Bellagio Holidays

Holidays to Bellagio have long been associated with luxury, opulent architecture and unrivalled natural beauty. Often recognised as one of the most stunning destinations in the world, Bellagio, commonly referred to as the Pearl of Lake Como, is one of three towns in the Golden triangle - the others being Menaggio and Varenna.

Lake Como is Italy’s third largest lake and the picture perfect pre-Roman town of Bellagio is the perpetual favourite for holidaymakers seeking to experience the unwavering charm that this enchanting town has to offer. Even with its partially steep streets, exploring the small town can be done on foot or by bicycle, though local busses, water taxis, ferries and even speedboats are alternative options to explore further afield. Popular for its water activities, rowing, kayaking and kite surfing can also be enjoyed on Lake Como’s calm waters.

Back on land, numerous boutique shops selling jewellery, clothes, antiques, porcelains and potteries line the mazy cobbled streets. Culinary delights, typical of the Lombardy region, can be sampled in the main piazza’s waterfront bars and restaurants, accompanied by local wine harvested in North Lake Como and Montevecchia. Famed for its panoramic snow-capped views of The Alps, tree-lined slopes and romantic garden views, Bellagio is also known for its villas, primarily Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni.

Explore Bellagio like no other

At Citalia, our dedicated specialists know Italy better than most and we are both passionate and proud of our commitment to ensuring you experience the town of Bellagio like no other.

Lake Como is filled with historical treasures and Bellagio is in close proximity to nearby postcard perfect towns. Why not pay a visit to the quieter Villa Cipressi in the neighbouring medieval village of Varenna? Or perhaps Villa Monastero, with its botanical gardens, museum and convention centre.

Take a short trip from Bellagio to Sacro Monte di Ossuccio - the Holy Mount of Ossuccio, which is situated on a scenic hillside slope. One of 15 churches devoted to the Mysteries of the Rosary and leading to the Monastery, the building is dedicated to the Coronation of the Virgin. Venture a little further and you can enjoy a truly spectacularly uninterrupted view of Lake Como and Bellagio from the original site of The Sanctuary of Madonna di Breglia and chapel of San Domenico.

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30, Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

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Handpicked Hotels in Bellagio

Discover the real Bellagio while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Situated on the corner of Bellagio, just a short walk to the centre
Large swimming pool on the waterfront with beautiful views

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Recommended

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
15 minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio

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Recommended

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Hotel Du Lac

Situated in the centre of Bellagio opposite the main boat landing stage
Panoramic roof terrace with sunbeds and beautiful views of Lake Como

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Things to do in Bellagio

While revelling in the serenity of the idyllic town is enough for some, Bellagio has plenty of affordable things to do, with something for couples and families alike.

As with all Italian destinations, Bellagio is riddled with epic and interesting tales of years gone by. The shores and ports of Lake Como have been of strategic importance throughout history, as have the surrounding villas that also have their own stories to tell. Both the neoclassical 19th Century Villa Melzi and ancient Villa Serbelloni boast must see spectacular gardens and views.

If only for its impressive art collection, the 17th century Villa Carlotta is well worth a visit. The museum is situated in seventeen acres of lush manicured gardens, with awe inspiring views of Lake Como and the Larian Triangle.

Bellagio is the perfect place from which to visit neighbouring picturesque towns and countries. Our St. Moritz and Bernina Express excursion is one of several ways to visit the north of Lake Como in the town of Tirano and via the panoramic Bernina Express train, you will cross the border into Switzerland. Stopping to visit the White and Black Lakes and visit St Moritz on the southern side of the Alps, return to Lake Como after a full day of exploration.

Flight Information

The closest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa (MXP). Direct flights to Milan are available from Birmingham, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester and take approximately 2 hours.

Direct flights to Milan Bergamo (BGY) depart from London Stansted, Bristol, Manchester, East Midlands and Belfast and take approximately 2 hours.

When to go

Lake Como is a summer destination, with the season generally running from April to October. Temperatures are at their hottest in July and August and this is when Como is at its busiest. The ideal time for swimming in the lake is from July to September when the water temperature exceeds 20 degrees. The climate in the spring and autumn is still warm which makes it perfect for visiting at the beginning or end of season too. For those who want to avoid the busiest crowds but still enjoy warm temperatures, May, June and September are ideal months to visit.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.

On guided tours/excursions it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.

On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Bellagio Specialities Toc is a traditional dish from Bellagio, consisting of simple ingredients, but cooked with great skill in order to achieve the correct consistency. The mixture of flour, cheese, butter and local Lombard cornmeal are mixed together to form polenta or toc.
Toc is often served with the savoury option of missoltini – dried lake shad fish, or the sweet alternative – ragell. A warming winter combination includes red wine, spices, sugar, lemon zest and apple pieces.

Bellagio Specialities The wooded hills surrounding Lake Como are home to wild boar. Brasato di Cinghiale Selvatico - Braised Wild Boar - is usually marinated in red wine and accompanied by local seasonal vegetables. Though a popular autumn dish, it can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Bellagio Specialities The enotecas – wine shops – have a fantastic selection of local wines, ideal for those wanting to spend an hour or two sampling their favourites before purchasing a bottle or two. It is also common for restaurants to have the word enoteca in the title as regional wine is often paired and served with the delicious regional food.

Bellagio Holidays

Explore Bellagio like no other

Your plans, our expertise

Handpicked Hotels in Bellagio

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Hotel Du Lac

Things to do in Bellagio

Flight Information

When to go

Visa Information

Tipping

Introduction to languages

What our customers think