Day 3: When the Rain Calls the Shots: A Bellano Excursion
- wanderingazuki
- May 27
- 7 min read
Table of Content
🌺 Introduction 🫘
"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." – John Lennon
With our last full day in Lake Como ahead of us, we were determined to make it count. We decided to venture out and explore a different part of the lake, soaking in as much as we could before it was time to say goodbye. One of the must-visit spots on our list was La Grotta, a local favourite we’d heard great things about—so naturally, we made it our mission to dine there. We ended the day in true Lake Como fashion: strolling along the pier at sunset, with the golden light dancing across the water. It was the perfect way to wind down and reflect on a day of spontaneity, beauty, and good food.
🌧️Bellano Caves and Bellagio pier: A Day of Surprises and Rainy Detours 😴
Our third day in Lake Como began with a cosy, rainy morning—perfect for a well-deserved lie-in. With no fixed itinerary, we let the day unfold slowly and planned things at our own pace. One place I was really hoping to visit was Villa Balbianello—a dream location for any Star Wars fan (like me). Sadly, by the time we looked into it, the day’s tickets were already sold out. The only available slots were for after we'd gone from Lake Como. I was absolutely gutted.
In hindsight, I wish I’d done more research before the trip. I purposely avoided over-planning because I didn’t want to feel locked into a strict schedule—but if I had known Villa Balbianello was a Star Wars filming location, I’d have definitely booked ahead. After how much I loved the other villas, this would’ve been the icing on the cake.
Tip💫: Try to book tickets online at least a week in advance—especially during peak season!
With Villa Balbianello off the cards, we pivoted to another spot that had been on my list: the Bellano Caves. I was curious about this natural wonder, especially after learning it’s the largest gorge in the region.
After breakfast, the rain finally let up and the skies cleared. We made our way back to Bellagio, ready for the next leg of the day—until another twist hit: our planned ferry was cancelled. With an unexpected hour to spare, we ducked into La Grotta, a cosy little pizzeria in Bellagio, and treated ourselves to an early lunch.
What started as a morning of setbacks turned into a spontaneous day filled with unexpected turns, delicious finds, and the raw beauty of nature.
🍴Lunch at La Grotta: A Rushed Delight 🍕
We had been eyeing La Grotta for a while, so we were excited to finally check it off our restaurant list. Thankfully, we were seated quickly, and when we mentioned we were catching a ferry soon, the staff were incredibly accommodating—they had our food out in record time.
We both went for the classic Margherita pizza, drawn in by the timeless trio of fresh mozzarella, vibrant tomato sauce, and fragrant basil. Simple, yet done so well. The pizzas were huge—at least eight slices each. Apparently, it’s the restaurant’s policy that every guest orders one main dish, so sharing wasn't an option. I honestly wish we could have split one and added a few sides instead.
Despite the time crunch, the pizza was lovely: thin, crispy crust, with ingredients that tasted fresh and thoughtfully sourced. It was a delicious reminder of how magical authentic Italian food can be, even in a rush. Still, the ticking clock made it hard to fully enjoy the meal in the moment. We ended up boxing the leftovers—perfect for a snack later on.
Before boarding the ferry, I wanted to squeeze in a quick toilet stop. I’m not a fan of public toilets, so I much preferred using the restaurant’s facilities, even if they weren’t perfect. There was a short queue, and seeing how anxious I looked, a kind woman actually let me go ahead of her—such a lovely gesture!
We did consider using the men’s toilet out of urgency, but to our surprise, it had a huge toilet bowl built into the floor—I’ve genuinely never seen anything like it. Definitely not prepared to squat in a rush.
Tip💫: Be sure to check the opening times before you go, as the restaurant is closed either Monday or Tuesday, which caught us off guard.
Cost Summary💰:
Margherita pizzas at La Grotta for 2: £24
⛴️Crossing the Lake: Bellagio to Bellano by Ferry 🧘
We hurried to the ferry port to buy our tickets. However, purchasing a return ticket was not available - weird - so we had to buy one way here and one way at Bellagio.
We caught the next ferry, which turned out to be a peaceful and scenic ride across the lake. The journey provided a relaxing transition from the lively streets of Bellagio to the calm, picturesque charm of Bellano. With the cool breeze and stunning lake views, it was the perfect moment to reset before we arrived at our main destination.
As we got off the ferry, we headed straight to the ticket office to buy our return tickets, ensuring we knew the time to head back.
