Lake Como Bellagio in Italy view

But where exactly is Bellagio and why is this town called the pearl of Lake Como? What is the best hotel in Bellagio to stay at? How do you get from Lake Como to Bellagio?

These questions about Lake Como Bellagio are answered in this blog. It will help you plan your visit to Lake Como.

Answers to all your questions about Bellagio Lake Como:

Is Lake Como really so beautiful?

The answer is simple. Absolutely. Lake Como is as beautiful as they say. The lake has a dark blue colour and it is surrounded by the peaks of the Swiss Alps in the distance. The 24 towns and villages located at Lake Como add to its beauty.

Of course, Lake Como Bellagio town is considered the most beautiful town of all. 

We loved Lake Como so much that it’s featured on our list of 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy!

Why is Bellagio at Lake Como so famous? 

Bellagio town is simply gorgeous. It’s set in the middle of the Y-shaped lake and it is famous for its picturesque alleyways filled with small boutiques, shops, and restaurants. 

Then there are the villas: Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. But for me, it’s the combination of architecture and the gorgeous blooming flowers that make Bellagio at Lake Como the most beautiful place. 

Here are also some interesting facts about Lake Como.

Lake Como Bellagio in Italy villas
Lake Como is famous for its villas. The best way to see them is from the lake. Rent a boat or take the slow boat across.

Is Bellagio worth visiting?

Yes. If you are spending some time in Milan, then make sure you come up to Lake Como, even for a day.

It’s easy to get to Lake Como from Milan on a train and then use the ferry, however for a stress-free day, why not join a day trip from Milan instead?

Street in Bellagio Lake Como
The prettiest street in Bellagio Lake Como

Is Lake Como’s Bellagio expensive?

Yes. Bellagio is the most expensive part of Lake Como for hotels. However, it’s very similar to the prices in Milan when it comes to restaurants, gelato, etc. 

CLICK HERE To View All Hotels in Lake Como

Of course, you can choose to stay somewhere else as getting from anywhere at Lake Como to Bellagio is easy on public transport: you can take the ferry or the local bus.

Lake Como Bellagio from the ferry
The view of Bellagio on Lake Como from the ferry.

What can you do at Bellagio? 

Well first of all the best thing to do in Bellagio is to just wander the charming streets and take in the vibes. Don’t miss out on the views from the top of Salita Serbelloni.

Bellagio is a popular destination and as many tourists come for the day, it’s nicer to explore Bellagio early morning or just before sunset. 

The three best things to do in Bellagio Lake Como:

  • Visit San Giacomo Basilica from the 12th century in the heart of Bellagio.
Lake Como Bellagio in Italy inside the church
You can visit San Giacomo Basilica when in Bellagio. Free entry

Take a Boat Tour on Lake Como from Bellagio for 1 hour and search for all the famous villas. 

I recommend this Boat Tour of Lake Como with SuBacco starting from €70 pp.

Lake Como Bellagio in Italy scenery
Rent a boat to see the best of Lake Como scenery
  • The one paid attraction here at Lake Como Bellagio are the Melzi Gardens. While you can’t enter the Villa Melzi (unless you are staying there), you can pay 8 euros for entry to spend some time in the gorgeous gardens. The gardens are open every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm – the last entrance at 6:30 pm.
Amazing Lake Como Bellagio in Italy
The gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio at Lake Como

How do you get from Lake Como to Bellagio?

It does not matter where you are staying at Lake Como, getting to Bellagio is easy:

If you are staying in the town of Como simply take the fast boat known as a hydrofoil – it takes 45 minutes to go from Como to Bellagio. Or you could take a public bus as well. 

Lake Como Bellagio in Italy on the map
Lake Como Bellagio on the map of Italy

If you are staying in Varenna or Menaggio you can use the boat service that connects all three towns. There is a car ferry and a passenger ferry and the journey takes only 15-25 minutes. The ticket is €4.60 per person and you could also buy a day pass so you can visit all three towns this way.

To find all train connections to Lake Como from Milan search Trainline website for train connections from Milan to Varenna or Milan to Como.

