Lake Como is one of the most iconic locations in Italy! It’s absolutely gorgeous and popular with tourists, locals, and celebrities. Most people spend all their time in one or more of the “big three” towns: Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.
But, there’s a hidden gem that is just as stunning and isn’t overcrowded with tourists, even in the high season of summer.
I think Bellano is my favorite town in the region and even in all of Italy! It’s so underrated, and I don’t even think most tourists know about it.
This guide has everything you need to know before you go to Bellano, Lake Como, so you can make the most of your time there.
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The Best Time to Visit Bellano, Italy
The most popular time to visit the Lake Como area is summer, when the weather is generally beautiful and most people are on summer vacation. The peak season is June to early September, and the low season is around October to March.
While there are crowds most days in summer, it’s significantly busier from Thursday to Sunday. So, plan to do the most popular activities from Monday to Wednesday. That being said, Bellano was not crowded at all, even in the middle of the summer tourist season.
Locals say the best time to visit is from April to early May. The weather isn’t as hot, although it rains an average of 10-12 days. It’s less crowded than in summer, so you can wander the streets, explore the gorgeous villas, and ride the ferries without fighting the crowds. Just bring your best raincoat and umbrella for those rainy days!
Bellano Weather
The weather on Lake Como varies seasonally but is fairly mild most of the year.
- Spring (March-May): mild temperatures between 50-62°F (10-17°C).
- Summer (June-August): warm, around 77-86°F (25-30°C).
- Autumn (September-November): cools to 47°F to 65°F (8°C to 18°C).
- Winter (December-February): averages 39°F to 46°F (4°C to 8°C).
Bellano and the Lake Como area are at their sunniest during summer, with more rainfall in spring and autumn. However, it’s still beautiful even when it rains, and the showers tend to come and go throughout the day.
How to Get to Bellano, Lake Como
The best way to get to Bellano is to fly into Milan and then take a train to Lake Como from Milan. It’s about a 1.5-hour train ride from Milano Centrale to Bellano Tartavalle Terme train station. Alternatively, you can arrive at Varenna-Esino station and take the ferry or a taxi from there to Bellano.
You can depart from any Milan train station, but there might be more options leaving from Milano Centrale. Search both Trenitalia and Italo Treno to find the best route, times, and prices for you.
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How to Fight Off Jetlag
Unless you’re flying to Italy from somewhere else in Europe, you’re likely going to be dealing with a significant time difference when you land. If you struggle with jetlag, I’ve got some great tips for you:
- Slowly adjust your sleep schedule leading up to your trip. This sunrise simulator alarm clock can help you get up more easily when it’s darker in the mornings.
- Take a nap on the plane if you’ll be arriving earlier in the day (this memory foam neck pillow, sleep mask, and ear plugs are great for this). If you’re arriving later in the day, try to stay awake for at least the second half of the flight.
- Pack little snacks to munch on between meals to keep your energy up (and the hanger away!). You can also buy tasty snacks at the local stores or markets while you’re there. These reusable bags are great to use for travel and on the go!
How to Get Around Bellano & Lake Como
Bellano is extremely walkable as it’s a pretty small town. Most of the places you’ll be are fairly flat terrain, but there are some hills and stairs. The steps aren’t particularly steep or narrow, but they can be uneven and bumpy. Make sure you wear comfy sneakers or sandals that are easy to walk in!
As for getting around Lake Como in general, there are a lot of options:
- Ferries: The most popular and scenic way to get around is by ferry. Regular services connect towns up and down the lake, offering slow and fast options at an affordable price.
- Water Taxis: For more flexibility and privacy, water taxis and private boats offer direct routes between destinations, but they are much pricier.
- Buses: A bus network serves the lake area and can be an affordable option for shorter trips, but you’d have to go all the way around if you want to cross the lake.
- Car Rentals: You can rent a car if you prefer to drive, but the roads can be narrow, and parking is limited. You’re also restricted to the “traghetto” ferries that allow cars, so you’ll have fewer options.
