Bellano suits visitors who want a working lakeside town with a gorge walk, a railway to Milan and the Sentiero del Viandante above it. Homes cluster close to the town and few have a private pool. The beaches are small pebble strips on the promenade.
Bellano is a small town of about three thousand people on the eastern shore of Lake Como, at the northern outlet of the Valsassina. Its past is in manufacturing: in the 19th century textile firms made it a small industrial centre, and the former Cantoni factory buildings still stand. The medieval old town has narrow alleys and arches around the black and white marble front of the church of Santi Nazaro e Celso, and the Orrido, a gorge crossed by walkways and suspension bridges, starts beside it. The lakeside promenade looks across the water. Our homes cluster in and around the town, mostly small and sleeping about four. Each 5 January the Pesa Vegia festival lights a bonfire on the pier.
About 17 minutes by ferry, which sails roughly every two hours, or about four minutes by the hourly train.
A 68 km old mule track along the lake, split into six stages and reached from the top of the Orrido.
The valley that ends at Bellano, which sits at its northern outlet on the lake shore.
The nearest major city, about 81 km away, or around 70 minutes by regional train.
Milan Bergamo airport is about an hour and ten minutes away by car (roughly 40 miles). Trains on the Tirano to Lecco line stop at Bellano-Tartavalle Terme and ferries call at the town, so lakeside trips work without a car. A car is still useful for reaching homes and for trips away from the shore.
Summer is the busy season on the lake, and spring or autumn are quieter, though ferries run less often in early autumn, so check the timetable. The Orrido has set daytime opening hours with a midday break, so check them before a visit. Each 5 January the Pesa Vegia festival marks the new year with a historical re-enactment, a bonfire on the lake pier and a parade of the Magi.
Yes, it is the town's main sight: a gorge cut by the Pioverna River, crossed by suspension bridges and walkways, with waterfalls and deep green pools. Entry is by the steps beside the church, and a ticket is charged.
Yes. The train takes about four minutes and runs roughly hourly, while the ferry takes about 17 minutes and sails roughly every two hours. Both leave from Bellano itself.
Only small ones. The lakeside promenade has several small pebble beaches with views across the lake, so it is a town for walking and trains more than for lying on sand.
About 81 km, roughly an hour and a half by car including tolls. Regular trains from Milan take about 70 minutes to Bellano-Tartavalle Terme.
It is reached from the top of the Orrido gorge. The 68 km route is divided into six stages, so you can walk one or two of them instead of the whole thing.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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