Bellagio
Perched at the tip of the peninsula where Lake Como's three arms meet, Bellagio is known as the “Pearl of the Lake.” Stone-stepped lanes, lakeside villa gardens and the ferry landing form the heart of the lake district.
Bellagio sits at the fork where Lake Como's inverted-Y shape divides. It faces Tremezzo to the west and Varenna to the north, making it the most convenient ferry hub for exploring the lake. Highlights of the town include the lakeside promenade and ferry square; stone staircases climbing up from the shore, such as Salita Serbelloni, lined with shops selling silk, leather goods and crafts; Villa Melzi gardens at the south of town (open roughly late March to October, admission about €10–12), with a Japanese-style pond and azaleas by the lake; Villa Serbelloni park (guided tour only, managed by the Rockefeller Foundation); and Punta Spartivento at the tip of the peninsula, where you can see all three lake arms at once. Getting there: take a train from Milan to Como or Varenna, then a ferry. Ferries from Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia take about 10 to 15 minutes. The “Centro Lago” day pass costs about €17–20 for unlimited rides. Suggested route: spend the morning in Bellagio, take a midday ferry to Varenna, and visit Tremezzo in the afternoon to see Villa Carlotta. Note: lakeside restaurant tables are pricey and need reservations on weekends. Ferry queues are long in summer, and the fast ferry (Servizio Rapido) carries an extra surcharge.
Opening hours
Neighborhood open all day; Villa Merz gardens approx. 09:30–18:30 (late March–October)
Nearby sights
- Villa Melzi Gardens
- Villa Carlotta
- Varenna
- Villa Monastero
- Castello di Vezio
- Menaggio
- Madonna del Ghisallo
- Villa del Balbianello