Bellagio

Italy

Posted by Alex Nichol in Photography
15th Aug 2025

 

We took a day out from our trip to Milan to visit Lake Como, about 50 miles north in the Lombardy region of Italy. Our first stop was Bellagio, a colourful little town perched on the peninsula that splits the southern end of the lake into two prongs. Known locally as the "Pearl of Lake Como", Bellagio is set into a steep hillside, with two main streets running horizontally, connected by lots of narrow alleyways made entirely of steps. It reminded us a lot of Dubrovnik Old Town.

We decided to make our own way there, purely out of a sense of adventure, but if we were to do it again, we'd probably book a tour to keep things simple. However you do it, I'd recommend leaving early to miss the crowds. The whole of Lake Como gets bonkers busy, especially on the weekends and public holidays. The route we originally planned was a no-go, due to rail infrastructure works, so we came up with a Plan B, which turned out to be lovely.

We caught the train from Milano Centrale to Lecco. The trains run hourly and are relatively inexpensive. Even early in the morning, it was standing room only. We then caught the fast ferry from Lecco to Bellagio, which takes only 90 minutes. If we'd had more time, we might have taken the slower boats to see more of the lake, but we only had one day to spare.

It wasn't possible to book tickets in advance, so we had to queue up at the ferry terminal and buy them at the ticket office. It was only £20 each for a day ticket, which would allow us to hop from town to town around the lake.

Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Photograph of Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy by Alex Nichol
Sony A7R V + Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM

These photographs were taken with the Sony A7R V and the incredible Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, and not forgetting my trusty Kase Wolverine circular polariser.

Equipment used
Camera
Sony A7R V
Lens
Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM
Filters
Kase Wolverine Magnetic

All images © Alex Nichol 2025 - all rights reverved.

About the photographer

I'm Alex Nichol. I'm an amateur photographer from the North of England. For me, photography is a way to share what I love most about the world. That includes everything, from family and friends, to wild animals and breathtaking places... or maybe just how the sun twinkles on a weed in my back garden. It's all fair game.