Twenty seconds. That’s how long it took. Twenty seconds. To open the door to my hotel room, put down my luggage, step out on the balcony and bam…

Twenty seconds was all it took to fall head over heals in love with you, my beautiful Bellagio.
The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

The best way to visit Bellagio

Nested on what’s probably the most picturesque part of Lake Como’s shore line is Bellagio, a tiny village located at the crossing of the south-eastern and south-western part of the lake. The adventure starts when you navigate your car through the coiling road coming from Como or Lecce. It’s so narrow the only thing to do at some points is literally just close your eyes and hope the cars driving in the other direction – at a fairly high speed seeing the condition of the road –will pass. 

George Clooney has his secondary (or 3rd, 4th, who counts when you’re THAT rich) residence over here, and I can assure you that if I had his money, I would, too! George, if you’re reading this, invitations can be send through my contact page. What?! You never know… :p

The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy
The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy
The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

No guidebook can do this place justice, so put it away and just stroll around. Believe me, the best parts aren’t the ones you’ll find on the map. The colorful houses with their picturesque shutters will make you dream of times gone by. The magnificent views of the lake will leave you breathless, and so will the steep narrow alleys. Yes, go check out what’s on the other side of that tiny alley, where you can only hope nobody’s coming in the other direction. What’s the worst that can happen?

The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

Don’t rush. Sit down, have an Italian coffee or a glass of Spritz with some olives and observe the people. Look how they love it, their Bellagio, and fall in love even more. 

Walk by the harbor and alongside the water to Villa Melzi d’Eril for a peek into the lush gardens and even wider views on Lake Como. The mansions on the other side look like they’ve come straight out of one of those Italian movies from the 50’s.

The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy
The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy
The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

Take a boat to Varenna to stroll around some more or (correction: and) take your car inland through the tiny picturesque villages and mountainous landscapes for even more beauty.

The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

Whenever you decide to go to Bellagio, don’t go looking for ‘things to do’. There’s nothing to ‘do’ in Bellagio, no 10-point list could ever capture the place, and that’s exactly why you’ll love it. Bellagio doesn’t need a museum, a list or a guide book, it has everything you need right in its heart.

Bellagio, it took me 20 seconds to fall in love with you. We’ve been apart for a while now but you’re still in my heart. One day, I promise, I’ll come back to you, and fall in love all over again. 
The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

Where to stay in Bellagio

The best things to do in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

Hotel Silvio is located right outside the city center and offers a great service as well as fabulous view of the lake, right from your private terrace. You can walk to the center through the gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril or call the hotel shuttle when it’s late at night and the gardens are closed.

Want to explore Lake Como some more? Check out this itinerary for 2 days in Lake Como by my friend Arzo! Or have a look at my itinerary for an 18-day road trip through Northern Italy to see more of this breathtaking country.

This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of them, I’ll receive a small commission, with no extra cost for you. Thank you! 

38 thoughts on “DOLCE FAR NIENTE AT ITS BEST – Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy”

  1. How beautiful! I’ve been around the Lake Como, but I’m sure not the best part of it. Because it was nice, but nothing special.
    I know everyone raves about it and I know Italy never disappoints, so now I’m gonna start researching and focusing on Bellagio! I know I have to give the lake another chance!

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  4. Few places are as romantic as Lake Como, and even fewer resorts as beautiful as Bellagio. Called the “Pearl of the Lake”, Bellagio’s world class hotels and restaurants provide the perfect place to soak up the lake’s famous panorama. Thanks for sharing such an informative article!

  5. Looks wonderful. God willing, I plan to go to Portofino in 2017. Looks like I will be including Bellagio in my itinerary. Pictures are beautiful. Thanks for the tour.

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  8. Ciao Lili!

    Bellagio has been THE reason why I’ve moved to Italy together with my two little ones, and since then have explored most of southern Europe (thanks to the Italy Golden Visa “Dolce Visa” Program which has been the main reason for travelling without much efforts across the old continent).

    I’ve just come across this post now when googling about travel writers that have been in Como.
    Did you ever comeback since 2016? Would be glad to meet here if you have the time!

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