For all ferry and boat schedules visit the official website of Navigazionelaghi.  

Lake Como Bellagio in Italy Italian flag
The best public transport in Europe? The ferry ride between Varenna and Bellagio offers amazing views.

Where should you stay at Lake Como?

If you wish to be at the heart of the lake with easy access to Bellagio Varenna and Menaggio, then staying in one of these towns or nearby is the best option. If you are coming from Milan by train, then staying in Varenna is the best option as you don’t have to carry your luggage on the boat, you can check in and then explore on the boat.

For a more affordable option to stay at Lake Como, consider staying in the town of Como. You can get here easily from Milan on the train or by car and it is a good base to explore Lake Como from here.

CLICK HERE to View All Hotels in Como

Is it better to stay in Bellagio or Como? Well staying at Bellagio means staying at the heart of Lake Como and you can enjoy the evenings or early mornings here. 

CLICK HERE to View All Hotels in Belaggio

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Do I need a car at Lake Como Bellagio?

You don’t need a car in Bellagio. The town is small and parking here can be an issue. But if you do have a car and stay for a few days I recommend asking your hotel about parking before you book it. 

Lake Como view
You don’t need a car to get to Lake Como or to explore around it.

Can you swim at Bellagio?

Yes, you can swim at Lake Como in Bellagio, but not in the city centre. Walk down to Lido di Bellagio which is just in front of the Melzi gardens. This is a small beach with pebble stones.

The other popular option is to swim near Punta Spartivento, which is the northernmost point of Bellagio. 

Don’t miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES

How many days do you need at Bellagio Lake Como Italy?

You should spend at least 2 days at Bellagio and Lake Como. You can visit all three towns, have a swim, eat some amazing food with a view at sunset and take a boat ride on Lake Como.

I would recommend joining one of these recommended day trips below:

Which airport do you fly to for Lake Como?

The nearest airport to Lake Como airport is Milan Malpensa (MXP). You can search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner.

Taxi from Milan Malpensa airport to Lake Como is around €100. Or you can take the train to the city centre of Milan and then train to Varenna. I recommend checking Trainline for the best train fares.

Then you can get the boat for 15 minutes to cross to get to Lake Como Bellagio.

If your flight arrives at Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), the best option is to take a bus to the city centre of Milan first and then take a train. 

Can you visit Lake Como Bellagio in a day?

Yes, absolutely. You can visit Lake Como in a day from Milan as part of a tour, or independently.

I would suggest catching the train from Milan to Varenna and then taking a boat between the 3 towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio. You can see all of them, go on a boat ride and just enjoy the good life.

How to get to Lake Como - Varenna Train station
Getting to Lake Como Bellagio from Milan is easy – take the train to Varenna and then boat across the lake to Bellagio

Alternatively, you could also take a train from Milan to the town of Lake Como and take the slow ferry or fast ferry across to Lake Como Bellagio, then explore the 3 towns at the centre of Lake Como Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio. 

And that’s it! An overview of the main things you need to know about Lake Como Bellagio. The only thing left to do is make your way there and have an amazing time!

Travel Tips for Italy

If you are spending more time in Italy, check out our detailed posts for Florence in 2 Days Itinerary, The Perfect 3 days in Rome Itinerary, the Best Vatican Tours to join, and the Top 10 Best Things to do in Venice.

And if you love good food then you will enjoy our posts about where to eat the best pizza in Florence – Top 5 Places and Food in Rome you need to try – 10 AMAZING dishes.

For practical tips, here is the Best Italy Sim Card to Avoid Roaming Charges and our ULTIMATE Packing List for Europe.

We highly recommend travelling by train in Italy for convenience, price and to maximise your time.

Our post – The 4 Top reasons to visit Italy by train explains why you should consider this as your primary form of transport in Italy. Oh, and try and spend a few days in Bologna. It’s not far at all from Lake Como and it’s one of Italy’s most underrated cities!

Here are 12 Amazing Things to Do in Bologna, including where to stay and what to eat. Enjoy!