How to Navigate the Ferries
The Lake Como ferries and timetables can be tricky to understand at first. If you don’t plan properly, they could throw off your entire day, and you might not have time for some of the things on your itinerary. But once you figure it out, you’ll be riding them like a local!
Check out my other post on Lake Como for more info on navigating the ferries.
Where to Stay in Bellano, Lake Como
Bellano isn’t as well-known as the other towns in Lake Como, so it can be easier to find a place to stay than in Bellagio or Varenna. However, it’s fairly small and the options are more limited. So, it’s best to book your accommodations as soon as possible.
Because it’s so walkable, you could really stay anywhere near the center of town and still be close enough to the things you want to do. I’d say the best areas to stay are near the ferry stop for convenience and a little further past the marina if you want a quieter spot that’s still close by.
Hotels in Bellano
As I mentioned, there are fewer hotels in Bellano than in the other towns that are more popular. Don’t expect a lot of luxury hotels here; there are more B&B-style hotels and apartment-hotels.
Meridiana Boutique Hotel is a nice 3-star hotel with a restaurant and a jacuzzi right on the water. They also have a rooftop terrace, garden, and breakfast buffet. Villa Rêverie is a lovely boutique hotel with stylish rooms, a panoramic restaurant, and a rooftop terrace. It’s a little further from the center of town, but it’s close to hiking and biking trails.
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Other Accommodation Options
If you prefer vacation rentals, VRBO has some good options in Bellano. Stay in a cozy apartment in the center of town or a spacious villa with lake views. You’ll have more space and privacy, and it’s often more affordable for longer stays or group travel.
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Things to Do in Bellano, Italy
For such a small town, there are a surprising number of things to do in Bellano. This is definitely the place to visit if you want a more relaxed time. You can walk up and down the path by the lake, stop in at some of the beautiful churches, and just experience the local “la dolce vita” in the lakefront cafes.
Below are some of my favorite things I did and saw that I highly recommend!
Orrido di Bellano
The Orrido di Bellano, also known as the Bellano Gorge, is the number one attraction in Bellano. It’s absolutely beautiful and well worth the ferry ride to Bellano on its own, if you aren’t staying overnight. For a small admission fee of less than 10 euros, you can walk along the elevated platforms and admire the rock walls carved out by the natural flow of water over centuries.
There are cascading waterfalls in several places, with water rushing below the platforms, carving out the gorge even further. This was my absolute favorite thing I did in all of Lake Como. It was incredibly peaceful, with just the sound of rushing water and nature.
Ca' dal Diavol / House of the Devil Museum
Don’t let the name scare you away! Ca’ dal Diavol has nothing to do with devils, other than the interesting frescoes painted on the outside. You’ll have to tour the museum to get the full story, but basically, the “devils” come from old folklore about the frescoes. There’s nothing demonic or scary about this place.
In fact, it’s the coolest museum! And it’s amazing how much they’ve fit into such a small building. Located next to the Orrido di Bellano, you can purchase a combined entry ticket and do a guided tour of the museum.
There’s a fascinating, projected storytelling of the area’s history in one room and an incredible virtual reality experience in another room. You sit in chairs that move with a VR headset and go soaring over the gorge and across Lake Como. It was spectacular!!
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Relax at the Public Beach or Nearby Pool
There’s a public beach in Bellano that’s popular with locals, especially on a hot summer day. It’s a decent size, with space for lounging on the sandy shore or cooling off in the water. There’s also a pool located right next to it, with paid access available through the restaurant, Lido di Bellano. They also have a sun terrace with jacuzzi tubs.
Go Shopping
The shopping in Bellano isn’t super obvious; you have to go wandering into side streets to find some real gems. There are clothing and shoe stores, toy shops, and places to buy cute souvenirs, knick-knacks, and home goods. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s nice to just wander the streets and admire the colorful buildings.
