Bellagio holidays

Depending on when you visit, you might be able to catch a morning market in the centre of town. Browse for clothes, leather goods, pottery, souvenirs and more.

Go window-shopping for handmade shoes, traditional Como silks and delicate glassware. The unique hand-painted bottles filled with wine, oil or vinegar are particularly popular with locals and tourists.

There are a few bars in Bellagio that stay open into the early hours. You should be able to find the perfect secluded spot to sit and enjoy an evening drink.

Bellagio has a busy summer calendar, with regular sessions from orchestras and live bands, which culminates with the Bellagio festival at the end of August. For music and cocktails, head over to Lido di Bellagio for weekend party nights throughout the summer.

There are lots of restaurants on the west shore of the lake. If you have the chance, try the traditional Bellagino feast day dish, tóch - ingredients are polenta, butter and cheese. You'll also find chicken, cured meat and dried fish from the lake on the menu.

This is Italian wine country, and restaurants offer local vintages. One place to seek out is the Enoteca Cava Turacciolo, a cosy bar offering a wide range of local wines in a cellar-style setting.

The only bus stop in Bellagio is right at the end of Lungolario. There are two main bus lines that run between Bellagio and Como.

Bellagio's main pier is at Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, with boats running to many of the most popular villages on the lake, including Menaggio, Cadenabbia and Tremezzo.

There's a tourist road train that loops around the town. It takes under a hour to do the whole circle, or you can hop off along the way - San Giovanni is around 20 minutes away.

Bellagio is a place best explored on foot. We're talking mornings spent following cobble streets and climbing curving staircase to discover something new around each corner. If you have limited mobility or need to use a wheelchair, getting around here may be more challenging.

Cobbled streets and steps lead to Romanesque churches dotted along the main high street, Via Garibaldi. If you prefer being by the water, stroll down towards the Via Roma to watch the boats sail by. Bear in mind, the walk back into town is a little hilly.

Head down towards the pier and turn right onto Via Garibaldi which takes you to the fishing village of Pescallo. The main road is lined with olive trees. If you carry on further, you'll come to Guggiate, with cypress-framed views of the lake.