DOLCE FAR NIENTE AT ITS BEST - Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

Twenty seconds. That's how long it took. Twenty seconds. To open the door to my hotel room, put down my luggage, step out on the balcony and bam...

Twenty seconds was all it took to fall head over heels in love with you, my beautiful Bellagio.

Nested on what's probably the most picturesque part of Lake Como's shore line is Bellagio, a tiny village located at the crossing of the south-eastern and south-western part of the lake. The adventure starts when you navigate your car through the coiling road comming from Como or Lecce. It's so narrow the only thing to do at some points is literally just close your eyes and hope the cars driving in the other direction – at a fairly high speed seeing the condition of the road –will pass. George Clooney has his secondary (or 3rd, 4th, who counts when you're THAT rich) residence over here, and I can assure you that if I had his money, I would, too! George, if you're reading this, invitations can be send through my contact page. (What?! You never know... :p)

No guidebook can do this place justice, so put it away and just stroll around. Believe me, the best parts aren't the ones you'll find on the map. The colorful houses with their picturesque shutters will make you dream of times gone by. The magnificent views of the lake will leave you breathless, and so will the steep narrow alleys. Yes, go check out what's on the other side of that tiny alley, where you can only hope nobody's comming in the other direction. What's the worst that can happen?

Don't rush. Sit down, have an Italian coffee or a glass of Spritz with some olives and observe the people. Look how they love it, their Bellagio, and fall in love even more. Walk by the harbor and alongside the water to Villa Melzi d'Eril for a peek into the lush gardens and even wider views on Lake Como. The mansions on the other side look like they've come straight out of one of those Italian movies from the 50's.

Take a boat to Varenna to stroll around some more or (correction: and) take your car inlands through the tiny picturesque villages and mountainous landscapes for even more beauty.

Whenever you decide to go to Bellagio, don't go looking for 'things to do'. There's nothing to 'do' in Bellagio, no 10-point list could ever capture the place, and that's exactly why you'll love it. Bellagio doesn't need a museum, a list or a guide book, it has everything you need right in its heart.

Bellagio, it took me 20 seconds to fall in love with you. We've been apart for a while now but you're still in my heart. One day, I promise, I'll come back to you, and fall in love all over again.

PRACTICAL TIP:

Hotel Silvio is located right outside the city center and offers a great service as well as fabulous view of the lake, right from your private terrace. You can walk to the center through the gardens of Villa Melzi d'Eril or call the hotel shuttle when it's late at night and the gardens are closed.

#Sightsactivities #Italy #Bellagio