Take a Boat Ride on the Lake
No visit to Lake Como is truly complete without experiencing the magic from the water. Regular ferry services provide a convenient and scenic way to explore the lake’s many sites as you travel from town to town.
But for a more unique and intimate experience, consider hiring a private boat for a bespoke tour of the lake’s most beautiful villas and hidden coves. You can learn a lot from your local guide that you wouldn’t be able to from simply using public transportation.
Visit Nearby Towns
Bellano may be outside of the “big three” towns, but it’s close enough that it’s easy to take the ferry or a water taxi to the many other gems of Lake Como:
- Bellagio: Often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is renowned for its luxurious hotels, high-end boutiques, and stunning gardens. This is the town most people think of when they think of Lake Como.
- Menaggio: This charming town boasts a beautiful lakefront promenade perfect for evening strolls and people-watching. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is a great spot for families, with lidos and a central piazza.
- Varenna: This charming and picturesque village on the eastern shore of Lake Como is known for its colorful houses clinging to the hillside, its romantic waterfront promenade, and attractions like Villa Monastero and Castello di Vezio.
- Tremezzo: In Tremezzo and Cadenabbia, you can visit the magnificent Villa Carlotta, where art and nature intertwine in its museum and botanical gardens. The famous Grand Hotel Tremezzo, popular with celebrities, is located here, too.
Where to Eat in Bellano
Because it’s fairly small, there aren’t a ton of restaurants in Bellano. There are several cute cafes lining the waterfront that are great for an espresso and a snack, or an aperitivo. I loved Bar Centrale!
I absolutely loved the place I stopped in for lunch, though – Taverna Malanotte. I had some amazing, affordable red wine, lasagna bolognese, and apple pie for dessert. Most of the food is cooked by “la nonna,” the grandmother who runs the restaurant, so it’s truly authentic Italian food. This is very much a local spot!
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More Tips for Visiting Bellano, Lake Como
How long should you stay in Bellano?
If you aren’t staying overnight in Bellano, you can see most of the things to do in an afternoon. I was in Bellano for about five hours, which was more than enough time.
I actually stayed longer than planned because I missed the ferry and had to wait an extra hour or so for the next one. So, check those ferry times when you arrive if you need to leave by a certain time!
Learn Some Italian Phrases Before You Go
Before your trip, try to learn some Italian to help you order food, ask for directions, and buy things in the shops run by locals who don’t speak a lot of English. In general, it’s considered good etiquette to make an effort at the local language, no matter where you travel.
Babbel and Rosetta Stone are great resources for this; you can start as a beginner or take more advanced lessons if you already speak some Italian.
Currency & Cash
As part of the Eurozone, Italy uses the Euro as its currency. While credit cards are widely accepted in most places, carry some cash for small purchases, tipping, and visits to local markets or smaller shops. When given the option, always choose to pay in Euros to avoid unfavorable exchange rates often applied to foreign currency transactions.
Check with your credit card company before you go to see what kind of foreign transaction fees they charge. And be sure to let them know when and where you’ll be, so your card isn’t declined for making a foreign purchase.
Bring a Credit Card with Travel Perks
I always travel with one or more of my favorite credit cards for travel perks. I typically look for things like low or no foreign transaction fees, discounts on airport lounge access, and VIP customer service for booking exclusive events and experiences.
And, of course, I want one that has an amazing earning system that allows me to get points or miles with every purchase. I’ve saved thousands of dollars on flights and hotels using travel credit cards like these!
Enchanted by Lake Como? There’s so much to explore! My detailed 1-week itinerary has the best of Lake Como to help you plan an unforgettable trip!
Andiamo a Bellano (Let’s go to Bellano)!
I hope you fall in love with Bellano, Lake Como, as much as I did! It may not get as much attention as Bellagio or Varenna, but it’s just as deserving of your time. Especially if you’re visiting during peak season and the other, more popular towns are overcrowded. This is a town I plan to return to over and over again.
Have you been to Bellano or Lake Como before? What are your favorite places here? Let me know in the comments below!
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