Bellagio

Bellagio sits on the tip of the headland where Lake Como splits into two arms, which is why it's called the pearl of the lake. From the pier the village climbs up stepped lanes lined with silk shops and small cafés to the Romanesque church of San Giacomo.

All around are grand villas with lakeside gardens. Villa Melzi's gardens, full of azaleas, rhododendrons and statues, open to visitors in season, and from Punta Spartivento you can see both arms of the lake and the mountains at once.