Is Bellagio the best looking resort on Lake Como, Italy?

Viewed from the water, Bellagio is without a doubt the most attractive resort on the lake. This has to do in part with its unique location, neither on the east nor the west side, but on a promontory in the middle, where the lake splits into two ‘legs’. You could say that Bellagio is located in the crotch of the lake. On the other hand, it may not.

Because it is slightly lower on the western side of the headland, Bellagio faces you ‘in square’ when you approach it on a ferry from Menaggio or Cadenabbia. And because the hills on the headland are (relatively) small, the city’s beautiful arrangement of red roofs and yellow, pink, and white walls sits quite grandly against gently rounded green slopes. It is one of the best examples of that harmony of nature and architecture that gives Lake Como its special appeal, striking enough to earn Bellagio the title of “the pearl of the lake.” But just to guard against any potential title challenger, the tall mountains of the east branch provide a spectacular and distant backdrop to complete the perfect view.

Its location also provides the Bellagio itself with spectacular views, towards the north end of the lake and across and down both branches. These can be enjoyed from a small pebble beach at the end of the promontory, Punta Spartivento. However, we usually don’t find many other visitors there. They may prefer the bathing center “by the river”, with a poolside snack bar, where sun loungers can be hired.

Bellagio has enchanted some of the best musicians and writers, including Longfellow, Shelley, Stendhal, Flaubert, Faure, Giordano, Liszt, and Toscanini. Even Mark Twain, who preferred Lake Tahoe, described an evening at Bellagio as a “haven of quiet relaxation.” And it remains a favorite spot on the lake for many American visitors, its popularity being reflected in the creation of a Bellagio ‘tribute’ hotel in Las Vegas.

But Bellagio is smart and handsome. For example, their tourist office is right next to the ferry port. Climb when disembarking from the ship and you risk landing on a pile of brochures. Of course, that is an exaggeration. But if it weren’t, you could predict which brochure it would land on: Bellagio Dove, the official guide; because everything you need to know about the place is crammed into that comprehensive document.

The information includes details of hotels and other accommodations; restaurants; addresses for sports activities, and many other services. So comprehensive is it that it even includes the location of the public toilet in its list of ‘useful addresses’. But don’t worry if you are desperate and don’t have time to flip through the brochure. The location of the bathroom is right there, with the ferry terminal and the tourist information office. That’s how smart Bellagio is.

The list of sports activities is particularly impressive, including information on these activities on land:

• Rock climbing around Bellagio
• Horse riding; paragliding and hang gliding, and mountain biking, with the Cavalcalario Outdoor Club
• Gym and squash at Club Francesco Conti
• Tennis, including lessons, at Bellagio Sporting Club
• Skydiving: Tandem Launch Over Bellagio
• Skiing in winter
• Pool table in the Sport Bar
• Movie theater

and details of these water sports:

• Waterskiing, at Liquid Park Water Ski Club
• Kayaking, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and acqua tube at the Jolly Racing Club, Lezzeno
• Jet ski school and rental in Moregallo Sporting Club Náutico
• Rental of motor boats, with and without a driver’s license; by Cantieri Nautici on Lezzeno
• Rowing courses at ‘Canottieri di Bellagio’
• Windsurfing, in front of Pescallo
• Pool at Bellagio Sporting Club
• Fishing and spearfishing

When you arrive at Bellagio by ferry, you come out onto a relatively traffic-free lakeside with arcaded restaurants facing the walls of large old buildings. Behind them, the city quickly rises in towering blocks to a historic center dominated by the Basilica of San Giacomo, a Romanesque church prized enough to have been declared a national monument. The lakeside and the historic center are connected by a series of steep, narrow and cobbled alleys.

Like many of the lakeside towns, Bellagio has its fair share of churches dating back to the Romanesque and later periods; in addition to S. Giacomo, there are the Romanesque churches of S. Giorgio, Santa Maria di Loppia and S. Martino, as well as the baroque S. Giovanni Battista.

But what really sets Bellagio apart from other lakeside towns is the plethora of boutiques selling local handicrafts made from Como wood or silk and luxury clothing and accessories – luggage, watches, jewelry, etc. These little shops are scattered around the perimeters of the old town and the lakeside and in many of the alleys between them. It is as if all the outlets of a large airport departure lounge have been scattered around the city.

That is not a criticism, we like what they sell in the departure lounges. And at Bellagio I was especially captivated by a gray and black checkered bow tie. Unfortunately, when asked when I had last worn that garment, I had to admit it was many years ago. And my explanation that I am still planning to go up into the world fell on deaf ears. I couldn’t have it.

Bellagio is flanked by two large villas. The Villa Serbelloni, between the city center and the end of the promontory, is one of three five-star hotels around Lake Como. It is not the most beautiful villa on the outside, but it apparently offers a powerful combination of past luxury. trendy and modern facilities. Access to the hotel is only available to those staying there, but there are guided tours of the gardens twice a day. Villa Melzi, on the other side of Bellagio, is privately owned. But you can also visit its gardens, as well as the chapel and the ‘museum’.

The hamlet of San Giovanni di Bellagio, about a 25-minute walk from the city center, is home to a unique museum of navigational instruments. It may not sound very exciting, but the exhibits are incredibly beautiful, like works of art. It’s as if they had to be magnificent, to allow them to cast the longitude and latitude network around the world and bring the explorers home safely again. Everyone should see this collection, which is open between 10 am and 1 pm every day, and in the evening by appointment.

Bellagio is rightly considered one of the most romantic places on a lake known for its romantic atmosphere. Liszt, during his stay at Villa Melzi, wrote: “Whenever you can write the story of two happy lovers, place them on the shores of Lake Como.” Not surprisingly, it is a preferred location for wedding planners, offering the ability to host the wedding, reception, and honeymoon in the same general location. There is even a special events team to help you get it right.

For those not contemplating such a drastic course of action, alternative popular nearby attractions include Menaggio and Varenna (connected by a dedicated ferry service, including car ferries); Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello on the western branch; Colico, Bellano and Piona Abbey on the eastern shore of the lake and Como, at the southern end of the lake.