Tip💫: There seemed to be fewer ferries returning to Bellagio compared to those coming into Bellano, so we were fortunate to snag tickets for the last ferry. It was a fast ferry, taking about 30-45 minutes for the return trip.
Cost Summary💰:
2 Bellagio to Bellano Ferry tickets: £7.88
2 Bellano to Bellagio Fast Ferry tickets: £12.17
🎫Exploring the Hidden Wonders of the Bellano Caves 🪨
The Bellano Caves (Orrido di Bellano) were an awe-inspiring discovery, offering a glimpse into nature’s raw beauty. Carved by the relentless flow of the Pioverna River over thousands of years, the gorge wound its way through jagged rocks, with crystal-clear waters cascading over the stone, creating a serene yet powerful spectacle. As we walked along the narrow, suspended pathways, the sound of rushing water reverberated through the cave, creating a soothing yet dramatic backdrop. The natural light filtering through the rock formations cast shifting shadows on the walls, while the mist from the waterfalls added a layer of mystery to the whole experience. It felt as though we had stumbled upon a secret, hidden away from the world—a place where the forces of nature are still at work, shaping the land in beautiful and unexpected ways.
Tip💫: Make sure to use the restroom before entering, as there are no public facilities once you're inside. The cave exploration takes around 1-2 hours, so it's best to plan accordingly.
📸Photo Tip💫: Don't miss the photo opportunity on the other side of the waterfall! There's a charming sign there, so be sure to get a good shot with the perfect formation.
After the exit of the Bellano Caves, you'll find a stunning panoramic view of the town below. The picturesque scene of Bellano, with its colourful buildings nestled against the backdrop of the lake and mountains, offers a perfect photo opportunity. Don't miss capturing this breath-taking view before you leave!
Cost Summary💰:
Bellano Caves entrance fee for 2 people: £10.28
🍦Sweet Treats and Scenic Views: Ice Cream by the Lake🍧
Our trip to the Bellano Caves was unforgettable—an awe-inspiring encounter with the raw power and natural beauty of rushing water. I’ve always been a bit of a water baby; I just love being near water… even though I can’t swim!
After exploring the caves, we took a slow, scenic stroll around the Bellano pier. The area was full of picturesque corners—perfect for capturing serene lake views framed by mountains and charming lakeside buildings. We lingered there for a while, snapping photos and soaking in the calm before treating ourselves to something sweet at Il Gelataio Matto, a delightful artisanal gelateria just a short walk away.
The gelato was rich, creamy, and exactly what we needed to cool off. My friend chose the blood orange flavour—which I instantly regretted not getting myself. I went for a refreshing mango and raspberry sorbet instead (it was just too hot for anything else). Both were delicious, but that blood orange one? Definitely next time.
Tip💫: Don’t hesitate to ask for a sample before making your selection at the gelateria. You can also sit outside to enjoy your treat while taking in even more stunning views of the lake and mountains, providing a perfect backdrop for more photos.
🌇A Stroll Along the Bellagio Pier 📷
After returning to Bellagio by ferry, we took a leisurely stroll along the pier to cap off the day. The serene waters mirrored the soft evening light, casting a golden glow over the picturesque surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere made the quaint charm of Bellagio even more captivating as the day came to a close. As we walked, we discovered countless photo opportunities, from the stone steps leading down to the water’s edge to the stunning views of the lake framed by the fading sunlight. It was the perfect moment to reflect on the day's adventures, capture a few more memories, and simply soak in the beauty of Lake Como.
🌕 Day’s reflection 🫶
Looking back, I really appreciated the slower start to our day—something the rainy morning gently nudged us into. It gave us the space to pause, breathe, and ease into whatever the day had in store. Taking the time to plan over breakfast set a calm, intentional tone that carried through the rest of the day.
Even though missing out on Villa Balbianello was a disappointment, it didn’t take away from the beauty we still got to experience. Exploring the Bellano Caves gave us a different, but equally memorable glimpse of Lake Como’s magic—proof that plans falling through can still lead to something special.
Just as the day began slowly and softly, it ended the same way—with a quiet walk by the lake at sunset. There was something really grounding about that full-circle moment. Not everything went to plan, but everything still felt just right.
🧳Your Turn to Wander In 🧋
Have you ever had a day where the unexpected turned out even better than the original plan?
What’s your must-do activity when visiting a lakeside town?
What’s the best gelato flavour you’ve ever had? (Bonus points if it surprised you!)
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
留言