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A fascinating, quiet little resort of cobbled alleys, flights of steep steps and attractive pastel-shaded, red-roofed buildings, with an 11th-century church rising above the rooftops. There is no main road through the village - so very little traffic - and the long, flat lakefront is ideal for a lazy stroll with plenty of cafes scattered along its length. For a full appreciation of the town's beauty, it's best viewed from a boat on the lake. |
| Suitability |
Like most of the Italian lake resorts, Bellagio is mostly frequented by middle-aged and older couples with a sprinkling of honeymooners and a large number of regulars who come year after year. Sundays see an influx of day visitors from Milan and its suburbs. Anyone with mobility difficulties would be advised to choose accommodation on the lakefront. |
| Accommodation |
Mostly traditional-style hotels of a generally high standard. |
| Shopping |
A good selection of shops considering the size of the town. Wide choice of leather goods, jewellery and locally made silk scarves and ties. |
| Entertainment |
Daytime: strolls around town taking in the old buildings, including the 11th-century Basilica of San Giacomo; scenic walks exploring nearby hamlets and countryside; villas and gardens open to the public, such as Villas Serbelloni and Melzi d'Eril; lake swimming; water sports including water-skiing, sailing and windsurfing; mountain biking; fishing; tennis.
Nightlife: virtually nonexistent apart from occasional music and dancing at one of the hotels or at the local Lido disco. |
| Eating |
Choice of restaurants, pizzerias or snack bars, many with tables outside. |
| Public
Transport |
Regular bus service to Como and nearby villages but, as roads are narrow and winding, most people take to the water and make use of the efficient boat and hydrofoil service as well as the car ferry to the opposite shore. |
| Excursions |
Half day: Isola Comacina with the ruins of a medieval fortress; Bellano Gorge; Mt San Primo for panoramic views; lakeside resort of Lugano (Switzerland). Full day: St Moritz (Switzerland); Stresa and Lake Maggiore; Bergamo. |
| Location |
In N Italy, on Lake Como. 19 mls NE of Como. 17 mls E (by ferry and road) of Lugano (Switzerland). 50 mls N of Milan and Linate airport. 55 mls NE of Milan's Malpensa airport. |
| Position |
At the tip of the peninsula which divides Lake Como into 2 branches, one to Lecco (E branch) and the other to Como (W branch). To the front of town, the lake stretches N-wards to Colico with the Alps in the distance. |
| Contact
Information |
Post Code: 22021
Website: www.bellagiolakecomo.com
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| Serving
Airports |
Airport : Linate
Airport Code: LIN
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr. 45 mins
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