Bellagio suits couples who want the classic central Lake Como, with Villa Melzi's gardens and car ferries to Varenna and Cadenabbia. Homes here are small flats and houses, none for more than seven and none with a pool, and the road in from Como is slow in summer.
Bellagio sits at the tip of the promontory where Lake Como's two southern arms part, looking up the northern arm towards the Alps. The old Borgo climbs from the waterfront on seven medieval stepped lanes, so expect stairs. Villa Melzi's English-style gardens run along the lakefront and are reached from the ferry pier, and the 21 hectare park of Villa Serbelloni spreads over the promontory on the hill behind the town, with only the gardens open. Our homes are close together in and around the centre, all air-conditioned and mostly for two to six people. Varenna, across the water, has the nearest railway station, and hydrofoils run down to Como.
Under 15 minutes away by car ferry, with Villa Monastero a few steps from the main square and direct trains to Milano Centrale.
Across the lake by boat, with sculpture by Canova and Thorvaldsen and formal Italian gardens.
Reached by boat, or on foot through the gardens from Lenno, with a loggia looking over the lake.
The cyclists' sanctuary at the top of a climb that starts in Bellagio, about 4 km with 500 metres of ascent.
Milan Linate is about 73 km away, roughly an hour and ten minutes by road. Without a car, take the train from Milan to Varenna and the ferry across, about three hours from Linate. Driving from Como on the SP583 can take 90 minutes in summer.
Yes, comfortably. Car ferries cross to Varenna and Cadenabbia in under 15 minutes, hydrofoils run to Como, and Varenna has the nearest station, with trains to Milano Centrale. The road from Como is narrow and can take up to 90 minutes in summer.
Quite. The historic Borgo is built on seven medieval stairways climbing from the lakefront, and Villa Serbelloni's park sits on the hill behind. If steps are a problem, ask how close a home is to the waterfront.
Bellagio sits where the lake splits, with ferries to both shores; Varenna has the railway. There is no road between them except the long way round via Lecco, so choose Varenna if you are arriving by train.
Villa Melzi's lakeside gardens are reached from the ferry pier, and Villa Serbelloni's park covers the promontory. Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo, Villa del Balbianello at Lenno and Villa Monastero in Varenna are all a boat ride away.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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