Pearl of Lake Como
Trip Start
Sep 14, 2012
1
34
47
Trip End
Oct 19, 2012
Bellagio, Lombardy, Italy
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Bellagio is our second last destination on our holiday and it is considered the pearl of Lake Como and is a common lakeside vacation destination in Italy, even George Cooney has a home in the neighboring town of Como. Lake Como is shaped like an upside down Y and Bellagio is located where the two legs of Lake Como come together.
The road trip in was similar to Amalfi in terms of a windy road that follows the water line, but the roads were slightly wider with less traffic. The water level was not such a sheer drop as in Amalfi, this could also add to the calmness of driving these roads, or perhaps we are now used to the Italian drivers and fast corners.
Our apartment in Bellagio is another amazing place to stay, Maria who lives downstairs makes us feel very welcome. The location is perfect, main street of the historical centre with cafes and restaurants directly downstairs, the water front is down a set of narrow stone steps from the bedrooms and lounge rooms with lake and mountain views. Best part is hearing the church bells during the day, especially as an early morning alarm.
Once we unpacked we headed down to explore the small town. Population is just over 3000. Loving being back in Italy, gelati prices range from 1.70 to 2 euro for a single scoop and pizza prices range from 6 to 8 euro for a marguireta. First stop lunch at a pizzeria that Maria has recommended that uses a stone pizza oven, followed by gelati as we explore the panoramic lake views. The village has picturesque stone lanes and stairways with shops, gelato bars, cafes, and restaurants beautiful place to base ourselves for a few days. It is obviously a place for the rich to hang out as there is just as many fine jewellery shops as there are gelati shops.
Tomorrow we are planning on exploring the neighboring towns on the lake.
