Bellagio and the surrounding areas
From the blue waters of the lake to the green valleys.
The unspoilt charm of the pre-alpine scenery and the warm scents of the Mediterranean climate, grand historic villas and traditional old villages: on Lake Como you can enjoy a different experience every day. How? You choose. Cycling, hiking, sailing or driving in complete freedom: exploring our land, you can discover its elegant beauty, areas which today offer sports, culture, food and wine experiences as well as craftsmanship.
BikeMuseum of Ghisallo and the Chapel of CyclistsTwo iconic places for “pilgrim bikers”. There are only two chapels for cyclists in Europe and here you will find the one dedicated to the Madonna of Ghisallo, patron saint of cyclists. It was consecrated by the secretary of Pope Pius XII, who was very close to Bartali. From 2000, there is also a museum which houses the largest collection of pink jerseys in the world and collectibles left as a gift by cyclists. A pilgrimage that can be completed with the epic ascent of Ghisallo. |
By the lakeVillas and gardensIf you love old villas and gardens, in Bellagio you can visit the park of Villa Serbelloni and enjoy pleasant walks in the shade of native and exotic plants, admire floral parterres and panoramic terraces. We also recommend the gardens and the museum of Villa Melzi, a 19th-century naturalistic estate that over the centuries has inspired many poets and artists. Starting from Bellagio, you can also reach by boat other famous villas on Lake Como such as Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero which features a botanical garden and a museum, Villa Balbianello, Villa d’Este and Villa Olmo. |
The mountainsThe park of Mount San PrimoVenture on a bike ride or on an exciting excursion to explore the Park of Mount San Primo along ancient paths which the locals used to go to different towns. On a clear day from its top, you can even see the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the Cathedral of Milan! It is in this area that the Bellagio aristocracy had their summer residences. Also here, you will find the legendary “tea table of the Duchess”, a stone which was used to blend tea on the hottest days, and the ancient “Rock of Lentina”, a glacial erratic from Val Masino. |
Lake of LeccoThe Grigna and ValsassinaOn “that branch of the Lake of Como” as narrated by Manzoni, there are many options for those who love outdoor activities and excellent cuisine. Here you can practise high‑altitude mountaineering on the Grigna massif, kitesurfing, sailing, water skiing, canoeing and rowing on the lake. You can also visit the splendid Valsassina with its many paths, mountain lodges and the delicacies produced by the Carozzi dairy farm. We recommend visiting the mineral deposits of Prato San Pietro, also mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci in his “Atlantic Codex” and used by the Etruscans and the Romans. |
Upper lakeThe lesser-known areas of Lake ComoThis area of Lake Como is very remote, less touristy and less-known, and thus it deserves a special mention. The Nature Reserve of Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola is linked directly with Val Chiavenna and Valtellina, and so it is possible to organise hikes, bike rides and historical-cultural itineraries. Two possible itineraries are the path of the wayfarer and the one which reaches Fort Fuentes and Montecchio. You should really see the Cistercian Abbey of Piona on the promontory of Olgiasca. |
BrianzaFlavours and lakesThe beautiful glacial lakes of Brianza are an explosion of colour and light reflections. Here you can go on pleasant walks in the countryside, horse rides or on MTB trails with your bike. Fall in love with the colours of Lake Pusiano, do exciting sports activities on Lake Annone, explore the enchanting Lake Segrino with its Natural Park and Lake Alserio. Stop at the Charcuterie of Marco D’Oggiono to try the best cold cuts of Brianza or explore the Benedictine complex of San Pietro al Monte, one of the most characteristic abbeys in Lombardy. |
Bellagio
Sitting at the head of Lake Como’s central promontory, Bellagio has been transformed into one of the most preferred destinations in Italy. It is a favorite destination of the Milanese for a long weekend or quick afternoon escape from the city, to breathe the fresh mountain air and savor a bottle of wine among the lakeside villas and gardens. Bellagio’s beauty has been praised since the sixteenth century, therefore it is not surprising to call it the pearl of Lake Como.
Major travel distances
- Milan, 80 kilometers
- Lugano, 39 kilometers
- Milan Malpensa MXP airport, 82 kilometers
- Milan Linate LIN airport, 74 kilometers
- Bergamo Orio al Serio BGY airport, 65 kilometers