakfast inclusive) and it was so lovely. We had dinner once on the alfresco terrace and it was incredible. It overlooks the lake and has a very romantic feel.
What to Do in Bellagio, Lake Como
You could easily spend your time in Lake Como in your hotel if you decide to say in a fancy one with a lake view. However, no travel guide to Bellagio, Lake Como is complete without ideas on what to do. Is that not why we are here? Bellagio is so pretty that if you spent the day without a detailed travel guide, you would come up with your own list.
Go wandering
Bellagio is so small that you can cover most of it in an hour. Most roads are pedestrian only so it is the perfect town to explore. One of the best things about Bellagio was wandering its cobbled streets, which weave in and out of major roads. They mostly remind me of Disney movies where she sings and dances through pretty streets with dreamy foliage. My favourite time to wander was before noon, which was just before the sun got quite harsh, and after 6pm when it was cool again. Thankfully, it was not too busy when we went so these inner streets were mostly empty.
Visit Basilica of San Giacomo
It is a charming church that is right in the center of Bellagio. I had no idea it existed and was quite surprised when I saw it. It is a Lombard-Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century. Pretty special, I must admit.
People watch and Boat spot
If people watching and boat spotting are your thing, Bellagio will be exciting. We had a spot where we’d sit and watch the fancy boats go by. Then we’d make up scenarios as we watched people walk up and own the roads. Bellagio draws in different types of tourists. From the casual couples to OTT boujee ladies in groups to the solo traveller studying the buildings intensely, Bellagio is a fantastic place to people watch.
A boat tour
This one is a must. In Lake Como, there are so many choices for a boat tour and tbh, going on one is essential for the full experience. You get to see the grand villas lining the lake and a knowledgeable skipper telling you all about the history of the little villages off the lake. Some are pricey (we saw a €1250 for 5 hours package) and some are quite affordable at €70 per person.
We opted for a semi private tour with Bellagio Water Limousines which lasted 3 hours including a stop over at a lovely little island for lunch at La Tirlindana which was a lovely extra special treat.
Villa Tours
It is no surprise that some most of the most beautiful villas in the world are in Lake Como. Some have been turned into hotels like Villa d’Este and others can be booked for weddings and special celebrations. Some of my favourite villas are:
Villa Del Balbianello, Tremezzina which is most likely the most popular and is breathtaking. It has been used in movies like Casino Royale, Star Wars and is open on Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday. Villa del Balbianello costs €22 (€12 per child) for a full entry browse and €11 (€6 per child) for the gardens only – A full browse is worth it, trust me! Children under 6 go free.
For any updated cost and open times, check the website.
Villa la Cassinella. It is reportedly owned by Richard Branson and David Beckham has been rumoured to stay there. If you are rich rich, you can book it for the ultimate luxury vibes
Travel Guide to Bellagio, Lake Como
Lake Como is one of the prettiest places I have been to. The expensive part of our trip was the accommodation; but food, transportation and even cocktails were not expensive. This shocked me because I was totally prepared for St Tropez-esque prices. It is a must visit if ever in Milan even if it is only for a day.
Until my next fancy trip or just another wander…
…Bisous, Bugo x
One Comment
whoiscall
Thanks.