Lake Como, Bellagio
Italy

Bellagio, Lake Como's premier holiday resort and ferry hub at the junction of the two 'legs' of the lake.

Bellagio is Lake Como's #1 holiday destination, a lovely little town with virtually no traffic set at the junction of the lake's two legs (i.e. the crotch if the lake was a stick man) with superb mountain and lake views all around and excellent though pricey restaurants and accommodation.

Another favoured lake town in a similar vein is Varenna (east side), while Tremezzo and Menaggio (both west side) and Bellano (east side) are less expensive, less touristy, easier to reach by road and not unattractive but may suffer from road noise.
Tremezzo is home to Villa Carlotta and its terrific gardens while Menaggio has a golf course where Georgio Clooney plays. There are also fine golf courses at Villa d'Este and Monticello. For more activity options see below.

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Tourists enjoying a typical Bellagio view across Lake Como to Cadenabbia village.

A pricey lunch under shady wisteria beside the lake.

A Bellagio street.

The superb Basilica di San Giacomo, built between 1075-1125 in Roman-Lombard style.

The Basilica's interior is well worth a look with fantastic early mosaics, paintings and sculptures.

Cadenabbia 'village', opposite Bellagio. Lake Como Transport Pictures.

Some of the activities available near Bellagio:

- Sailing small boats (dinghies) or hiring skippered yachts of around 7 metres.
- Kayaking from Bellagio for a few hours, for all day or even on a several day trip.
- Horse riding in small groups along mountain paths, from one hour to all day tours.
- Canyoning through one of seven rivers nearby with an Alpine guide and full kit including wet suit.
- Rock Climbing by the lake near Varenna with Alpine guide.
- Paragliding (2 seater. i.e. you are a passenger) off mountains around the lake.
- Mountainbiking daily to various nearby destinations, such as Brunate. 5/6 hours of panoramic biking.
- Downhill mountainbiking, travelling via minibus to starting point on Mt. San Primo or Mt. Ponciv. Yeeehah!

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