If you’re planning a trip to Lake Como, the village of Bellano is the perfect lakeside base. While the more famous villages Bellagio and Varenna attract crowds of day-trippers, Bellano gives you a more authentic Italian lake town experience, with better transport connections and lower prices, while still giving you access to all the attractions on Lake Como.
Why I chose Bellano
I stayed in Bellano for three nights on our trip to Lake Como. I originally chose Bellano because it has a train station – we were were arriving by train from Tirano after travelling on the Bernina Line from Switzerland, and we were flying home from Milan, so being on a train line was a must.
I’d looked at Varenna, but accommodation was quite expensive, then I found a beautiful apartment in Bellano on AirBnB overlooking the lake. Staying there and waking up to an amazing view of Lake Como was an absolute dream.
Bellano is a small village which still seems quite local, compared to the very touristy villages of Varenna and Bellagio. There are a few small shops and restaurants in the village centre, but in general it’s very quiet. I really enjoyed strolling along the lakeside promenade in the evening and having aperitivo drinks and snacks in the little bar near the ferry terminal.
The town’s layout puts everything within easy reach. The main street runs level along the lake – ideal if you want to avoid the hills that make Varenna and Bellagio challenging with luggage or mobility issues. Yet the stepped streets climbing the hillside offer atmospheric walks and lake views when you choose to explore.
Where is Bellano?
Bellano is one of the villages in the central part of Lake Como, on the eastern edge of the lake. It’s just north of Varenna and only a couple of stops on the ferry from Bellagio.
Getting to and from Bellano
Ferries
The mid-lake villages are connected by a network of ferries, and there are also longer-distance fast ferries which go to the south of the lake and up to the northern edge.
The ferries from Bellano aren’t quite as frequent as you’d get in Varenna, but we were able to take direct ferries from Bellano to Lenno (for Villa del Balbianello), Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna.
Trains
Like Varenna, Bellano has a train station (Bellano-Tartavalle Terme) on the railway line between Milan and Tirano. The station is just 10 minutes’ walk from the lakefront promenade and ferry dock.
Bellano-Tartavalle Terme station has hourly direct trains to Milano Centrale via Varenna, Lecco and Monza. The journey to Milan takes 1 hour 10 minutes and costs less than €8.
In the other direction, Tirano is 1 hour 22 minutes from Bellano; from there you can catch the scenic Bernina line to Switzerland.
Airport transfers from Milan Malpensa airport (MXP) are also straightforward, with just one change of train at Milano Centrale. Trains run late into the evening – perfect for day trips to Milan or late returns from Lecco at the bottom of the lake.
Car
Because Bellano is much quieter than Varenna and Bellagio, it’s much easier to visit by car. There are a few car parks dotted around the village, including right on the lake side and many hotels and apartments include parking. There’s a junction with the main SS36 highway to Milan just above the village.
Where to stay in Bellano
Villa Marina
If the lower prices don’t really matter to you, but romantic luxury and lake views do, then Villa Marina is one of the best places to stay in Bellano. Set in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building, this boutique bed and breakfast has wood-panelled ceilings and travertine floors.
During the warmer months, you can have your breakfast on one of the two terraces overlooking the lake. The other terrace has sunbeds and a hot tub for the ultimate in lakeside relaxation.
Apartment Missultin
This is where I stayed in Bellano, and I can’t recommend it more highly. Apartment Missultin was beautifully furnished, the host Gianpaolo was so welcoming and kind, and the view from the balcony was incredible.
Less than 5 minutes from the ferry stop and only 10 minutes’ walk from the station, it was the perfect place to stay in Bellano, and for less than £100 per night excluding fees, it felt like an absolute bargain.
Things to do in Bellano
Explore the Orrido di Bellano
The Orrido di Bellano gorge is a breathtaking natural attraction in the village centre, and is worth visiting even if you’re not staying in Bellano. Visitors follow a series of suspended walkways past waterfalls, gushing torrents and stunning rock formations. It costs only €6 to visit and offers a dramatic contrast to the usual lake views.
See Bellano’s churches
Bellano has a number of beautiful churches. The Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime – Lezzeno-Bellano is up on a hill above the village and has a stunning interior and even more beautiful views over the lake.
In the centre of the village, Chiesa Prepositurale dei Santi Nazaro e Celso looks simple on the outside but is full of art.
Relax at the Lido di Bellano beach
Bellano has one of the best beaches on Lake Como, with beautiful views, afternoon sun and clear water. There’s a small private beach, but for the perfect beach day, visit the Lido di Bellano, which has sunbeds, a swimming pool, restaurant and bar.
Gaze at the Star of Bellano
On the edge of Bellano’s little harbour, you’ll see a tall metal structure with a star on the top. It’s not a leftover from Christmas, it’s the Star of Bellano. The sculpture is lit up in the evening, giving the town a festive air all year round.
Go to the market
Bellano’s weekly market on Thursday mornings is organised by the municipality and serves both locals and visitors. Stalls are set up around the ferry port and include vegetables, fruit, clothing and local products.
The best time to stay in Bellano
Visit in April-May or September-October for perfect conditions: reliable boat services, comfortable temperatures, and even better accommodation prices. You’ll get all the benefits of Bellano’s transport links and authentic atmosphere with fewer tourists everywhere.
Summary: why Bellano is a hidden gem on Lake Como
By choosing Bellano, you get the best of Lake Como: authentic Italian life, excellent transport links, lower prices, and year-round services, all while staying in a beautiful lakeside town that hasn’t quite sacrificed its soul to tourism. You can easily visit the busier resort towns but return each evening to a place that remembers it’s a town first and a tourist destination second.
