Rick Steves Enjoys Basking In The Luxury Of Italy's 'Pearl Of Lake Como'

It's no secret that Lake Como has long been considered a gem in northern Italy. With its sparkling blue waters and villa-lined shores, the lake has attracted everyone from Roman aristocrats to modern-day celebrities. According to travel expert Rick Steves on his website, "Of all the lakes of northern Italy, Lake Como, lined with elegant 19th-century villas, crowned by snow-capped mountains, and buzzing with ferries, is our favorite. With all the charm and none of the intensity of points further south, this is Italy for beginners."

At the center of this stunning lake, where Lake Como splits into its two southern branches, lies Bellagio, a town that's become as famous as the lake itself. With its medieval compact city, winding stone staircases, and scenic lakeside promenade, Bellagio is often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como." Perhaps even more importantly is its position on the lake. From Bellagio, visitors have easy access to other beautiful towns, such as Varenna (regarded as one of Steves' favorite Lake Como destinations and beach hideaways), Menaggio, or Tremezzo, making it the ideal base for those wanting to explore.  

According to Steves, Bellagio is a place where "steep steps rise from the harborfront up to a smattering of sun-splashed squares. With spendy five-star hotels and high-end shopping, Bellagio pleases well-heeled travelers." While it's true that Bellagio has no shortage of upscale hotels, posh boutiques, and polished cafes catering to a wealthier crowd, the town offers more than luxury.  Visitors will enjoy sipping espresso on a sunlit terrace, meandering through narrow alleyways, and visiting beautiful gardens. What sets Bellagio apart isn't just its elegance or picture-perfect scenery; it's the fact that despite its popularity, the town remains unhurried, walkable, and easily explorable in a day. 

Bellagio's charm is best experienced on-foot. The town's historic center (also known as Il Borgo) rises steeply from the harbor, with narrow cobblestone lanes and staircases — known locally as salite — winding their way between centuries-old buildings. The most photographed of the alleyways, Salita Sebelloni, is a beautiful street lined with small wine bars and quiet shops selling everything from locally made olive oil to handwoven scarves. From here, visitors can make their way towards the Punta Spartivento, a quaint little park at the tip of the Bellagio peninsula, offering magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains. 

Next, head towards Piazza della Chiesta, near Basilica di San Giacomo — a peaceful spot to pause and soak in your surroundings. The church, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, is a quiet and beautiful reminder of Bellagio's long and layered history. From here, visitors can access the beautiful 50-acre Parco di Villa Serbelloni via a two-hour guided tour, offering panoramic views of the lake and an insider's guide to the history of the Villa.

Another must-see villa and garden combination is Villa Melzi, one of the most popular attractions in Bellagio. Visitors can explore the botanical gardens, the museum, and the family chapel. Some honorable mentions located not far from town are Pescallo, an ancient fishing village dotted with ivy-covered houses and a small harbor (also home to Circolo della Vela and Bellagio Water Sports, areas where you can rent water-sport equipment), and the Hamlet of San Giovanni, a small and very traditional part of Bellagio that still exudes the old-school charm of an Italian fishing village. Bellagio is also an area dotted with beautiful hiking trails, offering visitors even more panoramic views of the lake below. 

Unfortunately, Bellagio is located in a part of Italy not accessible by train. You can, however, make your way via Milan (the closest major city and airport), where you can take an hour-long train to either Como, Varenna, or Lecco. From Como, you can then catch a bus (a cheap option but with numerous stops and a travel time of about one hour), a ferry (which takes around two hours and offers a scenic route), or a hydrofoil boat (a faster ferry option) that takes around 45 minutes.

Varenna has direct ferries to Bellagio that are the quickest option, taking about 10 to 15 minutes. In contrast, the ferry from Lecco is another longer (about 90 minutes) but equally scenic way to arrive in Bellagio. Getting around the lake via private boat is also a great option (albeit more expensive). Bellagio is busiest from June through August, when the warm weather hits. If you prefer smaller crowds and cooler temperatures, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons — April to early June or September through October. During these months, the ferries still run (though more infrequently), and the gardens are still spectacular. 

One mistake a lot of travelers make when visiting Lake Como is thinking that staying outside of the towns will save them money, and while perhaps in Bellagio you won't find the cheapest accommodations, staying in town will save you from spending money on gas getting to and from your homebase (not to mention parking can be a nightmare). Thankfully, there are several places to lay your head after a long day of exploration, including many options on Airbnb and VRBO, as well. Whether you're hopping ferries, wandering ancient alleys, or sitting still with a cappuccino and a view, Bellagio is a place steeped in magic.