Bellagio on Lake Como, seen from the ferry

No. 16 25 Classic Day Trips from Great Cities 2026

Bellagio

Lake Como, Italy · Day trip from Milan

The 'pearl of Lake Como', a village on a headland between the lake's three arms.

Photo: Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Bellagio sits on the tip of the headland where Lake Como divides into its two southern arms. Its stepped lanes, lakefront and villa gardens look out to the Alpine foothills.

From Bellagio, ferries cross to Varenna and Tremezzo, home to villas and gardens such as Villa Carlotta, so a day trip easily takes in several lakeside towns.

Best time to visit

April to October; many gardens close or reduce opening in winter. Spring is good for flowers; summer weekends are busy.

Highlights

  • 1

    Villa Melzi gardens

    Lakeside gardens with sculptures and azaleas.

  • 2

    Villa Serbelloni

    A park on the headland, visited by guided tour.

  • 3

    Punta Spartivento

    The point where the lake's arms meet.

  • 4

    Ferry to Varenna

    A short crossing to a colourful village and Villa Monastero.

  • 5

    Villa Carlotta

    Gardens and art collection at Tremezzo, across the lake.

Getting there

Trains from Milan to Como take about 40–60 minutes, then ferries continue to Bellagio. Alternatively, take the train to Varenna (about 1 hour) and the short ferry across.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
A full day.

Official information: Lake Como tourism (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Nearby

  1. The Gothic façade of Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

    Milan

    Italy

    About 60 km away

    Full guide
  2. The white marble façade of Milan Cathedral on Piazza del Duomo

    Duomo di Milano

    Milan, Italy

    About 60 km away

    Full guide