Bellagio The Italian Lakes, Italy Travel Guide
A charming, colorful fishing village situated directly across the lake from Bellagio on the eastern shore. It is known for its picturesque waterfront, narrow alleys, and two famous villas.
Fast and frequent ferry service connects Bellagio and Varenna in just 5-15 minutes, depending on the type of ferry. This makes for a very easy and convenient day trip.
Expand your cultural exploration beyond Bellagio with enriching day trips to historical sites and charming villages.
A UNESCO World Heritage site located on the western shore of Lake Como, near Lenno. This pilgrimage route features 14 Baroque chapels, each containing elaborate statues and frescoes, leading up a hillside to a sanctuary.
Lake Como's only island, with a rich and dramatic history dating back to Roman times. Today, it hosts an archaeological park, a charming restaurant, and several modern artists' houses.
Beyond the villas, Lake Como has beautiful natural escapes, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic landscapes.
For extensive hiking and mountain exploration, consider this regional park located in the mountains east of Lake Como, accessible from Lecco. It includes a network of trails leading to challenging peaks and stunning alpine scenery.
A valley stretching north from Lake Como, known for its terraced vineyards, production of bresaola (cured beef), and excellent hiking opportunities in the Alps. Accessible by train from Varenna (connecting from Bellagio by ferry).
This gorge and waterfall is located in the village of Nesso, a short ferry or bus ride south of Bellagio. The waterfall plunges into the lake, visible from an ancient Roman bridge. It offers a stunning photo opportunity and a brief, interesting natural detour.
One of the "three pearls" of Lake Como's central triangle, located on the western shore. Menaggio features a lovely promenade, a more spacious town center, and connections to Lake Lugano.
The second largest city on Lake Como, located on the southeastern branch. Lecco has a different feel from Como, often considered less touristy and more rugged, with direct access to mountains for hiking.
Bellagio may serve as a starting point for longer explorations, combining your lake experience with other iconic Italian or Swiss destinations.
Expand your journey with these appealing regional extensions:
From Lake Como, connect easily to further Italian highlights:
Efficient transport networks connect Lake Como to diverse destinations:
Bellagio serves as an ideal base for broader Italian and Swiss adventures. From historic cities to alpine escapes, your onward journey awaits.
Travel north to the Dolomites or Swiss Alps for breathtaking mountain vistas and hiking. These regions offer a dramatic contrast to the lakeside setting.
High-speed trains from Milan connect to Florence, Rome, and Venice, cities rich in art, history, and culture. A world of experiences from Milan's hub.
The Italian Riviera, including Portofino and Cinque Terre, has colorful fishing villages and stunning sea views, reachable by train for a coastal extension.
