The first things that comes to our mind when we hear Lago di Como is: George Clooney, money, villas, money, Aperol Spritz, and oh…did I mention money? Luckily it’s possible to see Lake Como in a weekend without slaughtering your piggy bank.

Practical information
If you are not sure how long to stay in Bellagio, consider this. You can see the town within a few hours, so you can even make it a day trip from Milan. If you want to experience the lake at its best, we recommend you stay between 2 and 3 days.
Leave your car at home. Lake Como is best explored by boat. Parking can be expensive in high season and many accommodations do not even offer parking. 

La Dolce Vita in Lake Como
There are three main places you’re going to want to see on Lake Como: Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna. Although the lake is huge and the villages to explore are plentiful, getting around the area is made extremely easy thanks to an extensive ferry service. These three towns are well-connected by ferry and provide some of the best options for food and accommodation around the lake. We decided to stay in an Air-BnB in Bellagio, by far the most picturesque town on the lake. Sebastian’s apartment is situated in the heart of Bellagio surrounded by tranquil gardens and with a view on the lake. 

Stroll the picturesque streets of Bellagio 
The town is situated on two levels: the lower part on the lake and the higher part that requires some up-hill walking. Bellagio consist in only a handful of streets which can easily be seen by foot. To see the colourful town from a distance, join the locals for a promenade along the lakefront walkway – there you will find some of the nicest views of Bellagio. In summer it is adorned with magnificent lilacs of different colours.

Visit Villas from the 18th century
Just a 10 minutes ferry ride away from Bellagio stands Villa Carlotta with its expansive gardens. Its magnificent gardens are home to hubs of hydrangeas, panoramic lookout spots, even a gorge that looks like an overgrown jungle. On the inside you can find century old art such as paintings from the Italian Francesco Hayez. Besides Villa Carlotta, other breattaking villas worth a ferry ride are Villa Balbianella, which you probably know from the set of Star Wars or a James Bond flick, and Villa Melzi in Bellagio, home to a vast number of exotic trees and plants. 

Dip into the cold water
Beaches around Lake Como are scarce and its location a well-kept secret which we are happy to share with you. If you are looking for a refreshing dip into the water, you may want to check out the Spiaggia Pupplica di Bellagio. It is beautiful public beach approx. 30 minutes by foot from Bellagio. Alternatively, you can visit the old fishermen’s town Pescallo and find a sunny spot on the stone steps. The town is tucked away behind a steep hill and is therefore hidden from the crowds. It is also a popular place to be for various water sports such as SUP, kayak or boat rentals. 

Dinner Italian style
Our favourite restaurant in Bellagio clearly is Trattoria San Giacomo. It serves traditional local food for a reasonable price. Try the risotto with fried perch, a local speciality. During the day you can enjoy an aperitivo and some charcuterie in the vinery opposite of the restaurant.