Kayaking, Exploring and Fine Dining: A perfect day in Bellagio {Lake Como}

About a week ago we embarked on a road trip through the Alps towards our final destination: Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como (also known as the prettiest town in Europe)! Just a 4 1/2 hour drive from Grenoble, we spent about 4 days here exploring the town: its villas and gardens, the lake, Bellagio’s fascinating history, cultural heritage and numerous local craft shops as well as the amazing local cuisine (there are a ton of restaurants here — and they are all usually mixed with both locals and tourists! I love it — No tourist traps here!). In the coming weeks, I will publish a few articles which will give you my own personal recommendations for when you, hopefully one day, visit this enchanting place. When you group all of the posts together, you will have a sweet Bellagio pocket guide! Here, in article 1, I invite you to experience A Perfect Day in Bellagio.

It’s 9:45AM: Welcome to Pescallo Bay. We are at the eastern side of the Bellagio peninsula, a short walking distance from the town center. It is sunny, but the morning freshness means it’s not overwhelmingly hot: perfect for a 2-hour kayaking experience. The bright flowers and pastel-colored buildings, the cutest cobblestone streets and alleyways, the sounds of songbirds, the soothing reflection of the light dancing on the lake, the kisses from both the sun and the lake breeze on my skin, and of course the breathtaking mountain views…blue on blue on blue which seems to go on forever…I feel like I’m in paradise. This is very serene part of Bellagio; I don’t see any tourists walking around nor hear any vehicles passing through. I feel completely at peace, and then also a childlike excitement about what I’m about to do. I can’t help but have gratitude for life at this exact moment. I could not dream of a better way to start my day.

We meet up with Mich, the owner of Bellagio Water Sports. We wait until 10AM for everyone to arrive (a small group), and we get onto our comfy, individual kayaks to explore the lake in the best way possible: on it! 

By the way, Pescallo Bay is a former Fisherman’s District; it has a distinct vibe which is quite different from the rest of Bellagio; it really is the perfect spot to have a kayaking and SUP board business! I cannot stress enough how relaxing this place is; a little piece of heaven!

We kayak out past the bay’s adorable sailboats to the open water and wait for everyone to get on their kayaks. Mich warmly greets us and tells us about the lake and the surrounding area as well as some really interesting facts (I won’t give too much away on this blog; it’s for you to discover!).  We kayak around the Bellagio peninsula (in this case, to and beyond La Punta – the tip), and get unique views of the land along the lake, as well as discovering types of plants and rock formations that one cannot see on foot — especially as the majority of the coastline is made up of either private properties or wild landscape. We meet up together as a group a few times, as Mich tells us about certain spots. What a ride! On the water, it’s a completely different world than on land; I felt like I was finally exploring the “other half” of Bellagio’s soul, as well as having a spiritual connection (and official “meeting” of sorts) with the lake itself.

Our kayak-tour adventure lasted two hours; it was really such a blast and I felt so free on the water! Keep in mind, this is one of many types of tours that Mich has to offer, so you should definitely look through his website. (I would love to come back and do his Varenna tour and/or his 5-hour tour which ends up at Villa del Balbianello…or maybe the option of renting a kayak for a half day or so! There are many options to choose from). You can also stand up paddle board (see above photo); which is ideal for the warmer months (looks amazing!!). Sidenote: As someone whose parents live on a large lake (in the States), I have kayaked all year round in all weather conditions (even through ice! ha); kayaking is just as great in the early spring and late fall as the summer! Oh, and kayaking is for all ages and levels…you kayak at your own speed. 

After your morning kayak (or standup paddling) and grabbing a bite, walk through the beautiful city center to the PromoBellagio tourism office where the Basilica di San Giacomo church is (also worth a visit!). Below, I will take you on a virtual tour of the famous gardens of Villa Melzi! For your visit, the PromoBellagio office and website has all the info you’ll need (here are some walking tour itineraries and tourist services). PromoBellagio office – Tourist Information Office, Piazza della Chiesa 14, Bellagio – complete contact info 

We had a tour of the beautiful Villa Melzi gardens with Paola; it was so delightful! We learned so much about Bellagio. It’s a stunning lakeside garden walk and I’d say it’s a must if you’re here!  It’s open from March to October from 9:30AM to 6:30PM (practical info). There are two entrances: you can start at the entrance by the city center, just after the LIDO club. The promenade ends on the border of Loppia (which is another pretty spot). When you arrive to the other side, at the exit, don’t miss the lavish Empire-style family chapel followed by the little harbor! I recommend that you take a little walk around there (Loppia) as it’s very cute. You’ll find an uphill staircase (which leads to another villa) just past the little port, on your right, that makes you feel like you’re in a dream (see below) and provides nice views of the lake! You can then walk back to the city center through the park, unless you would like to continue walking to visit San Giovanni (which is adorable, has a lovely museum, a cute port, a church, a great coffee shop and MORE — to be featured soon in part 3!). Here are my photos:

Villa Melzi is a private historic residence located in the town of Bellagio. It is proclaimed, with the surrounding properties, a national monument. It was built between 1801 and 1810 for Francesco Melzi d’Eril, who was made Vice-President of the Italian Republic under Napoléon Bonaparte in 1802 and Grand Chancellor of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy in 1805. Although you cannot visit the villa itself, you are free to wander the gardens and visit the chapel (mentioned above). In April and May, you can admire the blooming of the azaleas and rhododendrons. These gardens were once a favorite picnic spot for Franz Lizst. He advised author Louis de Ronchaud in 1837: “When you write the story of two happy lovers, place them on the shores of Lake Como. I do not know of any land so conspicuously blessed by heaven.”

Now, where to relax and enjoy a fabulous meal?! I don’t know about you, but after an active day, I don’t want to have to spend and hour walking around trying to figure out where to eat. So, I’ve got you covered! Remember that gorgeous, infamous Bellagio staircase street you saw above (Salita Serbolloni)? Well, the restaurant Bilacus is right there! We actually ended up here during our first night; a gorgeous night. So, with the amazing weather, it was so nice to wine and dine on their uber romantic balcony (which has views on the town as well as the mountains and lake!). We were greeted by chef Aurelio, who is super friendly. It actually made me nostalgic about classic Italian restaurants in suburban New York (near the city), where the chefs are extremely hospitable. 🙂 I must also mention: I noticed that the menus in Bellagio are very accommodating to allergies and intolerances, as well as being available in English and French. Oh and, there were rarely any smokers on the terraces! Gosh, I think I’m moving to Italy… Here are some photos of our amazing dinner. Salute!