Bellagio: what to see and do
Bellagio is an Italian municipality within the Province of Como, in Lombardy. It sits beside Lake Como, at the end of the headland between the lake's two southern arms.
Things to do in Bellagio
Bellagio's streets are crossed by seven uphill flights of medieval stone steps, known as salite. The Basilica di San Giacomo is a church in the Lombard Romanesque style, dating from between 1075 and 1125.
Giocondo Albertolli was the architect of Villa Melzi d'Eril, built between 1808 and 1810. Francesco Melzi d'Eril commissioned the villa. Its gardens follow the English style and extend beside the lake. The estate also contains a chapel and an orangerie.
Villa Serbelloni stands on the hill at the top of the headland. Visitors can see only the park, on guided tours that run in season. Ownership passed to the Rockefeller Foundation of New York in 1959.
The guided day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio from Milan lasts 10 hours. It includes a guide who speaks English, transport from Milan, a boat cruise on Lake Como, a visit to Como's historic centre, time in Bellagio and a visit to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo.
The private day tour to Lake Como and Bellagio from Milan lasts 7 hours. Included are a private vehicle with air conditioning for the day, a professional driver who speaks English and transport between all stops.
Bellagio and Lake Como
The Larian Triangle is the mountainous area between the Como and Lecco arms of the lake. Seen as a shape, Lake Como resembles the letter Y turned upside down. The lake covers about 146 square kilometres and is more than 400 metres deep at its deepest point. The Adda leaves through the southeastern arm and is the lake's only major outflow. At the end of Bellagio's headland there are a park and a marina.
The guided day tour of Lake Como and Lugano with a boat cruise lasts 8 hours and 30 minutes. It includes a professional guide throughout, a guided walk in central Como, time in Bellagio, a Lake Como cruise of approximately 1 hour, a guided visit to central Lugano and a panoramic train journey back from Lugano to Como.
Bellagio in Italy
The municipality has an area of 29.06 square kilometres and an elevation of 229 metres above sea level. Bellagio had 3,573 residents on 1 January 2023. By tradition, Pliny the Younger's villa named Tragedy stood near Bellagio's summit, and Villa Serbelloni is thought to occupy the site.
Ferries provide access to Bellagio. From Varenna railway station, the quickest way to Bellagio is the ferry. Car ferries link Bellagio with Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia.
The day tour of Lake Como, Bellagio and Lugano from Milan lasts 11 hours. It includes return travel from Milan by GT coach, a cruise from Argegno to Bellagio, a professional guide throughout the day, entry to designated stops along the route and assistance crossing the border into Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Where in Italy is Bellagio?
Bellagio belongs to the Province of Como in Lombardy and lies beside Lake Como.
What are the salite in Bellagio?
The salite are seven medieval stone stairways that rise uphill across Bellagio's streets.
What does the Villa Melzi estate contain?
The estate has gardens in the English style along the lake, a chapel and an orangerie.
Which part of Villa Serbelloni is open to visitors?
Visitors can see only the park, on guided tours that run in season.
Which places have car ferry connections to Bellagio?
Car ferries connect Varenna, Menaggio and Cadenabbia with Bellagio.
