Walk from Villa Vista Lago to Bellano: 2 routes
Walking to Bellano

Walking from Villa Vista Lago to Bellano town centre: two scenic routes (about 15 minutes)

Bellano town centre is about a 15-minute walk from Villa Vista Lago. There are two routes available. The first is the recommended option: it is entirely pedestrian, scenic and suitable for most guests. The second is more direct and is the quickest choice for guests wishing to reach Riva del Mulino beach, but particular care is required because the route involves crossing the railway line.

Luca Rossi for Villa Vista Lago · 25 August 2026

 Pedestrian path along the route from Villa Vista Lago to Bellano
Pedestrian path leading to Bellano

The two routes at a glance

FeatureRoute 1Route 2
Main destinationBellano town centre Bellano town centre, Riva del Mulino and nearby lakeside areas
Approximate timeAbout 15 minutesAbout 15 minutes
Route typeEntirely pedestrianPedestrian route with a railway crossing
CharacteristicsScenic, historic and quieterMore direct route to the beach
Suitable for familiesGenerally more suitableRequires the utmost care
PushchairsImpractical on some sectionsNot permitted
RecommendationRecommended routeOnly with the utmost caution

Route 1 (recommended)

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The most scenic and safest route

This route follows the village’s characteristic lanes and offers glimpses of Lake Como. It is entirely pedestrian and takes you to the town centre while avoiding traffic on the main road.

To discover more about the destination, read our guide to Bellano’s hidden places and local highlights.

1. Reach the STOP sign

On leaving Villa Vista Lago, follow the road until you reach the STOP sign on the main road, as shown in photos 1 and 2.

2. Take the pedestrian path

At the STOP sign, turn right. Shortly afterwards you will find the entrance to the pedestrian path leading down towards the town.

3. Keep left at the fork

Follow the characteristic stone path. At the fork shown in photo 3, keep left and continue downhill.

First fork on the path to Bellano: keep left
Photo 3: First fork on the path to Bellano - keep left

4. Pass the old wash house

Along the route you will pass an old wash house, visible in photo 4. This reminder of everyday life in the past adds to the charm of the walk. At the wash house, keep right and continue downhill towards the town centre.

Old wash house along the path: keep right
Photo 4: Old wash house - keep right

5. Arrive in town

From here, the path offers lovely views of the lake and surrounding mountains. After crossing the road, continue along the path leading directly into Bellano town centre.

If you would like to visit other destinations without a car during your stay, read our guide to getting around Lake Como and avoiding long waits.

Why choose Route 1

This route is particularly popular because it:

  • - is entirely pedestrian;
  • - avoids traffic on the main road;
  • - follows historic paths and characteristic local lanes;
  • - is generally the safest walking route to Bellano.

Comfortable footwear is recommended, as some sections have uneven stone paving that may become slippery after rain.

If you would like to enjoy a longer walk, you may also find our complete guide to the Wayfarer’s Path, including routes, stages and practical tips.

The quickest route to the beach

This is the quickest route to Riva del Mulino and the nearby lakeside areas. However, it involves crossing the railway line and therefore requires the utmost care.

To discover other places for swimming, read our guide to the best beaches on Lake Como.

Essential warning: this route crosses the railway

⚠️ The railway is crossed at a marked point, but there are no barriers, warning lights or other protective systems. Before crossing, you must stop, check both directions carefully and proceed only when you are absolutely certain that no train is approaching. This route is recommended only for guests who are able to exercise the utmost care while crossing.

1. Reach the first junction

From Villa Vista Lago, follow the road to the first junction shown in photo 1.

First junction: turn right and follow the road downhill
Photo 1: First junction - turn right and follow the road downhill

2. Walk downhill towards the garages

Take the road downhill and continue until you reach the garages with wooden doors on your left, shown in photo 2.

Continue to the last garage and take the path
Photo 2: Continue to the last garage - take the path

3. Follow the path

Continue to the end of the garages, where you will find the entrance to the pedestrian path. Follow the path until you reach the fork shown in photo 3.

  • - Keep left to join Route 1.
  • - Keep right to continue towards the railway crossing.
Fork: Route 1 to the left, Route 2 and the railway crossing to the right
Photo 3: At the fork, choose your route: left for Route 1, right for Route 2 and the railway crossing - Warning!

4. Cross the railway with the utmost care

The path leads to the railway line shown in photo 4.

Railway crossing: exercise the utmost care
Photo 4: Railway crossing - take great care

⚠️ Warning: this is not a level crossing. Before crossing, stop, look and listen carefully in both directions. Cross only when you are absolutely certain that no train is approaching.

After crossing the railway, you will find a pavement beside the road leading into town.

Recommendation: for most guests, we recommend Route 1, which is more scenic, quieter and does not involve any railway crossings. Route 2 is mainly suitable for guests who wish to reach the beach quickly and who will exercise the utmost care when crossing the tracks.

Once you reach town, you may also find our guide useful on where to shop, eat and buy souvenirs between Bellano and Varenna.

Frequently asked questions

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How long does it take to walk from Villa Vista Lago to Bellano?

Bellano town centre can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot using either of the routes described.

Which route is recommended?

Route 1 is recommended because it is entirely pedestrian, scenic and does not involve crossing the railway.

Does the route offer views of Lake Como?

Yes. Route 1 follows old lanes and scenic paths with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Is Route 2 safe?

Route 2 is quicker for reaching Riva del Mulino beach, but it requires the utmost care because it crosses the railway at a point with no barriers or warning lights.

Is the route suitable for children?

Route 1 is generally more suitable for families. Children should always be supervised, particularly on the stone sections and at road crossings.

Can pushchairs be used?

Some sections have steps and uneven stone paving, so the route may be impractical with a standard pushchair. Pushchairs are not permitted on Route 2.

Which route is best for reaching the beach?

Route 2 is the most direct way to Riva del Mulino, but particular caution is required near the railway crossing.

Can Bellano be reached without a car?

Yes. Both routes allow you to walk directly from Villa Vista Lago to Bellano town centre.

To learn more about the area and its connections, discover where to stay in Bellano and the best areas for a relaxing Lake Como escape.

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