Hello- my partner and I are traveling to Lake Como in early October and plan to stay three nights. I know Rick Steves recommends Varenna bc it is easily accessible by train. But Bellagio looks pretty magical to me. I k owner will need to take a ferry from either moo or Varenna to get to/ from Bellagio. Advice? Grazie!
Posted by
11156 posts
We have driven up the west side of the lake and then got a ferry across the lake to Bellagio. Private drivers have driven us up the peninsula to Bellagio, no ferry needed. There is ferry service between Bellagio and Varenna. We like having more dining choices in Bellagio and have been there four times , once for two weeks.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8440 posts
We stayed in Varenna, and visited Bellagio. IMO, I would describe Varenna being low key, quiet and relaxing; Bellagio as more upscale, old-money, with more hotels, restaurants and shopping. There's a hotel named after it in Las Vegas, if that tells you something.
Posted by
OP
Bend, Oregon
18 posts
I can see that choice depends on travel style really. Low- key v a bit more lively with eating/ shopping options. Thanks for the prospective and info.
Posted by
44 posts
It depends on where you stay in Bellagio. We were up the hill in the piazza and it was quiet. Bellagio is also quite large so you can get away from touristy/hotel area right on the tip of the lake. We aren't at all glitzy and I felt very comfortable in Bellagio. Only did a quick trip over to Varenna so can't speak about staying there. But at least in June, both areas were packed mid-day with folks shuttling back and forth on the ferry.
Posted by
Sunriver
1321 posts
I prefer Bellagio to Varenna. When we visit we use a private driver from MXP to Bellagio. Yes it is a "life style" choice Varenna is less "touristy" even though the train station is there. If you stay in Bellagio you'll have time to walk up away from the water front to find a quieter part of Bellagio. Magical is the exact word I would use to describe Bellagio
Posted by
Southwest Florida
856 posts
I am an advocate for Varenna for several reasons.
Transportation - you can rent a car, take a train or grab a ferry to explore the region. Bellagio does not provide that.
Economy - From food to hotel & AirBnB, you will pay far less in Varenna. And the views are just as fantastic in and around Varenna. Not to mention less expensive boat hires and water taxis.
Add those two together and you can infer Variety & Convenience. You can always day trip to Bellagio and any of the other villages. I've always viewed Bellagio, especially after staying there, one of those places that you think is a romantic destination on the lake, but that wears thin after the first day, especially when you discover that you end up moving around the lake every day. And you come back to your overpriced hotel & then dine at the overpriced restaurants of Bellagio.
Want romantic (and expensive) on Como? Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Glorious! Fantastic rooms, beautiful views, walk to Villa Carlotta. When we stayed they provided drop-off to Balbianello (but not pick-up). They may no longer do this. But the Greenway trail on that side of the lake is a wonderful hike/stroll, depending on the section involved.