THE PEARL OF THE LAKE, Bellagio is a small jewel located on the promontory that separates the two southern branches of Lake Como, those culminating in the cities of Como and Lecco. It is one of the most glamorous and romantic destinations in Lombardy and Italy. In fact, the well-known “Pearl of Lake Como” is home to a colorful historic center, beautiful gardens (parks of Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi), charming neighborhoods (such as Pescallo or San Giovanni), and much more. Its central location makes Bellagio perfect for visiting beautiful surrounding towns such as Varenna, Tremezzina or Menaggio… where you can easily arrive by boat!

Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Italy. It is an essential stop for anyone wishing to visit one of the most typical and peaceful towns of the lake. This small village, where you can still breathe in the traditions of yesteryear (above all, fishing), is home to elegant villas with botanical gardens (such as Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi) and beautiful walks between history and nature (Castle of Vezio and Sentiero del Viandante).

Villa Carlotta, located on the shores of Lake Como near the charming village of Tremezzo, is a triumph of natural and architectural beauty. It was built in the 17th century by order of the Marquis Giorgio Clerici, in the then fashionable Baroque style and surrounded by a magnificent Italian style garden. Today the villa is an art museum where visitors can admire the many masterpieces purchased by the owners through the centuries, including Antonio Canova’s sculptures and Francisco Hayez’s paintings.

Villa del Balbianello is located on a wooded promontory, offering an enchanted view of Lake Como. This elegant, romantic 18th century mansion and its magnificent garden have hosted writers, scholars and travelers, including Count Guido Monzino, the last owner of the Villa.

Isola Comacina is the only island of lake Como, admired for its remarkable panoramic views and the lush Mediterranean vegetation, is among the most interesting archaeological sites in northern Italy for the early Middle Ages and an artistic centre thanks to the three houses for artists, built by Pietro Lingeri in rationalistic style. The Comacina Island is roughly 600 meters long and only 200 meters wide, comprising a total area of 6 hectares, mostly covered by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Olives, linden and laurel, with species such as hackberry, hornbeam and black mulberry, dominate the environment, which together with the surrounding area, is called Zoca de l’Oli, thus defining the corner of lake Como characterized by a mild climate and favourable for the cultivation of olive trees and the production of local oil.

San Giovanni is a village located on the western shore of Lake Como in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Nestled between the towns of Bellagio and Menaggio, San Giovanni offers visitors a peaceful and authentic experience along the picturesque shores of Lake Como. San Giovanni is blessed with stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the lakefront, take boat rides on the lake, or simply relax and take in the tranquil beauty of the water and the landscape.

The Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril, among the most beautiful of Europe, rise along the shores of Lake Como near Bellagio, harmoniously inserted into the hilly landscape between the two branches of the lake. Inside the Gardens stand the Villa, the Chapel and the Orange Greenhouse (or Orangérie), now a Museum of great historical relevance. The Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril are a splendid expression of the Neoclassical style, and have been declared a national monument.