After the final whistle is blown at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, there is no better place to unwind than Bellagio, just an hour away from the heart of Como.

It’s easy to see why players such as Como’s Nico Paz love to escape to this iconic town after 90 minutes of intensity. “I like Bellagio, it is one hour by car, and some restaurants there have very good views,” he told Destination Calcio earlier this year at the Como Cup. “I enjoy it a lot.”

For football tourists, Bellagio is more than a scenic detour – it is a way to recharge and savour the Italian lakes after the thrill of the pitch. Schedule your visit for the morning after a match – a ferry ride, lakeside coffee and a stroll through the beautiful town provide the ideal cooldown for players and fans alike.

Getting There

Whether you hop in the car like Nico or sit back and enjoy the scenic 75-minute ferry ride, Bellagio is as accessible by water as it is by land, and getting there is half the fun. The town sits on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the lake, so the most scenic way to arrive is by ferry. Along the way, you cruise past clusters of towns and lush hills, making it one of the most picturesque boat rides in Italy.

If arriving directly from Milan, the drive is about an hour and a half, with winding roads that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. However, the narrow roads and steep inclines around Bellagio can be challenging for less confident drivers; it can be a thrilling but tense experience!

Top Tip: You can buy a ferry ticket at the main ferry stop in Como, but be aware that you cannot buy a return ticket at the same time. To avoid being stranded in Bellagio and having to return to Como by taxi (a regular occurrence for tourists), we recommend buying your return ticket as soon as you hop off in Bellagio. That way, you can enjoy your day without the worry of the ferry selling out.

How To Spend A Day in Bellagio

Perched where the waters of Lake Como split into two branches, Bellagio’s narrow streets, stunning villas, and world-famous gardens offer a welcome contrast to the energy of matchday. Despite its small size, the town offers something for everyone, whether you are there for history, nature, or just pure relaxation.

Wander the Historic Streets

Start your visit with a stroll on Bellagio’s cobbles. Wander through the Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, the town’s main square, where you can enjoy a coffee at Bar Pasticceria Rossi and soak up the view. Then climb up the narrow streets that zigzag steeply upward from the waterfront to explore the churches, restaurants and bars tucked around every corner.

Explore the Villas

Bellagio is home to several stunning villas, each offering its own slice of history and breathtaking views. Villa Serbelloni is the crown jewel, with panoramic views of Lake Como, Villa Melzi d’Eril is set along the southern promenade and boasts neoclassical architecture, and Villa Trotti Bentivoglio is often missed by day-trippers.

Take a Boat Ride

You can’t visit Bellagio without spending some time on the lake. The ferry rides are incredibly scenic, offering views of Bellagio from the water that are truly mesmerising. Varenna, Menaggio and Bellagio form a “golden triangle” and are around 25 minutes apart by ferry.

Tips For Visiting

While Bellagio is a dream destination, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Prices: Bellagio is one of the priciest towns on Lake Como, particularly when it comes to dining and accommodation. Expect to pay a premium for the stunning views and luxury atmosphere.

Crowds in Peak Season: During the summer months, Bellagio can get busy. Visiting during the off-season (spring or autumn) can offer a much calmer experience.

Nightlife: Bellagio is not the place for vibrant nightlife. The town is best suited for those looking to unwind with a quiet drink by the lake or a leisurely dinner.

With Como holding their own in Serie A and reinvigorating the region’s football culture, visitors now pair matchday excitement with lakeside relaxation. Whether you’re a passionate calcio fan or an Italy-lover who appreciates sport and scenery, Bellagio is the ultimate lakeside retreat just an hour from Como and a world away from the pitch.