Explored one of Italy's renowned must-see sites, and for these reasons, I'd steer clear of another visit
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Phoebe Cornish, a lifestyle reporter, recently visited Bellagio in Lake Como, a town that has been extensively popularised on social media platforms. Upon arrival, she found the destination to be 'overhyped', with some aspects falling short of her expectations.
Bellagio, often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como", is renowned for its stunning beauty, charming cobbled streets, historic villas, and breathtaking natural scenery. However, it can be considered somewhat overpriced and overhyped by some visitors due to heavy tourism, limited local transportation options, and occasional issues like high prices in restaurants and shops, as well as tourist congestion.
Despite these downsides, many travelers praise Bellagio for its elegance and charm, making it a must-visit spot on Lake Como. The scenic views and cultural sites such as Villa Melzi and Villa Carlotta are unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression.
However, complaints about rude locals and lack of convenient transport options have been noted, possibly linked to tourist overload. Parking difficulties and the overwhelming number of tourists can detract from the experience for some, making the visit feel less authentic and more commercialized.
For those driving, the journey from Milan to Bellagio takes roughly one hour and 36 minutes. Phoebe Cornish encourages visitors to take the scenic and relaxing £18 slow ferry from Como to Bellagio, passing charming villages like Tremezzo and Cernobbio.
Despite finding aspects of Bellagio appealing, such as practicing Italian with her warm Airbnb host, eating fresh fish daily, and enjoying breathtaking views across the lake, Phoebe was disappointed with the night-time atmosphere in Bellagio. She had expected a similar buzz to bustling cities like Milan, but found it to be winding down early, with most restaurants closing around 9pm or 9.30pm.
Moreover, Phoebe found the food in Bellagio to be overpriced, lackluster, and underwhelming. One particularly disappointing experience was a very dry tiramisu served by one restaurant.
Bellagio fails to offer accessible public transport options for less mobile visitors. Direct trains from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni station provide access to Bellagio, with journeys taking approximately 37 to 47 minutes. Ferry trips from Como connect directly to Bellagio, with trips taking about two hours.
In a different context, the town of Portofino in Italy is currently under a new ordinance that temporarily expires on September 30. This ordinance bans walking barefoot, picnics, and drinking alcohol on the streets, among other prohibitions, in a crackdown on holidaymakers. Travellers in Portofino are now facing fines for various activities, such as walking through the town barefoot, in swimwear, or topless, sitting in the piazza in such attire, consuming alcohol on public streets, and engaging in activities like begging, sitting, or lying on streets, walls, sidewalks, and parks.
In conclusion, Bellagio is undeniably beautiful and worth seeing for first-time visitors to Lake Como. However, it can be both a spectacular destination and somewhat overhyped/overpriced depending on expectations and the time of visit. Visiting during off-peak times or combining it with lesser-known Lake Como towns may provide a more balanced experience.
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